One of the best Nintendo Change controllers for 2024

One of the best 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 comfy for lengthy gaming classes or giant arms. 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 are each comfy and dependable, in addition to just a few choices that include distinctive options designed to match your play type. 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, for those who purchase a third-party wi-fi controller (as in, one not made by Nintendo), there are specific issues that it possible received’t be capable of do until in any other case famous:

• It received’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 stated, 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 received’t be capable of activate the Change remotely. (You’ll should manually press the console’s energy button.) 
• Whereas some Change controllers have 3.5mm headphone jacks, getting audio out of them can solely occur by a wired USB connection, not wirelessly. For most individuals, pairing Bluetooth headphones to your Change is a ample (and really simple) workaround.

If you happen to’re enjoying your Change whereas docked, it’s arduous to go improper with the official Nintendo Change Professional Controller. It’s the one conventional gamepad that checks all of the containers above — minus the three.5mm audio jack — and it’s some of the satisfying controllers we’ve examined. The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional, in the meantime, makes for a terrific Xbox-style controller with exhaustive customization, whereas the Hori Break up Pad Professional is nice for many who choose 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 effectively price a glance.

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

Greater than seven years down the highway, Nintendo’s first-party Professional controller continues to be the very best 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 when it comes to consolation and construct high quality.

Other than the Pleasure-Cons, the Change Professional Controller is the one wi-fi possibility 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, except for 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 possible take informal avid gamers 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 avid gamers. The controller expenses by way of USB-C, identical 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 because of its compatibility with the newest 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 at the moment doable. (No less than you’ll be able to join a pair of wi-fi headphones by way of Bluetooth, however solely if in case you have not more than two controllers linked to your Change without delay.)

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 youngsters and small-handed people apart, most individuals in all probability wouldn’t say they’re probably the most comfy possibility. That’s the place the Hori Break up Pad Professional is available in.

The Break up Pad Professional is available in a wide range of colorways, and it each seems and appears like a Change Professional Controller that’s cut up in half. One-half slides into both sides of the Change 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 gives numerous 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 classes.

The Break 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 until you buy the Break 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 components (it does add a 3.5mm headphone jack, nonetheless).

The corporate additionally sells the Break up Pad Compact, which is a smaller model of the Break up Pad Professional that sometimes prices round $50. It may be price a glance if you’d like one thing as practical because the Break up Pad Professional however nearer in measurement to a Pleasure-Con — particularly because it’s at the moment on sale at Goal for $32.49 (about $18 off).

Supported Platforms: Change, PC, Steam Deck, cell, Apple TV / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Rumble: Sure / NFC: Sure / Movement: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable / Console Wakeup: Sure

The GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional rivals the Change Professional Controller in construct high quality, however it feels extra like a contemporary Xbox controller, and its textured rear grips may give it the sting for some. Not like most third-party controllers, it retains Amiibo help, although some customers have reported points with inauthentic Amiibo merchandise. The KingKong 2 Professional can join by way of Bluetooth to the Change and to PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and different platforms. And since it makes use of GuliKit’s Corridor impact sensors for its analog sticks, it’s resistant to drift.

We suggest trying out this video at iFixit to see an intensive rationalization of the way it works, however in essence, Corridor impact sensors use magnets to change electrical present as an alternative of bodily rubbing on (and ultimately carrying down) a sensor to provide an enter. Whereas we haven’t heard widespread stories of persistent analog stick drift points on the Change Professional Controller to this point, controllers with Corridor impact sensors won’t ever encounter it, and the peace of thoughts is well worth the added price. (The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller under additionally makes use of GuliKit’s sensors.)

Management-wise, nearly every little thing concerning the KingKong 2 Professional feels excellent. The face buttons, bumpers, and D-pad all strike a stability between journey, tactile suggestions, and really feel. The analog sticks are extremely fluid but simply snap again into their default positions. Clicking the sticks doesn’t require a lot pressure, both, even once they’re off-axis. And whereas we are able to’t absolutely credit score GuliKit for the superb ergonomics afforded by the Xbox-inspired form, we are able to award factors for the sturdy supplies used and nailing a well-balanced weight.

