Nintendo managed to make their current-gen console both portable and fit the big screen. Thanks to the Nintendo Switch, modern gamers can play their favorite titles on the go or on the TV for a full-screen experience. Thanks to third-party support, the Switch not only accommodates fantastic Nintendo titles but also some of gaming's best offerings. Lastly, Nintendo spices things up with useful peripherals such as alternative Switch docks as well as pro-controllers.
The Nintendo Switch comes with Joy-Cons that are designed to complement both portable and docked play. That said, if someone plans to mostly leave the console attached to their TV, they are likely to consider picking up a Switch Pro Controller. Although highly regarded, this accessory is quite costly; however, there are plenty of third-party controllers for the Switch that console owners can pick up as alternatives to the official periphery.
Updated April 15, 2022 by Mark Sammut: Five years after its debut and the Nintendo Switch is still going strong. The console adds first and third-party games on a daily basis, ensuring its library continues to grow and attract new clients. The same can be said for the third-party accessory scene, particularly when it comes to controllers. This market is constantly developing, and there are some great alternatives to the Switch Pro Controller on Amazon. This article has been updated to include currently available products and links to their Amazon pages.
Funlab Wireless Pro Controller
Those seeking a Switch wireless pro controller for a reasonable price should look no further than this underrated option. For roughly half the cost of Nintendo's official Pro Controller, this Funlab device offers much of the same functionality. It has a 3-tiered vibration function, 6-axis gyro, along with the fun little bonus of turbo buttons for those frantic, action-packed games.
The ergonomic nature of the device makes it comfortable to hold, and the wireless functionality via Bluetooth proves stable and vast, offering a range of about 32 feet. It comes with a built-in battery that takes just a few hours to charge at most, and lasts around 8-10 hours before needed to be refueled.
8BitDo SN30 Pro Plus Bluetooth Gamepad
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro Plus Bluetooth Gamepad instantly gets a recommendation thanks to its sleek appearance. Its straightforward keypad surface and two handle sticks make it quite the minimalist controller. Granted, its controls are arranged in a way that makes it feel more of a standard console controller. However, where it shines is in its sheer degree of control.
Pro gamers will appreciate the level of control they have with this device. Aside from its replaceable rechargeable battery pack, this controller also works with Android, Windows, and MacOS devices. Moreover, this device features software that allows players to create macros, remap buttons, and change various degrees of sensitivity.
8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad Controller
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Players who want a more retro look for their gaming can opt for the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad Controller. Unlike its sibling, this variant doesn't have the handle sticks. However, this device does sport quite an awesome retro look that makes it the perfect controller for any player's arsenal.
As with its sibling, this controller sports Bluetooth compatibility and the same firm buttons. Thanks to its Bluetooth support, players can still get a wireless controller and enjoy playing even offline. Moreover, thanks to its size, this controller becomes extremely travel-friendly for players. As with its sibling, players can use this controller for Windows, Android, and MacOS devices as well.
Mytrix Wireless Controller
The standard Switch Pro Controller has a slick design tailor-made for most sensibilities; however, it is not exactly the most eye-catching of looks. Conversely, Mytrix's Wireless Controller stands out due to its beautiful aesthetic, and it is available in a range of colors so people can match the accessory to their console or its other peripherals.
As cute as its design is, this controller would not be worth anything if it did not deliver in terms of performance, and it more than holds its own in that department. Some of the controller's features include multiple levels of vibration, Turbo functionality, a screenshot button, and a rechargeable battery advertised to last at least 15 hours.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
Thanks to the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller's appearance, players will feel as though they're still holding the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Its sleek design almost perfectly mirrors that of Nintendo's device. However, PowerA does give players two bottom buttons that they can map into anything they want.
Unfortunately, this controller does lack some special Pro Controller features such as Amiibo NFC Support, IR, and HD Rumble. However, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller does come with motion controls and a ton of game-themed designs, along with a rechargeable battery advertised to last for roughly 30 hours of gaming. The controller is available in Black, White, and even Mario.
Get the Black version on Amazon here!
PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller
Players who want an alternative retro look might want a bulkier Pro Controller. Thanks to the PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller, Switch owners can get exactly that. This controller bears almost the same appearance as the GameCube controller, only this time it's for the Switch. As such, this controller becomes a perfect companion for hardcore RPG Switch sessions.
Moreover, players get a handy new layout for the buttons, which mimics the GameCube and may even suit the Switch experience. This modern controller has motion controls but lacks NFC and rumble capabilities. The device also runs on AA batteries.
YCCTEAM Wireless Pro Controller
This third-party accessory does not look that different from the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, so it should not seem out of place alongside the console. Larger than the official version, YCCTEAM's Wireless Pro Controller comes with everything someone could need to play on the Switch or Switch Lite. It can wake up a sleeping console, supports motion control, and allows screenshots to be shared with the click of a button.
This controller also has NFC functionality, permitting the accessory to read Amiibos. The battery is advertised to last roughly 10 hours, and it can be recharged using a USB Type-C cable.
8Bitdo Zero 2
Players who want more compact controllers for multiplayer games don't have to worry about splurging money for a lot of Pro Controllers. With 8Bit Zero 2, players can get small but complete controllers perfect for multiplayer skirmishes. Thanks to the layout of these controllers, they become perfect substitutes for games that require multiple Joy-Cons to use.
These devices work with Bluetooth and can connect with Android, Mac, and PC devices. While maybe not the ideal controller for long gaming sessions, this gadget immediately allows players to get some multiplayer fun without having to spend their savings.
Mayflash Magic-NS
Players who don't want to "buy" a third-party controller can actually transform their controllers at home into Switch devices. Thanks to the Mayflash Magic-NS, players may actually be able to make their DualShocks and Xbox controllers compatible with the Nintendo Switch. As such, players can seamlessly and wirelessly connect their favorite controllers with the Switch with no worries and play their favorite Switch games.
Of course, this does eliminate the luxury of choosing a Pro Controller exclusively for the Switch, which can become a bummer for some. Not all classic controllers fit the kind of control scheme the Switch has, so the Mayflash Magic NS is a better fit for modern peripherals.
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