Vibration comes courtesy of a pair of asymmetric dual motors, motion controls can be executed via a six-axis gyroscope and there are a few neat lighting modes, too. You can choose to have one of nine colours illuminate the T4 Mini, engage eight-colour or rainbow cycle options or turn off lighting entirely should you wish. If all else fails, it's worth noting that Nintendo is operating a Joy-Con drift repair scheme free of charge. Still, that’s a price worth paying for a feature-rich Switch controller that’s among the easiest to grip and use on the market. The best Nintendo Switch controllers to buy 1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Best Nintendo Switch controller overall

NFC: Near-field communication (NFC) is what Switch controllers use to interact with amiibos – small figurines that make for great desk ornaments but also grant in-game bonuses. Those bonuses vary depending on the amiibos used and the game being played. If you’ve decided that a controller is better suited to your playing habits than a Joy-Con alternative, your next decision is whether to buy a wired or wireless pad.

Joy-Con strap

If you're not keen to pay for an official Pro Controller (they are expensive), the PowerA equivalents are well worth your time. These wireless and wired handsets are comfortable, accurate, stylish, and reliable - we've used them in our own gaming sessions without any complaints or our part. Plus, they have motion control. That's a feature that you don't find too often on cheaper third party Nintendo Switch controllers and means you don't have to go without during Mario Kart tournaments. Although it predominantly depends on personal preference, we would say that a controller is generally more comfortable for longer gaming sessions in comparison to the Joy-Cons. The Joy-Cons are a novel when you first get your console, and they are great for multiplayer games and short bursts, but generally, the smaller form factor makes the controllers uncomfortable after a while. This is why we would recommend getting a controller just in case the Joy-Con don't fit the criteria anymore. Can I use a wireless controller with a Switch Lite? Fortunately, wireless controllers can be connected to any member of the Nintendo Switch family, including the OLED and the Switch Lite. However, if you've ended up with a wired controller you won't be able to use it with a Switch Lite. We find wireless controllers more convenient with the Nintendo Switch family anyway.

Available in two colourways, one resembling the original Game Boy (shown above) and the other the Super Nintendo, the SN30 Pro is a welcome trip down memory lane for those as enthusiastic about gaming now as they were in the 80s and 90s. A transparent controller design isn't seen all too often these days, especially in the Nintendo Switch world. The GameSir T4 Kaleid is the latest multi-platform controller from GameSir, and it's available for use on PC, Android TV, and Nintendo Switch. It asks an important question: how expensive should a pro controller be in this day and age? Because despite the number of features on offer here, it might be one of the cheapest controllers worth buying right now.But if the Switch has one weakness, it’s the controllers included with the console. The Joy-Con controllers are ingeniously designed and work well for casual play, but those looking to take their Switch gaming to the next level will likely want something more advanced. All of this customization can be done on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. The convenient mobile app allows you to remap inputs and make other adjustments on the fly. You can store up to three custom profiles on the Pro 2--a handy feature if you're regularly switching between multiple games. In 2023, there is no shortage of Nintendo Switch controllers of all varieties, from pro-style gamepads to retro-infused controllers and everything in between. Though the Nintendo Switch is the rare modern console that comes with everything you need for (two-person) multiplayer for many games thanks to the Joy-Con, a lot of Switch owners will inevitably want different options. To put it simply, there are a bunch of controllers out there that are better for both playing Switch on your TV and in handheld mode. We've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2023.

It also includes shoulder buttons and triggers on both sides, so you can use it for Switch games that a standard GameCube controller wouldn’t be able to handle.There isn't a simple answer to this question, as it's largely dependent on the player's needs. For instance, a person who plays single-player games can get away with only having a Pro Controller or even the Joy-Con that comes in the box. Likewise, that same player might love shooters such as Fortnite or Apex Legends, so a Pro Controller is best, as it features a more traditional layout. Size: Nintendo Switch controllers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you have small hands, a bulky pad is going to prove hard to grip properly and you may struggle to comfortably access some of its buttons. Conversely, those with large mitts may want to avoid compact pads as they’ll likely find the button layout rather cramped. You can also create three bespoke profiles with different button layouts for specific games and switch between them on the fly at the press of a button. That may prove a step too far for those who struggle to remember a single set of controls, but for those wanting to gain the competitive edge in their favourite titles, it’s a game-changer.

It’s also pretty pricey when compared with most third-party options, but if you want the full Switch experience, it’s definitely worth paying that little bit extra. That flexibility comes from the fact that these gamepads can be used wired or wirelessly, and can be powered by either the internal rechargeable battery (with 20 hours of juice) or a separate AA. That means you're covered whether you're chilling at home or gearing up for some impromptu multiplayer action while out and about. The Fusion Pro Wireless doesn’t support rumble and there’s no NFC support, but the inclusion of a smart hard-shell carrying case goes a long way to softening the blow of their absence. The 8BitDo Pro 2 can be used to play games on Steam and mobile, too, making it versatile as well as supremely customisable. Motion controls and rumble (standard, not HD) are both supported and there’s a USB-C cable included to ensure the gaming doesn’t have to stop just because your controller has run out of juice. Switch up your gaming with our range of Nintendo Switch controllers. Add more players to your favourite Switch games with extra Joy Con, or change the way you control the action with classic wired or wireless controllers.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Its battery life isn't nearly as impressive as the official Pro controller, though. You can get around 20 hours on a full charge, but you can also use disposable AA batteries in a pinch. The Pro 2 is equipped with motion controls and rumble--but not "HD" rumble, so it doesn't offer pinpoint, variable vibration like the first-party controller. One feature it is missing altogether is NFC support, so that's worth keeping in mind. Third-party controllers, however, are often considered some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there from a value standpoint. You may be dropping HD Rumble functionality and motion controls, but if you're after some spare multiplayer options there are plenty of wired and wireless Nintendo Switch controllers to choose from. Such customisation options are great if you take your gaming seriously and play games that require complex combinations of button inputs. However, the majority of people will find a basic button configuration works perfectly well. No, this isn’t a new lookalike GameCube controller meant to emulate the real thing — the Nintendo Switch actually supports the classic GameCube controller with the use of a special adapter. port: If you prefer to play while wearing headphones or a gaming headset, look out for controllers with a 3.5mm port. These allow you to plug a headset into your pad, but you’re limited to wired controllers as the Switch doesn’t natively support wireless audio.