The Nintendo Switch is a great, versatile console that has proven itself time and time again. Whether playing it docked, on the TV, or on the go, Nintendo's latest console thrives not on specs and 4K tech but instead on functionality and first-party Nintendo goodness. It's almost like the revival of a reliable portable console. It's pretty much the best of both the console and the portable gaming world, so other than a bit more storage, what else can you ask for? Well, you could ask for better controllers! The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons are both expensive and the Joy-Cons, in particular, are known to develop drifting issues in their analog sticks. Thankfully, there's a wide range of great third-party controllers that you can pick up.

Our picks for the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2024

Black Nintendo Switch Pro controller, front view
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Editor's choice

If you're looking for the best official controller for the Nintendo Switch, look no further than Nintendo's own Switch Pro Controller. It features all the features you would expect in a great gamepad, along with a well-built and comfortable design. It's also USB Type-C compatible, so it can work with your PC or laptop.

Pros
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • USB-C compatible
  • NFC compatibility for Amiibo support
Cons
  • Triggers are light
  • Expensive

If you want the absolute best official Nintendo Switch controller, then you can't beat Nintendo's very own Switch Pro Controller. The Pro Controller offers enhanced comfort, analog stick precision, and all-day battery life for gamers who want to take their Switch gaming experience to the next level. The controller features ergonomic grips to help prevent hand cramping, and it also comes with full-functioning motion controls, HD rumble support, and a USB-C port for fast charging.

The Pro Controller also supports NFC contact, so you can use all of your Amiibos with the Pro Controller. A bonus to the Switch Pro Controller's USB Type-C compatibility is that you can use it on any USB-C-enabled laptop or desktop, which makes it a suitable controller for PC gaming. However, it is a bit expensive.

A PNG render of the PowerA Enhanced Switch Wireless Controller on a transparent background.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
Best value

If you don't want to spend the premium price of a Pro Switch Controller, consider picking up the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller instead. This controller features many of the same features of the Pro Controller, including NFC support for Amiibos and a comfortable, ergonomic design, but it costs half the price of the official Pro Controller.

Pros
  • Mappable buttons
  • Smooth stick control
  • Multiple design options available
Cons
  • No rumble

If you don't want to pay the premium price that it costs to get Nintendo's Pro Switch controller, then I recommend taking a look at the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch. It features nearly all the same features of the Pro Switch Controller, except for rumble support, but it comes at a slightly cheaper price and can commonly be found on sale.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a fully licensed controller, so you don't have to worry about it not working with your Nintendo Switch. Its design is similar to the Pro Controller with the same layout and a comfortable ergonomic grip, responsive buttons, and full motion control support, and there are even two bonus buttons on the back of the controller that are fully mappable.

This controller also comes in a wide range of design choices and colors, featuring various Nintendo character themes, ranging from Animal Crossing to Mario to Zelda. If you are looking for a value alternative to the Pro Controller, you should definitely consider the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch.

8BitDo SN30 Pro Controller
8BitDo SN30 Pro
Best value

Experience the classic SNES gamepad design on the Nintendo Switch with the 8BitDo SN30 Pro controller. This controller features four triggers, dual analog sticks, and the A/B/X/Y face buttons. This controller is also fully functional with Android devices, PCs, and even Mac computers, in addition to the Nintendo Switch.

Pros
  • Wide compatibility
  • Classic SNES design
  • Dual analog sticks
Cons
  • Can be uncomfortable with large hands

If you sign up for the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you'll get access to NES and SNES games as one of the subscription's benefits. You might quickly come to realize, though, that playing these older titles with analog sticks isn't the best. You'll want to get a controller that mimics the old-school experience, and the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller is the one to do it.

The SN30 replicates the look and feel of the classic SNES controllers, including putting a real D-pad at the front and center, so it'll be easy to play retro titles. Unlike Nintendo's official and limited SNES controller for the Switch, the SN30 Pro also comes with two analog sticks. Basically, you can use this controller to play any game, not just the NES and SNES line-up on the console.

