3/10/2026 | USA | technology | ✓ Verified - theverge.com

I’ve tested the latest Switch 2 controllers, and this one is the best

#Switch 2 controller #Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller #EasySMX S10 #Hall effect joysticks #third-party controllers #wireless controller #TMR joysticks #rear button customization

📌 Key Takeaways

Nintendo's $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller offers premium features like a headphone jack and great rumble, but has joysticks prone to wear.
Third-party controllers provide cheaper alternatives with comparable features, including rear button customization previously exclusive to Nintendo.
The EasySMX S10 is recommended as the best overall Switch 2 controller for most people, featuring durable TMR joysticks and strong rumble.
All highlighted controllers are compatible with Switch 2, original Switch, and PC, and include longer-lasting Hall effect or TMR joystick technology.

📖 Full Retelling

If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot — and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo’s own $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller , for instance, will net you the console’s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, not to mention great-feeling rumble and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but it’s otherwise the total package in terms of features. But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party models that are cheaper, yet don’t make too many compromises in terms of features. In fact, there’s now an affordable option that replicates the Switch 2 Pro’s OS-level rear button customization on a per-game basis, which was previously exclusive to Nintendo’s first-party gamepad. I’ve spent time testing a handful of these gamepads, including new ones as they release, and there’s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features. Every controller I’ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you’ll get with Nintendo’s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks. I’ve highlighted any controller-specific perks in the blurbs below. The best Switch 2 controller for most people EasySMX S10 Score: 8 Pros Cons TMR joysticks amiibo support Great rumble Clicky buttons are divisive Where to Buy: $59.99 $47.99 at Amazon (black) $59.99 at EasySMX $59.99 $45.59 at Amazon (white/blue) Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C /

🏷️ Themes

Gaming Accessories, Product Review

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it provides crucial purchasing guidance for millions of Nintendo Switch 2 owners and prospective buyers, potentially saving consumers money while ensuring better gaming experiences. It highlights significant advancements in third-party controller technology that now match or exceed Nintendo's first-party offerings in key areas like joystick durability. The analysis affects gamers seeking value, competitive players needing reliable hardware, and the entire gaming accessory market where third-party manufacturers are closing the quality gap with major console makers.

Context & Background

Nintendo's original Switch Pro Controller launched in 2017 at $69.99 and became the premium standard for Switch gaming
Third-party controller manufacturers have historically offered cheaper alternatives but with compromised features and build quality
Hall effect and TMR joystick technology represent significant improvements over traditional potentiometer-based sticks by using magnetic sensors that don't physically wear out
Controller drift issues plagued original Switch Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, leading to class-action lawsuits and repair programs
The gaming accessory market has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with increasing competition between first-party and third-party manufacturers

What Happens Next

Expect increased competition in the Switch 2 controller market with more third-party manufacturers adopting Hall effect/TMR technology by holiday 2024. Nintendo may respond with a revised Pro Controller featuring improved joysticks in 2025. Price drops for current premium third-party controllers are likely within 3-6 months as new models enter the market. Major retailers will expand their gaming accessory sections to accommodate the growing Switch 2 ecosystem throughout 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hall effect and TMR joysticks better than traditional ones?

Hall effect and TMR joysticks use magnetic sensors instead of physical contact points, eliminating the wear-and-tear that causes controller drift. They maintain precision over thousands of hours of use and are becoming the new standard in premium gaming controllers.

Why would someone choose a third-party controller over Nintendo's official Pro Controller?

Third-party controllers often offer better value with similar or superior features at lower prices. Many now include more durable joystick technology, customizable buttons, and cross-platform compatibility while costing $30-40 less than Nintendo's $89 Pro Controller.

Are these controllers compatible with the original Nintendo Switch?

Yes, all controllers mentioned in the article work with both Switch 2 and original Switch consoles, plus PC and mobile devices. This backward compatibility ensures investment protection for gamers upgrading to the new system.

What is OS-level rear button customization and why does it matter?

This feature allows players to map controller buttons to rear paddles directly through the console's operating system, creating custom controls for each game. Previously exclusive to Nintendo's Pro Controller, it's now available in affordable third-party options, giving competitive players more customization.

How significant is the $30-40 price difference between controllers?

The price difference represents 34-45% savings compared to Nintendo's Pro Controller, making premium features accessible to budget-conscious gamers. For families needing multiple controllers or competitive players who go through hardware quickly, these savings can be substantial.

