The most effective Nintendo Change controllers aren’t those that include it. Whereas the detachable Pleasure-Cons included with all non-Lite Change consoles are handy given they are often indifferent for wi-fi use, their tiny contourless design isn’t that snug for lengthy gaming periods or giant palms. And whereas Nintendo has taken steps to deal with the dreaded Pleasure-Con drift and earlier high quality management issues, some points persist.
On this shopping for information, we concentrate on wi-fi controllers which can be each snug and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play model. We’re not masking wired controllers that plug into the Change’s dock, as they’re nearly all the identical and don’t provide substantial financial savings in lots of circumstances. (PowerA and PDP make first rate ones that may do in a pinch, however they’re very fundamental. Until you detest recharging your controllers, it makes extra sense to go wi-fi.)
Additionally, if you happen to purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are particular issues that it probably gained’t be capable to do except in any other case famous:
- It gained’t have HD rumble. That is what Nintendo calls its superior haptic suggestions, which is extra exact than that of many third-party controllers and extra akin to Sony’s haptics engine in its subtlety. That mentioned, some extra restricted rumble could also be current.
- Many third-party Change controllers don’t have movement controls for gestures or gyroscopic aiming in video games that help it, although extra choices are beginning to implement the latter characteristic with various levels of high quality.
- Most non-Nintendo choices lack an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards or collectible figurines, which unlock particular options in some video games.
- Most third-party choices gained’t be capable to activate the Change remotely. (You’ll must manually press the console’s energy button.)
- Whereas some Change controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur via a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Change is a ample (and really straightforward) workaround.
In the event you’re taking part in your Change whereas docked, it’s laborious to go unsuitable with the official Nintendo Change Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the packing containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s some of the satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 3 Professional and Max, in the meantime, make for excellent Xbox-style controllers with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is nice for individuals who favor to play in handheld mode. Then there’s 8BitDo’s PC-friendly Final Bluetooth Controller and DualShock-esque Professional 2 controller, each of that are properly price a glance.
What we’re searching for
We check Nintendo Change controllers by taking part in with them with a typical grip — the identical approach most players do. We check how straightforward they’re to hook up with the Change and different suitable platforms, in addition to how reliably they keep related. Then, we leap right into a recreation. Since some controllers are higher suited to particular genres than others, we attempt a wide range of titles, together with combating video games like Tremendous Smash Bros. Final, racers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and shooters like Overwatch 2. We take note of how buttons, triggers, analog sticks, and the D-pad really feel, noting whether or not any of them really feel mushy or stiff. For controllers that help sensitivity customization, we notice how straightforward it’s to make these changes and the way they really feel in comparison with their default settings.
Does it help Bluetooth? Can you employ it in wired mode? Are there alternate wi-fi modes, corresponding to 2.4GHz?
Do the buttons, sticks, and triggers really feel good and durable? Does the controller have a satisfying, well-balanced weight? Does it use premium supplies for the casing and grips? Any connection points or glitches?
Are there rear-facing buttons? Does it help macros? Are you able to apply it to a number of platforms?
Are you able to remap buttons? Is there software program help for tweaking controller settings? Does it have interchangeable buttons or sticks? Are you able to fine-tune vibration and sensitivity?
Is it priced pretty? Are the options and high quality well worth the cash?
The most effective Nintendo Change controller for TV mode
Supported platforms: Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure, HD / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure
Practically eight years down the highway, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller continues to be the perfect gamepad for the Change. It launched alongside the console in 2017 as a extra conventional different to Nintendo’s quirky Pleasure-Cons, and in some ways, it rivals the usual fashions from Sony and Microsoft by way of consolation and construct high quality.
Other than the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi choice that features HD rumble, gyroscopic motion help, and an NFC reader for Amiibo playing cards and collectible figurines. It’s additionally the one controller we’ve examined (once more, other than the Pleasure-Cons) that may energy on the Change with out being plugged into it. The gamepad is constructed like a tank, and its battery life is so good that it typically looks as if it’ll by no means run out. Nintendo says that it lasts round 40 hours per cost, so it’ll probably 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 fees by way of USB-C, similar to the Change, and it’s suitable with a slew of different platforms you may recreation on, together with PC, Android, and SteamOS. It additionally works with Apple gadgets due to its compatibility with the most recent variations of iOS, macOS, and even tvOS and visionOS.
