So, youâve picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 and are ready to dive into Mario Kart World, but youâre not really feelinâ the Joy-Cons (donât worry, theyâre not my thing either). Yeah, you need a more standard controller, my friend. Fortunately, there are a handful to choose from even this early in the consoleâs life.
The best controller for you will always come down to the one that matches your budget, the features you need, and what feels most comfortable in your hand. But Iâve been taking a look at some Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and I think these three are the best choices in order from most to least expensive. Maybe thereâs one here that will tickle your fancy.
The king reigns supreme: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller may be pricey as hell, but it is hands down the best controller you can buy for your Nintendo Switch 2 right now. For its high asking price, you can rest assured that it has every feature needed to make the most of your gameplay experience on your new console. So, if youâve got the dough, itâs definitely worth the investment.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller comes with mappable back buttons, HD Rumble 2, gyro controls, amiibo support, and a dedicated C button for GameChat. Itâs a complete feature set that third-party controllers canât always lay claim to. But most of all, itâs likely the most comfortable controller Iâve ever held. I adore how smooth the sticks move, how clicky the buttons are, and how the two back buttons rest at just the right spot where theyâre easily accessible without making me feel like I might click them accidentally. The controller borders on perfection.
If I had any real complaint about Nintendoâs newest controller, though, it wouldnât be about anything functional. Instead, I simply wish the company would offer more colorways than black. Nintendo has frequently embraced quirky, colorful hardware, so Iâm hoping weâll eventually see some unique colors pop up down the line.
Letâs get fashionable: Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller
My favorite third-party Nintendo Switch 2 controller to use has been the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller. Officially licensed by Nintendo, this controller comes sporting basically all of the things I want in a controller, and at a lower price than the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
You get up to 40 hours of playtime on a charge, built-in gyro controls, mappable back buttons, and satisfyingly grippy thumbsticks. Itâs just killer all-around, honestly, and feels wonderful in the hands. Even more, itâs a hell of a looker with some neat aesthetic flair. Whether you choose the Invincible Mario (pictured above) or the Super Mario Star version, youâre getting a visually fun controller that also glows in the damn dark! And look, I know Iâm almost 40, but donât judge me for embracing some childlike wonder to offset the doom and gloom in the world these days.
Unfortunately, because it was initially designed for the original Nintendo Switch, the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller lacks a dedicated C button for GameChat, so youâll need to access that feature from the UI instead. I also wish it provided amiibo support, but thatâs life.
Rippinâ on a budget: PowerA Advantage Wired Controller
Whether youâre on a budget or simply prefer wired controllers, the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller is a beast at only $40. It comes packing Nintendo Switch 2-specific features like programmable back buttons and a C button for accessing GameChat. And its 10ft wire is plenty long enough that you should be able to kick back on the couch and relax while playing your favorite games.
The disadvantages of the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller are that itâs missing HD Rumble, motion controls, and amiibo support. If any of that is a dealbreaker for you, youâre probably better off saving up for the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, I reckon.
The PowerA Advantage Wired Controller comes in a few different neat versions, including a sleek all-black edition and two Nintendo-themed versions that really stand out. I dig the Mario Time controller in the picture above, but Iâd say itâs nice to have options.
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