The very best Nintendo Swap controllers for 2025

The Nintendo Swap 2 is right here, however we are able to’t simply overlook in regards to the unique Swap. We’ve nonetheless received love for the console, and its many thousands and thousands of homeowners, so we’ll maintain recommending the perfect controllers for the Swap proper right here.

Now, chances are you’ll already know that the perfect Swap controllers aren’t those that include the console. The detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Swap consoles are handy, given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, however their tiny form doesn’t do them many favors. They aren’t comfy to carry for lengthy gaming periods — particularly in case you have massive palms.

On this shopping for information, we’ll give attention to wi-fi controllers which can be each comfy and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed which will match your distinctive play fashion. We’re not masking wired controllers that plug into the Swap’s dock, as they’re principally comparable to one another and don’t provide substantial financial savings in lots of circumstances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that can do in a pinch, however they’re very fundamental. Except you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, for those who purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it doubtless received’t assist HD rumble, movement controls, NFC for Amiibo, or be capable to activate the Swap remotely. Nevertheless, there are exceptions, which we function under.

In the event you’re enjoying your Swap whereas docked, it’s onerous to go mistaken with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that features each function talked about above, and it’s one of the vital satisfying controllers to make use of that we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, in the meantime, provide extra exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Split Pad Pro is a Pleasure-Con improve for many who desire to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Pro 2 controller, each of that are value trying out.

The very best Nintendo Swap controller for TV mode

Supported platforms: Nintendo Swap 2, Nintendo Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

Ever for the reason that Swap launched, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller has been the perfect gamepad for the console. In some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft when it comes to consolation and construct high quality. And, it’s appropriate with the Swap 2.

Except for the Pleasure-Cons, the Swap Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion assist, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s one of some controllers we’ve examined (except for the Pleasure-Con and 8BitDo’s Final collection) that may energy on the Swap with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it generally looks as if it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll doubtless take informal players a very long time to run down the battery.

The buttons and triggers have a satisfying bounce, whereas its directional pad is responsive and clicky sufficient to fulfill retro players. The controller prices by way of USB-C, similar to the Swap, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you may recreation on, except for Xbox and PlayStation.

Given the excessive value, we want that it had different options, like programmable buttons or a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, even when wi-fi audio transmission from the Swap to a controller isn’t attainable. In the event you actually need the power to hear by way of wired headphones with out connecting your controller with a wire, you’ll must get the Swap 2 and its Pro 2 controller.

The very best Swap controller for handheld mode

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: by way of Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m certain there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed people apart, most individuals in all probability wouldn’t say they’re probably the most comfy possibility. In the event you battle with hand ache whenever you use the Swap, that’s the place the Hori Break up Pad Professional is available in.

The Break up Pad Professional is available in quite a lot of colorways, and it each seems to be and appears like a Swap Professional Controller that’s cut up in half. One half slides into either side of the Swap console like Pleasure-Cons, however not like Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options massive, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally supplies numerous grip, which is especially helpful for individuals who must get a greater deal with on the console for quick gameplay or keep comfortable over longer play periods.

The Break up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or assist for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s utterly ineffective when indifferent from the Swap. It’s just for handheld mode except you buy the Split Pad Pro Attachment seen above that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t advocate most individuals go that route for the reason that attachment alone prices greater than a Swap Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned parts (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nonetheless).

The corporate additionally sells the Split Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Break up Pad Professional that prices $50. It is likely to be value a glance in order for you one thing as useful because the Break up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con.

The very best Xbox-style controller for the Swap

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and KingKong 3 Max are just like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s customary Xbox controller however rivaled the Swap Professional Controller when it comes to construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Swap, PC, and cellular, however you too can use them with different Bluetooth gadgets, together with the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.

However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions for those who scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can change between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max completely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB LED-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. It ought to make them just about impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains here. They every have GuliKit’s highly effective magnetic vibration motors with two depth ranges and three distinct modes (together with the Swap’s HD rumble). You possibly can even customise the hot-swappable face buttons to match your most well-liked platform, and to the delight of match gamers, you possibly can play with a 1,000Hz polling charge for lowered enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi by way of a dongle).

Moreover, each controllers function removable rear-facing paddles. You get two metallic moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Professional that protrude farther from the controller than the additional 4 you get with the KK3 Max, that are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are just like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2 and even borrow the identical set up approach — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more pressure, although they received’t simply dislodge.

The longer paddles are comfortably reachable as soon as put in, however in case you have bigger palms, chances are you’ll must make changes for the shorter selection. They solely want a light-weight faucet, however since they occupy the area the place your fingers often relaxation, it could actually result in elevated misfires whereas gaming. You possibly can map every again button to emulate some other button on the controller — together with the rear triggers — however you possibly can’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.

In abstract, the KK3 Professional and KK3 Max provide so much for the cash. The truth is, there could also be no higher possibility for interoperability and worth in a single multiplatform controller proper now. If we’re nitpicking, our greatest gripe is that GuliKit nonetheless hasn’t created an app to handle all of its settings extra simply.

