The best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers in 2025

It should come as no surprise that the top pick from our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers is the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. It comes with built-in amiibo functionality, additional GL and GR grip buttons on the back that you can map yourself, and motion controls, so you can use it to play any game on the system, outside of those that force you to use mouse controls.

The only real obvious downside to the Pro Controller is that it's more expensive than a lot of third-party alternatives. While this shouldn't come as a massive surprise, as the same goes for official Xbox and PlayStation controllers, it's worth noting that some of the third-party alternatives are pretty impressive, so we'd recommend checking them out if the Switch 2 Pro Controller is slightly outside of your budget.

If you're playing in handheld mode, the Joy-Con 2 controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch 2 are the best option. They're a big improvement over the originals, with larger thumbsticks and a slightly slicker form factor, while the addition of optical sensors along the rails means you can use them as mice. Yes, we're expecting to see a bunch of third-party imitations arrive after the big console launch, but like with the Pro Controller, you can't beat the official thing.

The only issue with the Nintendo Joy-Con 2 controllers is that we haven't had them long enough to test whether they're as prone to stick drift as those of the original Switch. While Nintendo has confirmed it hasn't used Hall effect tech during the Joy-Con 2 redesign, it has promised increased durability, so we're hoping it's not an issue we see manifest months after the launch.

If you're planning on spending a lot of time playing GameCube games from the Nintendo Switch Online library, this option might be the one for you. The Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube Controller is a great way to get that authentic hit of nostalgia, and better still, it's wireless, so you don't have to sit right in front of your TV screen to use it.

Unfortunately, the Switch 2 GameCube Controller has a fairly significant caveat, as Nintendo has designed it primarily for playing GameCube games, so you might run into some issues if you want to use it for Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bananza. It's nothing a little remapping shouldn't solve, but if you don't want to mess around with controller settings and have little interest in the GameCube collection, this might not be the pick for you.

We're big fans of 8BitDo controllers here at Pocket Tactics, and the Ultimate 2 is an example of the best the brand has to offer. Like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, this alternative sports an elegant design, mappable back buttons, and USB-C charging. It also comes with a nifty charging dock that the controller slips into perfectly, which you can't say of the official option.

While the Ultimate 2 is a pick from our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, it's also worth pointing out that it works on PC and mobile, too, so you're getting a lot of utility for your money. The D-pad is a little sensitive on this controller, so be careful if you play a game that requires precise movements. You also need to install a firmware update for the controller to work on Switch 2, but fortunately, someone has detailed how to do just that in a Reddit post.

If you've already spent all your money on the console itself but still need a reliable Nintendo Switch 2 controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate C is a great pick. For under $30, the build quality of this option is very impressive, feeling like a much more premium option than it is, and it boasts Hall effect sticks, so there's no concern about potential stick drift. If all that wasn't enough, you get a charging cable in the box, which isn't always a guarantee in 2025.

While a lot of the picks from this list might be a bit bland in terms of design, the Ultimate C is nice and colorful, coming in pastel blue, pink, and other designs. The only slight caveat to this option is that the battery life isn't quite as impressive as the Pro Controller or the more premium 8BitDo Ultimate 2, but you should still get a solid 15 hours or so before it's time to plug in. Like the premium option, this controller also requires a Switch 2 firmware update, but all the details are available via Reddit or by emailing 8BitDo.

Premium controllers with all of the bells and whistles don't need to be expensive, and the GameSir Super Nova proves it. Arriving with multiple connectivity options for your needs, as well as Hall Effect sticks and a sweet charging stand, all for just $49.99 / £49.99, makes it a worthwhile addition for your collection.

What's the catch? There isn't any, but you'll get more out of it if you have multiple platforms. However, it's still a great peripheral that offers amazing performance for a fraction of what some major brands sell their controllers for. Based on our experience, it's one of the top controllers you can buy for your brand-new handheld.

Read our full GameSir Super Nova review here.