Nintendo has consistently shown itself to be a company capable of producing good, solid first-party peripherals, and that reputation shows in the Switch Pro Controller. This gamepad provides all of the same functionality as using the included Joy-Cons, complete with support for reading Amiibo figures and cards, Nintendo’s proprietary HD Rumble tactile feedback, and motion controls (where supported). Better yet, all of this comes in a shell that’s more than tough enough to hold up to any abuses younger gamers — and their older, angrier counterparts — are likely to put it through.
Unfortunately, the Switch Pro controller has been hard to get one’s hands on, literally, since day one. Frequent sellouts, attempts at price gouging by resellers, and a general lack of ready availability have driven impatient buyers to opt for third-party offerings instead. Others have gone the same third-party route in search of retro designs, additional buttons, or different charging options, all of which can be found in the alternatives listed below.
If you have the patience, the budget, and the lack of any desire for unusual button or shell configurations, the Switch Pro Controller is the clear winner for the overall best option. That said, Switch owners are at no lack of more budget-friendly and varied options that can suit their personal needs just as well, or better.
Pros:
- Only licensed controller with both Amiibo and HD Rumble support
- Long-wearing internal battery
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Pricey
- Often hard to find in stock, especially during holiday seasons
- Limited color options