The Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market today. It’s not hard to see why; with its intuitive design and versatile configuration, the Switch has taken the gaming world by storm. However, one issue that some gamers have had with the Switch is the included Joy-Cons. While they work perfectly fine for many people, others find them too small for their hands or not conducive to certain types of games. Fortunately, there are a plethora of third-party controllers available that can upgrade your Switch experience.
For those who are content with the Joy-Cons, there are still ways to improve their functionality. The FastSnail’s matte rubber shells and Hori’s Analog Caps can make the controllers easier to hold and the thumbsticks more grippable, respectively. However, if you’re looking for a more significant upgrade, there are several options available.
For casual gaming, the Hori D-pad controller is perfect for those who miss the classic cross-shaped directional button. The company’s Split Pad Pro is also a great choice, with an ergonomic grip and a D-pad on the left side. However, it does make the Switch much bulkier, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience.
For action-packed games, Pro-level controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offer a more standard gaming experience. It features a D-pad on the left and infrared sensor and HD rumble functionality. However, it does come with a higher price tag of $70. If the price is a concern, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller offers a similar layout of buttons, although it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery and lacks vibration.
For those who prefer the classic controller layouts of older systems, there are several niche and retro controllers available. The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition GameCube Controller is perfect for those who are used to the GameCube controller. The PowerA Nintendo GameCube-Style wireless controller offers a more modern take on the classic controller, and the Y Team controller adapter allows up to four GameCube controllers to be used with the Switch.
If your retro tastes go even further back to the NES and SNES era, the Nintendo Online subscription service offers wireless versions of both the NES and SNES controllers. However, these controllers may not be the most ergonomic options available. 8BitDo offers several classic-styled controllers that provide modern features such as wireless connectivity and dual thumbsticks.
Before purchasing any of these controllers, it is important to ensure that your Switch is updated to the latest firmware. Some third-party controllers may not work with older firmware versions.
In conclusion, there are many options available to upgrade your Nintendo Switch controller experience. Whether you prefer a more standard gaming experience or a classic controller layout, there is a controller for everyone. Now it’s just a matter of picking the one that fits your needs and budget.