If you like playing retro games on your smart device, you can even set up the SN30 Pro Controller with your Apple or Android device. Who doesn't like extra functionality with their purchase?

A PNG render of the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller Pikachu Edition on a transparent background.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch
Best value

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a reliable option for anyone who needs a wired controller for their Nintendo Switch. It features an Xbox-style layout and an incredibly lightweight design that's ergonomic and easy to hold.

Pros
  • USB-C wired connection
  • Xbox-style layout
  • Lightweight design
Cons
  • No wireless connectivity
  • Xbox-layout may be uncomfortable to use for some

Wireless connectivity isn't for everyone, and sometimes you just need a wired connection. Wired controllers are also more durable overall, so they're a good choice if you have young children around the house who aren't careful with their electronics. If you're someone who is looking for a wired controller, look no further than the PowerA Wired Controller for the Nintendo Switch.

Design-wise, the PowerA Wired Controller features the same layout that you'll find on an Xbox controller. While some gamers may find this to be the preferable face layout, it's not for everyone, and if you are more accustomed to a PlayStation or Switch Pro controller, it may come with a bit of a learning curve. That being said, the PowerA Wired Controller does feature a comfortable, lightweight, and ergonomic design.

If you need something wired and don't want the USB wire jostled out when playing games, this is the best Nintendo Switch controller to grab.

Hori Split Pad Compact
Hori Split Pad Compact
Best Joy-Con replacement
$47.5 $50 Save $2.5

If you want something more comfortable than the Joy-cons while in handheld mode, check out the Hori Split Pad Compact. This controller set replaces the Joy-Con on your switch, giving you an improved grip, more comfortable analog sticks, and two additional buttons.

Pros
  • Comfortable analog sticks
  • Remappable back buttons
  • Multiple design options available
Cons
  • No dock mode support
  • Limited design options

Joy-Cons have a lot of problems, especially at their price point. Issues with the analog sticks have got their own name at this point (the Joy-Con drift), and while Nintendo fixes the drifting Joy-Cons for free, it really shouldn't be a problem in the first place for something you pay $80 for. On top of that, even the new model Joy-Cons appears to suffer from drifting even with a supposed better build quality. Why bother when you can get Hori's Split Pad Pro instead?

Available in a few different styles for $50, the Hori Split Pad Pro is bigger, bulkier, and overall more reliable than the Joy-Cons. Will it make it a little harder to tote your Switch around outside the house? For sure, but if you're like me and like to play the Switch on the couch while watching TV, these controllers are practically a necessity. The thicker grips mean your hands will be more comfortable, and the many reviews on Amazon rave about the customizable buttons.

There's one thing to note about Split Pad Pro, though. They don't have batteries in the controllers, so you can't use them detached like you would a Joy-Con. That also means they're powered by the Nintendo Switch itself, which can drain the battery a bit if you're on the go. Overall, though, this is the best Nintendo Switch controller for playing the Switch in handheld mode.

A PNG render of the PowerA Wireless Gamecube Controller in purple on a transparent background.
PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller
Best GameCube-style controller
$55 $60 Save $5

Craving that GameCube style, but want a controller that's actually easy to use with the Switch? PowerA's wireless GameCube controller is the one to grab. Get the GC form factor with all the buttons you need to play any game, Smash Bros. included.

Pros
  • Comfortable analog sticks
  • Great for Nintendo Classics
  • GameCube-layout
Cons
  • GameCube-layout features an akward shape
  • Limited design options

People love GameCube controllers. I'm not exactly sure why, but they're unique and comfortable. Of course, GameCube controllers generally have the problem of not being compatible with modern-day consoles. Even when you can get GameCube adapters for the Switch, the controllers are aging technology and are bound to break down sooner or later.

