Using your Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED in docked mode with a high-performance controller can transform your gaming sessions. These controllers offer superior comfort for long playtimes, larger and more responsive controls, extra buttons, customization options, and unique features to enhance your Switch gaming experience. After extensive testing and reviews, we've curated a list of the top Nintendo Switch accessories available today.
Our Top Choice
A controller is a must-have best Switch accessory to elevate your console experience. However, not every controller suits every player or game type. We've researched and tested ten exceptional controllers to meet diverse gaming needs, from the versatile GuliKit KingKong 3 Max to Joy-Con alternatives and specialized options for fighting or racing games. Many of these are also compatible with PC controller setups or handheld gaming PCs.
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Our Top ChoiceOutperforming Nintendo’s own Pro Controller, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Max elevates gameplay with its advanced features. Designed similarly to Nintendo’s gamepad, it includes Hall Effect joysticks and triggers for enhanced precision and adjustable sensitivity, ideal for precision-driven games like Doom. It offers four detachable, remappable rear paddles, alongside slightly soft, swappable face buttons and a large, adjustable D-Pad, all at a modest $10 premium over Nintendo’s controller.
The KingKong 3 Max is packed with features that integrate seamlessly with the Switch. It offers three vibration modes, including HD rumble, immersing you in games like Super Mario Odyssey. A 6-axis gyroscope enables motion controls for deeper engagement, plus support for Amiibo and Switch wake-up functionality.
Its ergonomic design mirrors the Nintendo Pro Controller and top Xbox controllers, ensuring comfort during long sessions. A textured surface prevents slips during intense gameplay, and RGB lighting around the joysticks doubles as a sensitivity indicator. Sensitivity adjustments can be made directly on the controller, reducing reliance on external software.
The KingKong 3 Max connects effortlessly to the Switch via Bluetooth or wired USB-C for minimal latency. It also supports PC gaming with a USB dongle for a stable wireless connection. Battery life lasts up to 28 hours without RGB lighting, or 15 hours with it enabled.
After extensive testing, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller secures the second spot on our list. Its design echoes the best Xbox controllers, offering a durable build that withstands the Switch’s lifespan and ergonomic comfort for long sessions. However, it may feel bulky for children under 6, who might prefer Joy-Cons.
Compared to Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller’s large, responsive face buttons and true D-Pad make a significant difference, especially for retro 2D platformers. Its offset joysticks provide excellent tactile feedback, though the Z triggers’ shallow travel can be hard to distinguish from shoulder buttons.
As a wireless controller, it delivers up to 40 hours of battery life, recharged via USB-C for convenience. It can also be used wired. An NFC reader supports Amiibo, and HD rumble enhances docked gameplay, though it’s less intense than Joy-Cons. Priced under $70, it’s a feature-rich option.
Despite their redundancy, Nintendo’s $80 Joy-Cons are integral to the Switch’s versatility, even with the persistent drift issue that may develop over time.
They function in both docked and handheld modes, allowing wireless play on a table or TV or attached to the console. You can share them with friends by using each Joy-Con sideways as a mini-controller, though straps are recommended for better grip.
Having tracked Joy-Cons throughout the Switch’s lifecycle, we find them impressive for bundled controllers, with no true alternatives offering the same functionality.
While standard Joy-Cons suit most players, the $50 Hori Split Pad Pro, licensed by Nintendo, offers superior ergonomics for handheld gaming. It’s among our favorite Nintendo Switch accessories after hands-on testing.
With larger buttons, accessible shoulder triggers for middle or ring fingers, and a turbo mode for fewer presses, it enhances comfort. However, it only functions when attached to the Switch, lacking wireless support, so sharing individual controllers isn’t possible. It’s the closest alternative to Joy-Cons for handheld play.
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Our review of the PowerA Fusion Pro revealed a highly customizable controller tailored for comfort and performance. It lacks rumble and has a 20-hour battery life, half that of Nintendo’s Pro Controller, but compensates with swappable magnetic faceplates, multiple joystick options, customizable rear paddles, and motion controls.
These features allow precise tailoring to your gaming style, making the trade-offs worthwhile for players prioritizing customization.
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For fighting games on the Switch, like Smash Bros., the $90 8BitDo Arcade Stick we reviewed is a top choice. Its retro design is customizable with Sanwa parts and automatically adjusts button assignments for Switch or PC, whether wired or wireless.
