One of the best Nintendo Swap controllers for 2025

The Nintendo Swap 2 is right here, however we’re not going to neglect concerning the authentic Swap. We’ve nonetheless obtained love for the console and its many hundreds of thousands of householders, so we’ll preserve recommending one of the best controllers for the Swap proper right here. Should you’re contemplating getting a Swap 2 sooner or later, all the controllers under will work on the newer console.

Now, you might have already realized way back that one of the 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 for as much as two gamers with a pair, however their tiny form doesn’t do them many favors. They aren’t comfy to carry for lengthy gaming classes — particularly if in case you have massive fingers. And, you’re positively not alone if you happen to’ve skilled Pleasure-Con drift.

On this shopping for information, we’ll concentrate on wi-fi controllers which are each comfy and dependable, in addition to a couple of choices that include distinctive options designed that will match your distinctive play model. We’re not masking wired controllers that plug into the Swap’s dock right here, as they’re largely comparable to one another and the financial savings aren’t value giving up wi-fi freedom for.

There are some issues which are value figuring out if you happen to purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), it could not help HD rumble, movement controls, NFC for Amiibo, or have the ability to wake the Swap remotely. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions, which we characteristic under.

Should you’re enjoying your Swap whereas docked, it’s onerous to go flawed with the official Nintendo Swap Professional Controller (although its current $10 worth enhance hurts). It’s one among only a few gamepads to incorporate each characteristic talked about above, and it’s one 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 Break up Pad Compact is a Pleasure-Con improve for individuals who desire to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s Final 2 Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Professional 3 controller, each of that are value trying out.

One of the best Nintendo Swap controller for TV mode

Supported platforms: Nintendo Swap 2, Nintendo Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure (however not the Swap 2)

Ever for the reason that Swap launched, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller has been one of the best gamepad for the console. In some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft by way of consolation and construct high quality. And, it’s appropriate with the Swap 2 (though it might probably’t wake the brand new console from sleep — you’ll want a Swap 2 Professional Controller for that).

Apart from the Pleasure-Cons, the Swap Professional Controller is one among an elite few wi-fi choices that features good rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally one of some controllers we’ve examined that may remotely activate 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 like it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll seemingly take informal players 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 players. The controller prices through USB-C, similar to the Swap, and it’s appropriate with a slew of different platforms you may sport on, except for Xbox and PlayStation.

Given the excessive worth — which went up one other $10 when Nintendo lately elevated Swap costs — 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 doable. Should you actually need the flexibility to pay attention through wired headphones with out connecting your controller with a wire, you’ll have to get the Swap 2 and its Swap 2 Professional controller.

One of the best Swap controller for handheld mode

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap OLED / Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: 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 children and small-handed people apart, most individuals in all probability wouldn’t say they’re very comfy. Should you battle with hand ache while you use the Swap, that’s the place the Hori Break up Pad Compact can assist out.

The Break up Pad Compact is a — you guessed it — a extra compact various to the Break up Pad Professional, which has sadly develop into harder to search out. Equally, it is available in quite a lot of colorways, and it provides consolation to utilizing the Swap in handheld mode. One half slides into either side 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 extra grip than Pleasure-Con do, which is especially helpful for individuals who have to get a greater deal with on the console for fast-paced gameplay, or to remain cozy over longer play classes.

The Break up Pad Compact 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 except you buy the Break up Pad Compact Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route for the reason that attachment normally (however not at all times) prices greater than a Swap Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t add any of the aforementioned options. It does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nonetheless.

One of the best Xbox-style controller for the Swap

Supported Platforms: Swap, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure (solely in KK3 Max) / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max are just like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s normal Xbox controller however rivaled the Swap Professional Controller by way of construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Swap, PC, and cell, however you can even use them with different Bluetooth units, together with the Steam Deck and Apple TV 4K.

However there are a number of notable enhancements and additions if you happen to scratch deeper. They every have Corridor impact dual-mode triggers (each can change between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max completely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB LED-surrounded Corridor impact analog sticks. It ought to make them just about 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 match gamers, you’ll be able to play with a 1,000Hz polling price for lowered enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi through a dongle).

Moreover, each controllers characteristic 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 just like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Collection 2 and even borrow the identical set up approach — simply push them into the designated holes on the again. They require much more power, although they gained’t simply dislodge.

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

In abstract, the KK3 Professional and KK3 Max provide loads for the cash. In reality, 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.

One of the best Swap controller that’s additionally nice for PC and Steam Deck

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap 2, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, Android, macOS, Apple units / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Sure, 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure, however not Swap 2

8BitDo’s Final 2 Bluetooth Controller is a minor step ahead in comparison with the primary iteration, nevertheless it comes with new options you may care about. It nonetheless appears like a Swap Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger fingers could not desire. As for what’s modified internally, you’re getting extra sturdy TMR joysticks, plus two new mappable buttons close to the triggers (totaling 4 customizable buttons). Talking of the triggers, they’re adjustable because of new switches that may alter how a lot it’s a must to pull them to register an enter. It’s notably nice for first-person shooters or motion video games the place pace is paramount.

