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01Best Nintendo Switch Pro controller
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02Best customisable Nintendo Switch Pro controller
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03Best budget friendly Nintendo Switch Pro controller
If you’re looking for the best Nintendo Switch Pro controller, we’ve got you covered right here with our top picks.
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular consoles out there. It’s easy to see why too, with its unique features and expansive game library. However, for some, the default Jon Con controllers can be a limitation.
Best Nintendo Switch Pro controller at a glance
Nintendo USB Switch Pro Controller
Motion controls
Yes
HD rumble
Yes
Amiibo functionality
Yes
Battery life
up to 40 hours
Charging time
Up to six hours
PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
Type
Wireless
Dimensions
162 x 10. x 62 cm
Battery life
Up to 20 hours
NFC
No
Qiaoting Store Pro Controller
Type
Wireless
Dimensions
101 x 5.8 x 5.8mm
Battery life
6-8 hours
NFC
No
While they are well designed and durable, they are held back by their main function, the ability to dock to the Switch itself. This is brilliant for gaming on the go but many gamers out there will be more used to a full sized handheld controller when playing with a monitor or TV. That’s where Switch Pro controllers come in.
The Nintendo Switch has Bluetooth which means you can connect different wireless controllers to the console, and get access to a range of different features. All the controllers on this list offer the benefits of full sized pro controllers. This means increased accuracy, more buttons and increased grip. There are also some more premium features such as NFC compatibility and customisable buttons. Let’s get into our picks.
Best Nintendo Switch Pro controller – Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Nintendo USB Switch Pro Controller
Motion controls
Yes
HD rumble
Yes
Amiibo functionality
Yes
Battery life
up to 40 hours
Charging time
Up to six hours
- Great battery life
- Nintendo certified
- On the more expensive side
The advantage of going for a controller built by Nintendo itself is compatibility, for example, this controller makes use of HD Rumble. This feature gives haptic feedback to the player and once you get used to it can be really missed. Many external controllers won’t be compatible with this function, but as this one was made by Nintendo itself, the technology is incorporated well.
It’s also got full NFC support so you can still tap your amiibos to the controller and unlock the special features they bring.
The overall build quality is great too, with premium grips and a good design offering comfortable play even in extended gaming sessions. Those sessions can go on for even longer too, thanks to the impressive battery life of this controller, which is easily the longest on this list.
As you can see from the dimensions you won’t be docking this to your Switch anytime soon, which means this controller is best paired with the best monitor for Nintendo Switch or best TVs.
Best customisable Nintendo Switch Pro controller – PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
Type
Wireless
Dimensions
162 x 10. x 62 cm
Battery life
Up to 20 hours
NFC
No
- Customisable
- Great performance
- No NFC
This is an impressively customisable Pro controller for the Nintendo Switch. With the handset itself you get back and white faceplates which can be added and removed with ease, as well as two additional thumbsticks for adjustable height and four removable paddles. These paddles can each map to a different input button. This allows you to not only customise the physical build of the controller but also how that build maps over to the game world.
The ease which with these removable elements can be added or taken away also means you could potentially have different set-ups to suit the needs of different games. There is a rubberised grip to avoid the controller from slipping during long sessions and the overall feel of the device is sturdy.
It does lack both HD Rumble and NFC compatibility, so if these are functions you think you rely on this might not be the best option for you. The performance of this controller is great though, and that’s across the Nintendo Switch’s library. If you’re looking for the best way to play a racing game specifically, such as Mario Kart 8, you should check out the best Nintendo Switch steering wheel.
Best budget friendly Nintendo Switch Pro controller – Qiaoting Store Pro Controller
Qiaoting Store Pro Controller
Type
Wireless
Dimensions
101 x 5.8 x 5.8mm
Battery life
6-8 hours
NFC
No
- Affordable
- Good perfromance
- Battery life could be longer
This controller offers an affordable way to play your Switch games on a controller. For a fraction of the price of the other options on this list, you still get the main benefits of controller gameplay. The design is ergonomic and fits your hands nicely, and the buttons and inputs are well-placed for Switch gaming.
While there is no HD rumble the vibrations of this controller are still responsive and rewarding, being powered by dual vibration motors. There’s also a 6-axis gyro sensor. This means the controller can keep track of exactly how it is positioned, meaning it can respond to the slightest of tilts in a satisfying way.
The battery life is also short, but if you get in the habit of leaving it on charge overnight it should be able to make it through most days with no issues. It’s also compatible with the full range of Nintendo Switch games, meaning that, if you pair it with the best Nintendo Switch micro SD card, you can game away to your heart’s content.
Frequently asked questions
When it comes to looking for one of the best Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, we see these questions coming up the most.
Is the Switch Pro controller worth it?
This is a matter of personal preference. The Joy Con controllers that come included with the Nintendo Switch are durable and responsive, however, for gamers used to full sized controllers, or those looking to play games competitively, a Pro Controller does bring with it specific advantages.
Do Switch Pro controllers drift less?
Yes, a Switch Pro controller should be less prone to stick drift, though not totally immune.
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