Best Nintendo Switch Controllers 2024 – top wired, wireless and handheld options
If you're looking for the best Nintendo Switch controllers, we've rounded up all the options no matter your circumstances and budget.
This year has been a fantastic year for Nintendo Switch players, with the likes of Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom hitting the shelves. And those gamers who clock loads of hours into these titles will know that the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons are not the most ergonomically designed.
If you're hoping to find an alternative to your Joy-Cons, then you're in luck, as we've rounded up all of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. Whether you're looking for something to give you that competitive edge in fighting games or you're hoping for something designed for those with bigger hands, we've been sure to consider all circumstances. We've been testing a range of controllers on the market right now and here are our favourites that we've had in hand.
Best Nintendo Switch controllers 2024
Finding the best Nintendo Switch controller can be difficult, especially considering the device can be used in a multitude of ways. We've been sure to consider all options in our round-up of the best Nintendo Switch controllers, so no matter if you use your console in docked mode or on the go in handheld mode, there's something for you. We've also been sure to consider a range of budgets meaning you'll find low-priced options here too.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
(Photo by Matthias Oberholzer on Unsplash)The Nintendo Switch Pro controller may be simple, but it does everything you need it to do on top of being both stylish (though everyone might not agree) and comfortable. With a semi-clear casing that sets it apart from something like the Xbox Wireless controller, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller combines all the comfort of a standard gamepad with the functionality and inputs you’re used to with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.
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After testing the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, it has completely replaced my joycons when using my console in docked mode and I’m afraid I won’t be able to revert. Coming in at £49.99 / $69.99 / AU$99.95, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is less than a new set of Joy-Cons which would set you back £69.99 / $79.99 / AU$119.95.
GameCube Controller
(Nintendo)For those who miss the good old GameCube days, or are big on fighting games on Nintendo Switch, such as Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the original GameCube controller is a great way to go. Although I never had or used a GameCube – don’t come for me, I was only a month old when it was released – I found executing combos in Super Smash Bros Ultimate much easier with the retro button layout.
As they’re much older now, GameCube controller prices vary. To use your GameCube controller with your console you’ll need to pick up a Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter for Nintendo Switch. It does however allow you to connect up to four GameCube controllers to your Nintendo Switch.
Hori Split Pad Pro
(Hori and Nintendo)The beauty of the Hori Split Pad Pro is just how much better it makes the Nintendo Switch to hold for players with larger hands. Because let’s face it, the standard Joy-Cons weren’t really designed with big palms or thumbs in mind. The Hori Split Pad Pro easily resolves this, though, offering a much-improved sense of heft to handheld gameplay, alongside ergonomics that are more along the lines of what you see with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S pro controllers.
The Hori Split Pads Pro has been around for a few years now, generally retailing in its standard colours for £45.99 / $54.99 / AU$99.95. However, much more enticing are the several game tie-in variants that have been released since then, covering a multitude of franchises from The Legend of Zelda to Pokemon. You can’t go far wrong with the Hori Split Pad Pro either way.
Horipad Mini
(Hori)For those who want to play Nintendo Switch games on the big screen but don’t want to fork out for the official Pro controller or make do with the Joy-Con grip, the Horipad Mini is an affordable solution. When using the controller I found that it’s rather compact compared to a lot of other third-party options, but either children or older players with small hands will be fine. Its inherent lightweight nature means it's easy to use and the buttons feel crunchy to press (in a good way). Just bear in mind this is a wired-only option.
Being so compact and lightweight means the Horipad mini won’t break the bank. It comes in at just £22.99 / $24.99 /AU$49.95 - well below what you’d expect to pay for Nintendo’s official controllers and even many other third-party options. Style options span almost every Nintendo series from Super Mario to Animal Crossing, so there’s sure to be a design set to appeal to you.
Nitro Deck
Overall, I would say the look of the Nitro Deck itself is very impressive regardless of the colour you choose. In fact, it’s not too dissimilar to the look of a Steam Deck. (CRKD)If you’re looking to turn your Nintendo Switch into a Steam Deck-esque piece of kit then the Nitro Deck is a fantastic option. When reviewing the device I found that my Nintendo Switch slots right into the controller, making it a great option for those who spend the majority of their time playing in handheld mode like myself. Boasting hall-effect thumbsticks, to tackle the dreaded Joy-Con drifting issue that many Nintendo Switch owners face, the Nitro Deck feels like it brings this slightly older console into the present.
The standard Black and White editions of the Nitro Deck come in at £59.99 / $59.99 / AU$65.99, putting it in a similar price range as the Nintendo Switch Pro controller or a fresh set of Joy-Cons. If you’re after something a bit more fashionable then you can grab a Mint Green or Purple version, both coming with a carrying case, for £89.99 / $89.99 / AU$98.99.
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