Best Nintendo Switch Controllers – Quick Picks

Just want the shortlist? Jump straight to our top recommendations:

• Best Overall Nintendo Switch Controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
• Best Budget Switch Controller: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
• Best Wireless Pro Alternative: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth

Best Overall Nintendo Switch Controller

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

If you just want one Nintendo Switch controller that works for almost everything, this is still the easy answer. The official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is comfortable for long sessions, has a proper D-pad, and its battery life is legendary. You also get full HD rumble, gyro aiming, and Amiibo support, so it just works perfectly with first-party games in a way many third-party pads still don’t quite match.

The downside is price and flexibility. It’s more expensive than most third-party options, and there are better multi-platform choices if you bounce between PC and other consoles. But if your main question is simply “what’s the best controller for Nintendo Switch right now?”, this is the default recommendation.

View the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on Amazon

Best Wireless Pro Alternative (Multi-Platform)

8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth is the “try-hard” controller in the best way. It’s built as a pro-style Nintendo Switch controller that also works great on PC, with TMR Hall-based sticks for better precision and drift resistance, a charging dock, and deep software customization. If you split time between Switch and PC, this is one of the best wireless controllers you can buy for the money.

You don’t get Amiibo/NFC, and to really unlock its potential you’ll want to install 8BitDo’s software. But if you care about remappable back buttons, custom profiles, and long-term reliability more than first-party branding, this is an excellent switch from the standard Pro Controller.

View the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth on Amazon

Best Budget Nintendo Switch Controller

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch

If you want a reliable controller without spending Pro Controller money, the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is one of the best budget Switch controllers available. It’s officially licensed, has a full-size layout, and still manages to sneak in a pair of mappable back buttons — which is rare at this price.

Being wired means you’re tethered to the dock, so this is mainly for TV play where you sit fairly close to your setup. Build quality isn’t as premium as Nintendo or 8BitDo, but for family setups, guest controllers, or your first “real” pad after Joy-Cons, it’s a strong value pick.

View the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller on Amazon

Best Drift-Free Hall Effect Switch Controller

GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro Controller

The GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro is a top choice if you’re genuinely done with stick drift. Its Hall Effect joysticks use magnets instead of physical wipers, so the sensors themselves don’t wear out like traditional analog sticks. On top of that, it supports motion controls, Amiibo, and multiple platforms, making it one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers if you’re focused on longevity.

There are more modes and settings to learn compared to Nintendo’s own pad, and the face buttons have a slightly different feel. But if you’ve already replaced a drifting Pro Controller once, this is a very strong alternative that should last a lot longer.

View the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro on Amazon

Best for Big Hands in Handheld Mode

Hori Split Pad Pro (Black)

Standard Joy-Cons are tiny, and if handheld play makes your hands cramp, you’ll feel it fast. The Hori Split Pad Pro solves that by turning your Switch into something much closer to a full-size controller while still staying portable. You get big sticks, a real D-pad, and extra rear buttons that are great for action games and long Monster Hunter sessions.

The trade-off is features: the Split Pad Pro is handheld-only, and you lose rumble, NFC, and full motion support in many titles. Think of it as a comfort upgrade for people who mostly play in handheld mode, not a full replacement for Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller.

View the Hori Split Pad Pro on Amazon

Best Premium Handheld Deck Experience

CRKD Nitro Deck

The CRKD Nitro Deck is what you buy when you want your Switch or Switch OLED to feel like a dedicated handheld console instead of a tablet with clip-on Joy-Cons. It uses Hall Effect sticks for drift-free control, has remappable back buttons, and clamps around the console with a rigid shell that kills flex and creaks.

It costs more than a basic grip or Split Pad, and it’s really aimed at people who play handheld most of the time. But if you travel, commute, or just love curling up with cozy games in handheld mode, this is one of the nicest “premium handheld” upgrades you can make.

View the CRKD Nitro Deck on Amazon

Most Versatile for Party & Couch Co-Op

Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) — Neon Red/Neon Blue

Love them or hate them, the original Joy-Cons are still essential if you host Mario Party nights, couch co-op, or family gaming sessions. Each pair can split into two tiny controllers, and many party and motion-heavy games are designed around their features. For flexible local multiplayer, nothing really replaces a good Joy-Con pair.

The trade-offs are well-known: potential stick drift, small size, and ergonomics that aren’t great for big hands or long sessions. That’s why we recommend Joy-Cons as your “party and motion” controllers, and using a Pro Controller or 8BitDo pad as your main long-session device.

View the Nintendo Joy-Cons on Amazon

Best for Mario Kart & Racing Games

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

If Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or other racers are your main games, a wheel can make the whole system feel new again. The Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is the best plug-and-play wheel for Switch, with a full-size wheel, sturdy base, and pedals. It’s officially licensed, easy to set up, and adds a ton of immersion even in arcade-style racers.

It’s a niche purchase and takes up real space, so it only makes sense if racing is a big part of your playtime. But once you’ve run a few cups with a proper wheel, thumbsticks feel a lot less exciting.

View the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe on Amazon

Best for Retro & 2D Platformers

8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller

For 2D platformers, fighting games, and retro titles on Switch Online, the 8BitDo Pro 3 is a fantastic pick. It leans into a classic pad shape with a precise D-pad, TMR sticks, Hall-style triggers, and back buttons, while still working with Switch 2, PC, and mobile. If you grew up on controllers like the SNES pad, this will feel very natural.

It’s not quite as sculpted as the Ultimate 2 for long 3D sessions, and like other 8BitDo pads it skips Amiibo/NFC. But for Shovel Knight, Dead Cells, platformers, and classic fighters, it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers you can buy for 2D play.

View the 8BitDo Pro 3 on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Nintendo Switch Controller

Before you pick a controller, think about how you actually use your Switch day-to-day. The “best Nintendo Switch controllers” for handheld addicts aren’t the same as the best options for people who only play docked.

• Decide how you mostly play. If you’re docked on the TV, the Switch Pro Controller, 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro are your best starting points. If you’re handheld-first, look at the Hori Split Pad Pro or CRKD Nitro Deck instead.
• Think about stick drift risk. Traditional analog sticks can and do drift over time. If you’ve already dealt with drift, Hall Effect options like GuliKit and Nitro Deck dramatically reduce that risk. For a deeper explainer, read our Hall Effect vs Standard Sticks guide.
• Check for motion, rumble, and Amiibo. A lot of cheaper third-party controllers drop HD rumble, gyro, or NFC. That might be fine for indie games, but it can be a problem in Nintendo’s first-party titles.
• Plan for other platforms. If you also play on PC, Steam Deck, or Android, multi-platform controllers from 8BitDo or GuliKit often give you better value than a strictly Nintendo-only pad.
• Size and comfort matter more than you think. Big hands usually hate single Joy-Cons and tiny compact pads. Pro-style controllers, the Split Pad Pro, and Nitro Deck all give you more to hold onto and less hand fatigue. If you’re not sure what shape fits you best, our controller grip styles & comfort guide walks through hand size and grip checks.
• Fine-tune your setup with supporting guides. Once you have a controller you like, dial things in with setup guides such as our Hall Effect vs Standard Sticks breakdown and our controller stick drift fix guide.
• Check official compatibility details. For the latest system updates and controller support notes, you can always refer to the official Nintendo Switch site.

Nintendo Switch Controller FAQ

Do I really need a Pro-style controller for Nintendo Switch?

Technically, no — Joy-Cons can play everything. But a full-size controller like the Switch Pro, 8BitDo Ultimate 2, or KingKong 2 Pro is a massive upgrade for anything competitive or longer than an hour. Better sticks, a proper D-pad, and a more relaxed grip all add up, especially if you play a lot of action, shooters, or online games.

What’s the best controller if I’m worried about stick drift?

Look for Hall Effect sticks, which use magnets instead of sliding contacts. The GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro and CRKD Nitro Deck are both built around this tech. 8BitDo’s newer controllers use TMR Hall-based sticks as well, aiming for similar “no drift” behavior with excellent precision. If drift is your biggest fear, avoid older Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers as your main pad and lean toward these newer designs.

Which controller is best for co-op and party games?

For pure flexibility, a pair of Joy-Cons is still king, since each one doubles as its own mini controller. For games that support multiple full pads, combining a Pro Controller with something like a PowerA wired pad or 8BitDo controller makes it easier to get everyone playing comfortably. Handheld-focused families who love Mario Kart or Smash should seriously consider a Split Pad Pro or Nitro Deck for handheld, plus a Pro-style controller for docked play.

Browse All Nintendo Switch Controllers on Amazon

Still not sure which Switch controller fits you best? You can always browse the full catalog and cross-check reviews yourself.

Browse Nintendo Switch Controllers on Amazon

How We Choose These Controllers

We cross-check every pick against multiple up-to-date 2024–2025 buyer guides and reviews, then filter for what’s actually available on Amazon US right now. That includes major sites like TechRadar, GamesRadar, and The Verge, plus long-term user feedback and reliability reports.

From there, we narrow things down to a short list that covers different use cases: TV play, handheld comfort, drift-free Hall Effect tech, local co-op, and niche options like racing wheels and retro pads. We revisit and update this list regularly so you’re not stuck buying something that was “best” three years ago but has since been outclassed.

More Controller Guides & Explainers

This Nintendo Switch guide is part of our full controller series. Explore more picks and deep dives here: