The perfect Nintendo Swap controllers for 2024

The perfect Nintendo Swap controllers aren’t those that include it. Whereas the detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Swap consoles are handy given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, their tiny contourless design isn’t that snug for lengthy gaming classes or massive arms. And whereas Nintendo has taken steps to deal with the dreaded Pleasure-Con drift and earlier high quality management issues, some points persist.

On this shopping for information, we give attention to wi-fi controllers which might be each snug and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play fashion. We’re not overlaying wired controllers that plug into the Swap’s dock, as they’re nearly all the identical and don’t supply substantial financial savings in lots of instances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that may do in a pinch, however they’re very primary. Except you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, if you happen to purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are specific issues that it doubtless received’t be capable of 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 Swap controllers don’t have movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games that help 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 be capable of activate the Swap remotely. (You’ll must manually press the console’s energy button.) 
• Whereas some Swap controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur by means of a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Swap is a enough (and really straightforward) workaround.

In the event you’re enjoying your Swap whereas docked, it’s laborious to go improper with the official Nintendo Swap Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s one of the vital satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional, in the meantime, makes for a terrific Xbox-style controller with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is nice for many who desire to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Final Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Professional 2 controller, each of that are properly value a glance.

Supported platforms: Nintendo Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

Greater than seven years down the highway, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller remains to be the most effective gamepad for the Swap. It launched alongside the console in 2017 as a extra conventional various 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 Swap Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally the one controller we’ve examined (once more, except for the Pleasure-Cons) that may energy on the Swap with out being plugged into it. 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 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 fees through USB-C, identical to the Swap, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you would possibly sport on, together with PC, Android, and SteamOS. It additionally works with Apple units because of its compatibility with the newest 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 Swap to a controller isn’t at present doable. (Not less than you’ll be able to join a pair of wi-fi headphones through Bluetooth, however solely when you have not more than two controllers linked to your Swap directly.)

Supported Platforms: Swap / Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: 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 get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed people apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re essentially the most snug 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 seems to be and looks like a Swap Professional Controller that’s cut up in half. One-half slides into both sides of the Swap console like Pleasure-Cons, however in contrast to Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options large, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally offers 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 classes.

The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — to not point out help for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s fully ineffective when indifferent from the Swap. 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 because the attachment alone prices greater than a Swap Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t attempt to add any of the aforementioned parts (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 usually prices round $50. It is perhaps value a glance if you need one thing as useful because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con — particularly because it’s at present on sale at Goal for $32.49 (about $18 off).

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

The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional rivals the Swap Professional Controller in construct high quality, nevertheless it feels extra like a contemporary Xbox controller, and its textured rear grips would possibly give it the sting for some. In contrast to most third-party controllers, it retains Amiibo help, although some customers have reported points with inauthentic Amiibo merchandise. The KingKong 2 Professional can join through Bluetooth to the Swap and to PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and different platforms. And since it makes use of GuliKit’s Corridor impact sensors for its analog sticks, it’s resistant to drift.

We suggest trying out this video at iFixit to see an intensive clarification of the way it works, however in essence, Corridor impact sensors use magnets to change electrical present as a substitute of bodily rubbing on (and ultimately carrying down) a sensor to supply an enter. Whereas we haven’t heard widespread experiences of persistent analog stick drift points on the Swap Professional Controller up to now, controllers with Corridor impact sensors won’t ever encounter it, and the peace of thoughts is well worth the added price. (The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller beneath additionally makes use of GuliKit’s sensors.)

Management-wise, nearly every part in regards to the KingKong 2 Professional feels excellent. The face buttons, bumpers, and D-pad all strike a stability between journey, tactile suggestions, and really feel. The analog sticks are extremely fluid but simply snap again into their default positions. Clicking the sticks doesn’t require a lot power, both, even once they’re off-axis. And whereas we will’t absolutely credit score GuliKit for the wonderful ergonomics afforded by the Xbox-inspired form, we will award factors for the sturdy supplies used and nailing a well-balanced weight.

The controller offers exhaustive customizability choices, too. You possibly can swap button layouts, program macros, and cycle by means of preset ranges of rumble depth and set off sensitivity (which can not apply when utilizing it with the Swap, because it doesn’t help analog triggers). Nonetheless, managing these settings is lower than ultimate, as you’ll be able to solely change them by inputting button combos. Positive, the combos are easy, however memorizing all of them is difficult. Fortunately, GuliKit clearly spells every part out within the complete handbook you’ll obtain with the gamepad.

It’s value noting that GuliKit now sells a KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max. The three Professional builds upon the premium controller by including 4 slots for removable rearward buttons or paddles (two come within the field) and a 1,000Hz polling fee for improved responsiveness. The three Max is comparable however consists of three pairs of again buttons (together with quick and lengthy types) and a 10-minute macro recording restrict (versus 10 seconds on the three Professional). There’s additionally a devoted set off mode change, RGB lights across the analog sticks that sign which sensitivity mode you’re in, and NFC for Amiibo help.

We haven’t examined both of the brand new GuliKit fashions (but), however we intend to tug them in for consideration quickly, so keep tuned.

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: 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 Final Bluetooth Controller looks like a Swap Professional Controller in form, with a equally quick grip profile that bigger arms could not desire. Each share Swap and Home windows PC help, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does characteristic customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Swap by giving the controller a bit shake. It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is helpful for charging the 22-hour battery, which remains to be fairly beneficiant however comes properly wanting 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 supply simply the correct amount of resistance and sport a cushty concave high, however they’re only a tad quick on the edges. All the buttons supply nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.

As for tweaks, you’ll be able to customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cell or PC. The controller has a devoted button that permits you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you’ll be able to both reconfigure or remap. With regards to Swap controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and the way to entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our listing.

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: 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 Professional 2 is one other nice possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Swap, 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 Swap Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside. It has rumble help (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 may also respect that the left analog stick is situated towards the underside — identical to on Sony’s controllers — moderately than above the D-pad as on the Swap Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cell gadget or a Home windows pc, you’ll be able to customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You possibly can even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle by means of them with a button situated between the analog sticks. On its rear, there’s a change that lets it toggle between Nintendo Swap, 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 need one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).

There are a lot of different units that help you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s is perhaps the most effective worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Swap Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 helps you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Swap controller. It plugs into your Swap dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the newest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Notice: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers because of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure to get the newest mannequin.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely properly, 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 Collection X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Swap Professional Controller, you’ll be able to customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s pc and cell app. 

8BitDo has an in depth help web 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 finest if the Swap’s button structure by coronary heart if you happen to plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure in your controller won’t match the on-screen prompts in video games.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by means of just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. In the event you 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 a variety of controllers sitting round, it is perhaps value it.

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

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 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 enable 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 want the passthrough answer was extra elegant and that CRKD may clear up the ergonomics (notably on the best facet, the place the analog and button placement could cause discomfort).

We lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($49.99) for consideration. It affords lots of the identical features because the GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional — 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 because of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a characteristic that makes the impression 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 ultimate for many who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Swap to be a chore after switching from a cell gadget or a Home windows PC.

GameCube Model Wi-fi Controller

We additionally lately tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Model Wi-fi Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi ($59.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t reside 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 reasonably devoted recreation of the unique if you happen to fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, nevertheless it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple solution to get the old-school feeling again if you happen to don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based various to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

Replace, September 18th: Up to date to mirror present pricing, availability, and the very fact 8BitDo’s Final Bluetooth Controller can wake your Swap with movement controls.