{"id":180863,"date":"2025-10-05T22:27:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T22:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/180863\/"},"modified":"2025-10-05T22:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T22:27:14","slug":"ive-tested-the-latest-switch-2-controllers-and-this-one-is-the-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/180863\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editor\u2019s note: Amazon\u2019s fall Prime Day event<\/a> kicks off on October 7th; however, if you want to shop ahead of the two-day sale, we\u2019ve rounded up the best early Prime Day deals<\/a> you can already get.<\/p>\n

If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot \u2014 and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo\u2019s own $89.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller<\/a>, for instance, will net you the console\u2019s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack, not to mention great rumble and a slick design. It\u2019s not perfect, but it\u2019s the total package<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party offerings that are significantly cheaper, yet don\u2019t make too many compromises in terms of features. I\u2019ve spent time testing a handful of them, and there\u2019s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features.<\/p>\n

Every controller I\u2019ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and original Switch (some can even remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as platforms like PC and mobile. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you\u2019ll get with Nintendo\u2019s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller\u2019s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks.<\/p>\n

What I\u2019m looking forHow we test Switch 2 controllers<\/p>\n

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I put my pricey Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller away and cycle in each of these candidates for multi-session tests with a mix of games for the Switch 2. I spend time assessing their ergonomics, button location, and the quality of each button press and trigger pull. I also strive to test each controller\u2019s unique functions. <\/p>\n

Affordability, but with few compromises<\/p>\n

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Most people would rather spend $89.99 on a game or two, not a single controller. We sought cheaper alternatives to Nintendo\u2019s fantastic Switch 2 Pro Controller, but we hate compromising on features and quality as much as anyone. We aim to include wireless gamepads that can remotely wake the Switch 2, as well as offerings that feature good-feeling rumble and controllers that sport a few extras, such as amiibo support.<\/p>\n

Long-lasting comfort<\/p>\n

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Our top picks are just as comfortable to use as Nintendo\u2019s flagship gamepad \u2014 perhaps more comfortable, depending on your taste. We\u2019ve included picks with Xbox- and PlayStation-style stick layouts, as well as one that feels similar to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.<\/p>\n

Better internal hardware<\/p>\n

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Nintendo opted for potentiometer-based joysticks with its pricey Switch 2 controller, which may result in \u201cstick drift\u201d later on, if its last-gen controller tech is anything to go by. Every pick in this guide builds upon that technology with either Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, which are drift-resistant by design.<\/p>\n

The best Switch 2 controller for most people<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

$50<\/p>\n

The GoodTMR joysticksamiibo supportGreat rumbleThe BadClicky buttons are divisiveThe grips might be too grating for some<\/p>\n

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile \/ Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired \/ Connector type: USB-C \/ Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two \/ Software customization: No \/ Rumble: Yes, HD \/ NFC: Yes \/ Motion: Yes \/ Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery \/ Console wake-up: Yes<\/p>\n

The EasySMX S10 is nearly as capable and comfortable as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, yet it\u2019s $30 cheaper at $59.99. It\u2019s full of surprises, too, including the best adaptation of Nintendo\u2019s HD rumble that I\u2019ve felt in a third-party controller. It\u2019s also one of the few options that can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth. Lastly, it includes amiibo support \u2014 another rare feature to find in a third-party gamepad.<\/p>\n

However, the S10 isn\u2019t a Switch 2 Pro copycat; it\u2019s a lot grippier, both around the grips themselves and on its stick caps. Button presses and trigger pulls feel different from most other controllers, too, yielding a softer press and shorter travel, which is likely to be the most divisive aspect of the S10. One of my favorite aspects of the S10\u2019s design is its swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, making diagonal attacks in Hollow Knight: Silksong considerably easier to execute than with a four-way D-pad.<\/p>\n

If I could change one thing about the S10, it\u2019d be the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and home). They\u2019re crammed awkwardly just below the D-pad and right stick.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

$30<\/p>\n

The GoodIncredible value in terms of specs and comfortThe BadLousy rumbleLacks a C button<\/p>\n

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile \/ Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired \/ Connector type: USB-C \/ Mappable rear buttons: No \/ Software customization: No \/ Rumble: Yes \/ NFC: No \/ Motion: Yes \/ Power: Built-in rechargeable 950mAh battery \/ Console wake-up: Yes<\/p>\n

Gulikit\u2019s ES Pro is a love letter to the Xbox controller, but for Switch 2. It\u2019s just $29.99, which is a steal considering this gamepad features an eight-way D-pad that\u2019s great for fighting games, Metroidvanias, and retro titles where it\u2019s an advantage to easily be able to aim diagonally (a setting can make it so that it only registers inputs for the cardinal directions, if you prefer).<\/p>\n

The ES Pro doesn\u2019t need to do much to justify its price, but it does so anyway. It features tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks that are resistant to drifting and offer improved power efficiency compared to Hall effect tech, just like the EasySMX S10. Similarly, it can be set up to remotely wake your Switch 2 or OG Switch console from across the room using its own set of strange, one-time-only instructions that you can view in its instruction manual.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve got almost no qualms with this controller, except for its bad rumble. It just has no subtlety, rumbling in an all-or-nothing manner. I was happier using the ES Pro with the vibrations off, which isn\u2019t any fun. Additionally, it\u2019s far less complete than the S10, as it lacks built-in amiibo support and a C button for GameChat; however, depending on your needs, those omissions might not matter to you.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

$63<\/p>\n

The GoodIncludes dock and 2.4GHz dongleHighly customizableComfortable for small handsThe BadBad rumbleCan\u2019t wake Switch 2<\/p>\n

