These are the best alternatives to the Pro Controller

Thanks to the motion control, the Joy-Cons of the Nintendo Switch provide a unique gaming experience, but many do not want to do without the precision of a real controller. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is officially offered for this. GIGA shows you a number of other exciting alternatives.

The Nintendo Switch has made the dream of mobile AAA gaming come true. Whether on long train journeys or late at night under the covers, the Switch is always ready for use. Still, a lot of games have appeared for Nintendo's current console that are still the most fun on the big screen. Of course, the right controller shouldn't be missing. Here you can find out which gamepad is right for you and what else you should consider before buying.

Nintendo Switch: The best alternatives to the Pro Controller at a glance

Value for money: Diswoe Wireless

Among the third-party models, the wireless diswoe controller is particularly recommended. It offers good haptics, a non-slip surface and very good buttons, which can be assigned a turbo function on request. Compared to the Pro controller, you have to do without NFC for scanning Amiibos and HD vibration, among other things. Painful – especially when you consider that this pad only costs around half compared to the Pro Controller.

Advantages:

• Good feel
• Wireless
• Motion control
• Low price

Disadvantage:

• No NFC for Amiibos
• No HD vibration

Diswoe wireless controller for Nintendo Switch

The price may be higher now. Price from 15.06.2020 3:50 p.m.

For nostalgics: 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Wireless

Thanks to Nintendo Switch Online, the console has finally been combined with the game hits of the NES and SNES. It is all the more fitting that the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Wireless Controller comes in a chic retro design. But don't be put off by the look, because this gamepad is full of modern features: including adjustable triggers and analog sticks, programmable buttons, macros and much more. If that's not retro enough for you, go for the 8Bitdo SF30 Pro instead. The design of the gamepad is strongly based on the SNES classic from 1992.

Advantages:

• Chic retro look
• Individually configurable
• Can also be used via Bluetooth
• Motion control
• Wireless

Disadvantage:

• Short battery life
• No NFC for Amiibos
• No HD vibration
• High price

8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller for Nintendo Switch

The price may be higher now. Price from 15.06.2020 3:01 p.m.

For smash professionals: Hori Switch Battle Pad

To this day, veterans of the Super Smash Bros. series swear by the good old GameCube controller. So that the duels between Pikachu, Link, Donkey Kong and Samus can continue to run exactly as before, the Hori controller is also available for the Nintendo Switch in the original GameCube look. A bit more spartan in terms of equipment and wired – but cheaper and available in various colors and designs. Thanks to official Nintendo licensing, the pad can also be purchased in the look of Mario and other well-known Nintendo characters.

Advantages:

• Proven comfort
• Numerous colors and designs available
• Low price

Disadvantage:

• Wired
• No vibration
• No motion control

Hori Switch Battle Pad, wired, various versions

The price may be higher now. Price from 15.06.2020 22:08

For children: PDP Rock Candy Mini

The Rock Candy Mini Controller from PDP is also wired and inexpensive. However, it is around 30 percent smaller than the regular Pro Controller, so that it can be gripped better by children's hands. The look fits – most kids like transparent and colorful. However, the material is not rubberized, roughened or otherwise treated, so that the handles can become slippery after some time of use.

Advantages:

• Perfect for smaller hands
• Multiple colors available
• Low price

Disadvantage:

• Smooth handles
• Wired
• No HD vibration
• No motion control

PDP Rock Candy Mini Controller for Nintendo Switch

The price may be higher now. Price from 15.06.2020 10:10 p.m.

So it was selected

Depending on how you use your switch primarily, the purchase of an additional gamepad may well be worthwhile. In addition to the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller, there are numerous third-party alternatives. So that we can give you the best possible overview, we consciously considered models in our selection that cover different application scenarios and price segments. In addition to our own experience, we have also relied on external user opinions for this.

Buy Nintendo Switch Controller: You have to consider that

The main disadvantage of the Pro Controller is its high price. If you only occasionally need a replacement, for example to play with friends on the Mario Kart, FIFA or Smash Bros. couch, you can, with a clear conscience, choose a cheaper model that does not come from Nintendo. If you still have a controller from other consoles, you can use the adapter Use Mayflash Magic NS to use this on the switch. There will be the controllers of PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U as well as other wired and also some wireless controllers. We recommend reading the Amazon product page and comments for the occasionally somewhat tricky setup and configuration.

Mayflash MAGIC-NS adapter for operating various controllers on the switch

The price may be higher now. Price from 15.06.2020 19:08

Which controller is right for me?

The choice of a suitable switch controller primarily depends on your budget. However, reaching for the usually much more expensive official Pro Controller is not the only way to take your gaming experience to the next level. At least then, insofar as you can do without features such as NFC, HD vibration and motion control.

Which controller to buy?

• Casual players: Do you occasionally play Mario Kart, Mario Party or something similar from your sofa with your friends? If you need additional gamepads for this, you can use the wireless diswoe controller. It can't quite keep up with the original, but it only costs a fraction of the price of the Pro Controller. Alternatively, you can connect your previous controller to the switch using the Mayflash Magic NS adapter.
• Nostalgic: You like the look of a retro controller significantly more? The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Wireless Controller combines retro charm with modern features and leaves little to be desired in terms of individual adaptation. In terms of price, it is roughly on par with the Pro Controller.
• Smash professionals: If you value the usual comfort and don't mind a cable, you should look at the Hori Switch Battle Pad. Here die-hard smash fans receive a gamepad in the original GameCube look. Nothing should stand in the way of victory now.