Given the value, 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 Change to a controller isn’t presently potential. (At the least you’ll be able to join a pair of wi-fi headphones by way of Bluetooth, however solely you probably have not more than two controllers related to your Change without delay.)
The most effective Change controller for handheld mode
Supported Platforms: Change / Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Pleasure-Con slots / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: No / NFC: No / Movement: No / Energy: by way of Pleasure-Con slots / Console Wakeup: No
I’m positive there are some individuals who get pleasure from utilizing Pleasure-Con controllers, however children and small-handed people apart, most individuals most likely wouldn’t say they’re probably the most snug choice. That’s the place the Hori Cut up Pad Professional is available in.
The Cut up Pad Professional is available in a wide range of colorways, and it each seems to be and seems like a Change Professional Controller that’s break up in half. One-half slides into all sides of the Change console like Pleasure-Cons, however not like Nintendo’s default controllers, Hori’s gamepad options massive, easy-to-reach buttons and generously sized triggers and analog sticks, all of which really feel nice in play. It additionally offers loads of grip, which is especially helpful for individuals who must get a greater deal with on the console for quick gameplay or keep cozy over longer play periods.
The Cut up Pad Professional doesn’t have batteries or sensors — to not point out help for rumble, movement, IR, or NFC — so it’s utterly ineffective when indifferent from the Change. It’s just for handheld mode except you buy the Cut up Pad Professional Attachment that turns it right into a wired controller. We don’t suggest most individuals go that route because the attachment alone prices greater than a Change Professional Controller, which is a disgrace contemplating it doesn’t attempt to add any of the aforementioned parts (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nonetheless).
The corporate additionally sells the Cut up Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Cut up Pad Professional that prices $50 (you too can get it with an Attachment Set for $79.99). It could be price a glance if you’d like one thing as practical because the Cut up Pad Professional however nearer in measurement to a Pleasure-Con.
The most effective Xbox-style controller for the Change
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure
On the floor, the GuliKit KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max are much like the last-gen fashions they changed, which took design cues from Microsoft’s commonplace Xbox controller however rivaled the Change Professional Controller by way of construct high quality and options. We examined them on the Nintendo Change, PC, and cell, however you too can use them with different Bluetooth gadgets, 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 swap between analog and digital, however the KK3 Max solely provides bodily set off stops), along with RGB-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 Change’s HD rumble). You may even customise the hot-swappable face buttons to match your most popular platform, and to the delight of match gamers, you’ll be able to play with a 1,000Hz polling charge for decreased enter lag on PC (wired or wi-fi by way of a dongle).
Moreover, each controllers now characteristic removable rear-facing buttons. You get two metallic 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 much like the paddles on the Xbox Elite Sequence 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 in addition they gained’t simply dislodge.
The longer paddles are comfortably reachable as soon as put in, however you probably have bigger palms, you might must make changes for the shorter protruding selection. They solely want a light-weight faucet, however since they occupy the house the place your fingers often relaxation, it could result in elevated misfires whereas gaming. You may 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. In actual fact, there could also be no higher choice 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 it extra simply.
A Change controller for PC and Steam Deck
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No
8BitDo’s Final Bluetooth Controller seems like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally quick grip profile that bigger palms might not favor. Each share Change and Home windows PC help, however 8BitDo will get a leg up with full Steam Deck compatibility. Its haptics are first rate however not so good as Nintendo’s, and it’s lacking Amiibo help, although it does characteristic customizable again paddles and movement controls — together with a hidden trick that permits you to wake a docked Change by giving the controller a bit of shake.
It additionally comes with a charging dock, which shops the two.4GHz dongle when not in use. The included dock is helpful for charging the 22-hour battery, which continues to be fairly beneficiant however comes properly in need of the 40-hour mark set by Nintendo’s official controller.
The Final controller is available in a number of variants, however we suggest the Bluetooth mannequin over the two.4GHz or wired choices as a result of it consists of 2.4GHz connectivity and GuliKit Corridor impact sticks, which the two.4GHz-only model lacks. The analog sticks provide simply the correct amount of resistance and sport a snug concave high, however they’re only a tad quick on the edges. All the buttons provide nice journey, although, and the analog triggers have a satisfying quantity of resistance when pulled.
