Best Third-Party Controllers for Nintendo Switch in 2019

This is likely 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 controls it also takes two AA batteries.

As its name suggests, the controller is indeed wired, meaning you'll have to plug it into the USB port on the back of your dock; however, the included cable is eight feet long, giving you ample length to work with. Plus, the thumbsticks come in three different lengths, so you have some customization to how the physical sensitivity feels. Unfortunately, the PowerA Wired Controller doesn't support NFC (so no amiibo) and doesn't have motion controls.

For some Nintendo fans, the GameCube controller will always reign supreme, 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.

If you are okay with sacrificing rumble, motion-control, and NFC capabilities, the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller is a very budget-friendly option. Although the HORIPAD is not wireless, it comes with a 10-foot cable, making it long enough to sit a comfortable distance from your TV. The weirdest part of the HORIPAD Wired Nintendo Switch Controller is the detachable directional pad. When you take it off, it leaves a big indent and reveals four individual buttons, which allow you a little more precision, but isn't the most practical.

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 8Bitdo SN30 Pro takes the retro Super Nintendo controller and brings it into the 21st century. It has all the buttons you need to control the Switch, including a home and screenshot button cleverly tucked away at the bottom of the controller. The select and start buttons function as the - and + buttons respectively, and the 8Bitdo SN30 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 PS4 DualShock. Or maybe you just don't want to buy one more controller. Fortunately for you, there is a solution which will allow you to use those controllers on your Nintendo Switch. The Magic-NS will allow you to wirelessly connect a PS4, PS3, Wii U Pro, or Xbox One S controller to your Nintendo Switch. This is a nifty little third-party dongle which will kick open the doors of possibility for controlling your Switch.

This is a great alternative to Nintendo's official Pro Controller. It features motion controls, dual motors for shocks, and an ergonomic design. You can play wirelessly for up to eight hours with the aid of the internal 350mA battery. Should the battery life get low, don't worry. You can plug it in and continue to play. It comes with a three-year warranty and a 45-day return policy so you'll be able to get it fixed or return it if necessary.

This will be the first Nintendo Switch controller to actually feature a headphone jack. I know, right? This should have definitely been done sooner. You'll be able to adjust music volume during gameplay by using the D-pad. This wired controller will also feature an interchangeable faceplate so you can get the color or theme you want. You won't feel too tethered since it comes with a 10-foot cable. PDP will be accepting pre-orders starting in May.

This conventional-looking controller features HD rumble, motion controls, and enlarged buttons. It also offers both a D-pad and a left joystick so you can play with whichever options feels best. The battery life lasts up to five hours. This is plenty of time for the average gaming session, but you'll want to make sure you charge it in between uses. It also has plug-and-play abilities should the battery get low. You get plenty of freedom when playing with the cable plugged in and charging since it's over 20 inches long.

This controller's internal battery lasts for up to eight hours, which is plenty of time for you to charge it between gaming sessions. It comes with a protective EVA hardshell bag making it safer and easier to transport when on the go. It responds to motion controls and has built-in vibration. The battery life indicator lets you know at a glance if the controller needs a recharge. Choose between a red or a blue controller.