By Martin Shore
Copyright tomsguide
Skip to main content
Tom’s Guide
Newsletters
View Profile
Search Tom’s Guide
Phone Insights
Phone Best Picks
Phone Deals
Phone Face-Offs
Phone How-Tos
Phone Reviews
Network Carriers
Android Phones
Google Phones
Motorola Phones
OnePlus Phones
Samsung Phones
Nothing Phone
TV Best Picks
TV Face-Offs
Audio Insights
Audio Best Picks
Audio Deals
Audio Face-Offs
Audio How-Tos
Audio Reviews
Over-Ear Headphones
Bluetooth Speakers
Smart Speakers
TV & Audio Brands
Entertainment
Streaming Devices
Prime Video
Paramount Plus
PlayStation
Handheld Gaming
Gaming Peripherals
Connections
Computing Insights
Computing Best Picks
Computing Deals
Computing Face-Offs
Computing How-Tos
Computing News
Computing Reviews
VPN Best Picks
VPN Face-Offs
VPN How-Tos
VPN Reviews
Operating Systems
Identity Theft Protection
Parental Controls
Malware & Adware
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Smart Glasses
Chromebooks
Gaming Laptops
Apple Desktops
Gaming Desktops
Android Tablets
Computing Brands
AI Insights
AI Best Picks
AI Face-Offs
Google Gemini
Apple Intelligence
Mattress Best Picks
Mattress Deals
Mattress Face-Offs
Mattress How-Tos
Mattress News
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Care
Mattress Toppers
Pillows & Bedding
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Smart Rings
Apple Watch
Home Insights
Home Best Picks
Home Face-Offs
Home How-Tos
Home Reviews
Home Topics
Home Appliances
Home Office
Home Security
Home Brands
Popular Brands
View Phones
Phone Insights
Phone Best Picks
Phone Deals
Phone Face-Offs
Phone How-Tos
Phone Reviews
Network Carriers
View Network Carriers
Android Phones
View Android Phones
Google Phones
Motorola Phones
OnePlus Phones
Samsung Phones
Nothing Phone
TV Best Picks
TV Face-Offs
Audio Insights
View Audio Insights
Audio Best Picks
Audio Deals
Audio Face-Offs
Audio How-Tos
Audio Reviews
Headphones
View Headphones
Over-Ear Headphones
View Speakers
Bluetooth Speakers
Smart Speakers
TV & Audio Brands
Entertainment
View Entertainment
View Streaming
Streaming Devices
Prime Video
Paramount Plus
View Gaming
PlayStation
Handheld Gaming
Gaming Peripherals
Word Games
Connections
View Computing
Computing Insights
Computing Best Picks
Computing Deals
Computing Face-Offs
Computing How-Tos
Computing News
Computing Reviews
VPN Best Picks
VPN Face-Offs
VPN How-Tos
VPN Reviews
View Hardware
View Software
Operating Systems
View Security
Identity Theft Protection
Parental Controls
Malware & Adware
View VR & AR
Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality
Smart Glasses
View Laptops
Chromebooks
Gaming Laptops
View Desktops
Apple Desktops
Gaming Desktops
View Tablets
Android Tablets
Computing Brands
AI Insights
AI Best Picks
AI Face-Offs
AI Engines
Google Gemini
Apple Intelligence
View Wellness
Mattresses
View Mattresses
Mattress Best Picks
Mattress Deals
Mattress Face-Offs
Mattress How-Tos
Mattress News
Mattress Reviews
Mattress Care
Mattress Toppers
Pillows & Bedding
View Fitness
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Smart Rings
Apple Watch
Home Insights
Home Best Picks
Home Face-Offs
Home How-Tos
Home Reviews
Home Topics
Home Appliances
Home Office
Home Security
View Outdoors
Home Brands
Popular Brands
Apple iPhone 17 Event LIVE
Best of IFA 2025
The World in 2035
Wordle Today
Best laptops
Best Mattress
Don’t miss these
I bought a Switch 2 Pro Controller and it’s worth every penny if you’re tired of remapping back buttons
Gaming Peripherals
The best PC game controllers in 2025
I just spent a week with the Nintendo Switch 2 — here’s the 3 essential accessories to upgrade your console
Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2
After 3 weeks of daily use, these are the 4 things I love about my Nintendo Switch 2 — and the 3 things that bother me
Best games consoles in 2025: our top picks tested and rated
Handheld Gaming
Nintendo Switch 2 — 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Gaming Peripherals
8BitDo debuts swappable buttons on the updated Pro 3 controller
Handheld Gaming
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it? Tom’s Guide’s readers have spoken
Gaming Peripherals
I’ve finally found a PS5 controller that’s better than the DualSense — and no, it’s not the DualSense Edge
Gaming Peripherals
I just tested the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded for the PS5 — and it has quickly become my new favorite controller
Handheld Gaming
The best handheld gaming consoles in 2025
Augmented Reality
I played the Switch 2 with AR glasses — here’s what it’s like to race Mario Kart World on a 135-inch screen in front of your face
Gaming Peripherals
I love this Turtle Beach PS5 controller — but this one thing is holding it back from perfection
Gaming Peripherals
Best gaming headsets in 2025 — our expert picks
These are the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we’ve tested so far