The controller gives exhaustive customizability choices, too. You possibly can swap button layouts, program macros, and cycle by preset ranges of rumble depth and set off sensitivity (which can not apply when utilizing it with the Change, because it doesn’t help analog triggers). Nonetheless, managing these settings is lower than splendid, as you’ll be able to solely change them by inputting button combos. Certain, the combos are easy, however memorizing all of them is difficult. Fortunately, GuliKit clearly spells every little thing out within the complete handbook you’ll obtain with the gamepad.

It’s price noting that GuliKit now sells a KingKong 3 Professional and KingKong 3 Max. The three Professional builds upon the premium controller by including 4 slots for removable rearward buttons or paddles (two come within the field) and a 1,000Hz polling fee for improved responsiveness. The three Max is analogous however consists of three pairs of again buttons (together with brief and lengthy kinds) and a 10-minute macro recording restrict (versus 10 seconds on the three Professional). There’s additionally a devoted set off mode change, RGB lights across the analog sticks that sign which sensitivity mode you’re in, and NFC for Amiibo help.

We haven’t examined both of the brand new GuliKit fashions (but), however we intend to drag them in for consideration quickly, so keep tuned.

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 appears like a Change Professional Controller in form, with a equally brief grip profile that bigger arms might not choose. 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 somewhat 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 effectively 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 quantity of resistance and sport a cushty concave high, however they’re only a tad brief on the edges. The entire 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. On the subject of Change controllers, 8BitDo units the usual for the breadth of those choices and learn how to entry them, which is another excuse it’s excessive on our record.

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 possibility with Corridor impact sticks for the Nintendo Change, particularly in case your arms are happiest with a PlayStation-style controller. The Professional 2 has a cushty 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 avid gamers may also admire that the left analog stick is situated towards the underside — identical to on Sony’s controllers — somewhat than above the D-pad as on the Change Professional.

With 8BitDo’s Final software program on a cell system or a Home windows laptop, you’ll be able to customise the Professional 2’s button mapping and the sensitivity of its triggers and analog sticks. You possibly can even save as much as three management scheme profiles and cycle by them with a button situated between the analog sticks. On its rear, there’s a change 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 affords a lot for $50 (or $54.99 if you’d like one of many extremely cool translucent blue, purple, or inexperienced editions).

There are various different gadgets that will let you use third-party controllers, however 8BitDo’s may be the very best worth. As an alternative of spending $70 on a number of Change Professional Controllers, the $19.99 8BitDo Wi-fi Bluetooth USB Adapter 2 allows 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 newest Xbox and DualSense controllers to last-gen gamepads for the Wii and PlayStation 3. (Word: 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.)

To our shock, the PS5 DualSense controller we examined it with labored extremely effectively, 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 Collection 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 laptop 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 stated, it’s greatest if you understand the Change’s button format by coronary heart for those who 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 just a few small hoops to attach it, 8BitDo’s inexpensive adapter deserves a spot in your leisure heart. If you happen to 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 may be price it.

Nitro Deck / Nitro Deck Plus

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 enable it to double as a dock for TV gameplay. The step-up Nitro Deck Plus provides stated 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 want the passthrough resolution was extra elegant and that CRKD might clear up the ergonomics (significantly on the best 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 most of the similar features because the GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional — 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 stated, it falls simply brief as a result of mushy-feeling buttons. GameSir considers the additional padding underneath the buttons a characteristic that makes the influence 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 might not be splendid for many who have hassle memorizing inputs. We additionally discovered resyncing with the Change to be a chore after switching from a cell system or a Home windows PC.

GameCube Fashion Wi-fi Controller

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 price almost as a lot. The GameCube-style wi-fi controller is a fairly trustworthy recreation of the unique for those who fancy a pure Tremendous Smash Bros. expertise, however it’s barebones with no rumble, NFC, or IR. It’s a straightforward strategy to get the old-school feeling again for those who don’t have already got a Bluetooth-based different to make use of with 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2.

Replace, September twenty fifth: Up to date to mirror present pricing and availability.