Latest available Nintendo Switch Controllers in 2025
Top Third-Party Nintendo Switch Controllers in 2025
The Nintendo Switch, now in its eighth year on the market, offers a variety of controller options, both budget and premium. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best third-party controllers available, including the 8BitDo Ultimate and the GuliKit Elves 2.
8BitDo Ultimate
The 8BitDo Ultimate is highly regarded for its premium build quality, versatile features, and long battery life. This controller supports remappable button profiles via the 8BitDo app and includes extra rear buttons. However, it lacks NFC support for amiibo scanning and has a slightly crowded button layout near the center. The 8BitDo Ultimate comes with a charging dock and retails for approximately $69.99.
GuliKit Elves 2
The GuliKit Elves 2 is notable for being the first third-party controller to support wake-up functionality for the Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box. It uses Hall Effect magnetic joysticks for high precision and anti-drift durability. The Elves 2 offers gyro support, adjustable rumble levels, and a retro design. It is very affordable at about $29.99 and is cross-compatible with other devices like Windows, Steam Deck, and mobile platforms.
| Controller | Key Features | Price (Approx.) | Special Notes | |---------------------|--------------|-----------------|-----------------------------| | 8BitDo Ultimate | Premium build, remappable buttons, charging dock, long battery life | $70 | No NFC (amiibo) support | | GuliKit Elves 2 | Switch 2 wake-up support, Hall Effect sticks, gyro, rumble, retro design | $30 | First third-party with Switch 2 wake-up |
Both controllers are excellent picks depending on your budget and need for features like NFC or Switch 2 wake-up support.
Other Notable Controllers
The GameSir Tarantula Pro features pleasant RGB, nine remappable buttons, and a handy face button quick-switch, all at an affordable price. Nintendo's official Pro controller is a great upgrade over Joy-Con controllers, boasting an absurd amount of battery life and quick-charge functionality. The 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller offers 8BitDo quality at a lower price, with slightly worse battery life compared to its more powerful counterpart.
The CRKD Atom is a portable controller that connects to the Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth and is suitable for short bursts of retro play. It is compatible with Nintendo Switch Online's variety of retro game libraries, including NES, SNES, Mega Drive / Genesis, and Game Boy Advance. The Nitro Deck is a portable Nintendo Switch controller that offers excellent build quality and is ideal for portable play.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch market is filled with a variety of third-party controllers to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you're looking for a premium experience, a retro-inspired design, or a budget-friendly option, there's a controller out there for you.
- Gaming enthusiasts looking for a premium gadget with a long battery life and remappable button profiles might find the 8BitDo Ultimate an ideal choice, even though it lacks NFC support for amiibo scanning. This controller is a great fit for those willing to invest in high-end technology.
- On the other hand, individuals seeking a budget-friendly gadget with unique features like Switch 2 wake-up support and compatibility with various platforms could consider the GuliKit Elves 2. This controller showcases the integration of technology and gaming, offering a more affordable option for gadget lovers.
