Aura Kasih
The Nintendo Switch 2’s control scheme offers a gateway to immersive gaming experiences, but the allure of an enhanced or supplementary controller can be significant. While Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller stands as a premium option at $89, boasting features like an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack, sophisticated haptic feedback, system-level rear button customization, and a refined aesthetic, its cost may not align with every consumer’s budget. This analysis delves into the burgeoning market of third-party controllers, examining their capabilities, value propositions, and how they stack up against Nintendo’s flagship, providing a comprehensive guide for gamers seeking optimal control solutions for their Switch 2 and beyond.
A robust third-party controller market has emerged, offering compelling alternatives that often bridge the gap between affordability and feature parity. Extensive testing has been conducted on a diverse array of these peripherals, including newly released models, to identify those that offer a balanced blend of performance, ergonomics, and cost-effectiveness. The focus has been on identifying controllers that not only meet but often exceed the baseline functionality of their official counterparts, providing users with enhanced gaming sessions across various genres and playstyles.
Crucially, all controllers evaluated for this guide demonstrate full compatibility with both the Nintendo Switch 2 and its predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, they possess the capability to remotely activate the Switch 2 from a sleep state, a convenience that streamlines the gaming setup process. An important consideration for longevity and consistent performance is the joystick technology employed. While the Switch 2 Pro Controller relies on traditional potentiometer-based joysticks, which are susceptible to drift over time, the examined third-party alternatives predominantly feature either Hall effect or Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks. These advanced technologies are inherently more resistant to wear and tear, promising a more durable and consistent input experience, thereby mitigating the common issue of analog stick drift that can plague older controller designs. Specific advantages and unique functionalities of each controller are detailed below, offering a nuanced understanding of their individual merits.
Featured Products: A Comparative Overview
The Apex Controller for Discerning Gamers: EasySMX S10
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile devices.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired USB-C.
- Key Features: Advanced HD Rumble, Amiibo support, motion controls, dual mappable rear buttons, built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery, console wake-up functionality.
- Price Point: Approximately $42 (subject to market fluctuations).
The EasySMX S10 emerges as a leading contender, presenting a compelling fusion of premium features at a significantly more accessible price point than Nintendo’s official offering. Its retail price, often found around $59.99, positions it as a value-driven choice without compromising on essential functionalities. Notably, the S10 delivers an exceptionally nuanced implementation of HD Rumble, arguably surpassing the fidelity experienced with other third-party controllers. A standout feature is its ability to wake the Switch 2 console from sleep mode via Bluetooth, a convenience not commonly found in its competitors. Furthermore, the inclusion of Amiibo support broadens its appeal, making it a versatile peripheral for collectors and players who utilize Nintendo’s interactive figures.
Beyond its feature set, the S10 distinguishes itself through its ergonomic design and tactile feedback. Its grips offer enhanced purchase, contributing to a secure hold during extended gaming sessions. The stick caps also provide superior traction. The button and trigger actuation offers a distinct feel—a softer press with shorter travel—which may be a subjective preference for some users. A particularly noteworthy design element is the swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad. This adaptability significantly enhances diagonal input precision, a clear advantage in titles such as Hollow Knight: Silksong, where precise movement is critical.
A minor point of contention is the placement of the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and Home). Their proximity beneath the D-pad and right analog stick can feel somewhat cramped, requiring a slight adjustment in finger positioning. However, this is a minor ergonomic consideration within an otherwise exceptionally well-rounded package.
Honorable Mentions: Expanding the Horizon of Control Options
Mobapad N1 HD: A Sophisticated Contender
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, wired USB-C.
- Key Features: HD Rumble, Amiibo support, motion controls, dual mappable rear buttons, extensive software customization, rechargeable battery (capacity not specified), console wake-up functionality.
- Price Point: Approximately $46.
The Mobapad N1 HD represents a strong option for those seeking advanced functionality at a competitive price. While initially designed for the original Nintendo Switch, its compatibility with the Switch 2 has been confirmed following firmware updates via Mobapad’s dedicated mobile or PC application. The controller supports console wake-up functionality, though this requires a one-time setup procedure detailed in accompanying tutorials.
Similar to the EasySMX S10, the N1 HD excels in its rumble implementation, offers Amiibo compatibility, and integrates motion controls, all within a lightweight and comfortable form factor. While the S10 might offer a slightly more substantial feel, the N1 HD’s grips are less abrasive, potentially appealing to a broader range of users. The Hall effect sticks and triggers provide a satisfying tactile response, complemented by quiet yet responsive button presses. The absence of a dedicated GameChat button is a minor omission, given that this feature is infrequently utilized by many players.
A unique aspect of the N1 HD is its customizable sound profiles. Through the accompanying mobile application, users can personalize the audio cues associated with controller pairing and power-off events, adding a touch of individual flair—a subtle but appreciated detail.
GuliKit ES Pro: The Xbox Enthusiast’s Switch 2 Companion
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired USB-C.
