EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller review: Perfect for game night

The best Nintendo Switch controllers can cost a lot of money. That's especially true if you're trying to gather several of them for multiplayer game nights. There are several third-party controllers to choose from, but some of the more affordable ones don't have all the features I need. However, every now and then I find a controller that beats my expectations for a great price.

I recently had the chance to test two versions of the EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller. It offers more features and conveniences than many other knock-off controllers while still managing to be an inexpensive buy. Because of this, I highly recommend them.

EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller: Price and availability

You can purchase the EasySMX YS06 Controller in one of its many designs at Amazon or the EasySMX website for $36. It often goes on sale on Amazon, so keep an eye out for chances to grab it for even less!

EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller: What's good

The EasySMX YS06 Controllers are roughly the same size and shape as Nintendo's Pro Controller. The main differences come in the shape of the - and + buttons and the addition of both a Turbo button on the front and a reset button on the back of EasySMX's controller. Both the controls and joysticks on the front of the gamepad press in nicely and respond just the way I expected them to.

The YS06 also weighs a couple ounces less than the Pro Controller, but still has a decent heft to it. There aren't any textured grips on the back, but I've never felt worried that the controllers would slip from my fingers during testing.

The one with a Pikachu tail design has a smooth glazed coating that allows those golden colors to really come through. The Halloween controller is matte and doesn't have as vibrant coloring as I initially expected, but it still looks good overall.

Despite their economic pricing, these controllers have a lot of features. For one thing, they include both rumble and motion controls. When I first pulled them from the packaging, the rumble felt weaker than some other controllers I've tested, but then I learned I could adjust the vibration and that fixed it.

Additionally, these controllers include a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for up to eight hours and recharges with a USB-C cable. As long as you charge it between gaming sessions, it'll have plenty of juice. Their inexpensive pricing combined with the number of conveniences and features they provide make them ideal for purchasing multiple for game nights, especially for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller: What's not good

Overall the EasySMX YS06 works great. However, I don't like the feel of the trigger buttons as they have a far less pronounced click to them than the Pro Controllers and many other third-party controllers I've tested. That being said, they still operate properly and I didn't have any issues while playing.

Whenever my Nintendo Switch fell asleep, the controller would shut off to conserve battery. The problem here is that I couldn't wake the controller or my Switch back up again by pressing the controller's buttons. This gets kind of frustrating when I'm about to play in docked mode with the controller in hand and don't want to get up off of my couch just to turn my Switch on. I usually had to turn on my Switch and then plug the controller into the USB-C port to get it to turn on.

EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller: Competition

The PowerA Wireless Controller is very similar to the EasySMX YS06, but it comes in over 34 different designs from black and red to Pikachu. However, it uses two AA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery and doesn't have rumble.

You can't mention a traditional Switch controller without talking about the Nintendo Pro Controller. It features motion controls, rumble, and amiibo functionality, but it does cost more than twice as much.

Looking for something exciting? You'll want to check out the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe Controller. It's see-through and has lights inside that change colors. Plus the rechargeable battery lasts for up to 20 hours.

EasySMX YS06 Nintendo Switch Controller: Should you buy it?

• You're shopping on a budget
• You want a controller with a unique design
• You want something with a rechargeable battery

• You want amiibo functionality
• You want something officially licensed by Nintendo
• You really care about the feel of your triggers

If you're looking for an inexpensive Switch controller, you really ought to consider the EasySMX YS06. It's got the same shape as a Pro Controller and includes both motion controls and rumble. Plus, it features a rechargeable battery, which isn't as common for controllers in this price range. Additionally, that Turbo button can give you an edge while playing certain games.

I wasn't too impressed by the feel of the triggers as they click down flimsier than I'd like. However, they worked properly and haven't given me any issues. I'd rate these controller higher if it allowed you to wake your Switch up by pressing buttons on the controller like the Pro Controller can. As it is, it's inconvenient pairing the controller every time you want to use it, but doable.