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What is the Alternative to Joy-Con? Your Guide to Nintendo Switch Controller Options

The definitive alternative to Nintendo’s Joy-Cons is a bit more nuanced than a single answer. It depends entirely on your gaming preferences, budget, and intended usage. Do you prioritize portability, ergonomics, or a more traditional controller feel? Do you frequently game in handheld mode, docked mode, or both? Your answers to these questions will heavily influence the “best” Joy-Con alternative for you. Broadly speaking, the alternatives fall into several categories: ergonomic handheld replacements, Pro-style controllers, budget-friendly options, retro-inspired controllers, and even using your phone as a controller. Each of these comes with its own set of pros and cons, which we will explore in detail.

Diving Deep: Joy-Con Alternative Categories

Choosing the right alternative is essential. The right controller can improve your gameplay experience and help avoid the dreaded Joy-Con drift. The wrong one could be a waste of money and leave you even more frustrated.

Ergonomic Handheld Replacements

These alternatives focus on providing a more comfortable and ergonomic experience, primarily for handheld mode.

Hori Split Pad Pro: Arguably the most popular choice in this category. The Hori Split Pad Pro offers a significantly wider grip compared to the standard Joy-Cons, making it much more comfortable for extended gaming sessions. It’s officially licensed by Nintendo, so you can expect good compatibility and build quality. It adds substantial bulk to the Switch, meaning it’s less portable than the Joy-Cons. It lacks features like rumble, IR sensor, and amiibo support.
Hori Split Pad Compact: A smaller, more lightweight alternative to the Split Pad Pro. Offers similar ergonomic benefits but is more portable. It still lacks rumble and amiibo support. This may not be ideal for players with larger hands who prefer a more substantial grip.

Pro-Style Controllers

These controllers mimic the design and functionality of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, offering a more traditional gamepad experience.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: The gold standard for Switch controllers. Provides excellent ergonomics, responsive buttons, HD Rumble, amiibo support, and long battery life. It’s the most expensive option on this list. It’s primarily designed for docked play, though can be used handheld with a separate stand.
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller: A versatile and highly customizable controller that works with the Switch, PC, and more. Offers excellent build quality, customizable button mapping, and motion controls. Comes with a charging dock. Can be pricey. Its retro-inspired design may not appeal to everyone.

Budget-Friendly Options

These alternatives prioritize affordability, offering a functional controller experience without breaking the bank.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller: A reliable and affordable wired controller. Offers comfortable ergonomics and programmable buttons. It requires a wired connection, limiting its portability. It lacks rumble and amiibo support.
PDP Gaming Wired Fight Pad Pro: Designed specifically for fighting games, but can be used for other games as well. Features a comfortable grip and responsive buttons. It is also wired. It may not be the best choice for games that require analog stick precision.

Retro-Inspired Controllers

These controllers cater to fans of classic games, offering a nostalgic design and feel.

8BitDo SN30 Pro: A retro-inspired controller with a classic Super Nintendo design. Compatible with the Switch, PC, and more. Offers excellent build quality and customizable button mapping. Smaller than a modern controller, which might not suit all hands.
PowerA GameCube Style Wired Controller: Replicates the look and feel of the original GameCube controller. Ideal for playing Super Smash Bros. and other GameCube-era games. Wired only. Might not be suitable for all types of Switch games.

Using Your Phone as a Controller

This unconventional method turns your smartphone into a Joy-Con alternative, offering a surprisingly functional (though not always ideal) solution.

Joy-Con Droid: An Android app that emulates Joy-Cons on your phone. Allows you to play Switch games using your phone’s touchscreen or connect a USB controller to your phone for a more tactile experience. Requires some technical setup. Touchscreen controls can be less precise than physical buttons. There are also security considerations with third-party apps.

Addressing the Joy-Con Drift Issue

Joy-Con drift, where the analog sticks register movement even when untouched, is a persistent problem that plagues Nintendo Switch owners. While Nintendo offers free repairs for drifting Joy-Cons, many users seek alternatives to avoid the issue altogether.

GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro Controller: This controller uses electromagnetic joysticks that are designed to prevent drift. It is a premium option but offers peace of mind for those worried about long-term reliability.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the best Joy-Con alternative depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Intended Usage: Will you primarily be playing in handheld mode, docked mode, or both?
Ergonomics: Do you need a more comfortable grip for extended gaming sessions?
Features: Do you value rumble, amiibo support, or motion controls?
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a controller?
Game Genre: Are you playing specific games that benefit from a particular controller type (e.g., fighting games, retro games)?

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the Joy-Con alternative that best suits your gaming needs and enhances your Nintendo Switch experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Joy-Con alternatives, along with detailed answers to provide further guidance:

1. Are there any Switch controllers that don’t drift?

Yes, the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro Controller is specifically designed to prevent drift using electromagnetic joysticks. It uses Hall effect sensors instead of potentiometers, making it much less susceptible to wear and tear.

2. How can I use my phone as a Joy-Con?

You can use an app like Joy-Con Droid (Android only) to emulate Joy-Cons on your phone. Download and install the app, then navigate to Controllers > Change Grip/Order on your Switch. Follow the app’s instructions to pair your phone via Bluetooth.

3. What is the best controller for Switch handheld mode?

The Hori Split Pad Pro is generally considered the best for handheld mode, due to its significantly wider and more comfortable grip. The Hori Split Pad Compact is a good alternative if you prefer a lighter, more portable option.

4. What is the best Switch controller overall?

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is widely regarded as the best overall Switch controller, offering excellent ergonomics, features, and build quality. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is another excellent alternative with a high degree of customizability.

5. Do non-Nintendo controllers work on Switch?

Yes, many non-Nintendo controllers work on the Switch, either directly via Bluetooth or with the use of a Bluetooth adapter. Make sure the controller is compatible with the Switch before purchasing.

6. Why are Joy-Cons so expensive?

Joy-Cons pack a lot of technology into a small space, including motion sensors, HD Rumble, and wireless connectivity. The complex manufacturing process and high-quality components contribute to their higher price.

7. How to get Joy-Cons replaced for free?

If your Joy-Cons are suffering from drift, you can request a free repair through the Nintendo Support website. You may need to troubleshoot the issue first.

8. What Joy-Con colors are discontinued?

Nintendo has discontinued certain Joy-Con colors over time. Specific colors such as Grey, Neon Yellow, and Mario Red have been discontinued.

9. Can you use Joy-Cons on mobile devices?

Yes, thanks to iOS 16 and Android, you can pair Joy-Cons with iPhones, iPads, and Android devices for gaming.

10. How long do Joy-Cons last?

Joy-Cons take approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge and last around 20 hours on a full charge, depending on usage.

11. Why do Joy-Cons drift so easily?

Joy-Con drift is often caused by wear and tear on the potentiometers inside the analog sticks, as well as the buildup of dirt and grime.

12. Is JoyCon Droid safe to use?

While generally considered safe, there’s always a small risk when using third-party apps. Avoid using macros or turbo features in online games, as this could lead to a ban.

13. Does Nintendo still repair Joy-Cons for free in 2024?

Yes, Nintendo continues to offer free Joy-Con repairs for drift issues, even outside of warranty, in many regions. Check the Nintendo Support website for details.

14. Can I use different controllers for multiplayer on the Switch?

Yes, the Switch supports a variety of controllers for multiplayer gaming. You can mix and match Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, and other compatible controllers.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational benefits of gaming?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a great resource for learning about the positive impacts of video games on learning and development. You can explore their research and publications to gain a deeper understanding of how games can be used for educational purposes. You can also find more details on the Games Learning Society using the URL: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

What is the alternative to Joy-Con?