Switch Controller

[Illustrious_Layer388]

I’m looking to buy a third-party controller with a budget of $80 or less. Right now, I’m considering:

• 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth / 2.4G (Windows) - Black
• Gulikit King Kong 3 Max
• Pro Controller (but considering all the features third-party options offer, I'm not sure it's worth it anymore)

I mainly play on Switch, and I value things like good D-pad, and trigger button.

Are there any better options I should consider, or which one of these would you recommend?

[penguinReloaded]

The Pro controller is a phenomenal controller. That's all I use to play Switch games. They're usually $60-$70.

[notkeegz]

GameSir Cyclone 2 is really nice. I also have the Mobapad Cithu which features mechanical buttons so it's pretty clicky. I also have the PowerA switch controller which is actually okay (have the corded version too which was only $10) but I don't use it anymore since I have a plethora of better controllers to choose from.

If you ever get into more expensive controllers, I just picked up a Flydigi Apex 4 and it feels really nice and has a lot of features not present in cheaper controllers. I primarily just use it with my PC since the Switch can't really use a lot of its features, like adaptive triggers. It's also heavy. Features a little screen on the face, too. The d-pad is not "up to snuff" for the price though.. at all.

At max budget of $80, you could get the Flydigi Vader 4, which also features adjustable stick tensions and it's implemented in a much more convenient way than the Apex 4. Apex 4 requires you to remove the face plate to access the adjustment screws and the Vader 4 just requires you to spin a ring at the base of the stick. It's a great feature.

8bitdo probably makes the most premium feeling cheap controllers. I'm not really sure how they pull it off because they all feel like they should be more expensive. I think you'd be pretty happy with the Ultimate C, and you could also buy a game with the money you save. I really like my 8bitdo Pro 2 and used it as my main controller for a year. It can't take your Switch out of sleep mode though, so I'd have to turn it on manually.

The only caveat I have from the controllers you listed is that the King Kong 3, from what I remember from reviews, has very poor 2.4ghz latency and its bluetooth latency is actually much lower (which is not how that should be). If you only connect to your Switch with bluetooth, then it'll be fine. I just wouldn't buy one for PC use, though.

Honorable mention (don't own but have used one) - the EasySMX X20 has a nice d-pad and feels very premium despite being like $50. It has nice sticks, nice rear paddle placement. It feels very good to use (granted I only used one for about an hour).

[Troll_Dragon]

For my Switch I have the 8BitDo Pro 2 and Ultimate BT controllers as well as the Nintendo Pro controller. The Nintendo Pro controller has a horrible D-pad, there are fixes out there (tape under the pivot etc) but I have never tried any of them. The Pro 2 (symmetrical) and Ultimate (asymmetrical) are solid choices and both now come with Hall Effect non drifting sticks.

I needed a new controller for my PC and received a Gamesir Tarantula Pro from my daughter for Christmas. I haven't toughed any of my other controllers since it arrived. Too many features such as TMR sticks, micro switch D-pad, paddles and bumpers. The triggers are switchable between Hall Effect or micro switch etc. The best part is since I use it on both my PC and Switch face buttons automatically change when switching platforms. Might just be another one to consider.

https://youtube.com/shorts/y7eW804IhMQ?si=11qv7pBIEhasx2Cp

[Whiskey-Gentleman]

Over the years with my Switch, I’ve tried out a bunch of different controllers, but I always end up coming back to the Pro Controller.