Enter the PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller. This controller replicates the look and feel of the classic GameCube controller down to the iconic purple color. Not only that, this controller has all the buttons you need to actually play games on the Switch, like the Home and Screenshot buttons. It's also wireless, which makes the controller easier to use than a standard GameCube controller. If you love Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, this is probably the best Nintendo Switch controller to play the fighter with.

Is it a 100% replica of the decades-old GameCube controller? No, but it's the next best thing. Heck, it might be the better controller.

A PNG render of the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on a transparent background.
8Bitdo Arcade Stick for Switch
Best GameCube-style controller

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Switch is a versatile and customizable controller that allows you to enjoy classic arcade games on your Nintendo Switch or PC. It features a durable and responsive joystick, eight large buttons, and a turbo function for rapid-fire inputs.

Pros
  • PC and Switch compatibility
  • Mod-friendly design
  • Remappable buttons
Cons
  • No compatible with other consoles
  • No button lock switch

If you want to take advantage of playing arcade classics on the Nintendo Switch, then there's no better option than picking up the 8BitDo Arcade Stick for the Switch. This arcade stick is also customizable and compatible with both the Switch or PC.

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is ultra-moddable, meaning you can swap out the joystick and buttons with other high-quality Sanwa arcade sticks if you prefer. The arcade stick features a universal mounting plate that supports the most popular sticks on the market, and the case is easy to open. You are also able to change the ball top or bat top of the joystick with just a screwdriver.

The 8BitDo Arcade stick can connect to your Switch via either Bluetooth or a wired USB-C connection. The Bluetooth connection is ideal for wireless gaming, while the USB Type-C connection offers ultra-low latency and high performance.

A PNG render of the 8BitDo Micro Bluetooth Controller on a transparent background.
8BitDo Micro Bluetooth Controller
Best compact sized

The 8BitDo Micro Bluetooth Controller for Switch is a compact and portable wireless gamepad that lets you enjoy your favorite Switch titles on the go. It features a classic D-pad with four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, and a USB Type-C charging port. 

If you're looking for a good compact controller for the Nintendo Switch, you might want to look into 8BitDo's Micro Bluetooth Controller. This is a pocket-sized Bluetooth controller that's incredibly lightweight and fully compatible with the Switch, Android, and Raspberry Pi.

The 8BitDo Micro is a great controller for the wide range of 2D-style games available on the switch. Whether you are a fan of puzzle games, retro RPGs, or side-scrolling platformers, you'll appreciate the responsive D-pad and flat face buttons that give you precise control over your character. There are also shoulder buttons and triggers, so this controller has the full functionality of a regular Switch controller.

The 8BitDo Micro is ultra-portable and versatile. Take it anywhere you go, as it fits in a pants pocket or bag without taking up much space. You can also use it with any other mobile device you enjoy gaming on, be it Android, iOS, or even a Raspberry Pi-based system. There's even support for keyboard mode, allowing you to map each button to a key on your device, making it an all-around universal controller.

Recapping the Best Nintendo Switch Controllers in 2024

If you're looking for the best overall Nintendo Switch Controller in 2024, we have to go with Nintendo's very own Switch Pro Controller. It provides one of the best all-around experiences out there in terms of comfortability, full compatibility, including Amiibo support, and a long-lasting, fast-charging battery. While it's still an expensive controller, it's not as expensive as it once was, and you can pick it up for close to $60 from most major retailers.

Black Nintendo Switch Pro controller, front view
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the best controller for Nintendo's hybrid console, it has all the features you'd expect along with a well-built and comfortable design

If you were looking for a similar build quality but at a lower price with more design options available, then we suggest the PowerA Enhanced Nintendo Switch Controller as the best value buy. It's not too much cheaper than the Pro Controller, and it doesn't have a rumble, but it's pretty close and gives you way more in terms of customization and design choices. We also highlighted the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Controller if you are someone who takes advantage of Nintendo Switch Online to play older NES and SNES games on the Nintendo Switch. It features the classic SNES button layout but also features triggers and paddles for a fully compatible playing experience.