TL;DR
Nintendo’s $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller offers features like a 3.5mm jack, strong rumble, and OS-level rear-button customization, but several cheaper third-party pads deliver comparable comfort and hardware. The reviewer’s top pick is the EasySMX S10, praised for TMR joysticks, amiibo support, and robust rumble at a lower price.
What happened
A hardware reviewer evaluated multiple controllers for Nintendo’s Switch 2, comparing Nintendo’s own $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller to a set of third-party alternatives across several price points. Testing emphasized ergonomics, button and trigger feel, rumble quality, wake-from-sleep capability, and unique features such as amiibo support and stick technology. Every recommended third-party model is compatible with the Switch 2, the original Switch, and PC, and most can remotely wake a sleeping Switch 2. The reviewer highlighted a common hardware advantage among the third-party options: they use Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks rather than potentiometers, which are more resistant to stick drift. The EasySMX S10 emerged as the best overall pick for combining drift-resistant TMR sticks, strong HD rumble, amiibo support, and a competitive price, with other honorable mentions offering different trade-offs in design and features.
Why it matters
- You can avoid paying Nintendo’s premium and still get drift‑resistant joystick hardware and many of the same features.
- Third‑party controllers may outlast Nintendo’s potentiometer-based sticks by using Hall effect or TMR sensors.
- Several budget controllers include console wake, amiibo support, and PC compatibility, expanding their usefulness beyond Switch 2.
- Rumble, button layout, and D‑pad design vary widely between models — affecting playability in different game genres.
Key facts
- Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller retails for $89 and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and OS-level rear button customization.
- Every controller included in the reviewer’s guide works with Switch 2, the original Switch, and PC and can remotely wake the Switch 2.
- Third-party picks use Hall effect or TMR joysticks rather than potentiometers to reduce the risk of stick drift.
- EasySMX S10: TMR joysticks, amiibo/NFC support, HD rumble, two mappable rear buttons, USB‑C, 1,200mAh rechargeable battery, console wake capability.
- Mobapad N1 HD: supports Bluetooth/2.4GHz/wired, Hall effect sticks, HD rumble, amiibo support, software customization via app, can wake Switch 2 after a one‑time firmware update.
- GuliKit ES Pro: costs about $30, uses TMR joysticks, offers an Xbox‑style layout and eight‑way D‑pad, but has poor/subtle rumble and lacks amiibo.
- 8BitDo Pro 3 includes a dock and 2.4GHz dongle, is highly customizable and comfortable for small hands, but its rumble performance is criticized.
- The reviewer prefers third‑party controllers for grip, stick longevity, and value, though some sacrifice features like a headphone jack or amiibo support.
What to watch next
- Firmware and app support for third‑party controllers to maintain and improve Switch 2 compatibility (Mobapad already requires a firmware update to work fully).
- Long‑term durability and real-world resistance to stick drift for Hall effect and TMR joysticks (not confirmed in the source).
- Retail pricing and availability changes for both Nintendo’s official controller and third‑party models, which affect value comparisons (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance): A joystick sensor technology that detects position using magnetic fields and is less prone to wear‑related drift than potentiometer designs.
- Hall effect: A magnetic sensing method used in joysticks to measure stick position without physical contact, improving longevity and reducing drift.
- Potentiometer: A traditional analog joystick sensor that relies on variable resistance to detect position and can degrade over time, potentially causing stick drift.
- amiibo: Nintendo’s NFC-based figurines and cards that can interact with games to unlock content or extras when read by a compatible controller or console.
- HD rumble: A more nuanced vibration system that provides varied force and texture compared with basic rumble motors.
Reader FAQ
Is Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller the best overall?
The reviewer calls it a complete package for its features (3.5mm jack, strong rumble, OS‑level customization) but notes it’s pricey compared with third‑party alternatives.
Are third‑party controllers compatible with Switch 2?
Yes; the guide’s controllers are compatible with Switch 2, the original Switch, and PC, and can wake a sleeping Switch 2.
Do third‑party controllers prevent stick drift?
They use Hall effect or TMR joysticks, which are described as drift‑resistant by design.
Which controller did the reviewer recommend as the best value?
The EasySMX S10 was chosen as the best overall pick for its combination of TMR sticks, amiibo support, HD rumble, and price.
How durable are these third‑party controllers long term?
not confirmed in the source
TECH ENTERTAINMENT GADGETS I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best Not everyone wants to spend $90 on a single controller. Luckily, we found affordable…
Sources
- I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best
- The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers
- The Switch 2's Pro Controller Beats the Competition, for All …
- The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers You Can Get in 2026
Related posts
- Latest SteamOS Beta Now Includes NTSYNC Kernel Driver, Module Loaded by Default
- Show HN: I made a memory game to teach you to play piano by ear
- CES 2026 worst in show: AI girlfriends, voice‑locked fridges and other flops