Best third-party controllers for Nintendo Switch 2021

This wireless controller not only features motion controls and rumble, but it’s one of the few that actually has amiibo scanning abilities. The large home button in the center makes it super easy to access, and it has an ergonomic grip for comfortable play. The battery lasts for up to 10 hours, so just charge it up between sessions, and you’re good to go.

These third-party options look and feel very much like the official Joy-Cons. Features include rumble and motion controls, but they do not support amiibo scanning. Slide them on the Switch or use them detached. They even come in five different colors so you can find the look you like best.

Animal Crossing has been one of the most popular games in the last few years. You can celebrate your love for the game with this cute Tom Nook design. It has a built-in battery charged via USB-C cable, and it includes motion controls and rumble.

This is likely the best Switch third-party controller as it’s the closest you’re going to get to the Nintendo Pro controller. It’s wireless and has motion controls, 30 hours of battery life, and the same layout as the Pro controller for the Switch. Like PowerA’s other controllers, it also takes two AA batteries.

This is the first Nintendo Switch controller to feature a headphone jack. I know, right? This should have been done sooner! You can adjust music volume during gameplay using the D-pad and interchangeable faceplates. Plus, you won’t feel too tethered since it comes with a 10-foot cable.

If you need to replace your Joy-Cons or you want an extra set for multiplayer games, this pair of controllers will do the trick. They slide on and off your Switch, include motion controls, and even feature rumble. Choose from six different color options.

If you are okay with sacrificing rumble, motion control, and NFC capabilities, the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller is a very budget-friendly option. It comes with a 10-foot cable, making it long enough to sit a comfortable distance from your TV. It also has a detachable directional pad, so you can choose between it or buttons.

Show off your love for the classic SNES controller with this sweet retro design. It offers vibration and motion controls, has a battery life of up to 20 hours, and is compatible with other devices, including iOS, Android, PC, Steam, and macOS.

The included cable is 8 feet long, giving you ample length. Plus, the thumbsticks come in three different sizes, so you can customize how the physical sensitivity feels. Unfortunately, the PowerA Wired Controller doesn’t support NFC (so no amiibo) and doesn’t have motion controls.

The GameCube controller will always reign supreme for some Nintendo fans, and the PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller brings that classic style and feel to the Nintendo Switch. With motion controls on board, it feels much more like a Nintendo Switch controller than other gamepads. However, there’s no rumble or NFC capabilities. Plus, instead of being rechargeable, it needs two AA batteries.

The Nintendo Switch has a ton of retro and retro-styled games available in the Nintendo eShop, so why not use a controller that embodies that nostalgia in a perfect way? The select and start buttons function as the – and + buttons, respectively, and the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro even adds two joysticks so you can play all your games just like a Pro Controller.

Perhaps you are one of those folks that are totally in love with the Xbox controller or even the PS5 DualShock. Or maybe you just don’t want to buy one more controller. Fortunately for you, there’s a solution that allows you to use those controllers with your Switch. The Magic-NS enables wireless connection for PS5, PS4, PS3, Wii U Pro, Xbox One S, or Xbox Series X controllers, so you can game comfortably with any of these familiar controllers!