Best Third-Party Controllers for Nintendo Switch iMore 2021
Intrigued but perplexed by all of the different controllers out there on the market for the Nintendo Switch? Do you fancy taking a trip to the past and picking up a Gamecube or NES inspired controller?Whatever your gaming needs, sometimes it's nice to have a bit of variety in your controller collection. If you're looking for something a little different to enhance your gaming experience with a unique controller, we've rounded up some of the best options for you below.
- Classic Gamecube: Wired GameCube Style Controller
- Classic Gamecube Wireless: Wireless GameCube Style Controller
- Built in battery: STOGA Wireless Controller
- Nostalgic vibes: Bigaint Pro Gamepad
- Pika Pika: BEBONCOOL Wireless Controller
- Enhance it: Enhanced Wireless Controller
- Smash it up: PowerA Fightpad
- Time for a battle: Hori Gamecube Luigi Controller
- Classic design: Maegoo Controller

Classic Gamecube: Wired GameCube Style Controller
Staff pickThis officially licensed Gamecube style controller from PowerA is guaranteed to get your blood pumping, and there are also a lot of different colour schemes and designs to choose from. This is our preferred option as it doesn't require fiddling around with pesky batteries which can often go flat at the most inopportune moments.

Classic Gamecube Wireless: Wireless GameCube Style Controller
Can't stand wires and always have a steady supply of batteries ready and waiting? If so, then take a look at this officially licensed Gamecube wireless style controller. Available in all of the classic Gamecube colours such as purple and back as well as special Espeon, Umbreon and Pikachu versions.

Built in battery: STOGA Wireless Controller
This wireless controller from STOGA comes with a built-in battery that allows up to 5hrs of playing time from a full charge and also comes with a vibration function. It can be used on your Nintendo Switch or your PC, so this is an excellent addition if you need a controller for either of these platforms.

Nostalgic vibes: Bigaint Pro Gamepad
This wireless SNES-inspired pocket-sized controller from Bigaint is guaranteed to take you back to the past. It comes with a built-in battery that lasts approximately 5 hours, vibration functions and a built-in three-axis gyroscope which enables you to use it as if it were a 3D controller.

Pika Pika: BEBONCOOL Wireless Controller
You'll never lose sight of this incredibly bright Pikachu inspired controller no matter where you put it. This wireless controller comes with adjustable vibration controls as well as adjustable turbo speeds and a built-in gyroscope so you can enjoy playing games at their full potential.

Enhance it: Enhanced Wireless Controller
With a wide variety of designs, including new ones specifically for Pokemon Sword and Shield, this premium controller from PowerA comes with all the functions that you'd expect at this price point as well as two buttons that can be custom mapped.

Smash it up: PowerA Fightpad
This controller has been specifically designed for fighting games. It is wired to reduce any potential lag that may occur from using a wireless controller and has a six-button layout along with a floating D-pad which should enable you to lay the smackdown on your opponents more easily.

Time for a battle: Hori Gamecube Luigi Controller
Let everyone know who your favourite character is with these officially licensed wired Gamecube smash-bros characters inspired controllers from Hori which are guaranteed to light up the room. These also come with some turbo settings to improve your gaming experience.

Classic design: Maegoo Controller
This classic wireless controller design from Maegoo is great if you're looking for something a bit more subdued. It comes with a gyroscope and vibration functions built-in and to ensure that the controller is always compatible with the Nintendo Switch, firmware updates are provided by the manufacturer from time to time.
Control it your way!
The best controller, hands down, is the Wired GameCube Style Controller because it is wired and so won't run out of battery and will be lag-free when you need it most. Feeling nostalgic for a slightly older era? Then the Bigaint Pro Gamepad could be just what you are looking for.
The STOGA Wireless Controller is great if you are looking for something a bit different that may also happen to match your Nintendo Switch itself. Hankering for a round of Pokemon? Or simply want a really bright controller that it will be impossible to misplace? Then look no further as the BEBONCOOL Wireless Controller has your needs met.
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