The Best Nintendo Switch Controller

If you only buy one additional controller for your Switch, let it be this one. Before we got hold of it, there were concerns that a traditional controller design would undermine the Switch's unique charm. We were wrong. The increased size and weight, the larger buttons and trigger, and the offset analogue sticks elevate the Switch gaming experience, especially for fast-paced encounters in games like Astral Chain and Xenoblade. Despite its conventional demeanour, the Pro controller still offers gyroscopic control and amiibo support, and the singular formed d-pad replaces the JoyCons singular buttons to great effect. This controller is precise, comfortable, and essential.

This might just be Hori's greatest achievement. The Split Pad Pro replaces the Joy-Cons in handheld mode to offer a chunky grip akin to traditional console controllers. The offset analogue sticks provide clear access to the d-pad, and on the underside hides two programmable triggers, giving the player a sneaky advantage. If you regularly play the Switch in handheld mode and don't mind the extra size, this is a great controller option. Just be aware that there are no rumble or motion controls here. Available in a range of colours and designs.

Some of the Switch's greatest games are best shared with friends - an extra set of JoyCons will allow players to double their number with ease. They're available in a range of sparky colours, too.

If you enjoy the layout and feel of the Joy-Cons while playing handheld, but don't care for the flat, gripless backside, the GripCase is the best solution. As well as offering a little extra TPU protection to the console, it provides a deep, controller-like grip behind the Joy-Cons. There are three grips sizes to choose from, and it also extends the ZL and ZR triggers for improved control. It's a dockable case too, which means it doesn't need to be removed when docking the Switch for TV gaming.

Why opt for Hori's left-side handheld-only option, instead of Nintendo's pair of JoyCons? Well, players who find themselves in handheld mode regularly may value the chance to get a real, solid and traditional d-pad. For some, the JoyCon arrow buttons are fiddly, especially in high-stakes battle situations. Here, that issue is corrected.

This call-back to 90s consoles is a stone-sold classic. It's very much like the old SNES controller, albeit with some new mod-cons, including wireless connectivity, rumble, motion controls, rechargeable battery and twin sticks. The buttons and D-pad are satisfying and chunky. It'll also work across other platforms, so Android, iPhone and PC gamers will be able to use it everywhere they game.

Nintendo fandom spans generations. We all loved our first Nintendo console, and the controller's layout is embedded in our muscle memory – so if the GameCube was your console, why not take advantage of your natural advantage and plug in one of these? Our favourite skin is this one, featuring the Tri-force as seen in the Zelda series, but Pokémon and Super Mario are also represented with dedicated designs. If you kept one of the originals from way back when, you'll only need to get the four-port adapter listed below.

PowerA's officially licensed controller mimics the layout of the Switch Pro controller, while offering buyer's a wide choice of Nintendo character decoration. The controller is rechargeable, and comes with a 10ft cable.

This four-port adapter will allow the original GameCube controllers to be hooked up to the Switch, to facilitate a chaotic brawl on Super Smash Bros.

This dock will fully charge four JoyCons simultaneously. For anyone with more than one set of JoyCons, this is a necessity, avoiding the need to dock the controllers with the Switch to recharge. Ideal for when the crew is heading over for a relationship-destroying spin on Mario Kart.