The best nintendo switch 2 controllers to pick up on launch day

EVERY GOOD NINTENDO SWITCH 2 OWNER NEEDS A SPARE SET OF CONTROLLERS FOR WHEN FRIENDS COME ROUND - HERE ARE THE BEST OPTIONS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW JOSHUA BOYLES Tech and entertainment

affiliates writer 07:47, 05 Jun 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, ringing

in a whole new era of gaming for fans or Mario and Zelda alike. Once again, Nintendo has solidified itself as the king of co-operative gaming with the latest console technically including

two controllers in the box with it possible to use the Joy-Cons individually. However, if you want to play local co-op games with up to four people, or maybe want to give your guests a more

comfortable gaming experience on full-sized pads, you'll need to invest in a spare set of controllers. While the options of new Switch 2 controllers are a little hard to come by at

launch, there are a few great choices still available to you. I've rounded up all the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers you can currently pick up on launch day. I'll also walk you

through how third party controllers work, as well as backwards compatibility with any old devices you might have lying around. JOY-CON 2'S - £74.95 The Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped

with two of its larger, magnetic Joy-Cons in the box, but you can pick up a spare set for an additional £74.95 if you so choose. These are a great option if you want to quickly boost your

controller count to four, as turning them on their side means they can be used individually for a quick game of Mario Kart World. While the original Switch's Joy-Cons were a little

fiddly to use in this way, the newer model is much more ergonomic in the hand thanks to the increased size of the new console. The ZL and ZR buttons are also more prominent thanks to their

metal construction, so they feel much more premium in the hand than before. The only downside to these controllers is that you'll need to regularly swap them in and out of your Switch 2

console to keep them charged up as they can't be powered by a cable like most traditional pads. Alternatively, you could opt to pick up a charging dock for the Joy-Cons, LIKE THIS ONE

FROM AMAZON FOR £19.79. Here are all the best links to purchase a spare set of Joy-Con 2's right now: NINTENDO SWITCH 2 PRO CONTROLLER - £74.95 If you're looking for a more premium

gaming experience while playing the Nintendo Switch 2, your best option is the latest Switch 2 Pro Controller. This pad ditches the portable features of the Joy-Con's in favour of a

more traditional build and layout, with proper handle grips to make for a comfortable play session. The big new addition with this latest version of the controller is the inclusion of some

remappable paddle buttons on the rear of the controller. These can be set to any of the other controller inputs, like the face buttons for example, letting you perform actions without ever

having to take your thumbs off the sticks. It's a feature that players of competitive games like Splatoon will surely enjoy, but it's also great for some of us more laid-back

single-player gamers who always find ourselves opening up the map or inventory menus. Mapping things like start and select to the back mean you can access these menu's much more

quickly, making for a more enjoyable gaming experience as a whole. Of course, picking up this controller only adds one additional option to your arsenal, which might not be ideal if

you're keen on playing four player Mario Kart. But it is the most premium option available right now, and ideal if you're someone who intends to play a lot of Nintendo Switch 2 in

docked mode. Here are the best links to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller right now: NINTENDO SWITCH PRO CONTROLLER - £49.20 Looking to save a bit of cash? The original Nintendo

Switch 2 Pro Controller is also compatible with the Switch 2 hardware. That's great news for those who already have one lying around, but it's also great if £74.99 sounds like an

extortionate price to shell out for a controller. You can still pick up the original Switch Pro Controller for £49.20 at Amazon, saving you a bit of cash. The main downside is that this

version of the controller doesn't have the remappable paddle buttons that the newer version has, and it's also missing that new C button to open the Game Chat menu. However, it

does still retain that traditional design that docked players will surely appreciate on longer gaming sessions. I'm also particularly a fan of the translucent design this controller has

with the inner workings semi-visible through the outer casing. If nothing else, it looks great on a shelf. Here are all the best links to pick up a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller right now:

ORIGINAL SWITCH JOY-CONS - £58.99 Just like the original Pro Controller, Nintendo has confirmed that the original Joy-Con controllers will be compatible with the Switch 2. This is fantastic

news if you have a few controllers left over from the last generation, as you can keep these around as fall-back options for when player's two, three and four come round. New versions

of the original Joy-Cons are also available for slightly less than the newer models, setting gamers back £58.99 instead of £74.99. However, bear in mind that these controllers are a lot

smaller than the new models and a little cramped to use for extended play sessions. You're also missing out on the new C button to open the Chat menu that's included on the new

controllers. Additionally, some Nintendo Switch 2 games might not be playable with the old controllers if it requires use of exclusive features like the Mouse Controls. You could opt to pick

up a set of pre-owned models for even cheaper, but this carries a pretty big risk of Joy-Con drift, an issue that plagued these controllers for years following the Switch's initial

release. If you want the best chance of having these controllers last you a while, it's best to pick up a new set. The good news is that there are several funky colour schemes to choose

from since the controllers have been out for almost a decade now. Here are the best links to pick up a set of new Joy-Cons: SOME THIRD-PARTY CONTROLLERS MAY WORK, BUT YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY

Nintendo hasn't yet clarified whether third party controllers that work with the original Nintendo Switch will work with the Switch 2. However, if the original Joy-Cons and Pro

Controller are compatible, it's likely that third party devices may also work without too much of a hitch. Again, it's worth considering the sort of games you're going to be

playing on Switch 2 before picking up a third party controller. Games that use Mouse Controls won't be compatible with anything other than Joy-Cons 2, and older controllers wont have

the C button for Game Chat. Your mileage may vary here, so it could be worth waiting a little while until we get full confirmation that existing third party controllers will work on the new

hardware. If you're willing to take the risk though, here are some of the most popular third party Switch controllers from the last few years: MORE THIRD-PARTY CONTROLLERS ARE COMING

SOON As the Nintendo Switch 2 has only just launched, official third party controller options are a little thin on the ground. However, there are a few on the horizon. Article continues

below Keep an eye on these links to pre-order some of the upcoming controllers releasing for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the next few months: