One of the best Nintendo Change controllers aren’t those that include it. Whereas the detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Change consoles are handy given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, their tiny contourless design isn’t that comfy for lengthy gaming periods or giant arms. And whereas Nintendo has taken steps to handle the dreaded Pleasure-Con drift and earlier high quality management issues, some points persist.
On this shopping for information, we concentrate on wi-fi controllers which can be each comfy and dependable, in addition to a couple of choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play fashion. We’re not protecting wired controllers that plug into the Change’s dock, as they’re nearly all the identical and don’t provide substantial financial savings in lots of instances. (PowerA and PDP make first rate ones that can do in a pinch, however they’re very primary. Except you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)
Additionally, when you purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are specific issues that it doubtless received’t have the ability to do until in any other case famous:
- It received’t have HD rumble. That is what Nintendo calls its superior haptic suggestions, which is extra exact than that of many third-party controllers and extra akin to Sony’s haptics engine in its subtlety. That stated, some extra restricted rumble could also be current.
- Many third-party Change controllers don’t have movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games that assist it, although extra choices are beginning to implement the latter characteristic with various levels of high quality.
- Most non-Nintendo choices lack an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards or collectible figurines, which unlock particular options in some video games.
- Most third-party choices received’t have the ability to activate the Change remotely. (You’ll must manually press the console’s energy button.)
- Whereas some Change controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur via a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Change is a adequate (and really straightforward) workaround.
When you’re taking part in your Change whereas docked, it’s onerous to go improper with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the packing containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s some of the satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, in the meantime, make for nice Xbox-style controllers with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Split Pad Pro is nice for many who favor to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 2 controller, each of that are effectively value a glance.
What we’re on the lookout for
Does it assist Bluetooth? Can you utilize it in wired mode? Are there alternate wi-fi modes, comparable to 2.4GHz?
Do the buttons, sticks, and triggers really feel good and durable? Does the controller have a satisfying, well-balanced weight? Does it use premium supplies for the casing and grips? Any connection points or glitches?
Are there rear-facing buttons? Does it assist macros? Are you able to apply it to a number of platforms?
Are you able to remap buttons? Is there software program assist for tweaking controller settings? Does it have interchangeable buttons or sticks? Are you able to fine-tune vibration and sensitivity?
Is it priced pretty? Are the options and high quality well worth the cash?
One of the best Nintendo Change controller for TV mode
$66
The Change Professional launched alongside the Change console in 2017, and it’s a troublesome controller to beat. It affords an unmatched set of options (HD rumble, movement controls, NFC), and it’s some of the comfy Change controllers on the market.
Supported platforms: Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure
Practically eight years down the highway, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller continues to be the very best gamepad for the Change. It launched alongside the console in 2017 as a extra conventional different to Nintendo’s quirky Pleasure-Cons, and in some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft when it comes to consolation and construct high quality.
Except for the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion assist, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally the one controller we’ve examined (once more, apart from the Pleasure-Cons) that may energy on the Change with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it generally looks as if it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll doubtless take informal players a very long time to run down the battery.
The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, whereas its directional pad is responsive and clicky sufficient to fulfill retro players. The controller costs through USB-C, identical to the Change, and it’s suitable with a slew of different platforms you would possibly sport on, together with PC, Android, and SteamOS. It additionally works with Apple gadgets because of its compatibility with the most recent variations of iOS, macOS, and even tvOS and visionOS.
Given the value, we want that it had different options, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even when wi-fi audio transmission from the Change to a controller isn’t at present attainable. (Not less than you possibly can join a pair of wi-fi headphones through Bluetooth, however solely if you have no more than two controllers linked to your Change directly.)
One of the best Change controller for handheld mode
$46
The Cut up Pad Professional represents Hori’s tackle the Nintendo Change Professional controller, one that’s cut up into two separate items. The Cut up Pad Professional is an effective Pleasure-Con different for individuals who primarily play their Nintendo Change in handheld mode.
Supported Platforms: Change / Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: through Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No
I’m certain there are some individuals who take pleasure in utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed people apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re essentially the most comfy possibility. That’s the place the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is available in.
The Cut up Pad Professional is available in a wide range of colorways, and it each appears to be like and looks like a Change Professional Controller that’s cut up in half. One-half slides into both sides of the Change console like Pleasure-Cons, however in contrast to Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options massive, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally gives a variety of grip, which is especially helpful for individuals who have to get a greater deal with on the console for quick gameplay or keep cozy over longer play periods.
The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — to not point out assist for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s fully ineffective when indifferent from the Change. It’s just for handheld mode until you buy the Cut up Pad Professional Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route for the reason that attachment alone prices greater than a Change Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t attempt to add any of the aforementioned components (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nevertheless).
The corporate additionally sells the Cut up Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Cut up Pad Professional that typically costs around $40 (you can even get it with an Attachment Set for $79.99). It could be value a glance if you would like one thing as useful because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con.
$69
The Hori Cut up Pad Professional is a cushty controller which may be bigger than your commonplace Pleasure-Cons however is extra ergonomic.
One of the best Xbox-style controller for the Change
$60
The KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max are Change controllers with Xbox-like enchantment. They’ve drift-free Corridor impact sticks and triggers, detachable again buttons, Amiibo and HD rumble assist with movement controls, and a lot extra. They’re additionally suitable with plenty of platforms, together with PC, macOS, SteamOS, and cellular.
