Every Official Nintendo Switch Controller, Ranked

On top of the native Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, the Nintendo Switch has a great variety of officially licensed controllers.

While it's likely on its last legs of the current console generation, the Nintendo Switch is still an enduring and versatile game system with depth in its controller selection. It might not be as flexible as other consoles when it comes to officially licensed controllers, but what's available is solid nonetheless.

Nintendo's first-party input devices are mostly impressive if expensive, but officially-licensed third-party companies offer some excellent alternatives. That's particularly thanks to Hori and PowerA, helping complete a well-rounded catalog of controllers ideal for various styles of play ranging from conventional wired and wireless gamepads to Joy-Cons and Joy-Con alternatives.

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While trends have understandably shifted to wireless technology for most video game controllers, wired inputs are still viable in 2023. Although the Nintendo Switch doesn't come with its own native wired controller, PowerA manufactures perhaps the best wired controller for the Switch.

PowerA is one of the most reliable officially-licensed third-party companies for Switch controllers, and their Enhanced Wired Controller is the ideal balance of respectable ergonomics with an extremely budget-friendly value. The design of the controller speaks for itself, taking on the design of a traditional and practical gamepad, and it also comes in fun designs comparable to some of the most stylish PlayStation controllers.

The Joy-Cons are undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of the Nintendo Switch as a concept. However, they can admittedly feel lacking in the ergonomics department—and not to mention the eventual stick drift. That's where the Hori Split Pad Pro comes in, being the officially-licensed third-party alternative to the Joy-Con controllers.

They have much heftier, gamepad-inspired designs to fit in the hands better than the smaller size and flat surface of the Joy-Cons, with the caveat that Hori's controller only functions when attached to the Switch. Some of the best co-op Nintendo Switch games work best when detached and shared, so this could be a dealbreaker for some.

Hori has a few variations of their Nintendo Switch offerings, with the Split Pad Compact appealing to a more specific player base. While the Joy-Cons are seen by some as too small and not especially ergonomic, the standard Split Pad Pro might be too large for others.

The Split Pad Compact offers a middle ground from the aforementioned controllers, being moderately larger than the Joy-Cons and noticeably less hefty than the Pro. Meanwhile, the Compact controllers feature the same handheld experience as the Pro variant along with configurable triggers, a turbo function, and a much better D-pad compared to the first-party Joy-Cons.

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Hori's Split Pad Pro loses some rather important functionality compared to the Joy-Cons, but there is still a way to upgrade the base Split Pad Pro's capabilities. With Hori's Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, the base controllers become more flexible instead of being tied exclusively to handheld mode.

The Attachment Set is essentially a Joy-Con grip with more features, letting the Split Pad Pro attach to the sides and function as a full-sized wired gamepad. It makes handheld and docked gaming more comfortable on the Switch, but it's admittedly pricey and still lacks the Joy-Cons' boons when fully detached from the console or grips.

Though not as ergonomic for some due to their size and design, the Joy-Con controllers directly from Nintendo are still excellent to have. The inevitable stick drift for those that use the controllers frequently is understandably frustrating, but sending them to Nintendo for a free fix should at least mitigate this.

The Joy-Con controllers are a novel concept, as they're a primary function in making the Switch's main gimmick work. Joy-Cons seamlessly allow switching from handheld, tabletop, and docked gameplay formats, and they can be shared with friends for co-op. For those that find them comfortable enough, these may have the edge over Hori's alternatives.

Nintendo's GameCube may have undersold compared to the runaway success of the PlayStation 2, but the GameCube generation was packed with excellent titles. And thanks again to PowerA, players can re-experience that nostalgic feel with the company's Wireless GameCube-Style Controller.

GameCube's controller was perhaps one of Nintendo's most ergonomic controllers, especially compared to the awkward design and button layout of the Nintendo 64. This controller is a fantastic—and arguably the definitive—fit for playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but it meshes well with the control layouts for several other Nintendo Switch games. Just as well, PowerA also offers a cheaper wired alternative.

For fans of the '90s Super Nintendo era, a throwback controller is available for classic gaming on the Nintendo Switch. A first-party controller, the SNES gamepad is a faithful modernization of the original. It's undoubtedly a niche controller, nor is it cheap for non-Online members, but it's a good choice for players looking for a first-party device.

As expected, the SNES Switch controller works well with the emulated titles available on Nintendo's online service. A perfect balance of retro and modern sensibilities, it's the best SNES-style controller available that's licensed by Nintendo. Though, the unlicensed 8bitdo SN30 Pro is a better alternative given its flexibility and friendlier price tag.

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Hori's Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is another gimmick controller, but it certainly excels at what it's asked to do. Once again coming from licensed third-party manufacturer Hori, the Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe controller is a great way to get the most out of the racing experience. Even so, it isn't cheap and comes in at $100.

Regardless, Hori's Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is worth the price for racing enthusiasts, as the wheel is both comfortable and sturdy while featuring a host of input customization options for gameplay and menu navigation. It's a terrific and optional way to expand on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's features, especially its impressive DLC support thanks to the Booster Course Pass.

The Nintendo Switch's first-party Pro controller is deservedly praised as one of the best gamepads on the market, but there are some impressive alternatives. It only makes sense that PowerA is once again a contributor to this, with its officially licensed Fusion Pro Controller serving as genuine competition to the first-party equivalent.

The trade-off is that the Fusion Pro lacks the Nintendo Pro's rumble pack and battery life. However, players get customizable buttons, motion controls, control sticks, trigger paddles, and faceplates to compensate. So long as players are mindful of charging its 20-hour battery, the PowerA Fusion Pro could even be argued as preferable to the first-party Pro given its slightly lower price tag.

As far as first-party offerings go, players can't go wrong with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It can proudly stand alongside the likes of the Xbox Core Controller and PlayStation 5 DualSense as one of the best controllers on the market in both build quality and design.

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller certainly isn't a cheap option considering its $70 price tag, but players can rest assured of its assets, including the haptic HD Rumble feature. The Switch Pro Controller comes in a comfortable design complete with an ergonomic button layout with responsive triggers, large face buttons, and a D-pad that's both nostalgic and ideal for modern or retro gaming.

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Guillermo Kurten is a journalism major at the University of Houston. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, he now resides in Houston. He is a fan of pretty much anything involving nerd culture. Video games, comics, movies, TV, anime, manga, you name it. He also has experience writing about soccer, specifically, the German team Bayern Munich.