Sitting comfortably in the top five best-selling consoles of all time, not only is it entirely likely many of youNintendo Switchowners have either suffered from the dreaded Joy-Con drift or simply need a new controller, but it’s also likely many Switch owners don’t know the options they have available. Yes, you can cough up for some new Joy-Con straight from the source, but before you do, it’s worth checking out what other options you have.
Not only are there plenty of Joy-Con options out there, but there are regular controllers, retro controllers, and whether you do most of your gaming while the Switch is docked or in your hands to consider. Once you realize all of that, the choice out there can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve hand-picked a few of our favorite Switch controllers, each with different benefits depending on the type of gamer you are, and you can check out all of our choices below.
Nintendo 64 Switch Controller
Best Nintendo Switch Controllers
Owning a console doesn’t mean strictly sticking to controllers made by whoever created that console. Some third-party controllers are so good that they come with the Nintendo stamp of approval, andthis Lumectra offering from PowerAis one of them. Not only does the controller have motion sensors built-in for optimum use in almost any Switch game, but its headline act is the controller’s RGB lighting. Its four zones are completely customizable, not only making the controller unique to you but also allowing you to change its color scheme whenever you tire of how it looks. There aren’t many other controllers on the market that can boast that, regardless of platform.
NEO S Controller
The Neo S was created by CRKD as the sister controller to its Nitro Deck. Even though the Deck is only compatible with Nintendo Switch, the Neo S can be used with PC and mobile and is available in a variety of designs, some of which were a part of a POPeART collaboration.
CRKD revolutionized the way a lot of us use our Switcheswhen it released the Nitro Deck, and it followed up on that hitwith its Neo S. Something very different from the Nitro Deck, the Neo S is clearly a controller whose design is inspired by controllers of old, particularly theNES. Available in multiple designs, including some that were curated by POPeART, not only is the Neo S compatible with your Switch, but it can also be used to play games on PC and mobile. Easy to pop in your bag and take on the go, especially since it comes with a protective drawstring case, the only downside is it can get a little uncomfortable when using it for extended periods. Maybe switch between it and the Nitro Deck if you plan on gaming for longer periods.
PowerA Wired Charizard Nintendo Switch Controller
PowerA’s officially licensed Pokemon controller features Charizard taking flight and surrounded by fire across its faceplate. Compatible with Nintendo Switch, the enhanced wired controller features buttons that are a slightly deeper shade of orange, as well as additional back buttons that can be mapped to specific commands.
It might seem like a minor detail, but there’s nothing quite like playing your favorite series with a controller that perfectly pairs with it. That’s why it can be so disappointing when an officially licensed controller is revealed and it’s not one you want to add to your collection. If you’re not aPokemonfan who is filled with joy when looking at this Charizard offering from PowerA, I don’t know what to tell you. This one is my go-to controller for playing most Switch games - at least ones that don’t require the Joy-Con’s motion controls - whether they be Pokemon games or not.
Pastel Pink Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
Nintendo’s pastel pink Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch were revealed as part of its marketing for Princess Peach Showtime. Priced at $79.99 for the pair and releasing on July 23, 2025, the same day as the game with which they are affiliated.
The Switch’s Joy-Con have come a long way since we were forced to pick between grey, red, and neon. There’s now an entire rainbow of colors to choose from. More than that as a rainbow is only made up of seven colors, and pink isn’t one of them. Nintendo’s pastel pink Joy-Con were created to celebrate the launch ofPrincess Peach Showtime. Peach is synonymous with the color pink, even though she wears an array of different outfits in her latest adventure. The Joy-Con are also great for playingKirbygames. Or, you know, games without a pink lead character too, I guess.
Wireless Pro Nintendo Switch Controller
Ferish’s offering ticks pretty much all the boxes someone on the lookout for a new Switch controller might have. Feels comfortable, little risk of drift, and reasonably priced. A great and affordable way to play your Switch.
Joy-con are fiddly, wires get in the way, controllers are expensive. That’s why this particular Switch Pro controller may well be the best pick for everyone on the lookout for a new one. Ferish’s third-party controller feels comfortable in your hands, there’s far less chance of it suffering drift than a regular Joy-Con, and no wires getting in the way if that’s an issue for you. It also charges quickly when it does need to be connected and should last up to eight hours while gaming before it needs to be charged again. I can’t recommend you play all those hours in back-to-back, though. At the very least take a few water and shower breaks.]
Pikmin Clover Patch PDP Realmz Controller
There’s A Pikmin In There!