Buying Guides
Martin Shore
9 September 2025
These Switch 2 controllers are the best way to play Nintendo Switch 2 games
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Best overall
Best budget
Most versatile
How to choose
Three months into the Nintendo Switch 2’s lifespan, are the Joy-Con 2 the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers you can get? Speaking as someone who has already put dozens of hours into Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza with them since launch day, I’m pretty happy with what we’ve been given, and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing what developers can do with mouse mode across the system’s lifespan.
If you’re planning to tackle all the best Nintendo Switch 2 games (especially in Docked mode), you can always just slot your Joy-Con 2 into the Grip that came with the Switch 2. The improved Grip is decent, but if you value a more traditional experience or want a larger gamepad for maximum comfort during longer gaming sessions, there are other options on the market.
Plus, as one of the many players whose Joy-Con succumbed to stick drift during the original Switch’s lifespan, I know all too well that having another controller option on hand is useful as an insurance choice.
Whether you’re looking for a replacement pad, a more budget-friendly option, or just a more traditional gaming experience, we’ve put various Switch 2 controllers to the test to determine the best options (and will continue to test more as they arrive).
So, if you’re looking to level up your Switch experience with a new gamepad, here’s a round-up of the very best Switch 2 controllers that you can buy right now.
The quick list
Best overall pick
1. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
View at Verizon
View at Amazon
View at Walmart
View at Best Buy
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is an improvement over Nintendo’s already great Pro Controller (which topped our list of the best Switch controllers). It’s another dependable controller, but comes with additional or upgraded features, like HD Rumble 2, the new C Button for GameChat, mappable GL/GR back buttons, and a headphone jack.
Read more below
Best budget pick
2. Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless
View at Amazon
View at Best Buy
View at Target
Check Walmart
Officially licensed for the Switch family (and compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2), the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless is comfortable to hold, features responsive analog thumbsticks and triggers, remappable back buttons, fun colorways, and impressive battery life, for much less money than the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Read more below
Most versatile pick
3. Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2
Along with the rest of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, the Joy-Con 2 have been improved, both ergonomically and with additional functionality. If you want the most ways to play and value the addition of Mouse mode, then you’ll want to stick with the controllers in the box.
Read more below
Best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller overall
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
1. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller overall
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size : 5.8 x 4.1 x 2.3 inches
Weight: 0.51 pounds
HD Rumble 2: Yes
Motion Control: Yes
Back buttons : Yes
Today’s Best Deals
View at Verizon
View at Amazon
View at Walmart
View at Best Buy
Reasons to buy
Ergonomic design+
Responsive, larger face buttons+
Programmable back buttons+
3.5 mm headphone jack
Reasons to avoid
No Hall Effect thumbsticks
It should come as no real surprise to see the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller at the top of our list. Nintendo’s previous official pad topped our list of the best Switch controllers, and along with the upgraded console, the Big N levelled up its Pro pad, too.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller feels great in your hands, thanks to its slimmer profile, lighter weight, and matte finish. The new two-tone controller also offers great gaming performance. Thanks to the larger face buttons, smooth analog sticks, and a chunky D-Pad, it’s comfortable to use. And with Nintendo claiming it has a 40-hour battery life, it shouldn’t die on you during a Mario Kart World marathon.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller also comes with several new features that might tempt you into upgrading from the original Pro controller. Most notably, it boasts programmable GL/GR buttons on the back of the pad, and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack between the hand grips, plus the new C Button for easy access to GameChat.
