One of the best Nintendo Swap controllers for 2025

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The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, however we’re not going to up and neglect in regards to the unique Swap. We’ve nonetheless acquired love for the console and its hundreds of thousands of homeowners. That’s why we’ve stored testing controllers that could be match for you. Whilst many accent makers are making controllers with the Swap 2 in thoughts (with possible extra to comply with quickly, provided that Nintendo shared that its focus is fully set on the newer console), many of the ensuing gamepads to come back out additionally work simply tremendous on the unique Swap.

By way of any variations between Swap and Swap 2 controllers, there are fewer than you would possibly suppose; there could also be a GameChat button on it that’ll serve no function till you ultimately improve to a Swap 2, however that’s a simple factor to miss.

The choices beneath are nice for a lot of sorts of avid gamers. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re searching for newer choices than those listed beneath, maintain tabs on our up to date information to the best Switch 2 controllers. Nintendo’s Swap 2 Professional controller is the one Swap 2 controller launched thus far that gained’t work on the unique Swap. The remainder that we’ve included do.

On this shopping for information, we’ll concentrate on wi-fi controllers which are each snug and dependable, in addition to a number of choices that include distinctive options designed that will match your distinctive play type.

There are some issues which are price realizing if you happen to purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it might not help HD rumble, it in all probability gained’t have NFC for Amiibo, or be capable to wake the Swap remotely. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions, which we function beneath.

If you happen to’re enjoying your Swap whereas docked, it’s arduous to go improper with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (regardless that its $10 worth improve in mid 2025 nonetheless hurts). It’s considered one of only a few gamepads to incorporate each function talked about above, and it’s some of the satisfying controllers to make use of that we’ve examined. Nevertheless, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max every supply extra exhaustive customization at decrease costs, and the Hori Split Pad Compact is a Pleasure-Con improve for individuals who want to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 3 controller, each of that are nice in numerous methods if you happen to don’t thoughts spending near the price of Nintendo’s first-party mannequin.

One of the best Nintendo Swap controller for TV mode

Supported platforms: Nintendo Swap 2, Nintendo Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, 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 (however not the Swap 2)

Ever because the Swap launched, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller has been one of the best gamepad for the console. In some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft by way of consolation and construct high quality. Apart from the Pleasure-Cons, the Swap Professional Controller is considered one of an elite few wi-fi choices that features good rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally one of some controllers we’ve examined that may remotely activate the Swap with out being plugged into it. It’s suitable with the Swap 2 (though, it will possibly’t wake the brand new console from standby— you’ll want a Switch 2 Pro Controller for that, or one of many a number of third-party choices included in our information to the best Switch 2 controllers).

The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it typically looks like it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll possible take informal avid gamers a very long time to run down the battery.

One of the best Swap controller for handheld mode

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: by way of Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m certain there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however youngsters and small-handed people apart, most individuals in all probability wouldn’t say they’re very snug. If you happen to battle with hand ache once you use the Swap, that’s the place the Hori Break up Pad Compact can in all probability assist out a bit.

The Break up Pad Compact is a — you guessed it — a extra compact different to the Break up Pad Professional, which has sadly grow to be harder to search out at an inexpensive worth. Equally, it is available in a wide range of colorways, and it provides some consolation to utilizing the Swap in handheld mode. One slides into either side of the Swap console like Pleasure-Cons, however not like Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options huge, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally supplies extra grip than Pleasure-Con do, which is especially helpful for individuals who have to get a greater deal with on the console for fast-paced gameplay, or to remain comfortable over longer play periods.

The Break up Pad Compact doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or help for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s utterly ineffective when indifferent from the Swap. It’s just for handheld mode until you buy the Split Pad Compact Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route because the attachment normally (however not all the time) prices someplace near the quantity of Swap Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned options. It does add a 3.5mm headphone jack when plugged in by way of USB to the Swap’s dock, nevertheless.

One of the best Xbox-style controller for the Swap

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure (solely in KK3 Max) / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are much like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s commonplace Xbox controller however rivaled the Swap Professional Controller by way of construct high quality and options.

However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions if you happen to scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can change between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max solely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB LED-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. They every have GuliKit’s highly effective magnetic vibration motors with two depth ranges and three distinct modes (together with the Swap’s HD rumble). You’ll be able to even customise the swappable face buttons to match your most popular 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 by way of a dongle).

Moreover, each controllers function removable rear-facing paddles. 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 much like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the identical set up approach — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more pressure, although they gained’t simply dislodge.

