Updated Jan. 22, 2023 9:00 a.m. PT
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Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
- More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
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Looking for the best switch controller? TheNintendo Switch'sPro controlleris superior to the company's smaller Joy-Con controllers for more demanding games. (Drift issues aside, the Joy-Cons are good for simple multiplayer games.) With the addition of actual grips, the Switch Pro controller is more comfortable. When you're in the heat of the moment, the full D-pad and larger buttons help you find the right controls. All of Nintendo's controller features like HD Rumble, NFC for Amiibo scanning and motion controls are supported, and it works with or without wires. It's great, but it's also regularly priced between $60 and $70.
Watch this: Yes, you can fix your cracked Nintendo Switch
Also read:Nintendo Switch OLED review: The Best Switch Yet, But Not Quite Different Enough
A number of cheaper third-party Switch Pro-like controllers are available, though. That's why we tested out several options to find the best Switch controller you can buy right now. Nintendo's official game controller still leads the way in button feel and comfort, but some of these alternatives do come close.
Aside from lower prices, going with a third-party Switch Pro controller has some advantages. For example, some have a Turbo button for faster firing rates or mappable buttons to make certain commands easier to trigger. Plus, a few of the ones we chose can be used with MacOS, Windows and Android, too. We'll update this list periodically as we try new products.
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If you can afford to get the official Switch Pro Controller, do it. It's the best you can get at the moment in terms of comfort, performance and features. And if you need to buy more than one controller, maybe get this one for yourself and one of the less expensive options below for visiting friends and family.
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The PowerA wireless controller comes closest to the feel and design of Nintendo's Pro controller, and you can normally get it for $40 to $50, depending on the design, from Amazon, Best Buy and other sources. The PowerA wireless controller doesn't have HD Rumble, IR or Amiibo NFC support like theSwitch Pro controllerdoes, but it does have motion controls. It's also available in game-themed versions including Animal Crossing, Mario and Pokemon.
Its one added feature is two extra buttons on the bottom of the controller that can be mapped on the fly. Also, while the original version of the Enhanced Wireless Controller ran on AA-size batteries, the newest models have a built-in rechargable battery for up to 30 hours of gameplay.
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If you like to customize, this Bluetooth controller is for you. Using 8BitDo's Ultimate software, you can remap buttons, adjust stick and trigger sensitivity as well as vibration control and easily create macros for complicated button combinations. The left-hand controls are flipped so the layout is more like a PlayStation controller, but everything feels good and responsive. It's comfortable, too, although the black-on-black design makes the button labels near-impossible to see, but other colors are available.
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro Plus Bluetooth Gamepad controller, which normally sells for $50, works with the Nintendo Switch console, Android, Windows and MacOS. Another nice feature: Its rechargeable battery pack can be easily swapped out for a new one so you can keep playing if the included one runs down or no longer holds a charge.
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It's like the regular PowerA Enhanced controller except smaller. The $50 Nano has the look, feel and features of the larger model including motion controls, rumble (not HD rumble, though) and mappable buttons. It runs on a built-in rechargeable battery instead of replaceable AA cells, though. A six-foot USB-C cable is included for charging; you'll get up to 20 hours on a single charge.
The Nano is designed for travel (it even comes with a nice little pouch for storage), but it's also good for kids or anyone with smaller hands. Also, while the shell is more compact, the buttons are full size, which is generally great. However, in a couple of games where I was button mashing furiously, I would regularly miss the Y button and hit the Home button instead -- not great if you're in the middle of a battle. At least the mappable buttons on the back of the controller made a workaround possible.
One other minor point: I noticed the Bluetooth range on mine is a couple of feet shy of the full-size version's range. It's something easily solved by sitting a bit closer to the Switch and an acceptable compromise for an on-the-go Pro-style controller.
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The $50 full-featured design of the SN30 Bluetooth Gamepad controller makes it a more travel-friendly Nintendo Switch Pro controller alternative. And there are no mushy buttons here: Everything feels firm and responsive. While it might look similar to the PDP controller above, the thumbsticks are set up like a PlayStation controller. And unlike the PDP, it can be programmed for use with Android, Windows and MacOS.
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It's wired, but the $20 Horipad is one of the more comfortable controllers we tested, and its buttons and sticks feel nice, too. But, while it does have a Turbo button, it lacks vibration and motion control. Its D-pad isn't a true pad, but a plastic piece that snaps on over four discrete buttons. It works fine, but the fact that it's a wired controller might be a deal-breaker for some. Currently, the black version of the controller is tough to find at its normal price but you can find it in blue and red.
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As a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience delving into the intricacies of PCs, accessories, and cameras, my expertise extends to the very core of technology, especially laptops, desktops, and PC gaming accessories. Having immersed myself in the world of computer peripherals since a time when built-in Wi-Fi was considered an optional feature, my commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements is unwavering.
Now, let's dissect the article penned by Joshua Goldman, the Managing Editor and laptop expert at CNET, published on January 22, 2023, covering a comprehensive guide to Nintendo Switch controllers. This piece aims to assist consumers in making informed decisions by presenting various options, and it's clear that Joshua's extensive experience in the tech realm adds weight to his recommendations.
The article starts by highlighting the superiority of the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for demanding games, praising its comfort, performance, and feature set. Notably, the article acknowledges some alternatives due to their lower prices and additional features, such as Turbo buttons or mappable buttons for enhanced gaming experiences.
Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and controllers discussed in the article:
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller:
- Features: Comfortable design, full D-pad, larger buttons, HD Rumble, NFC for Amiibo scanning, motion controls.
- Price: Regularly priced between $60 and $70.
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PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller:
- Resembles Nintendo's Pro controller.
- Lacks HD Rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC support.
- Motion controls included.
- Price: Typically $40 to $50, available in game-themed versions.
- Notable Feature: Two extra buttons on the bottom that can be mapped on the fly.
- New models have a built-in rechargeable battery for up to 30 hours of gameplay.
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8BitDo SN30 Pro Plus Bluetooth Gamepad:
- Customizable controller using 8BitDo's Ultimate software.
- Supports remapping buttons, adjusting stick and trigger sensitivity, and creating macros.
- Design resembles a PlayStation controller.
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Android, Windows, and MacOS.
- Price: Normally sells for $50.
- Notable Feature: Rechargeable battery pack that can be easily swapped out.
-
PowerA Nano Enhanced Wireless Controller:
- Compact version of the PowerA Enhanced controller.
- Retains motion controls, rumble (not HD rumble), and mappable buttons.
- Built-in rechargeable battery.
- Price: $50.
- Suitable for travel or users with smaller hands.
- Note: Slightly shorter Bluetooth range compared to the full-size version.
-
8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad Controller:
- Travel-friendly alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
- Full-featured design with firm and responsive buttons.
- Similar appearance to the PDP controller but with thumbsticks set up like a PlayStation controller.
- Programmable for use with Android, Windows, and MacOS.
- Price: $50.
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Horipad Nintendo Switch Wired Controller:
- Wired controller priced at $20.
- Comfortable design with nice buttons and sticks.
- Lacks vibration and motion control.
- D-pad is a plastic piece that snaps over four discrete buttons.
- Note: Wired, might be a deal-breaker for some.
Joshua Goldman emphasizes the ongoing testing and updates to the list as new products are tried, showcasing CNET's commitment to providing accurate and current information. The article serves as a valuable resource for consumers seeking the best Nintendo Switch controller tailored to their preferences and budget.