Even if we’d have preferred Hall Effect sticks, and it’s certainly not the cheapest upgrade — it now has an MSRP of $89/£74, after an August price hike in the U.S. — if you’d like to put down your Joy-Con 2, the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is worth the investment.
Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review
The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller on a budget
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
2. Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless
A fantastic budget Switch 2 controller
Our expert review:
Specifications
Size: 6.5 x 5 x 2 inches
Weight: 14.71 ounces
Motion Control: Yes
Back buttons: Yes
Today’s Best Deals
View at Amazon
View at Best Buy
View at Target
Check Walmart
Reasons to buy
Comfortable to hold+
Funky colorways+
Two remappable back buttons+
Long battery life
Reasons to avoid
Finishing could have been better-
No Hall Effect sensors-
It’s easy to recommend the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless gamepad as a solid alternative to Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Pro Controller, simply because it packs in many of its most notable features, but for way less.
Built for the entire Switch family, Turtle Beach’s Switch 2 gamepad boasts responsive thumbsticks and triggers, those remappable back buttons, boasts a reported 40-hour battery life, and houses them in an ergonomic controller that comes in some fun colorways (two right now): a Rainbow Mario design, and a Black and Gold Power-themed Star finish.
The Rematch Wireless does have some drawbacks, though: up close, the finishing on those funky designs isn’t quite as impressive, the lack of rumble or vibration dings immersion, and there’s no NFC reader for amiibo collectors. And, like the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it also lacks Hall Effect sensors.
Nevertheless, if you want the major features of the Switch 2 Pro Controller without the cost, the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless controller is our current pick as the best Switch 2 controller for buyers on a budget.
Read our full Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless review
The best Switch 2 controllers for versatility
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
3. Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2
The best Switch 2 controllers that offer the most ways to play
Specifications
Size: 4.4 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Rumble: Yes
Motion controls: Yes
Back buttons: No
Today’s Best Deals
View at Amazon US
Reasons to buy
Offer the most ways to play+
More comfortable than the original Joy-Con+
Magnetic connections outclass the Joy-Con “rails”+
Come with your console
Reasons to avoid
No Hall Effect sticks-
If it’s sheer variety you’re after, then the best Switch 2 controllers are still the Joy-Con 2 that came in the box alongside your new system.
These new magnetic, detachable controllers are part of what makes the Switch 2 such a versatile system, and they’ve had a glow-up alongside the rest of the Switch 2 hardware.
The Joy-Con 2 come in a larger form factor and feel more premium in the hand compared to their Joy-Con predecessors. They’re comfortable to use during play, boast improved motion controls, and I particularly appreciate that the triggers are larger, and the L/R buttons are now far easier to reach, having been stretched around the top curve of the controllers.
The big new gimmick this time is Mouse mode, which allows you to turn your Joy-Con 2 on their sides to either navigate menus or introduce whole new ways to play, such as hurtling around the basketball courts in Drag x Drive to precise pointer aiming in the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4.
It’s also worth noting that, even if you prefer a traditional gamepad experience, you’ll need your Joy-Con 2 to hand to play certain titles anyway. Along with Drag x Drive, Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour’s minigames require the Joy-Con 2’s functionality, and upcoming titles will surely find new ways to make use of the Joy-Con 2’s unique features.
You can even get a serviceable gamepad experience by connecting the Joy-Con 2 to the standard Joy-Con 2 Grip that comes with your console (though this is no replacement for a Pro Controller).
If you want to level up your experience slightly, or want the cheapest way to get back buttons, you could replace the standard accessory with the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip accessory (sold separately).
With that on hand, you’ve got a classic-style controller with all the Joy-Con 2 face buttons within reach, plus remappable GL/GR buttons found on our other top picks, and an accessory that doubles as a charging station.
