The Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers are iconic, but they’re not the only option for enhancing your gameplay. Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable handheld experience, a premium pro-style controller, or simply a fresh color to match your style, the world of third-party alternatives is vast and innovative. From officially licensed ergonomic grips to feature-packed wireless pads, there’s a perfect controller upgrade waiting for you.
Finding the right controller can significantly impact your gaming sessions, reducing hand fatigue and improving your precision in competitive titles. This roundup for 2025 cuts through the noise to bring you nine of the best Joy-Con alternatives, each offering unique benefits for different play styles and needs. We’ve covered everything from budget-friendly basics to advanced controllers with hall-effect joysticks and customizable buttons to help you make an informed choice.
Our Recommended Joy-Con Alternatives
- PowerA Joy Con Comfort Grips for Nintendo Switch – Black
- Joy-Con (L)/(R) – Pastel Pink/Pastel Yellow
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (Right) – Neon Red (Renewed)
- NYXI Wizard Gamecube Switch Controller
- Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro (Black)
- 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock
- DOBE FOMIS ELECTRONICS TNS-19252 switch controller
- Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Gaming Pro Controller
- Binbok Wireless Joy Pad Controller for Nintendo Switch
PowerA Joy Con Comfort Grips for Nintendo Switch – Black
For players who find the standard Joy-Con a bit too small for extended handheld sessions, the PowerA Comfort Grips are a simple and effective solution. These grips slide onto your existing Joy-Con, instantly providing a more substantial and ergonomic feel. The lightweight design ensures your portable console remains easy to carry, while the double-injected rubber grips offer a secure and comfortable hold.
The easy slide-in design means you can attach or remove the grips in seconds, making it a convenient accessory for switching between handheld and docked play. This is an excellent, no-fuss upgrade that focuses purely on improving comfort without adding complex features or a high cost. It’s a straightforward way to make your Nintendo Switch feel better in your hands.
Joy-Con (L)/(R) – Pastel Pink/Pastel Yellow
Sometimes, the best alternative is simply a different style of the original. Nintendo’s official Pastel Pink and Pastel Yellow Joy-Con offer a fresh, soft aesthetic for players looking to personalize their console. These are genuine first-party controllers, so you get guaranteed compatibility, full feature support including HD Rumble and motion controls, and the reliable quality you expect.
This color combination is perfect for expanding your local multiplayer set or giving your Switch a unique look. By choosing an official color variant, you avoid any potential compatibility issues that can sometimes arise with third-party options. It’s a surefire way to add a splash of personality to your gaming setup while maintaining perfect functionality.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (Right) – Neon Red (Renewed)
If you need a replacement Joy-Con or an extra for multiplayer but want to stick with an official product on a budget, a renewed option is a fantastic choice. This Neon Red right Joy-Con has been professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new, providing a cost-effective way to get a first-party controller. It’s fully compatible with all Switch models and offers the same features as a brand-new unit.
This is particularly useful for replacing a single Joy-Con that may have experienced drift or other damage. You can use it independently for two-player games in tabletop mode or pair it with a left Joy-Con for a full set. Opting for a renewed product is a smart and sustainable way to maintain your gaming setup without the full retail price.
NYXI Wizard Gamecube Switch Controller
The NYXI Wizard brings a beloved classic form factor to the modern Switch with its GameCube-inspired design. It slides directly onto the console for handheld play, offering a much larger and more comfortable grip than standard Joy-Cons. A standout feature is the inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks, which use magnetic sensors to eliminate joystick drift—a common issue with traditional analog sticks.
This controller also includes customizable illuminated ABXY buttons, allowing you to personalize your gaming experience. It’s important to note that this is a slide-in controller, not a magnetic one, and it connects to the Switch via Bluetooth. For those who have fond memories of the GameCube controller or simply want a more ergonomic handheld experience with advanced stick technology, the NYXI Wizard is a compelling option.
Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro (Black)
As an officially licensed product by Nintendo, the Hori Split Pad Pro is a top-tier choice for players who primarily use their Switch in handheld mode. It provides a full-size controller experience with large, comfortable grips, a precise D-pad, and full-sized analog sticks. This design significantly reduces hand cramping during long gaming sessions, making it ideal for immersive RPGs or action games.
The Split Pad Pro includes assignable rear buttons that you can map to any other button input, giving you a competitive edge. It also features turbo functionality for rapid button presses. Since it’s officially licensed, it seamlessly attaches to your Switch without the need for Bluetooth pairing, though it should be noted that it does not include rumble or motion controls to keep it lightweight and affordable.
8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock
For gamers seeking a premium, pro-style controller that rivals the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the 8Bitdo Ultimate is a fantastic contender. It comes with a convenient charging dock that keeps your controller powered up and ready to go, automatically turning the controller on and off when you dock or undock it. This controller is also equipped with Hall Effect joysticks, ensuring long-term precision and freedom from stick drift.
Its versatility is a major strength, offering compatibility with Switch, Windows, and Steam Deck via Bluetooth, 2.4g, or a USB cable. The build quality is excellent, and the feature set is comprehensive, making it a superb all-around wireless controller not just for your Switch, but for your entire gaming ecosystem. The included charging dock is a game-changer for convenience.