Its haptics are first rate in some video games, however not practically pretty much as good as Nintendo’s HD Rumble, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does characteristic movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Swap by giving the controller a bit shake. It’s a pleasant worth in comparison with the Swap Professional, in addition to most different third-party choices as a result of it additionally features a charging dock with an built-in 2.4GHz transmitter.

The Final 2 controller is available in two variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin for Swap homeowners as a result of it’s the one model that’s appropriate. Moreover, it’s appropriate with the Swap 2, the Steam Deck, PC, macOS computer systems, and a slew of different Bluetooth-ready units. Plus, it consists of each 2.4GHz connectivity, in case you want a extra dependable connection for appropriate units.

As for any management scheme tweaks chances are you’ll need to make, you’ll be able to customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program V2 app on PC. The controller has a devoted button that permits you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you’ll be able to both reconfigure or remap. In relation to Swap controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for excellent third-party controllers, and that is one among its finest.

A well-rounded Swap controller that appears like a DualShock

Supported Platforms: Swap, Swap 2, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, and extra / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable buttons: Sure, 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure, however not Swap 2

The 8BitDo Professional 3 is the corporate’s newest high-end controller. On its face, the largest distinction between it and the similarly-priced Final 2 is its PlayStation DualShock-esque stick format, which alone may sufficient to persuade some players to get it. The Professional 3 improves on its predecessor by that includes swappable buttons that may be indifferent with its included magnetic suction software. With it, you’ll be able to go from the Nintendo format to the Xbox format. In any other case, this mannequin’s inner specs and compatibility are similar to that of the Final 2.

The Professional 3 options TMR joysticks, plus Corridor impact triggers with switches that toggle between full pulls or shorter clicks for both set off. Identical to the Final 2, the Professional 3 has 4 customizable buttons that may be assigned nearly every other button, or mixture of buttons, by way of the corporate’s Final V2 app on PC or by urgent sure buttons collectively, as listed within the handbook. Moreover, the controller helps turbo mode.

In comparison with most different Swap controllers, the Professional 3 stands out as a result of its PlayStation-style format of D-pad and sticks. It’s possible you’ll desire this mannequin if you happen to play numerous retro video games that prioritize the D-pad, which is extra simply accessible than on most different Swap controllers. One different enjoyable perk of the Professional 3 is its swappable joystick caps. Two arcade stick-like knobs are included that make sure video games really feel extra rewarding to play, comparable to combating video games.

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.

On its rear, there’s a change that lets it toggle between Nintendo Swap, X-input for PC, and DirectInput, every of which affords its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. One new addition for the Professional 3 is a charging dock that lets the controller recharge through contact pins. The dock additionally incorporates a 2.4GHz USB-C transmitter, letting you connect with some units that route as an alternative of Bluetooth.

An adapter that permits you to use your individual controllers

There are a couple of different units that let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s is one of the best worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a Swap Professional controller, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 helps you to flip most Bluetooth controllers you already personal right into a wi-fi Swap controller. It plugs into your Swap dock (or instantly into the console if in case you have a USB-A to USB-C adapter) and helps all kinds of fashions, from the newest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Be aware: the first-gen mannequin can’t connect with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers as a result of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so ensure you get the newest mannequin we’ve linked to.)

To our delight, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely nicely, 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 Collection X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Swap Professional Controller, you’ll be able to customise their button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and extra inside 8BitDo’s pc 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 mentioned, it’s finest if you already know the Swap’s button format by coronary heart if you happen to plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the format in your controller is not going to match the on-screen prompts in video games.

If you have already got a controller you actually like and don’t thoughts leaping by way of a couple of 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 if in case you have numerous controllers sitting round, it is perhaps value 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 an ordinary 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 might clear up the ergonomics (notably on the correct aspect, the place the analog and button placement may cause discomfort).

We lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($49.99) for consideration. It affords a couple of 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 brief as a result of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a characteristic that makes the affect 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 will not be supreme for individuals who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Swap to be a chore after switching from a cell gadget or a Home windows PC.

We additionally lately tried a number of wi-fi PowerA controllers, together with the GameCube Fashion Wi-fi Controller ($59.99) 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 stay as much as the standard of the fashions we suggest above, which is a disgrace contemplating some price practically as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a fairly devoted recreation of the unique if you happen to fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, nevertheless it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a straightforward strategy to get the old-school feeling again if you happen to don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based various to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

We’ll be doing extra testing on the EasySMX S10 controller, in addition to the GameSir Tremendous Nova and GuliKit’s Elves 2 and ES Professional controllers for consideration.

Replace, September fifth: Up to date to mirror present pricing and availability. Nintendo’s Swap Professional controller went up $10, as a part of the corporate’s current worth will increase on last-gen {hardware} and equipment.