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure
On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are just like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s commonplace Xbox controller however rivaled the Change Professional Controller when it comes to construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Change, PC, and cellular, however you can even use them with different Bluetooth gadgets, together with the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.
However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions when you scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can swap between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max completely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. It ought to make them nearly impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains here. They every have GuliKit’s highly effective magnetic vibration motors with two depth ranges and three distinct modes (together with the Change’s HD rumble). You’ll be able to even customise the hot-swappable face buttons to match your most well-liked platform, and to the delight of event gamers, you possibly can play with a 1,000Hz polling price for lowered enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi through a dongle).
Moreover, each controllers now characteristic removable rear-facing buttons. You get two metallic moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Professional that protrude farther from the controller than the additional 4 you get with the KK3 Max, that are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are just like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Collection 2 and even borrow the identical set up method — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more drive, although additionally they received’t simply dislodge.
The longer paddles are comfortably reachable as soon as put in, however in case you have bigger arms, you could have to make changes for the shorter protruding selection. They solely want a light-weight faucet, however since they occupy the house the place your fingers often relaxation, it may result in elevated misfires whereas gaming. You’ll be able to map every again button to emulate some other button on the controller — together with the rear triggers — however you possibly can’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.
In abstract, the KK3 Professional and KK3 Max provide quite a bit. In actual fact, there could also be no higher possibility for interoperability and worth in a single multiplatform controller proper now. If we’re nitpicking, our greatest gripe is that GuliKit nonetheless hasn’t created an app to handle all of it extra simply.
A Change controller for PC and Steam Deck
$51
The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller comes with its personal charging dock, options remappable controls, and is suitable with the Nintendo Change, Steam Deck, and Home windows PCs because of its Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz connectivity. Not like the two.4GHz-only model, it options drift-free Corridor impact sticks.
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No
8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth Controller looks like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally quick grip profile that bigger arms could not favor. Each share Change and Home windows PC assist, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are first rate however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo assist, although it does characteristic customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that means that you can wake a docked Change by giving the controller just a little shake. It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is useful for charging the 22-hour battery, which continues to be fairly beneficiant however comes effectively in need of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.
The Final controller is available in a number of variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices as a result of it consists of 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks provide simply the correct quantity of resistance and sport a cushty concave high, however they’re only a tad quick on the perimeters. The entire buttons provide nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.
As for tweaks, you possibly can customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cellular or PC. The controller has a devoted button that allows you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you possibly can both reconfigure or remap. With regards to Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and how one can entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our listing.
A well-rounded Change controller that appears like a DualShock
$50
The 8BitDo Professional 2 affords lots of the identical options because the Nintendo Change Professional Controller however at a cheaper price level and with a DualShock-style structure. It options additional triggers, hand grips, remappable buttons, and again paddles, in addition to the flexibility to pair with a variety of gadgets through Bluetooth.
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is one other nice possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your arms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller. The Professional 2 has a cushty grip, a crisper D-pad than the Change Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside. It has rumble assist (although not HD rumble) and movement management for video games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, each of which permit for gyroscopic aiming. PlayStation players can even admire that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — identical to on Sony’s controllers — moderately than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.
With 8BitDo’s Ultimate software on a cellular machine or a Home windows pc, you possibly can customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You’ll be able to even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle via them with a button positioned between the analog sticks. On its rear, there’s a swap that lets it toggle between Nintendo Change, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller affords a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you would like one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or green editions).
An adapter that allows you to use your personal controllers
$19
8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 appears to be like like a flash drive, however as soon as linked to your Change’s dock, it allows you to wirelessly pair it with plenty of older PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers.
There are lots of different gadgets that will let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s could be the very best worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 enables you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Change controller. It plugs into your Change dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the most recent Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Notice: the first-gen mannequin can’t hook up with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a result of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure you get the most recent mannequin.)
To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely effectively, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Change controllers provide. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Collection X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Change Professional Controller, you possibly can customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s pc and cellular app.
8BitDo has an extensive support page that lists the steps required to arrange your particular controller, in addition to which options of these controllers it helps. That stated, it’s greatest if the Change’s button structure by coronary heart when you plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure in your controller is not going to match the on-screen prompts in video games.
If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping via a couple of small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s inexpensive adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. When you plan to make use of multiple third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however in case you have a variety of controllers sitting round, it could be value it.
Different Change controllers you must learn about
We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Change between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a regular array of face buttons, 4 programmable again buttons, turbo performance, gyro movement controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, although, not passthrough video, which might permit it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides stated performance (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), together with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration depth / analog sensitivity. We’ve discovered these to be notable enhancements, however we want the passthrough answer was extra elegant and that CRKD might remedy the ergonomics (notably on the correct facet, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).
We not too long ago examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($45.99) for consideration. It affords a couple of of the identical features because the GuliKit KingKong 3 — together with remappable buttons, Corridor impact sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — together with devoted vibration motors within the triggers, which is one thing the GuliKit can’t declare. That stated, it falls simply quick as a result of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a characteristic that makes the affect softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Change, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which might not be preferrred for many who have bother memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cellular machine or a Home windows PC.
We additionally not too long ago tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wireless ($59.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t dwell as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some value almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a reasonably trustworthy recreation of the unique when you fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, however it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple strategy to get the old-school feeling again when you don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.
Replace, February seventh: Up to date pricing and availability.