If you own a Nintendo Switch, chances are you've experienced the dreaded Joy-Con drift at some stage or another. If you haven't, then just wait. This is unfortunately a common problem with Switch controllers that Nintendo is aware of, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating when playing the best Nintendo Switch games.
Nintendo does offer a free Joy-Con repair service, which you can book online through the Nintendo Support website, but this takes about 2 weeks and is a long time to be without a controller. Not to mention the drift can always come back (this happened to my controllers).
Best Joy-Con Alternatives
The Joy-Con alternatives you didn't know you needed
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Best for stick drift
The Hyperion Pro Joypad is the ultimate cure to the dreaded stick drift. This is possible thanks to Hall Effect joysticks, which have no physical contact between moving parts, compared to traditional joysticks that use electrical resistance to detect movement. In simple terms, these thumbsticks won’t wear out as easily, and will never develop stick drift in their lifetime. Aside from that, this joypad looks gorgeous (available in Purple or green) and has great ergonomics too. See our NYXI Hyperion Pro controller review for full details.
Best for nostalgic gamers
This Nintendo controller will look familiar to some, as it takes the exact form of a full-sized retro Nintendo 64 controller which nostalgic gamers will die for. This version is compatible with the Nintendo Switch and also includes built-in rumble features for compatible games (no original Rumble Pak™ required!) which is a pretty big deal. The downside is that this controller is mostly compatible with Nintendo Switch Online games only, and is not the best choice for regular Nintendo Switch games. It's comfortable to hold, and takes you back to the 90s.
Best for immersive gamers
The CRKD Nitro Deck is a professional handheld deck for the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED models that promises absolutely zero stick drift. It looks smart too, with an all-black design and ergonomic grip that beats standard Joy-Cons. It also offers customizable controls to suit your gaming style, with swappable thumbstick toppers, and re-mappable back buttons, plus a low-latency USB-C connection. If you'd prefer it to look more like a GameBoy, there's a CRKD retro edition that's a little pricier (but worth it).
Best for console gamers
We have to mention the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller here, as it's probably the most popular and well-known alternative to using Joy-Cons for Switch gamers. This controller offers a traditional console gaming experience and feels more familiar to those who are used to DualShock and Xbox pads instead of smaller Joy-Cons. It has motion controls, rumble features, and a built-in Amiibo scanner for anyone who still uses those. It uses a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging.
Best for casual gamers
This officially licensed HORI controller is ergonomically designed and well-suited to people with larger hands, or for those who like the feel and button placement of a more traditional game controller when playing in handheld mode. There's an array of design and colour options to choose from, and my favourite is the Pokémon Eevee and Pikachu edition, as well as the Pikachu and Mimikyu edition. They're both adorable. The reviewers over at Best Buy are even saying this Split Pad is more comfortable than using Joy-Cons.
Best for neon aesthetic gamers
This Joy-pad from NYXI is compatible with the Switch and Switch OLED consoles, and offers 8 different LED colours to choose from with a visual "breathing" function. It's said to be comfortable and ergonomic, but what we like about it is that you can play with these pads attached to your Switch with the screen in the middle, or as a separate controller for when in TV mode (the same as Joy-Cons). It has a programmable back button too, for complete precision and control. See our NYXI Hyperion Meteor review for full details.
Best for younger gamers
The Gripcon controller from NexiGo looks really fun from the get-go with a clear design that shows all of the wiring and mechanisms underneath, or a cosmic nebula design to choose from too. The RGB ring lights around the joysticks are a nice touch, and the grip also offers dual-motor haptic feedback and a six-axis gyroscope for greater immersion and accuracy when playing FPS titles (like Fortnite) and also lets you charge the console while you play, what more do you need?
Best for multi-consoles
If you own other consoles besides your Nintendo Switch, then this rainbow gaming controller should be all that you need. Compatible with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, and iOS devices (as well as the Nintendo Switch of course), this stylish controller offers wireless gameplay with remappable buttons, hall effect triggers, and motion controls with NFC Amiibo sensing – plus it has RGB lighting effects that can be personalized through an app.
Best mechanical controller
This mechanical master controller from EasySMX comes equipped with full mechanical tactile buttons, offering quicker responses and 6-axis motion controls. The quadruple hall effect sensor system (a setup with dual Joysticks and dual triggers) means that you get enhanced durability and eliminated chances of developing stick drift over time. The slider on the back offers a seamless connectivity transition for use with 2.4G, Bluetooth, or wired connections.
