It can be used with PC as well as Switch and there are three connection methods available: Bluetooth, wired and wireless (via a 2.4GHz USB-A transmitter). You’ll be using it wirelessly while playing on Switch and the pad lasts an impressive 40 hours on a single charge, with a full recharge taking around four hours. Its biggest advantage over the official Pro controller is that it’s available in a wide range of attractive designs. There’s an option to cater for just about everyone, including game-specific designs for titles such as Pokemon, Mario and Animal Crossing. You’ll find our favourites listed below, but before we jump into the entries, it’s worth highlighting the key things to consider when shopping for a Nintendo Switch controller. Most wired Nintendo Switch controllers come with 3m cables that you connect to your Switch. That’s long enough to ensure you don’t have to sit too close to your television, but if you’re after true freedom, wireless controllers are the way to go. Nintendo also manufactures the Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch console, which serves as an alternative to the Joy-Con controllers. With their design, the Switch Pro controllers resemble the traditional gamepad, making them a popular choice without having to combine two of them.

Best Nintendo Switch Controller for 2023 - CNET Best Nintendo Switch Controller for 2023 - CNET

Plug your Pro Controller cable into the gamepad. You can use any USB-A-to-USB-C cable or USB-C-to-USB-C cable if your computer has a USB-C port. Racing games: There are very few racing wheels compatible with Switch, but the Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe is a solid, affordable option. You can also find basic plastic wheels to slot your Joy-Cons into, but they are nowhere near the traditional racing wheel experience. That’s it. This is the easiest way of connecting your controller to a PC. It will be detected as a Pro Controller in “Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices.” How to Connect a Switch Pro Controller to a PC Wirelessly The controller is designed with Super Smash Bros fans in mind. The GameCube was home to one of the best entries in the series – Super Smash Bros Melee – and the five colourways available pay homage to some of the series’ leading characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Zelda and Pikachu. We didn’t find the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller’s latency distracting, or noticeable, but third-party pads like this do tend to have slightly greater input lag.Press and hold the Sync button on your controller until the lights start flashing, it’s between the SR and SL buttons. Traditional design – Gamers who are used to Xbox or PlayStation controllers will definitely prefer this controller since its design resembles the traditional controllers. The Fusion Pro Wireless doesn’t support rumble and there’s no NFC support, but the inclusion of a smart hard-shell carrying case goes a long way to softening the blow of their absence. You can also create three bespoke profiles with different button layouts for specific games and switch between them on the fly at the press of a button. That may prove a step too far for those who struggle to remember a single set of controls, but for those wanting to gain the competitive edge in their favourite titles, it’s a game-changer.

Nintendo Switch Controllers | Smyths Toys UK Nintendo Switch Controllers | Smyths Toys UK

Battery life – The Switch Pro controller has excellent battery life. It lasts up to 40 hours, which is great, and it charges via a USB port. Once you set it up, the Pro Controller should work with every Steam game. Joy-Con vs. Pro Controller: Which is Better for Windows? Available in two colourways, one resembling the original Game Boy (shown above) and the other the Super Nintendo, the SN30 Pro is a welcome trip down memory lane for those as enthusiastic about gaming now as they were in the 80s and 90s. Motion controls and rumble/vibration are put through their paces when playing supported games that implement them effectively, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Monster Hunter Rise, with both of those titles also used to test Amiibo functionality. Headset compatibility is tested by plugging one into the controller via the 3.5mm port and monitoring the stability of the audio connection over the course of an extended play session.NFC: Near-field communication (NFC) is what Switch controllers use to interact with amiibos – small figurines that make for great desk ornaments but also grant in-game bonuses. Those bonuses vary depending on the amiibos used and the game being played. Retro games: Players of classic games are generally looking for controllers that feel as close to the originals as possible – if not just re-releases of those very controllers. Since those are extremely difficult to come by, we recommend the 8BitDo Pro 2 for most people playing retro games on Switch. Can You Use Switch Controllers on a PC? Battery life – While the Switch Pro controller offers 40 hours of battery life, Joy-Cons offer 20, which is a big difference. However, if you charge Joy-Cons between your gaming sessions, you shouldn’t have any problems with the battery.

Wireless Switch Controller from Power A Here’s a new Kirby Wireless Switch Controller from Power A

If it’s just basic Nintendo Switch gameplay, then we recommend going with Nintendo’s own options. However, if you’re looking to play a specific game type on Switch, then there’s more specific advice for you: If you use a lot of batteries you might want to consider buying a quality set such those from Eneloop, which hold charge about as well as a non-rechargeable battery. Okay that's the reaction I had the day the controller arrived and had noticeable input lag on Fortnite, which was what my son mostly played. That's still a problem to where he quit playing the game, not that I mind, but he enjoyed playing it on Switch. But he continued to use the controller for Animal Crossing and Civ 6 and it seems to be working okay for those games. The 8BitDo Pro 2 can be used to play games on Steam and mobile, too, making it versatile as well as supremely customisable. Motion controls and rumble (standard, not HD) are both supported and there’s a USB-C cable included to ensure the gaming doesn’t have to stop just because your controller has run out of juice.

Whether you play in handheld mode or with the console docked, these are the best Nintendo Switch controllers available right now

Size – While their small size can be great for kids, it brings a significant disadvantage for serious gamers. Due to their size, they may cause your hands to cramp. Design – The best feature of Joy-Cons is their design. You get two controllers that can work together as one. So, if you enjoy playing multiplayer games or hosting game nights with your friends, Joy-Cons will be your go-to option.