The Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the best consoles of our generation, and I don't think many people will come at me with pitchforks for saying that. While I didn't pre-order it like a lot of people, I have been using it for the last seven months and I have to say: I'm hooked. I've replayed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and I've sunk over 200 hours into Pokémon Pokopia and nearly that many into Pokémon FireRed.
I love how portable the Switch 2 is, and the performance is something to behold. But I'd be lying if I said I love the Joy-Cons just as much. Don't get me wrong: I like that they're bigger and a little more ergonomic than the first-gen ones, but they still aren't perfect. So, when I'm playing in docked mode and not handled while traveling, I opt for one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers instead.
And there are quite a few to choose from. Not just first-party ones from Nintendo itself, but third-party ones too, from the likes of Turtle Beach, GameSir and 8BitDo. I review Switch 2 controllers for a living so you can take my word for the ones I'm going to recommend below.
How do I pick the best Switch 2 controller for myself?
So, you've decided you want to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 controller. Yay! But how do you choose you're practically spoiled for choice?
As with most products, the first thing you need to consider is your budget, so how much are you willing to spend? The good news is that most third-party Switch 2 controllers don't break the bank — unless you choose the first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller, of course.
If you choose not to go for the first-party option, you wouldn't go wrong with the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless or the GameSir Super Nova. Both have their own selling points. If you're after visual aesthetics, it might be worth going for the Rematch Wireless as it features a glow-in-the-dark Mario-themed casing. If you want pure performance, the Super Nova should be your port of call as it features Hall Effect triggers and thumbsticks for pinpoint precision.
It's also worth considering the use-case. I, of course, mentioned Hall Effect sticks and triggers earlier, which deliver enhanced precision. They're also more durable than the analog sticks used by the Switch 2's Joy-Cons — I know nearly every Switch owner has experienced stick drift in their time.
If analog triggers bother you, you could even grab a controller like the GameSir G8 Plus. This is basically a mobile controller for on-the-go gaming, but the G8 Plus is wide enough to fit the Switch 2's screen, so this controller could potentially replace your Joy-Cons. I find this controller a lot more ergonomic than the Joy-Cons too, as it's got great weight distribution and chunky grips.
Battery life is another pre-purchase consideration. You can get up to 40 hours from a controller like the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless.
Once you've thought about the ergonomics, battery life, budget and use-case, you're ready to make the right decision. And regardless of the gamepad you pick from the aforementioned list, I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice (and my recommendations!).