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile \/ Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired \/ Connector type: USB-C \/ Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two \/ Software customization: Yes \/ Rumble: Yes \/ NFC: No \/ Motion: Yes \/ Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery \/ Console wake-up: Yes (but only original Switch)<\/p>\n

8BitDo\u2019s Pro 3 is a great yet pricey Switch 2 Pro alternative with a PlayStation-style stick layout. At $69.99, it\u2019s not as affordable (nor as value-packed) as the top contenders. However, the Pro 3 offers a lot of customization, some being cosmetic, while other aspects can impact gameplay.<\/p>\n

It has a lot going for it, with TMR joysticks, two back paddles, and a total of three shoulder buttons per side thanks to new custom M buttons. Its analog stick caps can be popped off in favor of glossy arcade stick-style nubs, which were my preferred choice in fighting games (plus, they just look cool). Its ABXY buttons can be suctioned off with an included tool to swap the layout as needed, and for visual flair, each controller includes colored buttons to evoke a retro Nintendo console. Also, it has trigger locks, letting you set triggers to have a short, clicky pull or the default travel distance.<\/p>\n

However, I\u2019d skip the Pro 3 if you want good rumble feedback. It\u2019s pretty lousy on that front, to the point that I preferred to turn off rumble entirely in games. Also \u2014 and this is a small nitpick \u2014 but the Pro 3 can\u2019t remotely wake up the Switch 2, so you\u2019ll need to walk over to press the console\u2019s power button before jumping on the couch.<\/p>\n

Read my full 8BitDo Pro 3 review<\/a>.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

$42<\/p>\n

The GoodComfortable, sleek designButtons are easy to swapThe BadButtons don\u2019t feel good to pressCan\u2019t wake Switch 2<\/p>\n

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile \/ Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired \/ Connector type: USB-C \/ Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two\/ Software customization: Yes \/ Rumble: Yes \/ NFC: No \/ Motion: Yes \/ Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery \/ Console wake-up: No<\/p>\n

GameSir\u2019s Super Nova is a passable Switch Pro copy that I had a tough time warming up to, even if there\u2019s a lot about it that sounds great on paper. It\u2019s comfortable, with rubbery grips and decent rumble, and it uses Hall effect joysticks. However, it has, by a wide margin, my least favorite D-pad and buttons to press out of all the controllers on our list. The underlying tech is responsive, but it feels cheap to hammer on.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a shame, as it\u2019s a slick-looking controller with a magnetic faceplate that pops off, allowing you to easily swap the buttons around without the need for an extra tool. The rear triggers also have trigger stops, which can reduce the travel of each pull, and the two back paddles are easy to press. It even includes a charging dock \u2014 as well as a dazzling set of RGB LEDs, which you can turn off \u2014 along with a USB-A 2.4GHz transmitter that lets you easily connect the gamepad with your PC.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

$30<\/p>\n

The GoodCute, compact designCan wake Switch 2Hall effect sticksThe BadSticks and triggers have limited range Lacks features from the ES Pro<\/p>\n

Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile \/ Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired \/ Connector type: USB-C \/ Mappable rear buttons: No\/ Software customization: No \/ Rumble: Yes \/ NFC: No \/ Motion: Yes \/ Power: Built-in rechargeable 800mAh battery \/ Console wake-up: Yes<\/p>\n

Gulikit Elves 2 is a compact, Sega Saturn-inspired controller I wanted to love a little more than I do. The affordable gamepad shares some of the same benefits as the identically priced ES Pro \u2014 including Switch 2 wake-up and multiplatform support \u2014 but it\u2019s smaller, which could make it a great pick for kids or small-handed folks who have a difficult time wrapping their digits around larger gamepads.<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t much wasted space in this controller, either, as it comes with a rechargeable battery, rumble motors, a gyroscope, and an eight-way D-pad that feels nice to use. Even for my medium-sized hands, its grips turn the small gamepad into something that\u2019s satisfying to hold. I don\u2019t like it as much for a handful of minor reasons relating to long-term comfort, button and trigger feel preferences, and some missing functionality. Compared to the ES Pro, it lacks TMR sticks (it has Hall effect), the Pro\u2019s better triggers, and swappable buttons.<\/p>\n

A company called GG-Gear (Good Game Gear) is sending us its GG wireless Switch 2 controller, and it seems like it might give the EasySMX S10 a run for its money. It\u2019ll cost $44.99 and will feature TMR joysticks, a 1,000Hz polling rate, amiibo support, gyroscope support, a C button for GameChat, and what the company calls \u201cHD\u201d vibration, among other competitive features. It also comes in an array of fun colors, to boot.<\/p>\n

The hunt continues for gamepad contenders that pack in a bunch of features without breaking the bank. They\u2019re rarer than you might think they are! For instance, PowerA recently launched a $69.99 Switch 2 controller<\/a> called the Advantage Wireless Controller. It features Hall effect joysticks, but seemingly lacks rumble and the ability to wake the Switch 2. Hori also recently launched the Turbo Switch 2<\/a> in some nice colors, each with TMR joysticks. Its highlight feature is a button that can disable the screenshot, home, and plus \/ minus buttons.<\/p>\n

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See All Tech<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Editor\u2019s note: Amazon\u2019s fall Prime Day event kicks off on October 7th; however, if you want to shop…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":180864,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[2593,96,205,59,136,227,86,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-180863","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-technology","8":"tag-buying-guides","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-gaming","11":"tag-gb","12":"tag-nintendo","13":"tag-tech","14":"tag-technology","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom","17":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=180863"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180863\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/180864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=180863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=180863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=180863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}