PDP’s Realmz controllers are made of clear plastic so the video game character captured inside them is easily visible. The Pikmin Clover Patch controller has a red Pikmin figurine trapped inside the left grip, exclusive to Nintendo Switch.
Controllers don’t always need to be about functionality alone. They need to look good too, and very few Switch controllers look better than the ones included inPDP’s Realmz collection. The controllers are unique because they have figurines of characters from famous series captured in the left grip. The one above isthe Pikmin model, but there arethree Sonic versions available too, and also aTransformerscontroller with an Optimus Prime head in the handle.
Wired Nintendo Switch Controller
Wireless controllers might be the desired option for most, but wired controllers still have a place. PowerA’s Switch offering might be the bog standard pick, but it does everything a wired controller should.
Yes, everything is wireless nowadays and untangling wires and making sure they’re put away neatly is a cumbersome task. However, is there anything more annoying than a controller cutting out mid-game, especially when playing online? Sometimes you just want to go old school and game with a controller plugged right into the console, just like the video game gods intended. Not only does PowerA’s third-party controller let you do that, but as is usually the case when it comes to wired vs. wireless, it does so at a very affordable price. Available in a lot of different places in various colors, the PowerA controller is a great pick if you’re willing to sacrifice wireless capability and motion controls.
Nitro Deck Purple Limited Edition With Carry Case
Give Your Switch A GameCube Makeover
The Nitro Deck is a Nintendo Switch accessory that can be used in handheld when connected to your console, but also as a pro controller when your Switch is docked. This purple edition is based on the color scheme of the GameCube and includes a carry case.
If you’re semi-familiar withthe Nitro Deck, you might be wondering what it’s doing on a list of the best Switch controllers. Well, just in case you didn’t know, when the Nitro Deck isn’t gently cradling your Switch, it actually doubles as a controller. It’s easy to switch your Deck into controller mode, and all of the features it has when using it in handheld mode are still active when your game is back up on the big screen. This can quite easily become your go-to way to play Switch games whether docked or handheld.
The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
A Tears of the Kingdom version of the Nintendo Switch pro controller. Arguably the best way to play the console’s best game.
I don’t care whether you’re reading this the day after I published it or ten years from now, you’re probably still playingTears of the Kingdom. That’s because it’s one of the greatest games ever made and it’s going to be a while before a newLegend of Zeldagame rocks up to replace it. There’s no better way to play theBreath of the Wildsequel than with an official Tears of the Kingdom controller. Just imagine the smile that will spread across your face every time you’re killed by bokoblins or can’t figure how how to conquer a shrine when you look down at the above piece of art. It will make even the toughest parts of the game, and any other tricky Switch titles for that matter, much easier to swallow.
Nintendo Switch One Piece Joypad Controller
Relying on Nintendo’s Joy-Con can be tricky when using the Switch in handheld mode. This one-piece joypad makes things a little easier and little more comfortable when the whole Switch is in your hands.
One of the main reasonsmore than 100 million of us own a Switchis because it’s both a home console and a handheld one. The trouble with the latter is the Joy-Con aren’t exactly comfortable to hold and use. This one-piece alternative is a terrific way to counteract that. Something that feels like an actual controller and not like your tightly gripping the sides of your Switch until you have cramp, it even charges your console at the same time giving you an extended period of handheld time before it needs to be docked or tethered to an outlet.
Created specifically for playing N64 games on the Switch, Nintendo’s most outlandish controller to date is so out of the box, it’s still needed to play N64 games on consoles 25 years later.
Many of you use your Switch for more than just playing brand-new games, and no I’m not talking about watchingNetflix. Seriously though Nintendo,why can’t I watch Netflix on my Switch? Sorry, where was I? Ah yes, playing old games on your Switch. The Switch has a growing library ofNintendo 64games available via itsNSOExpansion Pack, and whether you like it or not, the best way to play those games is with an N64 controller. Thankfully, Nintendo has created one that is compatible with the Switch. Yes it’s weird, and also a little annoying that you have to go to Nintendo for it, but you try playing GoldenEye without it.
FAQ
What Is Joy-Con Drift?
Joy-Con drift will result in the sticks on your controllers reacting as if they’re being touched even when they aren’t. What causes drift hasn’t been officially determined, nor is there a specific time period on when Switch owners should expect to experience it.
Will Nintendo Replace Drifting Joy-Con For Free?
Yes, even though it technically hasn’t admitted fault or figured out a way to stop it from happening, Nintendo will replace or repair your Joy-Con free of charge if they suffer from drift.
