The most effective Nintendo Change controllers for 2024

The most effective Nintendo Change controllers aren’t those that include it. Whereas the detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Change consoles are handy given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, their tiny contourless design isn’t that comfy for lengthy gaming periods or giant fingers. And whereas Nintendo has taken steps to handle the dreaded Pleasure-Con drift and earlier high quality management issues, some points persist.

On this shopping for information, we deal with wi-fi controllers which can be each comfy and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play model. We’re not protecting wired controllers that plug into the Change’s dock, as they’re nearly all the identical and don’t provide substantial financial savings in lots of instances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that can do in a pinch, however they’re very fundamental. Until you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, in case you purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are particular issues that it doubtless received’t have the ability to do until in any other case famous:

• It received’t have HD rumble. That is what Nintendo calls its superior haptic suggestions, which is extra exact than that of many third-party controllers and extra akin to Sony’s haptics engine in its subtlety. That stated, some extra restricted rumble could also be current. 
• Many third-party Change controllers don’t have movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games that help it, although extra choices are beginning to implement the latter function with various levels of high quality.
• Most non-Nintendo choices lack an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards or collectible figurines, which unlock particular options in some video games. 
• Most third-party choices received’t have the ability to activate the Change remotely. (You’ll must manually press the console’s energy button.) 
• Whereas some Change controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur via a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Change is a adequate (and really simple) workaround.

In case you’re enjoying your Change whereas docked, it’s exhausting to go fallacious with the official Nintendo Change Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the packing containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s one of the vital satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional, in the meantime, makes for an amazing Xbox-style controller with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is nice for many who choose to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Final Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Professional 2 controller, each of that are nicely price a glance.

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

Greater than seven years down the highway, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller continues to be one of the best gamepad for the Change. It launched alongside the console in 2017 as a extra conventional different to Nintendo’s quirky Pleasure-Cons, and in some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft by way of consolation and construct high quality.

Except for the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi choice that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally the one controller we’ve examined (once more, except for the Pleasure-Cons) that may energy on the Change 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 avid gamers 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 avid gamers. The controller fees through USB-C, identical to the Change, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you would possibly sport on, together with PC, Android, and SteamOS. It additionally works with Apple units because of its compatibility with the most recent variations of iOS, macOS, and even tvOS and visionOS.

Given the worth, 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 Change to a controller isn’t at the moment attainable. (At the very least you may join a pair of wi-fi headphones through Bluetooth, however solely in case you have not more than two controllers linked to your Change directly.)

Supported Platforms: Change / Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: through Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No

I’m certain there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however youngsters and small-handed people apart, most individuals in all probability wouldn’t say they’re essentially the most comfy choice. That’s the place the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is available in.

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

The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — to not point out help for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s fully ineffective when indifferent from the Change. It’s just for handheld mode until you buy the Cut up Pad Professional Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route because the attachment alone prices greater than a Change Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t attempt to add any of the aforementioned parts (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nevertheless).

The corporate additionally sells the Cut up Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Cut up Pad Professional that usually prices round $50. It is likely to be price a glance if you would like one thing as practical because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in dimension to a Pleasure-Con — particularly because it’s at the moment on sale at Goal for $32.49 (about $18 off).

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

The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional rivals the Change Professional Controller in construct high quality, however it feels extra like a contemporary Xbox controller, and its textured rear grips would possibly give it the sting for some. Not like most third-party controllers, it retains Amiibo help, although some customers have reported points with inauthentic Amiibo merchandise. The KingKong 2 Professional can join through Bluetooth to the Change and to PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and different platforms. And since it makes use of GuliKit’s Corridor impact sensors for its analog sticks, it’s resistant to drift.

We suggest testing this video at iFixit to see an intensive rationalization of the way it works, however in essence, Corridor impact sensors use magnets to change electrical present as a substitute of bodily rubbing on (and finally sporting down) a sensor to supply an enter. Whereas we haven’t heard widespread stories of power analog stick drift points on the Change Professional Controller so far, controllers with Corridor impact sensors won’t ever encounter it, and the peace of thoughts is well worth the added price. (The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller under additionally makes use of GuliKit’s sensors.)

