The best Nintendo Switch controllers

There are an absolute ton of Nintendo Switch controllers at this point, from official options like the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller, to excellent third party options, like the d-pad-focused Hori Joy-Con and the always excellent options by 8Bitdo. So, the question isn’t “where are all of the Nintendo Switch controllers?”, it’s “what’s the best Nintendo Switch controller”.

Well, that’s where Pocket Tactics comes in. We’re huge fans of the Nintendo Switch on Pocket Tactics, and we’ve tried an absolute ton of Switch controllers over the years. So, as a team, we’ve compiled our favourites into this definitive list of the best Switch controllers. We’ve also included handy Amazon links to allow you to grab them right away, if you’ve got an impromptu multiplayer session coming up.

We recommend that you bookmark this page, as we’ll update it often as new Nintendo Switch controllers arrive. They most certainly will, as there has been no shortage of them so far. Nintendo loves to release a new colour of Joy-Con often, and we’re almost certain that 8Bitdo and Hori aren’t quite done releasing new options just yet.

The best Nintendo Switch controllers:

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Joy-cons

There’s no better place to start on your Switch controllers journey than with Nintendo’s Joy-Cons. These versatile controllers support motion, HD Rumble, and you can whack them in a grip or split them into two, allowing for comfortable solo or impromptu multiplayer sessions.

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Pro Controller

If comfort is your absolutely priority, and you find yourself playing your Switch docked a lot of the time, we thoroughly recommend the official Pro Controller. It’s as premium in build quality as a DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller, and features around 40 hours of battery life.

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Hori d-pad Joy-Con

Play a load of retro games in handheld mode? The Hori d-pad Joy-Con is a must-buy then. This replaces your left Joy-Con, and provides a traditional d-pad, making the likes of Shovel Knight or Hollow Knight an absolute breeze.

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Hori Split Pad Pro

Play your Switch more often in handheld mode? The Hori Split Pad Pro is an essential controller. This inexpensive option makes your Switch much more comfortable for longer playing sessions, feeling more like the Pro Controller.

Hori Racing Wheel

It’s big, it’s expensive, and it’s utterly ridiculous. It’s also the best way to play Mario Kart 8.

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Hori Arcade Pro

Serious fighting fan diehards simply must have this excellent arcade stick by Hori. Seriously.

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8Bitdo SN30 Pro

Another solid Pro Controller alternative is the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro, which is like a classic PlayStation controller.

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PowerA Wired

Prefer the reliability of a wire? The PowerA wired controller is basically the Switch Pro Controller but with a wire. Yep.

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PowerA GameCube controller

Want to play Smash Bros. with a GameCube controller (i.e. the way it’s intended to be played) but don’t like wires? PowerA has a solution.

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Gamecube controller

This is literally a GameCube controller with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate branding, and a converter that allows it to work on Switch. Boy, it’s nice to buy a brand new GameCube controller in 2020.