Best Nintendo Switch Controllers in 2025: Pro, Third-Party & Budget

Joy-Cons are fine for casual play, but a proper controller transforms your Switch gaming experience. Whether you want Nintendo's official Pro Controller or a high-quality third-party option, we've tested them all to find the best controllers for every budget and play style.

Quick Recommendations

Controller	Best For	Price	Our Rating
Nintendo Pro Controller	Overall quality	$60-70	Best Official
8BitDo Pro 2	Value + features	$45-50	Best Overall
8BitDo Ultimate	Premium wireless	$70	Best Premium
PowerA Enhanced	Budget gaming	$25-30	Best Budget
HORI Split Pad Pro	Handheld mode	$45-50	Best Handheld

1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - Best Official Option

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Nintendo's own Pro Controller is the gold standard. It's what every other controller is measured against, and for good reason.

Specs:

40-hour battery life
USB-C charging
HD Rumble + motion controls
NFC for amiibo
Weight: 246g

What's great:

Perfect compatibility with all games
Exceptional build quality
Longest battery life of any controller
Motion controls work flawlessly
Premium feel in hands

Minor drawbacks:

Expensive at full price
D-pad can be mushy for fighting games
No back paddles

Verdict: If you want guaranteed compatibility and don't mind paying premium, the Pro Controller is the safe choice. The 40-hour battery life is genuinely impressive.

2. 8BitDo Pro 2 - Best Value Overall

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The 8BitDo Pro 2 offers nearly everything the Pro Controller does at a lower price, plus features Nintendo doesn't include—like back paddles and customization software.

Specs:

20-hour battery life
USB-C charging
Motion controls + rumble
2 back paddle buttons
Software customization
Works with Switch, PC, Android, iOS

What's great:

Back paddles for competitive advantage
Customizable via 8BitDo Ultimate Software
Excellent D-pad for retro/fighting games
Multi-platform support
$15-20 cheaper than Pro Controller

Minor drawbacks:

No NFC/amiibo support
Slightly shorter battery life
Must update firmware for Switch compatibility

Verdict: Our top recommendation for most players. The back paddles and customization options make this a better value than Nintendo's offering for many gamers.

Hall Effect Version

8BitDo Pro 2 Hall Effect - The newer version uses Hall Effect joysticks that resist drift. Worth the extra $5-10 for longevity.

3. 8BitDo Ultimate Controller - Best Premium Third-Party

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8BitDo's flagship controller rivals the Pro Controller in every way and includes a charging dock. If you want the best third-party option, this is it.

What's great:

Charging dock included
Hall Effect joysticks (no drift)
Premium build quality
Back paddles
2.4GHz wireless (lower latency than Bluetooth)

Minor drawbacks:

Requires USB dongle for Switch
Most expensive third-party option

Verdict: The premium choice for competitive players who want back paddles and drift-resistant sticks.

4. PowerA Enhanced Wireless - Best Budget

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Not everyone needs a $50+ controller. The PowerA Enhanced delivers solid performance at half the price.

What's great:

Under $30
Motion controls included
Officially licensed by Nintendo
Multiple color/design options
Comfortable ergonomics

Minor drawbacks:

Uses AA batteries (no rechargeable)
No NFC
Lighter/cheaper feel

Verdict: Perfect for a second controller or budget-conscious gamers. The motion controls work well for games that need them.

5. HORI Split Pad Pro - Best for Handheld Mode

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If you primarily play handheld, the Split Pad Pro replaces your Joy-Cons with full-size controller grips. Game-changing for handheld comfort.

What's great:

Full-size buttons and sticks
Dramatically improves handheld ergonomics
Programmable back buttons
Turbo function

Minor drawbacks:

No wireless - attached to Switch only
No motion controls or rumble
No NFC
Can't use for tabletop/docked

Verdict: A must-have for heavy handheld players. The ergonomic improvement is substantial.

Joy-Con Alternatives Worth Mentioning

HORI Split Pad Compact: Smaller than Split Pad Pro, better for travel
Binbok Joy-Cons: Full-featured Joy-Con replacement with better ergonomics
GuliKit King Kong 2: Premium Joy-Con alternative with Hall Effect sticks

Controller Comparison Chart

Feature	Pro Controller	8BitDo Pro 2	PowerA	Split Pad
Battery	40 hrs	20 hrs	30 hrs (AA)	N/A
Motion	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
NFC	Yes	No	No	No
Back Paddles	No	Yes	No	Yes
Wireless	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Price	$60-70	$45-50	$25-30	$45-50

Which Controller Should You Buy?

Get the Pro Controller if:

You want guaranteed compatibility
You use amiibo frequently
Battery life is your priority

Get the 8BitDo Pro 2 if:

You want back paddles
You play on multiple platforms
You want the best value

Get a PowerA if:

You're on a tight budget
You need a second controller
You're okay with AA batteries

Get the Split Pad Pro if:

You primarily play handheld
Joy-Cons cause hand cramps
You want bigger buttons/sticks

FAQ

Do third-party controllers work with all Switch games?

Most do, but some lack motion controls or NFC. 8BitDo Pro 2 has motion controls. Check individual controller specs for your must-have features.

Will third-party controllers cause Switch damage?

Reputable brands like 8BitDo, PowerA, and HORI are safe. Avoid no-name controllers from unknown sellers.

Is the Pro Controller worth $70?

It's excellent quality, but the 8BitDo Pro 2 offers better value for most players. Pro Controller is worth it if you need amiibo support or maximum battery life.

Do these controllers work with Switch Lite?

Wireless controllers work with Switch Lite via Bluetooth. The Split Pad Pro does NOT work with Lite as it requires attaching to the console rails.

How do I fix Joy-Con drift?

Joy-Con drift is a hardware issue. Nintendo repairs them free in some regions. Alternatively, consider drift-resistant controllers like the 8BitDo Pro 2 Hall Effect version.