- For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, the official Pro Controller costs $89 and features a 3.5mm headphone jack, HD rumble, and rear button customization.
- However, several third-party alternatives offer comparable features at lower prices.
- The EasySMX S10 is highlighted as the best option for most people at $59.99, featuring TMR joysticks, amiibo support, and HD rumble.
- Other notable mentions include the Mobapad N1 HD ($47.99) and the budget-friendly GuliKit ES Pro ($29.99).
Quick Summary
For Nintendo Switch 2 owners looking for an extra controller, the official Nintendo Pro Controller is priced at $89. It offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, HD rumble, and OS-level rear button customization. However, third-party manufacturers like EasySMX and GuliKit offer compelling alternatives that do not compromise on features.
Testing reveals that the EasySMX S10 is the top recommendation for most users. Priced at $59.99, it includes TMR joysticks, amiibo support, and a swappable D-pad. It also supports remote wake-up for the Switch 2. Other budget-friendly options include the Mobapad N1 HD and the GuliKit ES Pro, both of which offer Hall effect or TMR technology to prevent joystick drift.
The Official Standard vs. Third-Party Value
Choosing an extra controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 involves balancing cost and features. The official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller retails for $89. It is currently the only wireless controller that includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. It also features great-feeling rumble, OS-level rear button customization, and a slick design. While it is described as the "total package," it is not the only option available.
There are several third-party offerings that are cheaper yet do not make significant compromises. Every controller included in this guide is compatible with the Switch 2, the original Switch, and the PC. All of them can remotely wake the Switch 2. A key technical advantage of these third-party options is the joystick technology. The official controller uses potentiometer-based joysticks, which are prone to degradation over time. In contrast, the recommended third-party picks include either Hall effect or TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) joysticks, which offer better longevity.
Top Recommendation: EasySMX S10
The EasySMX S10 Gaming Controller is identified as the best Switch 2 controller for most people. It has a retail price of $59.99, which is $30 cheaper than the official Pro Controller. Despite the lower price, it is nearly as capable and comfortable. The controller features TMR joysticks, amiibo support, and HD rumble. It is also one of the few options that can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth.
Design-wise, the S10 is distinct from the official controller. It is described as "grippier," with better texture on the grips and stick caps. The button presses and trigger pulls feel softer with shorter travel compared to standard controllers. A notable feature is the swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, which aids in executing diagonal attacks in games like Hollow Knight: Silksong. However, the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and home) are located awkwardly just below the D-pad and right stick.
Honorable Mentions and Budget Picks
Mobapad N1 HD
Available for approximately $47.99, the Mobapad N1 HD is a strong contender despite not being a new release. Originally designed for the original Switch, it works perfectly on the Switch 2 after a firmware update via the Mobapad app. It features Hall effect sticks, excellent rumble, amiibo support, and motion controls. The grips are less coarse than the S10, making it comfortable for long sessions. Unique to this controller is the ability to customize the power-on and power-off sounds using a mobile app.
GuliKit ES Pro
The GuliKit ES Pro is the best budget option at $29.99. It features an Xbox-style design and an eight-way D-pad suitable for fighting games and retro titles. It utilizes TMR joysticks for drift resistance and supports remote wake-up. However, to reach this price point, it lacks HD rumble (the rumble is described as "lousy"), amiibo support, and rear mappable buttons.
8BitDo Pro 3 and GuliKit Elves 2
The 8BitDo Pro 3 ($69.99) offers high customization and a PlayStation-style layout but suffers from poor rumble. The GuliKit Elves 2 ($34.99) is a compact, Sega Saturn-inspired controller with Hall effect sticks, though it has a limited range for sticks and triggers.
Conclusion
While the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller remains the premium choice with its exclusive headphone jack and refined rumble, the market offers excellent alternatives. For those prioritizing value and longevity, the EasySMX S10 stands out as the best all-around choice, offering TMR joysticks and amiibo support for a significantly lower price. Budget-conscious gamers can look to the GuliKit ES Pro, while those seeking unique features like customizable sounds may prefer the Mobapad N1 HD. All these options ensure compatibility across platforms and utilize advanced joystick technology to avoid the drift issues associated with standard potentiometers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best third-party controller for the Nintendo Switch 2?
The EasySMX S10 is recommended as the best controller for most people. It costs $59.99, features TMR joysticks, amiibo support, HD rumble, and can remotely wake the Switch 2.
Do third-party Switch 2 controllers support amiibo?
Some do, but not all. The EasySMX S10 and Mobapad N1 HD support amiibo, while budget options like the GuliKit ES Pro do not.
Are third-party controllers better than the official Nintendo Pro Controller?
Third-party controllers often use Hall effect or TMR joysticks, which are more durable than the official controller's potentiometer-based sticks. However, the official controller is the only one with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