As for tweaks, you’ll be able to customise button mapping profiles, macros, vibration depth, and stick and set off sensitivity utilizing the Final Software program app on cell or PC. The controller has a devoted button that allows you to swap between three profiles on the fly, plus an additional turbo button you’ll be able to both reconfigure or remap. In the case of Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and tips on how to entry them, which is one more reason it’s excessive on our listing.
A well-rounded Change controller that appears like a DualShock
Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Sure / Software program customization: Sure / Rumble: Sure / NFC: No / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: No
The 8BitDo Professional 2 is one other nice choice with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your palms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller. The Professional 2 has a snug grip, a crisper D-pad than the Change Professional Controller, and two easy-to-press paddle buttons on the underside.
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. PlayStation players may even admire that the left analog stick is positioned towards the underside — similar to on Sony’s controllers — quite than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.
With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cell machine or a Home windows pc, you’ll be able to customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You may even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle via them with a button positioned between the analog sticks.
On its rear, there’s a swap that lets it toggle between Nintendo Change, X-input for PC, DirectInput, and macOS modes, every with its personal management customizations and Bluetooth profile. This controller presents a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you’d like one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).
An adapter that allows you to use your personal controllers
There are numerous different gadgets that let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s could be the perfect worth. As a substitute of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 helps you to flip a Bluetooth controller you already personal right into a wi-fi Change controller. It plugs into your Change dock and helps all kinds of fashions, from the most recent Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Word: the first-gen mannequin can’t hook up with most Xbox Bluetooth controllers because of a Bluetooth incompatibility, so ensure you get the most recent mannequin.)
To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely properly, with better-than-average rumble and extra responsive movement controls than many devoted Change controllers provide. What’s extra, as long as you’re utilizing one of many newer Xbox Sequence X or S controllers, an Xbox One Bluetooth controller, a DualSense, a DualShock 4, or the Change 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 intensive 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 Change’s button structure by coronary heart if you happen to plan to make use of both a PlayStation or Xbox controller with this adapter, because the structure 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 via just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s reasonably priced adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. In the event 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 you probably have loads of controllers sitting round, it could be price it.
Different Change controllers we examined
We like CRKD’s Nitro Deck round right here. It’s a cradle-style controller that holds the Change between a pair of Corridor impact sticks, outfitting it with a typical 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 permit 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 resolution was extra elegant and that CRKD might remedy the ergonomics (significantly on the fitting facet, the place the analog and button placement could cause discomfort).
We lately examined the GameSir T4 Cyclone Professional ($45.99) for consideration. It presents just a few 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 can’t declare. That mentioned, it falls simply quick because of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding below the buttons a characteristic that makes the impression softer, however we felt it takes away from the expertise. Additionally, though it’s completely usable with the Change, the Professional’s button labeling takes after Microsoft’s, which is probably not best for individuals who have bother memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cell machine 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 ($59.99). 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 value almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a reasonably devoted recreation of the unique if you happen to fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, but it surely’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a straightforward technique to get the old-school feeling again if you happen to don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.
The Change 2 is what’s coming subsequent. Nintendo plans to announce extra particulars relating to its second-gen hybrid console on April 2nd; nonetheless, based mostly on what we’ve seen to date, it seems to be like it’s going to sport a redesigned set of Pleasure-Con controllers and adjustments to the attachments slots. The brand new Pleasure-Cons are rumored to characteristic an optical sensor that enables them to operate as mice when held horizontally, so even when current-gen controllers are suitable, it’s potential that some newer video games may not totally help current fashions.
That brings into query whether or not current Change controllers will work with the Change 2 in any respect. Though Nintendo has confirmed some stage of continuity going into the following technology — the most important being backward compatibility with unique Change cartridges — most {hardware} specifics stay a thriller, although can we anticipate some help for current-gen {hardware}.
As for brand new controllers for the unique Change, we’re seemingly in a holding sample. 8BitDo has introduced an Final 2 controller with TRM analog sticks, and presumably, there might be a model suitable with Change, even when one hasn’t been introduced but. There’s nothing else notable on the quick horizon, nonetheless, and that most likely gained’t change till the Change 2 arrives later this 12 months.
Replace, February twenty eighth: Added execs/cons for all of our suggestions, a brand new part on how we check controllers, and a few particulars relating to the forthcoming Nintendo Change 2.