One of the best Swap controller that’s additionally nice for PC and Steam Deck

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap 2, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, Android, macOS, Apple units / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Sure, 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure, together with Swap 2

8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is a minor step ahead in comparison with the primary iteration, however it comes with new options you would possibly care about. It nonetheless seems like a Swap Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger palms might not want. As for what’s modified internally, you’re getting extra sturdy TMR joysticks, plus two new mappable buttons close to the triggers (totaling 4 customizable buttons). Talking of the triggers, they’re adjustable because of new switches that may alter how a lot you must pull them to register an enter. It’s notably nice for first-person shooters or motion video games the place velocity is paramount.

Its haptics are respectable in some video games, however not almost pretty much as good as Nintendo’s HD Rumble, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does function movement controls — together with a hidden trick that lets you wake a docked Swap and Swap 2 by giving the controller a bit of shake. It’s a pleasant worth in comparison with the Swap Professional, in addition to most different third-party choices as a result of it additionally features a charging dock with an built-in 2.4GHz transmitter.

The Final 2 controller is available in two variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin for Swap house owners as a result of it’s the one model that’s suitable. Moreover, it’s suitable with the Swap 2, the Steam Deck, PC, macOS computer systems, and a slew of different Bluetooth-ready units. Plus, it contains each 2.4GHz connectivity, in case you want a extra dependable connection for suitable units.

A well-rounded Swap controller that appears like a DualShock

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap 2, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, and extra / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Sure, 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure, together with Swap 2

The 8BitDo Pro 3 is the corporate’s newest high-end controller. On its face, the largest distinction between it and the similarly-priced Final 2 is its PlayStation DualShock-esque stick format, which alone would possibly sufficient to persuade some avid gamers to get it. The Professional 3 improves on its predecessor by that includes swappable buttons that may be indifferent with its included magnetic suction software. With it, you possibly can go from the Nintendo format to the Xbox format. In any other case, this mannequin’s inner specs and compatibility are similar to that of the Final 2.

The Professional 3 options TMR joysticks, plus Corridor impact triggers with switches that toggle between full pulls or shorter clicks for both set off. Identical to the Final 2, the Professional 3 has 4 customizable buttons that may be assigned nearly every other button, or mixture of buttons, by means of the corporate’s Final V2 app on PC or by urgent sure buttons collectively, as listed in the manual. Moreover, the controller helps turbo mode.

In comparison with most different Swap controllers, the Professional 3 stands out as a consequence of its PlayStation-style format of D-pad and sticks. You could want this mannequin if you happen to play quite a lot of retro video games that prioritize the D-pad, which is extra simply accessible than on most different Swap controllers. One different enjoyable perk of the Professional 3 is its swappable joystick caps. Two arcade stick-like knobs are included that make sure video games really feel extra rewarding to play, reminiscent of preventing video games.

An adapter that allows you to use your individual controllers

There are a number of other devices that will let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s is one of the best worth. As an alternative of spending $80 on a Swap Professional controller, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 allows you to flip most Bluetooth controllers you already personal right into a wi-fi Swap controller. It plugs into your Swap dock (or immediately into the console when you have a USB-A to USB-C adapter) and helps all kinds of fashions, from the most recent Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Word: the first-gen mannequin can’t hook up with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a consequence of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so ensure you get the most recent mannequin we’ve linked to.)

To our delight, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely effectively, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Swap controllers supply. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Sequence X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Swap Professional Controller, you possibly can customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s laptop and cell app.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by means of a number of small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. If you happen to plan to make use of a couple of third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however when you have quite a lot of controllers sitting round, it could be price it.

Different Swap controllers we examined

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Swap between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a normal 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 enable it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides mentioned 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 resolve the ergonomics (notably on the appropriate facet, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($49.99) for consideration. It gives a number 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 doesn’t match. That mentioned, it falls simply brief as a consequence of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a function that makes the affect softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Swap, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which will not be perfect for individuals who have bother memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Swap to be a chore after switching from a cell system or a Home windows PC.

We additionally lately 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 ($44.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t stay as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some price almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a fairly devoted recreation of the unique if you happen to fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, however it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple technique to get the old-school feeling again if you happen to don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

I encourage anybody who’s trying to find a brand new Swap controller to take a look at The Verge’s buying guide for the best Switch 2 controllers. All the choices it contains (apart from Nintendo’s Swap 2 Professional) work on the unique Swap, not simply the Swap 2, and we’ve targeted on highlighting reasonably priced, but succesful choices. Within the information, you’ll discover out in regards to the EasySMX S10, which has nearly as many options as Nintendo’s pricier Swap 2 Professional for $30 much less. We’re additionally testing new fashions for potential inclusion sooner or later.

Replace, November 18th: Up to date to replicate present pricing and availability. Added hyperlinks to The Verge’s shopping for information to one of the best Swap 2 controllers, most of which work tremendous on the unique Swap.