Management-wise, nearly the whole lot in regards to the KingKong 2 Professional feels good. The face buttons, bumpers, and D-pad all strike a steadiness between journey, tactile suggestions, and really feel. The analog sticks are extremely fluid but simply snap again into their default positions. Clicking the sticks doesn’t require a lot power, both, even after they’re off-axis. And whereas we are able to’t absolutely credit score GuliKit for the superb ergonomics afforded by the Xbox-inspired form, we are able to award factors for the sturdy supplies used and nailing a well-balanced weight.

The controller supplies exhaustive customizability choices, too. You’ll be able to swap button layouts, program macros, and cycle via preset ranges of rumble depth and set off sensitivity (which can not apply when utilizing it with the Change, because it doesn’t help analog triggers). Nonetheless, managing these settings is lower than splendid, as you may solely change them by inputting button combos. Positive, the combos are easy, however memorizing all of them is difficult. Fortunately, GuliKit clearly spells the whole lot out within the complete guide you’ll obtain with the gamepad.

It’s price noting that GuliKit now sells a KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max. The three Professional builds upon the premium controller by including 4 slots for removable rearward buttons or paddles (two come within the field) and a 1,000Hz polling price for improved responsiveness. The three Max is analogous however consists of three pairs of again buttons (together with brief and lengthy kinds) and a 10-minute macro recording restrict (versus 10 seconds on the three Professional). There’s additionally a devoted set off mode swap, RGB lights across the analog sticks that sign which sensitivity mode you’re in, and NFC for Amiibo help.

We haven’t examined both of the brand new GuliKit fashions (but), however we intend to tug them in for consideration quickly, so keep tuned.

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: 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 Final Bluetooth Controller appears like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger fingers could not choose. Each share Change and Home windows PC help, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does function customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Change by giving the controller a bit shake. It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is helpful for charging the 22-hour battery, 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 suggest the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices as a result of it consists of 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 snug concave prime, however they’re only a tad brief on the edges. All the buttons provide nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.

As for tweaks, you may customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cell or PC. The controller has a devoted button that permits you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you may both reconfigure or remap. In relation to Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and the best way to entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our record.

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: 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 Professional 2 is one other nice choice with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your fingers are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller. The Professional 2 has a snug grip, a crisper D-pad than the Change Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside. It has rumble help (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 avid gamers may even respect that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — identical to on Sony’s controllers — quite than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cell machine or a Home windows laptop, you may customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You’ll be able to even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle via them with a button positioned between the analog sticks. On its rear, there’s a swap that lets it toggle between Nintendo Change, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller presents a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you would like one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).

There are various different units that mean you can use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s is likely to be one of the best worth. As a substitute of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 allows you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Change controller. It plugs into your Change dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the most recent Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Word: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a consequence of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure to get the most recent 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 Change controllers provide. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Collection X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Change Professional Controller, you may customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s laptop and cell app. 

8BitDo has an in depth help web page that lists the steps required to arrange your particular controller, in addition to which options of these controllers it helps. That stated, it’s greatest if you realize the Change’s button structure by coronary heart in case you 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 via just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure middle. In case you plan to make use of multiple third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however in case you have a number of controllers sitting round, it is likely to be price it.

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Change between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a typical 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 permit it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides stated 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 want the passthrough resolution was extra elegant and that CRKD might remedy the ergonomics (notably on the best aspect, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We not too long ago examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($49.99) for consideration. It presents most of the similar capabilities because the GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional — 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 can’t declare. That stated, it falls simply brief as a consequence of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a function that makes the impression softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Change, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which might not be splendid for many who have bother memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cell machine or a Home windows PC.

GameCube Model Wi-fi Controller

We additionally not too long ago tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Model Wi-fi Controller ($59.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi ($59.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t dwell as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some price almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a fairly devoted recreation of the unique in case you fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, however it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a straightforward approach to get the old-school feeling again in case you don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

Replace, September twenty fifth: Up to date to mirror present pricing and availability.