Switch Pad for Nintendo Switch

Product Information

Out of the box, the SN30 Pro+ is already set up for Switch. All you have to do is follow the pairing process on your console, and you’re all set to play. The Pro+ is a standard Bluetooth controller that looks a lot like the regular SN30 Pro, but the extra + means you have more customization options.

The SN30 Pro+, which includes Steam Big Picture support, works well with macOS, Android, and Windows. Even though it’s compatible with macOS, you should know the SN30 Pro+ doesn’t appear to work with iPhones or iPads. Fortunately, wireless controllers can be connected to any member of the Nintendo Switch family, including the OLED and the Switch Lite. However, if you've ended up with a wired controller you won't be able to use it with a Switch Lite. We find wireless controllers more convenient with the Nintendo Switch family anyway. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is an honorable mention when it comes to discussing Switch Pro Controller alternatives, largely because of the range of themed designs. If you’ve decided that a controller is better suited to your playing habits than a Joy-Con alternative, your next decision is whether to buy a wired or wireless pad. The first thing to think about is the mode in which you do most of your gaming. If you primarily use your Switch portably, it’s probably not worth splashing out on a pricey wireless controller – you’ll be better served by investing in pads that can be attached to the console in place of your Joy-Cons.But if the Switch has one weakness, it’s the controllers included with the console. The Joy-Con controllers are ingeniously designed and work well for casual play, but those looking to take their Switch gaming to the next level will likely want something more advanced. The Fusion Pro Wireless doesn’t support rumble and there’s no NFC support, but the inclusion of a smart hard-shell carrying case goes a long way to softening the blow of their absence. Some of the top brands to consider include 8BitDo, a maker of retro-inspired controllers and the company behind our favorite Pro Controller alternatives, the Pro 2 and Ultimate; Hori, which makes the Split Pad Pro, Split Pad Compact, and more of the best Nintendo Switch accessories; and PowerA, which offers some of the best budget Switch controllers and a great GameCube-style option as well. Depending on your Switch gaming habits and needs, you can find a great third-party Switch controller out there for less than the price of a Pro Controller--though it's not a bad idea to invest in one of those as well. The Joy-Con controllers can also be attached to the Joy-Con grip to turn them into a sort of standard gamepad, albeit a small one. If you don’t opt for another controller, it does the job admirably, and we were able to make it through dozens of hours of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild without using anything else. The Joy-Con Charging Grip is a good choice for those who don't want to worry about reattaching the Joy-Con to the console after each session to juice them up. Size: Nintendo Switch controllers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you have small hands, a bulky pad is going to prove hard to grip properly and you may struggle to comfortably access some of its buttons. Conversely, those with large mitts may want to avoid compact pads as they’ll likely find the button layout rather cramped.

That flexibility comes from the fact that these gamepads can be used wired or wirelessly, and can be powered by either the internal rechargeable battery (with 20 hours of juice) or a separate AA. That means you're covered whether you're chilling at home or gearing up for some impromptu multiplayer action while out and about. Such customisation options are great if you take your gaming seriously and play games that require complex combinations of button inputs. However, the majority of people will find a basic button configuration works perfectly well.

Nintendo Switch Lite flip cover & screen protector

If all else fails, it's worth noting that Nintendo is operating a Joy-Con drift repair scheme free of charge.

If you own a large collection of amiibos and plan to use them rather than simply displaying them, make sure the Nintendo Switch controller you’re buying supports NFC. READ NEXT: The best Nintendo Toy-Con Labo kits Other features to consider when buying a Nintendo Switch controller You can also create three bespoke profiles with different button layouts for specific games and switch between them on the fly at the press of a button. That may prove a step too far for those who struggle to remember a single set of controls, but for those wanting to gain the competitive edge in their favourite titles, it’s a game-changer. For example, tapping a compatible Legend of Zelda amiibo on your controller while playing Breath of the Wild will net you special chests and other helpful items. Using the same amiibo while playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim gives you a chance of snagging Zelda-themed gear for use in Skyrim.Third-party controllers, however, are often considered some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories out there from a value standpoint. You may be dropping HD Rumble functionality and motion controls, but if you're after some spare multiplayer options there are plenty of wired and wireless Nintendo Switch controllers to choose from. If you're not keen to pay for an official Pro Controller (they are expensive), the PowerA equivalents are well worth your time. These wireless and wired handsets are comfortable, accurate, stylish, and reliable - we've used them in our own gaming sessions without any complaints or our part. Plus, they have motion control. That's a feature that you don't find too often on cheaper third party Nintendo Switch controllers and means you don't have to go without during Mario Kart tournaments. Sadly, there currently aren’t any third-party Switch controllers that support HD Rumble, although there are a number that offer standard rumble functionality. This is less precise and nuanced than HD Rumble but still provides enjoyable vibrations when gaming. port: If you prefer to play while wearing headphones or a gaming headset, look out for controllers with a 3.5mm port. These allow you to plug a headset into your pad, but you’re limited to wired controllers as the Switch doesn’t natively support wireless audio. Still, that’s a price worth paying for a feature-rich Switch controller that’s among the easiest to grip and use on the market.