- Key Features: Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, eight-way D-pad, motion controls, rechargeable battery, console wake-up functionality.
- Price Point: Approximately $30.
The GuliKit ES Pro stands out as an exceptionally affordable option, particularly for those accustomed to the Xbox controller layout. Its price point makes it an attractive proposition for users seeking a familiar ergonomic design without a significant financial outlay. This gamepad features an eight-way D-pad, which proves advantageous for fighting games, Metroidvanias, and retro titles where precise diagonal inputs are crucial. A configurable setting allows for cardinal direction-only registration if preferred.
The ES Pro incorporates TMR joysticks, offering superior drift resistance and enhanced power efficiency compared to Hall effect technology. Its ability to remotely wake the Switch 2 and original Switch consoles is a noteworthy convenience, although the setup process is described as a peculiar, one-time procedure.
The primary drawback of the ES Pro lies in its rumble implementation. The feedback is characterized by a lack of subtlety, often feeling overly aggressive or entirely absent. Consequently, many users may find it preferable to disable rumble altogether. Furthermore, it lacks integrated Amiibo support and the GameChat button found on other models. However, for users whose priorities do not include these specific features, the ES Pro remains a highly competent and cost-effective choice.
GuliKit Elves 2: Compact Design with Functional Trade-offs
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile devices.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired USB-C.
- Key Features: Hall effect joysticks, eight-way D-pad, motion controls, rechargeable battery, console wake-up functionality.
- Price Point: Approximately $30.
The GuliKit Elves 2 presents a unique proposition with its compact, Sega Saturn-inspired design. While sharing some of the functional benefits of the ES Pro, such as Switch 2 wake-up and multiplatform support, its smaller form factor makes it an ideal candidate for younger gamers or individuals with smaller hands who may find larger controllers unwieldy.
Despite its diminutive size, the Elves 2 incorporates essential features including a rechargeable battery, rumble motors, a gyroscope, and an eight-way D-pad that provides a satisfying tactile experience. The ergonomic grips effectively transform the small gamepad into a comfortable-to-hold device, even for users with medium-sized hands. However, certain aspects, such as long-term comfort, button and trigger feel, and missing functionalities, present minor drawbacks. Compared to the ES Pro, it utilizes Hall effect sticks instead of TMR, features less refined triggers, and lacks swappable buttons.
8BitDo Pro 3: A Premium Option with Extensive Customization
- Supported Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile devices.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, wired USB-C.
- Key Features: TMR joysticks, dual back paddles, three shoulder buttons per side (M buttons), customizable stick caps, swappable ABXY buttons, trigger locks, motion controls, rechargeable battery, console wake-up functionality.
- Price Point: Approximately $63.
The 8BitDo Pro 3 is a high-quality alternative to the Switch 2 Pro Controller, distinguished by its PlayStation-style analog stick layout. While its price point of $69.99 places it at the higher end of the third-party market, it compensates with a substantial array of customization options that impact both aesthetics and gameplay.
Key features include TMR joysticks for enhanced durability, two programmable back paddles, and additional custom "M" buttons on each shoulder for expanded input control. The analog stick caps are interchangeable, offering the option of glossy arcade stick-style nubs, which can be particularly beneficial for fighting game enthusiasts. The ABXY buttons can be swapped using an included tool, allowing for personalized button layouts, and the controller comes with retro-themed colored buttons for aesthetic customization. Additionally, trigger locks provide the ability to switch between a short, clicky pull and the standard travel distance.
A significant limitation of the Pro 3 is its suboptimal rumble feedback, which lacks nuance and can be perceived as weak. This may lead some users to disable rumble entirely. For those considering the similarly priced 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller, it shares the characteristic of weak rumble but offers comparable features with an Xbox-style stick layout.
Emerging Technologies and Future Prospects
The third-party controller landscape for the Nintendo Switch 2 is dynamic and continually evolving. Recent developments indicate a trend towards incorporating advanced technologies like adjustable stick tension and enhanced rumble feedback. GuliKit’s TT Max and TT Pro controllers, for instance, feature PlayStation-style stick layouts, TMR joysticks, and adjustable tension mechanisms, alongside impressive rumble capabilities. Mobapad’s Chitu2 controller aims to replicate the nuanced feel of Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller while incorporating TMR joysticks and other desirable features. EasySMX is also set to release the S10 Lite, a more budget-friendly version of its acclaimed S10, which appears to retain most of the core functionalities while omitting Amiibo support. These ongoing innovations suggest a competitive market that is increasingly focused on delivering premium gaming experiences at varied price points, ensuring that Switch 2 owners have a wide array of control options to suit their individual needs and preferences. The continued integration of drift-resistant joystick technologies and advanced haptic feedback systems will undoubtedly shape the future of Switch 2 accessory development, offering players greater fidelity and longevity in their gaming peripherals.
Lisa Mariana
Ridwan Kamil