It stores two button profiles for different platforms or games, with digital icons indicating the active profile. Turbo support and a battery life of up to 40 hours (wireless dongle) or 30 hours (Bluetooth) make it versatile.
Explore more of our top best fight sticks for gaming.
The Nintendo GameCube Controller, a staple since 2001, remains the go-to for Super Smash Bros. players. Its distinctive layout—featuring gray, bean-shaped X and Y buttons, a large green A button, a small red B button, and a yellow C-stick—streamlines jumps, air attacks, and smash moves.
While the Switch Pro Controller works for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, competitive players prefer the $75 GameCube Controller with a $15-$20 adapter for Switch.
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The $50 8BitDo Pro 2 we reviewed combines retro charm with modern performance, perfect for Nintendo Switch Online’s classic game libraries. Its buttons, D-Pad, and shoulder triggers mimic the SNES controller’s tactile feedback, while extended grips and dual Hall Effect joysticks resemble the PlayStation DualShock, enhanced with rear trigger paddles.
It performs well for modern Switch games and supports three customizable button profiles, making it versatile for retro and contemporary titles.
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Our review of the 8BitDo Ultimate found it rivals the Switch Pro with a larger D-Pad, Hall Effect sensors, and highly responsive buttons, ideal for fighting games like Smash Bros..
Using the 8BitDo Ultimate app, you can customize button mappings, adjust stick behavior, and tweak vibration levels. Two rear paddles add extra commands, and a profile switch button stores three configurations for quick changes.
This wireless controller offers 22 hours of battery life and includes a charging dock with a 2.4GHz dongle for reliable connectivity. Bluetooth support ensures versatility across Switch and other platforms, likely including the Switch 2.
Few best racing wheels support the Switch, but the $100 Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe fills the gap for Mario Kart fans. While not a premium option with force feedback or direct drive, its sturdy wheel, paddle shifters, customizable controls, and adjustable sensitivity enhance handling.
The included two-pedal set for gas and brake adds immersion over standard controllers. Compatible with Switch and some PC racing games, it’s likely to support the upcoming Mario Kart title for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Selecting a Nintendo Switch controller boils down to comfort and game type. For general gameplay, Nintendo’s own controllers are reliable. For specific genres, consider these tailored options:
Fighting Games: Opt for a fight stick for arcade-style titles like Street Fighter, BlazBlue, or Mortal Kombat. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is ideal for Switch, though competitive players should review our best fight sticks guide.
Racing Games: Compatible racing wheels are rare, but the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe offers a solid, budget-friendly experience. Basic plastic Joy-Con holders are less robust alternatives.
Retro Games: Classic game fans seek controllers mimicking original designs. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a great choice for Switch retro gaming, as authentic re-releases are hard to find.
With the Switch 2 announced, its upgraded, larger, magnetic Joy-Cons, usable like a mouse, won’t be compatible with standard Switch Joy-Cons. However, Bluetooth controllers like the Switch Pro or KingKong 3 Max should work, and an extra USB-C port may allow direct accessory connections.
Nintendo’s controllers, like the Switch Pro and Joy-Cons, are PC-compatible. The Switch Pro connects easily via USB-C, with Bluetooth pairing requiring minimal setup. Steam recognizes it as an Xbox controller, handling button mapping. For non-Steam games, use the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter or software to emulate an Xbox gamepad. Joy-Cons connect via Bluetooth, with programs like JoytoKey or BetterJoy enabling PC compatibility.
Joy-Cons are notorious for drift, where inputs register without action, likely beyond wear or dust. This affects many Switch users, but DIY fixes or Nintendo’s repair service can help. Other Nintendo controllers experience drift less frequently.
New Switch OLED or original Switch models include Joy-Cons for handheld, tabletop, or TV mode. The Switch Lite has built-in controls for handheld-only games, requiring separate wireless controllers for other modes.
While no controllers fully replicate Joy-Cons’ motion sensors, options like the Hori Split Pad Pro enhance handheld comfort but don’t replace Joy-Cons for motion-based games.
Switch controllers, including the Pro Controller and Joy-Cons, see discounts during Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday/Cyber Monday, though the Switch console itself rarely goes on sale.
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