My major worry is whether stick drift plagues the Joy-Con 2s in the future. As a fresh set will set you back a hefty $99. I really don’t want to have to go through multiple Joy-Con 2s like I did across the original Switch’s lifespan.
Which Switch 2 controller is right for you?
As we’re still so early in the Switch 2’s lifecycle (and the console was pretty tough to get hold of for a while there), early adopters will want to make sure they invest in a console that’s worth the money.
When it comes to deciding which Nintendo Switch 2 controller is right for you, I’d chiefly consider whether you’d prefer to play all the best Switch 2 games in handheld or on one of the best TVs via docked mode. You should also consider what kind of gaming experience (i.e., whether you want a more ubiquitous gamepad feel or not).
If you value the flexibility and getting the maximum functionality out of your new system, you’ll probably want to stick with your Joy-Con 2s. But if you’re after the more traditional experience, the Switch 2 Pro Controller (or a more budget-friendly pick) is the obvious choice.
As some controllers are compatible across the entire Nintendo Switch family, you could also consider purchasing something that’ll work across those systems (like the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless) if you’re planning on holding onto your old system.
And if budget is a concern, but you definitely can’t or don’t want to stick with the Joy-Con 2 controllers in the box, you could also see whether one of the best Switch controllers would be compatible with the Switch 2. If you don’t need extra buttons, features, or don’t see yourself making use of the C button, this could be a decent way to save some cash while still leveling up your setup.
Switch vs. Switch 2 controllers: what’s the difference?
Broadly, the main difference between the previous and current generation of Switch controllers is the addition of extra functionality, as some previous generation accessories, including controllers, are compatible with the new system.
Take the official Switch Pro controllers side-by-side and you’ll note that, alongside a bit of a redesign, the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller also includes dedicated GameChat and remappable GL/GR back buttons (plus HD Rumble 2) not present on the original model.
If you owned the previous model and won’t miss those features, the previous Pro Controller is still compatible with the new console, so you may not necessarily need to upgrade, unless you want the new bells and whistles.
Nintendo has a breakdown of compatible Switch 1 accessories that will work with the Switch 2 on its official website. For third-party controllers, you’ll want to check with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Round up of today’s best deals
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Wireless
See all prices
Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless
$56.89View
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
powered by
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Nintendo Switch
Martin Shore
Staff Writer, Streaming
Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from “Doctor Who” and “The Witcher” to “Bridgerton” and “Love Island”. When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.
I bought a Switch 2 Pro Controller and it’s worth every penny if you’re tired of remapping back buttons
The best PC game controllers in 2025
I just spent a week with the Nintendo Switch 2 — here’s the 3 essential accessories to upgrade your console
Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2
After 3 weeks of daily use, these are the 4 things I love about my Nintendo Switch 2 — and the 3 things that bother me
Best games consoles in 2025: our top picks tested and rated
Latest in Nintendo
My Favorite Nintendo Switch 2 Case Just Got Upgraded — And Now It’s Even Better
Huge sale on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch games is live from $4 — 17 deals I’d shop now
Nintendo might be forced to raise prices on the Switch 2, says analyst — tariffs to blame
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories start from $8 in Amazon’s early Labor Day sales — here’s the 6 best deals I’ve found today
These 13 essential Nintendo Switch games are on sale with up to 30% off — here’s why they’re must-haves for Nintendo Switch 2 owners
Every Nintendo console except the Switch 2 just got a price hike due to tariffs — here’s how much you’ll pay now
Latest in Buying Guides
Best Google Pixel 10 Pro XL cases right now
Best Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro cases right now
These are the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we’ve tested so far
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 cases in 2025
Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2025
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases in 2025
LATEST ARTICLES
Samsung confirms the tri-fold phone will launch later this year — here’s what we know
PS6 won’t abandon physical games, claims new report
Forget Apple Watch — shop these 7 Garmin deals up to 40% off right now
31 killer Amazon deals under $50 — fall must-have discounts on apparel, Lego, home decor and more
Proton VPN sign-ups in Nepal rocket to 8,000% over the baseline in response to social media ban
Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Terms and conditions
Contact Future’s experts
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Advertise with us
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait…
