Mix Up Your Gameplay With Our Favorite Controllers for the Switch 2

The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers Featured in this article One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch 2 is its versatility. The new console continues to balance on-the-go handheld gaming with big-screen TV play, remains backward compatible with most Switch games , and adds more retro games to its digital library with the arrival of classic GameCube games . That variety makes for several ways to play. From the upgraded Joy-Con 2 grips that introduce point-and-click mouse controls alongside the familiar motion tracking features, to the dedicated Switch 2 Pro Controller for players who want a more traditional joypad to hand, there's already no shortage of controller options for Switch 2-but what's the best? That depends on what you need-are you a couch gamer who wants the best pad for the big screen? Want to play retro titles in the most authentic way possible? Or do you just fancy making the most of the Switch 2's multiplayer features? It can be a confusing field, but fear not-here are the best ways to get the most out of the Switch 2, whatever and however you're playing. Read our Best Switch 2 Accessories guide for more. Updated December 2025: We've added controllers from PowerA and Snakebyte. Best Switch 2 Controller Overall Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Sure, you get a pair of these miniature marvels with the Switch 2 itself, but given that the new console remains as heavily focused on multiplayer as the original, you may want some extras. While you're more likely to pick up Joy-Con 2s in pairs, Nintendo does sell them individually, useful for replacements. The Joy-Con 2 controllers appear to be essentially the same as those on the first Switch, but they offer some notable upgrades. They're larger-an approximate 14 percent increase in size-making them more comfortable for larger hands, and their buttons are slightly bigger to match. When using one Joy-Con 2 as a single controller, the integrated SL and SR shoulder buttons are more prominent, while the gyroscopic motion detection and “HD Rumble 2” haptic motors are improved. Thumbsticks on both Joy-Con 2s feel smoother, although there's still no use of Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) to eliminate drift risk . This may be because the new Joy-Cons connect to the console using magnets, which may impact those technologies. The biggest differences are the ability to use each controller as a mouse, which opens up a host of new play options for the Switch 2, although comfort is an issue . There's also the addition of the new C button to the right-hand Joy-Con 2, which brings up the GameChat communications menu. Overall, the new-gen Joy-Cons are solid improvements over the last, refining the play experience for Nintendo's latest hardware.WIRED/TIREDWIRED Larger and more comfortable to hold Mouse features Improved rumble TIRED Still no Hall effect thumbsticks Mouse mode is uncomfortable Best Upgrade Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Like the Joy-Con 2s, there's a sense of continuity from the original Switch to the new generation's...

Preview: ~500 words