The best Nintendo Switch controllers of 2024

Often the best controller is the one you have and Joy-Cons are versatile and cute. But if you bought a Switch at launch, chances are your controllers are suffering from that dreaded “drifting” problem. You can repair them, but it doesn’t hurt to get an extra pair regardless. They come in bright colors like hot pink and pastel green to match your personal style – I grabbed the blue and yellow and absolutely adore how my Switch looks in handheld mode now. And they are much less likely to suffer from drift.

Sometimes you just want a standard controller to play your favorite action titles. By “standard,” we mean something like you’d cram into an Xbox, with grips for the heels of your hands, shoulder buttons and triggers, two thumbsticks, a set of four buttons on the right, and a D-pad on the left. Nintendo knows this, which is why it created it Professional controller. This first-party gamepad pairs easily with the Switch and features a D-pad on the left, while retaining features like the infrared sensor and HD rumble feature that third-party alternatives may lack. The only downside to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is the $70 price tag, but avid title gamers love it Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will appreciate the advanced hardware and increased comfort.

If you prefer to equip your system with a PlayStation-style controller, then you won’t go wrong this retro style gamepad which copies the general button layout of a classic SNES controller in different colors. Although it is retro in style, it is by no means old fashioned. There are plenty of advanced features, such as dual thumbsticks, palm grips, back buttons, control redirection, and even sensitivity settings. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of Switch controllers – or any system, as it’s also compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Raspberry Pi and even the Steam Deck. Even non-Switch gamers should keep this gamepad in their toolkit.

The Switch Online service ensures that retro fans will have plenty to play with, thanks to an ever-expanding library of NES, Super NES, Game Boy and, if you shell out for the Expansion Pack, Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis and Game Boy Advance titles. That’s a lot, so you might want a controller specifically suited for the task. For this we recommend SN30 Pro, which is shaped like an SNES gamepad, but adds dual sticks and wireless connectivity for an easy and convenient retro-gaming experience. It offers all the childhood nostalgia you could want while giving you the benefits of modern conveniences.

Not all gamers have the same level of mobility in their hands, which makes “standard” controllers difficult to use. The Lite SE puts all the buttons on the face so you can place it on the table instead of holding it in the deathclaw. It even has grips on the underside so it doesn’t slide around during hectic gaming. This controller is definitely worth having to make sure all your friends and family can join in on the fun, and it even works with non-Switch systems, including iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

While 8BitDo controllers are great for their flexibility, for some players nothing short of the greatest historical accuracy will do. Nintendo’s remake classic GameCube controller it uses a USB-C connection, but otherwise feels just like you remember, from the button placement to the stellar build quality. For some, it’s the only way to play Smash Brosbut even people who play other types of games like it Pikmin 1+2 you might find this a welcome blast of nostalgia.

If the price of an official GameCube gamepad is too rich for your blood, or you prefer something wireless, The PowerA controllers are pretty awesome too. They offer solid build quality, fast buttons, and even come in different colors if you’re into style. This is the closest you’ll get to the old-school Wavebird experience other than plugging a few RF dongles into a GameCube adapter. And you’ll definitely appreciate it with so many GameCube classics being re-released on Switch, like Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Baten Kaitos, Metroid Prime Remastered, Tales of Symphonia and even Tai the Tasmanian tiger. It’s a great time to be a GameCube fan.

If you play mostly in handheld mode, a stand-alone controller won’t do you much good. Fortunately, HORI is doing its thing Joy-Con as peripherals you can drag right into place in your system. If all you really want is an old-school gaming d-pad, the HORI d-pad does just that, replacing the small constellation of buttons on the left Joy-Con with a reliable d-pad. It’s also quite affordable since you only have to buy one instead of a whole pair. But at under $30, you might still find yourself picking up a few extra, especially if you suffer from the dreaded Joy-Con drift.

For those players looking for a more premium Steam Deck style experience with their Switch in handheld mode, Split Pad Pro adds a contoured, easy-to-grip back, a d-pad on the left, and even turbo buttons. And it comes in a bunch of fun colors and designs—if you want to show off your love for Pokémon, Mega Man, Sonic, or even old-school Pac-Man, HORI has you covered. It’s good to know that even handheld gamers can get an experience with higher-end accessories.

If the Pro is a little too sturdy for you or just too bulky, a compact version of the Split Pad it will fit much easier in both your hands and your bag. It still offers the same selection of buttons, such as the d-pad on the left side and dual turbo buttons, but in a less aggressive-looking form factor. This means slightly muted colors like soft reds or grays – although you can still catch Mega Man and Pokémon designs. It will slide nicely into whatever bag you choose to carry your system, whether it’s the Amazon Basics clamshell or expensive Waterfield case.