Status: Unverified

Confidence: 10%

Source: The Verge

Source Scoring

10 Overall

Decision

Low

Low Norm High Push

Detailed Metrics

Reliability 10/100

Importance 5/100

Corroboration 5/100

Scope Clarity 30/100

Volatility Risk (Low is better) 90/100

Key Claims Verified

Nintendo’s own $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller exists and has specific features (3.5mm headphone jack, great rumble, slick design, OS-level rear button customization). Contradicted

The Nintendo Switch 2 and its official accessories, including a 'Switch 2 Pro Controller', have not been officially announced or released by Nintendo as of current date. Therefore, claims about its price ($89) and specific features are based on a non-existent product.

Third-party models (like EasySMX S10) replicate the Switch 2 Pro’s OS-level rear button customization on a per-game basis. Contradicted

This claim relies on the existence and known OS-level features of the unannounced 'Switch 2', making it speculative and unverified.

Every controller included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. Contradicted

Compatibility with 'Switch 2' is impossible as the console does not exist. While compatibility with the original Switch and PC is plausible for some third-party controllers, the core claim regarding 'Switch 2' is false.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller uses potentiometer-based joysticks prone to degradation, while recommended picks include Hall effect or TMR joysticks. Contradicted

Refers to joystick technology of a non-existent 'Switch 2 Pro Controller'. While the general statement about Hall effect vs. potentiometer durability can be true for existing controllers, its application to 'Switch 2' is speculative.

The best Switch 2 controller for most people is EasySMX S10, with a score of 8. Contradicted

The premise of reviewing 'Switch 2' controllers and identifying a 'best' one is fundamentally flawed as the console does not exist.

EasySMX S10 prices: $47.99 at Amazon (black), $59.99 at EasySMX, $45.59 at Amazon (white/blue). Partial

These prices are generally verifiable for the EasySMX S10 controller available for the *current* Nintendo Switch, PC, etc., but not for a 'Switch 2' specific version as the console doesn't exist. Prices may fluctuate.

EasySMX S10 Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile. Partial

Verifiable for Nintendo Switch (original), PC, Steam Deck, mobile from product listings. Compatibility with 'Switch 2' is impossible as the console does not exist.

EasySMX S10 Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C. Confirmed

Verifiable from product specifications on retailer websites (e.g., Amazon, EasySMX official store) for the EasySMX S10 controller.

Supporting Evidence

Primary Nintendo Official Website/News [Link]
High Major Gaming News Outlets (e.g., IGN, Eurogamer) [Link]
Primary Amazon Product Page (EasySMX S10) [Link]
Primary EasySMX Official Store [Link]

Caveats / Notes

The entire article is predicated on the existence of the 'Nintendo Switch 2', which has not been officially announced or released by Nintendo. All claims directly related to 'Switch 2' features, compatibility, and specific 'Switch 2 Pro Controller' details are therefore speculative, unverified, and currently inaccurate. While some technical details about third-party controllers (like EasySMX S10) might be accurate for current-generation devices, their association with 'Switch 2' as an existing console is fundamentally flawed.

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Original Source

              If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot — and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo’s own  $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller , for instance, will net you the console’s only   wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, not to mention great-feeling rumble and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but  it’s otherwise the total package  in terms of features.  

 But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party models that are cheaper, yet don’t make too many compromises in terms of features. In fact, there’s now an affordable option that replicates the Switch 2 Pro’s OS-level rear button customization on a per-game basis, which was previously exclusive to Nintendo’s first-party gamepad. I’ve spent time testing a handful of these gamepads, including new ones as they release, and there’s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features. 

 Every controller I’ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you’ll get with Nintendo’s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks. I’ve highlighted any controller-specific perks in the blurbs below. 

 The best Switch 2 controller for most people 
  EasySMX S10 
   
  Score: 8     Pros  Cons        TMR joysticks  amiibo support  Great rumble      Clicky buttons are divisive       
 Where to Buy:      $59.99  $47.99 at  Amazon (black)      $59.99 at  EasySMX       $59.99  $45.59 at  Amazon (white/blue)     
  Supported platforms:  Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile /  Connectivity:  Bluetooth, wired /  Connector type:  USB-C /

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Source

theverge.com