March 31, 2024, 2:33 pm | Read time: 9 minutes

The controller is by far the most important accessory in console gaming: It influences what the player does on the screen–not just what, but also how, at what speed, and with what goal. The controller can significantly contribute to victory or defeat, so you shouldn’t skimp on it when buying. But does it always have to be the expensive original? Nintendo offers the Pro Controller for its Switch. However, there are now good alternatives. TECHBOOK showcases some really good models.

What Controllers for the Nintendo Switch Must Deliver

In gaming, human and machine merge when it comes to translating the player’s movements and speed into a virtual setting. For this to run smoothly, the controller for the Nintendo Switch should meet a range of ergonomic and technical requirements. Usability and haptics play a central role. Those who become one with the tool in their hands achieve better performance in the game. Clearly, high operating comfort is a trump card on one hand, but it can also increase in-game efficiency. If all this is available at an attractive price, the Nintendo original can pack up.

8bitdo SN30 Pro

The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller combines a classic design with modern functionality, offering a unique gaming experience. Its ergonomic design and iconic 90s-style layout make it attractive not only for retro fans. Fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch, it also connects to Windows, macOS, Android, and Steam, making it a versatile choice for various gaming platforms.

Thanks to its customizable buttons and precise D-Pad, the SN30 Pro offers accurate and responsive control suitable for various game genres. The controller’s firmware is updatable, ensuring it remains compatible with new games and updates in the future.

Advantages

• Retro design
• Compatible with multiple platforms
• Good battery life
• Wireless
• Customizable buttons

Disadvantages

• No NFC
• No HD Rumble

Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro

The Hori Split Pad Pro is a two-part gamepad for the Nintendo Switch (but not for the Switch Lite). With larger buttons and grips compared to the standard Joy-Cons, it ensures high operating comfort even during longer gaming sessions. It positively affects the gamer’s precision and reaction time. The controls of this gamepad include two large analog sticks, a control pad (unlike the often disliked D-Pad of the original Joy-Cons), and four trigger buttons. Also advantageous are the programmable buttons on the back and a turbo or rapid-fire function–features that the Joy-Cons do not offer. This makes the controller particularly suitable for intense game titles on the Nintendo Switch.

However, you have to do without the HD Rumble function and the possibility of motion control. Additionally, the two parts cannot be attached to the controller’s middle section and used as a gamepad replacement in TV mode, as they do not contain batteries.

Advantages

• High operating comfort due to larger buttons and grips
• Control pad instead of D-Pad
• Programmable buttons on the back
• Turbo or rapid-fire function

Disadvantages

• No HD Rumble function
• No motion control
• Both parts cannot be attached to the controller’s middle section

Diswoe Wireless Pro

The Diswoe Wireless Pro is a wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch at an affordable price. Its great strength is its extremely user-friendly feel, as it fits perfectly in the hand and is non-slip. This advantage significantly contributes to a positive gaming experience. Easily synchronizable with the Switch via Bluetooth, the Diswoe Wireless Pro eliminates annoying cable clutter, allowing larger gaming groups an uninterrupted, stress- and distraction-free gaming experience. This is further intensified by a dual vibration function, which third-party controllers usually do not offer. Players can immerse themselves even deeper into the gaming experience. Various lighting effects and a turbo function are also available. Charging is done via a USB-C cable.

Read also: Update for Nintendo Switch fixes annoying Wi-Fi problem

Advantages

• Dual vibration function
• Very good feel thanks to ergonomic and non-slip design
• Wireless thanks to Bluetooth technology
• Easy synchronization
• Range of up to ten meters

Disadvantages

• No NFC module

Nyxi Switch Pro Controller

The Nyxi controller for the Nintendo Switch offers a pleasant and slightly textured surface for tactile comfort. With its ergonomically designed shape, the controller always fits well in the hand. Once paired with the console, it can be turned on via the controller with the push of a button. The gamepad has three lighting modes in eight colors, providing a good lighting atmosphere and thus an intense gaming experience. The lighting can also be dimmed or completely turned off. Additionally, there are four programmable buttons on the back that can be set as map buttons or key combinations.

Advantages

• 3 lighting modes in eight colors
• 4 freely programmable buttons for extended settings
• Variable turbo mode regulates the number of shots per second
• Vibration (Dual Shock) adjustable in four levels
• Wireless
• Screenshot function

Disadvantages

• Battery lasts only 6 to 8 hours
• A cable is necessary when used with a computer
• Relatively expensive

Also interesting: All video game highlights for the Nintendo Switch 2024

Ready2gaming Nintendo Switch Pro Pad X

The Ready2gaming Nintendo Switch Pro Pad X is a wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch at a relatively affordable price. Its great strength is its extremely user-friendly feel, as it fits perfectly in the hand. This advantage significantly contributes to a positive gaming experience. Easily synchronizable with the Switch via Bluetooth, the Ready2gaming Nintendo Switch Pro Pad X eliminates annoying cable clutter, allowing larger gaming groups an uninterrupted, stress- and distraction-free gaming experience. This is further intensified by a vibration function, which third-party controllers usually do not offer. Players can immerse themselves even deeper into the gaming experience.

Advantages

• Vibration function
• Relatively good feel
• Wireless thanks to Bluetooth technology
• Easy synchronization
• Also usable for PC or smartphone

Disadvantages

• No NFC module

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

The Joy-Cons are the standard controllers for the Nintendo Switch, combining the innovative control concept of the Wii with that of a classic controller. There is one Joy-Con for the left and one for the right hand, both of which can be used independently as completely standalone controllers. However, if you prefer a gamepad, simply connect them with the Joy-Con Grip.

With both Joy-Cons, items can be distinguished using a vibration feedback function. Improved gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, similar to the Wii, allow the player’s controller movements to be directly and precisely transferred into the game, making the control intuitive and eliminating the need for a learning curve. The player’s impression of actually being an actor within the game is thus greatly enhanced. An NFC module integrated into the right Joy-Con also allows the use of Amiibo figures.

Advantages

• Precise motion sensors
• Compact size
• Wireless
• Integrated NFC module
• Integrated motion IR camera
• Integrated button for screenshots
• Includes optional holder (Joy-Con Grip) that connects both Joy-Cons into a gamepad

Disadvantages

• Drift problem after prolonged use
• Relatively expensive

8bitdo Pro 2

The 8bitdo Pro 2 is a classic controller with the usual buttons for the Nintendo Switch. However, special attention should be paid to one of them: The Profile Switch Button in the middle allows the controller to be customized. This magic button enables switching between up to three self-selected button profiles. These are configured via software, giving the player the ability to freely assign all buttons as desired. Tedious reconfigurations with each game (or player) change are thus a thing of the past. Additionally, the sensitivity of the two sticks and the trigger shoulder buttons can be adjusted.

Advantages

• Very good build quality
• Profile Switch Button
• Relatively good grip

Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive

Nintendo Pokéball Plus

The Nintendo Pokéball Plus is not really an alternative to the Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch. However, it is a gain for those gamers who enjoy playing Pokémon on the Switch. The gadget is perfectly tailored to the Pokémon universe. So, if you’re hunting for the little pocket monsters with Nintendo Switch games like “Let’s Go, Pikachu!” or the ever-popular augmented reality offshoot “Pokémon GO,” you can’t miss the red-and-white ball. Catching Pokémon, collecting items, gaining experience points–the Nintendo Pokéball Plus takes a lot of work off the player’s hands by automating capture attempts or farming Pokéstops. This not only saves nerves but also a lot of time and protects the player from cold damage to the hands, especially in winter.

Advantages

• Automation of standard game processes
• Increased fun through sound and light effects

Disadvantages

• Thumbstick somewhat imprecise
• Relatively expensive

Conclusion

Depending on personal preferences, there is no single recommended alternative to the Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch. Vibration function, precise motion sensors, wireless connection to the Switch–the gaming experience is getting better, more realistic, and more challenging with alternative controllers. The market provides the right equipment for every application, whether it’s first-person shooters or monster hunting, for the virtual world!