The very best Swap controller that’s additionally nice for PC and Steam Deck

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth Controller appears like a Swap Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger palms might not desire. Each share Swap and Home windows PC assist, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however inferior to Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo assist, although it does function customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Swap by giving the controller a bit of shake.

It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is useful for charging the battery. Talking of, it usually lasts round 22 hours, which continues to be fairly beneficiant however comes nicely in need of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.

The Final controller is available in a number of variants, however we advocate the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices for a few causes. One as a result of it’s the one model of the Final that’s appropriate with the Swap. Plus, it contains each 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks provide simply the correct amount of resistance and sport a cushty concave high, however they’re only a tad brief on the perimeters. The entire buttons provide nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.

As for tweaks, you possibly can customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cellular or PC. The controller has a devoted button that allows you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you possibly can both reconfigure or remap. Relating to Swap controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and tips on how to entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our listing.

A well-rounded Swap controller that appears like a DualShock

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No

The 8BitDo Pro 2 is one other nice possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Swap, particularly in case your palms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller structure. The Professional 2 has a cushty grip, a crisper D-pad than the Swap Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside.

It has rumble assist (although not HD rumble) and movement management for video games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Overwatch 2, each of which permit for gyroscopic aiming. PlayStation players may also respect that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — similar to on Sony’s controllers — quite than above the D-pad as on the Swap Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Ultimate software on a cellular machine or a Home windows laptop, you possibly can customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You possibly can even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle by means of them with a button positioned between the analog sticks.

On its rear, there’s a change that lets it toggle between Nintendo Swap, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller affords so much for round $40 (or barely extra in order for you one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or green editions).

An adapter that allows you to use your individual controllers

There are various other devices that will let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s is likely to be the perfect worth. As a substitute of spending $70 on a number of Swap Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 helps you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Swap controller. It plugs into your Swap dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the drama Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Be aware: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a consequence of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure you get the drama mannequin.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely nicely, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Swap controllers provide. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Sequence X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Swap Professional Controller, you possibly can customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s laptop and cellular app.

8BitDo has an extensive support page that lists the steps required to arrange your particular controller, in addition to which options of these controllers it helps. That mentioned, it’s finest if you understand the Swap’s button structure by coronary heart for those who plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure in your controller won’t match the on-screen prompts in video games.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by means of just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s inexpensive adapter deserves a spot in your leisure middle. In the event you plan to make use of a couple of third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however in case you have numerous controllers sitting round, it is likely to be value it.

Different Swap controllers we examined

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Swap between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a regular array of face buttons, 4 programmable again buttons, turbo performance, gyro movement controls, and rumble. It has passthrough charging, although not passthrough video, which might enable it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides mentioned performance (with a USB-C to HDMI adapter), together with Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable vibration depth / analog sensitivity. We’ve discovered these to be notable enhancements, however we want the passthrough resolution was extra elegant and that CRKD may resolve the ergonomics (notably on the proper aspect, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We just lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro ($45.99) for consideration. It affords just a few of the identical capabilities because the GuliKit KingKong 3 — together with remappable buttons, Corridor impact sticks, and two distinct macro buttons — together with devoted vibration motors within the triggers, which is one thing the GuliKit doesn’t match. That mentioned, it falls simply brief as a consequence of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a function that makes the influence softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Swap, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which is probably not excellent for many who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Swap to be a chore after switching from a cellular machine or a Home windows PC.

We additionally just lately tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Style Wireless Controller ($38.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wireless ($44.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t stay as much as the standard of the fashions we advocate above, which is a disgrace contemplating some price almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a reasonably devoted recreation of the unique for those who fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, however it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a straightforward option to get the old-school feeling again for those who don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based various to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

The Switch 2 is what’s coming subsequent. Nintendo’s new console launches on June 5, and it’s each greater and extra highly effective than the unique mannequin. Suffice it to say, there shall be many new equipment at launch, together with new Joy-Con 2 controllers, plus a refreshed Switch Pro Controller that options customizable rear paddles. There’s additionally a Switch 2-exclusive wireless GameCube controller releasing that Swap On-line subscribers have an opportunity to purchase.

That brings into query whether or not present Swap controllers will work with the Swap 2 in any respect. Fortunately, Nintendo has published an in-depth support page concerning the Swap 2’s compatibility (or lack of compatibility) for unique (and official) Swap equipment. Excellent news: most of them will work simply effective. They only received’t have the C button. Nevertheless, compatibility with third-party merchandise could also be hit-and-miss.

As for brand spanking new controllers for the unique Swap, we’re in a little bit of a holding sample, since most producers are doubtless at work on Swap 2 controllers. 8BitDo has introduced a Switch-compatible Ultimate 2 controller with TMR analog sticks that prices $69.99. There’s nothing else notable on the fast horizon, nonetheless, and that in all probability received’t change till the Swap 2 arrives in June.

Replace, Could thirtieth: Up to date to replicate present pricing / availability. Additionally, we added that the Swap Professional is appropriate with the Swap 2. It’s the one controller on this listing that has been confirmed to work wirelessly with the brand new console.