Not everyone is willing to spend $90 on a single controller. Fortunately, we have found some great, affordable third-party options. If you’re considering getting an additional controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you might spend quite a bit but with considerable returns. For instance, purchasing Nintendo’s $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller provides the only wireless controller for the console with a 3.5mm headphone jack offering private listening, excellent rumble, and a sleek design. It may not be perfect, but it’s a well-rounded package in terms of features. However, stopping at just this purchase would be a disservice. Many third-party models are more affordable and hardly compromise on features. I’ve tested a few of these gamepads, and there’s a selection that will satisfy most people with varying styles, prices, and features.
All controllers listed here are compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch, including PC compatibility. Each controller also includes superior and more durable joystick technology over Nintendo’s flagship controller. The Switch 2 Pro Controller uses potentiometer-based joysticks that may degrade over time, but our selected products feature either Hall effect or TMR joysticks. I’ve outlined any perks specific to each controller in the descriptions below.
### Featured Products
**The best Switch 2 controller for most people**
The EasySMX S10 offers nearly the same capabilities and comfort as the Switch 2 Pro Controller but is $30 cheaper at $59.99. It has some surprising features too. It includes the best adaptation of Nintendo’s HD rumble I’ve felt in a third-party controller, it can wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth, and it supports amiibo — a feature rarely found in third-party gamepads. Despite not being a direct copy of the Switch 2 Pro, it provides a gripper surface around the handles and on the stick caps. The buttons and trigger have a softer press with shorter travel, which may divide some users. One aspect I particularly enjoy is the S10’s swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad which simplifies diagonal attacks in games. If changes could be made, I’d reposition the system-level buttons, as they are awkwardly placed below the D-pad and right stick.
### Honorable Mentions
**EasySMX S10 Lite**
Designed similarly to the S10, the S10 Lite makes compromises to reach its lower $39.99 price. Notably, it doesn’t support amiibo figures, and its rumble is a downgrade compared to the HD rumble in the S10. Interestingly, EasySMX’s budget gamepad includes native support for the Switch 2. Connecting it to a Switch 2 is straightforward, and it remembers the connection without removing any Joy-Con. Once connected, pressing its Home button can wake the Switch 2. You can customize the two rear buttons per game using the Switch 2 interface, making it a rarity among third-party controllers.
**GuliKit TT Pro**
GuliKit’s TT Pro emphasizes packing more features while maintaining an affordable price. It has TMR thumbsticks with adjustable tension, similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, plus a quiet floating D-pad suitable for silent gameplay. It includes adjustable trigger stops and up to four customizable rear paddles, enhancing playability. The TT Pro doesn’t offer extra stick caps or a firmware switch for D-pad emulation like the TT Max but remains a feature-rich option under $100.
**Mobapad Chitu2 HD**
Mobapad’s Chitu2 HD, at $71, aims to replicate Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller. It has the same curves, soft customizable rear buttons, and great rumble along with silent TMR sticks. However, its directional pad is louder, and the bumpers are clicky. The buttons blend into the design, making them hard to find without looking.
**8BitDo Pro 3**
8BitDo’s Pro 3 provides a PlayStation-style stick layout at $69.99, offering extensive customization, with cosmetic and gameplay-impacting features. It boasts TMR joysticks, adjustable trigger distance, and custom face buttons. However, its rumble feedback is lacking considerably, but for its features and design, it’s still a noteworthy contender.
*Update, May 20th: Prices and availability adjustments have been made, along with related links for reviews and relevant Switch 2 news.*