DOBE FOMIS ELECTRONICS TNS-19252 switch controller
The DOBE FOMIS controller is a plug-and-play grip that allows you to charge your Switch while you play in handheld mode, solving a common problem for dedicated portable gamers. It features a built-in six-axis gyroscope for motion controls and dual-motor vibration for immersive feedback, closely mimicking the features of first-party Joy-Cons.
This controller attaches directly to the Switch, enhancing the grip for more comfortable handheld sessions. It’s a wired connection, meaning there’s no need to worry about battery life or Bluetooth pairing. Be sure to enable “Pro Controller Wired Connection” in your Switch settings before use. It is important to note that this model is not compatible with the Switch OLED due to its different dimensions.
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Gaming Pro Controller
While designed for Xbox and PC, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a high-performance wired controller that is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch, offering a premium experience for competitive gamers. It features six additional remappable buttons and trigger stop-switches that greatly reduce travel distance for a faster rate of fire, giving you a tangible edge in fast-paced games.
The controller is powered by Razer Chroma RGB, allowing for deep customization of lighting effects. Its mecha-tactile buttons and D-pad provide a crisp, responsive feel that is highly regarded in the fighting game community. As a wired controller, it offers the benefit of instantaneous input with no latency, making it a solid choice for serious gaming sessions where every millisecond counts.
Binbok Wireless Joy Pad Controller for Nintendo Switch
The Binbok Wireless Joy Pad is a popular third-party alternative that functions as a larger, more feature-rich replacement for the standard Joy-Con. It attaches directly to the Switch for handheld play but also operates wirelessly, so you can use it as a standalone controller in tabletop or TV mode. This flexibility is a significant advantage over some other handheld-only grips.
These controllers typically include features often missing from other alternatives, such as RGB lighting, programmable buttons, turbo functions, and motion controls. They offer a comfortable, full-handed grip for handheld mode while maintaining the versatility of wireless connectivity. For players who want a single controller that excels in both handheld and detached modes, the Binbok is a very strong and versatile contender.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Joy-Con Alternatives
When I look for a new controller for my Nintendo Switch, the first thing I consider is how I play. Are you mostly docked on the big screen, or do you live the handheld life? Your answer dictates everything. For TV mode, a full-size, traditional pro-style controller is usually the way to go. It offers better ergonomics for long gaming sessions. If you play in handheld mode a lot, you need a controller grip or a replacement set that slides directly onto the console itself, just like the original Joy-Cons.
Next, I check for connectivity. Most third-party controllers connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, which is super convenient. However, some offer a USB-C wired connection for handheld grips, which can eliminate input lag entirely—a huge plus for competitive games. Make sure the controller you pick has a stable connection method that fits your setup. I also always look for rumble features. HD Rumble is a Nintendo-specific tech, so many alternatives use standard vibration. It gets the job done, but if you are a purist for that specific haptic feedback, you might need to stick with first-party or a few high-end licensed options.
Battery life is a big deal for me. There is nothing worse than your controller dying in the middle of a boss fight. Many third-party options boast impressive battery lives, often 20 hours or more. Compare that to the official Joy-Cons, and it is often a significant upgrade. Finally, think about the extra features. Do you need programmable back buttons for complex actions? Are customizable trigger stops important for your shooting games? What about turbo functions? These can be game-changers, but they also add to the cost. By focusing on your primary play style and which features you will actually use, you can find the perfect 9 best alternatives to Joy-Con controllers for Nintendo Switch 2025 that fits both your hands and your budget.
FAQ
Are third-party Switch controllers reliable?
Yes, absolutely. The quality has improved dramatically over the years. While you should always read reviews, brands like HORI, 8BitDo, and PowerA are well-known for producing durable and reliable controllers. They may not always have every single feature like HD Rumble, but they often make up for it with better battery life, ergonomics, or extra buttons at a more affordable price point.
Do I lose any functionality with a non-Nintendo controller?
This depends on the controller. The most common feature missing is HD Rumble, as that is proprietary Nintendo technology. Some may also lack motion controls (gyro), which is essential for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for bow aiming. Amiibo support is another one to check for if you use the NFC reader. Always check the product specifications to see what is and is not included before you buy.
Can I use these controllers for handheld mode?
You can, but not all are designed for it. Standard Pro Controller-style pads are for docked play. For handheld mode, you need a specific type of controller that attaches directly to the sides of your Switch tablet, functioning as a replacement for the original Joy-Cons. These often come as a left and right set and can significantly improve comfort during portable play.
What is the biggest advantage of using an alternative controller?
For me, it is almost always ergonomics and price. Full-size controllers are just more comfortable for my hands during long sessions than the small, flat Joy-Cons. Many alternatives also offer fantastic value, providing features like programmable buttons and long battery life for a fraction of the cost of buying a new set of first-party Joy-Cons. It is a great way to get a premium feel without the premium price tag.
Will these controllers work with my Switch Lite?
Yes, but with a key distinction. Any wireless Bluetooth controller will work perfectly with the Switch Lite for tabletop or TV-less play—you just need a stand. However, controllers that physically attach to the sides of the console will not fit a Switch Lite due to its different, non-detachable design. So for a Switch Lite, your best bets are traditional wireless pads or a specific grip case that holds the entire console.