The most effective Nintendo Swap controllers for 2025

The Nintendo Swap 2 is right here, however we will’t simply neglect in regards to the unique Swap. We’ve nonetheless acquired love for the console, and its many tens of millions of householders, so we’ll preserve recommending the very best controllers for the Swap proper right here.

Now, you could already know that the very best Swap controllers aren’t those that include the console. The detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Swap consoles are handy, given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, however their tiny form doesn’t do them many favors. They aren’t snug to carry for lengthy gaming classes — particularly when you’ve got giant palms.

On this shopping for information, we’ll deal with wi-fi controllers which can be each snug and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed which will match your distinctive play fashion. We’re not overlaying wired controllers that plug into the Swap’s dock, as they’re largely related to one another and don’t provide substantial financial savings in lots of instances. (PowerA and PDP make respectable ones that may do in a pinch, however they’re very primary. Until you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)

Additionally, should you purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it probably gained’t help HD rumble, movement controls, NFC for Amiibo, or have the ability to activate the Swap remotely. Nevertheless, there are exceptions, which we function under.

Should you’re taking part in your Swap whereas docked, it’s arduous to go incorrect with the official Nintendo Swap Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that features each function talked about above, and it’s some of the satisfying controllers to make use of that we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Professional and Max, in the meantime, provide extra exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is a Pleasure-Con improve for individuals who desire 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 price trying out.

The most effective Nintendo Swap controller for TV mode

Supported platforms: Nintendo Swap 2, Nintendo Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, 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

Ever because the Swap launched, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller has been the very best gamepad for the console. In some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft when it comes to consolation and construct high quality. And, it’s appropriate with the Swap 2.

Other than the Pleasure-Cons, the Swap Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s one of some controllers we’ve examined (other than the Pleasure-Con and 8BitDo’s Final sequence) that may energy on the Swap with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it typically looks as if it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll probably 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 Swap, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you may recreation on, other than Xbox and PlayStation.

Given the excessive 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 Swap to a controller isn’t attainable. Should you actually need the power to pay attention through wired headphones with out connecting your controller with a wire, you’ll have to get the Swap 2 and its Professional 2 controller.

The most effective Swap controller for handheld mode

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap OLED / 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 take pleasure in utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however youngsters and small-handed of us apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re probably the most snug possibility. Should you battle with hand ache once you use the Swap, that’s the place the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is available in.

The Cut up Pad Professional is available in quite a lot of colorways, and it each seems and looks like a Swap Professional Controller that’s break up in half. One half slides into both sides of the Swap console like Pleasure-Cons, however in contrast to Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options large, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally supplies lots 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 classes.

The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — or help for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s utterly ineffective when indifferent from the Swap. It’s just for handheld mode until you buy the Cut up Pad Professional Attachment seen above 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 Swap Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned components (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 prices $50. It may be price a glance if you need one thing as purposeful because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in measurement to a Pleasure-Con.

The most effective Xbox-style controller for the Swap

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

On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max are much like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s customary Xbox controller however rivaled the Swap Professional Controller when it comes to construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Swap, PC, and cellular, however you can too use them with different Bluetooth gadgets, together with the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.

However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions should you scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can swap between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max solely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB LED-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. It ought to make them nearly impervious to drifting and waning responsiveness, as iFixit explains right here. They every have GuliKit’s highly effective magnetic vibration motors with two depth ranges and three distinct modes (together with the Swap’s HD rumble). You’ll be able to even customise the hot-swappable face buttons to match your most well-liked platform, and to the delight of event gamers, you may play with a 1,000Hz polling price for lowered enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi through a dongle).

Moreover, each controllers function removable rear-facing paddles. You get two steel moon-shaped paddles with the KK3 Professional that protrude farther from the controller than the additional 4 you get with the KK3 Max, that are longer and curved to match the contour of the controllers’ rear grips. The latter are much like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Sequence 2 and even borrow the identical set up method — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more pressure, although they gained’t simply dislodge.

The longer paddles are comfortably reachable as soon as put in, however when you’ve got bigger palms, you could have to make changes for the shorter selection. They solely want a lightweight faucet, however since they occupy the area the place your fingers normally relaxation, it may result in elevated misfires whereas gaming. You’ll be able to map every again button to emulate another button on the controller — together with the rear triggers — however you may’t configure them to execute combo presses or macros.

In abstract, the KK3 Professional and KK3 Max provide quite a bit for the cash. Actually, there could also be no higher possibility for interoperability and worth in a single multiplatform controller proper now. If we’re nitpicking, our greatest gripe is that GuliKit nonetheless hasn’t created an app to handle all of its settings extra simply.

The most effective Swap controller that’s additionally nice for PC and Steam Deck

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, 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 looks like a Swap Professional Controller in form, with a equally quick grip profile that bigger palms could not desire. Each share Swap and Home windows PC help, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are respectable however inferior to Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does function customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that lets you wake a docked Swap by giving the controller somewhat 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 battery. Talking of, it usually lasts round 22 hours, which continues to be fairly beneficiant however comes effectively 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 for a few causes. One as a result of it’s the one model of the Final that’s appropriate with the Swap. Plus, it consists of each 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks provide simply the correct quantity of resistance and sport a cushty concave prime, however they’re only a tad quick on the perimeters. The entire 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 cellular or PC. The controller has a devoted button that allows you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you may both reconfigure or remap. In the case of Swap 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 listing.

A well-rounded Swap controller that appears like a DualShock

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cellular, 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 possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Swap, particularly in case your palms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller structure. The Professional 2 has a cushty grip, a crisper D-pad than the Swap 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 admire that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — identical to on Sony’s controllers — reasonably than above the D-pad as on the Swap Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cellular gadget or a Home windows pc, 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 by means of them with a button positioned between the analog sticks.

On its rear, there’s a swap that lets it toggle between Nintendo Swap, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller presents quite a bit for round $40 (or barely extra if you need one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).

An adapter that allows you to use your personal controllers

There are various different gadgets that can help you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s may be the very best worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Swap Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 enables you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Swap controller. It plugs into your Swap dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the newest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Notice: the first-gen mannequin can’t hook up with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a result of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so be sure to get the newest mannequin.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely effectively, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Swap controllers provide. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Sequence X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Swap Professional Controller, you may customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s pc and cellular 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 mentioned, it’s finest if you realize the Swap’s button structure by coronary heart should 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 by means of just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure middle. Should you plan to make use of a couple of third-party controller at a time, you’ll want an adapter for every controller (and a USB hub), however when you’ve got lots of controllers sitting round, it may be price it.

Different Swap controllers we examined

We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Swap 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 enable it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides mentioned 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 we want the passthrough answer was extra elegant and that CRKD may clear up the ergonomics (notably on the correct facet, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($45.99) for consideration. It presents just a few of the identical features because the GuliKit KingKong 3 — 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 doesn’t match. That mentioned, it falls simply quick as a result of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding beneath the buttons a function that makes the influence softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Swap, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which might not be ultimate for individuals who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Swap to be a chore after switching from a cellular gadget or a Home windows PC.

We additionally lately tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Model Wi-fi Controller ($38.99) and a Pikachu-themed model of the usual PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi ($44.99). We just like the enjoyable design of PowerA’s controllers, however they don’t reside 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 trustworthy recreation of the unique should you fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, nevertheless it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a simple strategy to get the old-school feeling again should you don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based various to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

The Swap 2 is what’s coming subsequent. Nintendo’s new console launches on June 5, and it’s each larger and extra highly effective than the unique mannequin. Suffice it to say, there shall be many new equipment at launch, together with new Pleasure-Con 2 controllers, plus a refreshed Swap Professional Controller that options customizable rear paddles. There’s additionally a Swap 2-exclusive wi-fi GameCube controller releasing that Swap On-line subscribers have an opportunity to purchase.

That brings into query whether or not current Swap controllers will work with the Swap 2 in any respect. Fortunately, Nintendo has revealed an in-depth help web page relating to the Swap 2’s compatibility (or lack of compatibility) for unique (and official) Swap equipment. Excellent news: most of them will work simply wonderful. They simply gained’t have the C button. Nevertheless, compatibility with third-party merchandise could also be hit-and-miss.

As for brand spanking new controllers for the unique Swap, we’re in a little bit of a holding sample, since most producers are probably at work on Swap 2 controllers. 8BitDo has introduced a Swap-compatible Final 2 controller with TMR analog sticks that prices $69.99. There’s nothing else notable on the speedy horizon, nevertheless, and that most likely gained’t change till the Swap 2 arrives in June.

Replace, Might thirtieth: Up to date to replicate present pricing / availability. Additionally, we added that the Swap Professional is appropriate with the Swap 2. It’s the one controller on this listing that has been confirmed to work wirelessly with the brand new console.