Nintendo Switch Controller drifting? Try these alternatives

In the event you’ve received a Nintendo Change controller drifting, you possibly can relaxation assured that you just’re in good firm – it’s a destiny that has befallen virtually each Change participant at this level. What number of occasions has Hyperlink been trampled? What number of occasions has an Inkling missed a vital shot? And all right down to unreliable Pleasure-Cons.

Though Nintendo is now doing free repairs on Pleasure-Cons, we will perceive why somebody would possibly favor to purchase one of many different finest Nintendo Change controllers for a recent begin. In any case, lots of them are extra comfy than the Pleasure-Cons (and this fashion you don’t need to go with no controller for some time. A number of the choices on this listing can be simply as at residence on our greatest cell recreation controller listing.

Listed here are our picks for alternate options in case your Nintendo Change controller is drifting:

1. Change Professional Wi-fi Controller – finest total
2. PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi Controller – reasonably priced various
3. Afterglow Wi-fi Deluxe Controller – fashionable alternative
4. Change GameCube Controller – finest retro possibility
5. Retro-Bit 64 Tribute Controller – finest for N64 video games
6. 8BitDo Bluetooth Gamepad – finest for SNES video games
7. Hori Cut up Pad Professional – finest for handheld play

1. Change Professional Wi-fi Controller

The perfect Pleasure-Con various total.

Nintendo Change Professional Controller specs:

Execs

• Official Nintendo product
• Lengthy battery life
• Snug design

Cons

• Costly
• Inconvenient for handheld play

That is the go-to alternative for anyone who’s on the lookout for one thing somewhat higher than the Pleasure-Cons. Not solely does it really feel rather more comfy to carry for prolonged intervals of time than the Pleasure-Cons, however with an honest 40-hour battery life, longer play classes needs to be no drawback in any respect. On high of that, it has a really slick, black design which is nice if you happen to’re on the lookout for somewhat extra of that N64 really feel.

As certainly one of Nintendo’s official Pleasure-Con alternate options, that is an possibility that’s prone to enchantment to most followers and also you’re not going to have to fret about compatibility points. It really works completely with the overwhelming majority of Change video games and nonetheless retains the Pleasure-Con’s movement management performance.

2. PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi Controller

A extra reasonably priced various to the Change Professional.

PowerA Enhanced Wi-fi Controller specs:

Execs

• Comparatively cheap
• Remappable buttons
• Numerous designs

Cons

• Not rechargeable
• No rumble

This controller is similar to the usual Change Professional, although it comes with three extra buttons on the again for further button mapping. It’s additionally received an inside battery with a 30-hour rechargeable life (as much as ten extra hours than you get with the usual Pleasure-Cons). Plus, it’s been ergonomically designed to make it as comfy to your arms as attainable and is much less prone to ship your most important character operating gleefully off to fulfill their doom.

One other facet of this controller that might be notably interesting to Nintendo followers is the sheer number of designs accessible for it. There are two that characteristic paintings from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, an Amazon-exclusive design that includes vibrant Tremendous Mario artwork, a cute Animal Crossing: New Horizons design, and even a Waluigi controller (amongst others). Wired alternate options are additionally accessible if you wish to lower the recharge trip altogether. Plus, you will discover much more cool controller themes (like Crash Bandicoot) with the PowerA Spectra, which can be nice to be used in Tremendous Smash Bros. Final, and LED lights which you’ll toggle to change between colours.

3. Afterglow Wi-fi Deluxe Controller

Essentially the most fashionable Pleasure-Con various.

Afterglow Wi-fi Deluxe Controller specs:

Execs

• Trendy classic Nintendo design
• Customizable lights
• Snug to carry

Cons

• Management sticks somewhat too lengthy
• Inconvenient for handheld play

This controller’s design echoes the previous Recreation Boy Colour and Nintendo 64 fashions which have been made with clear plastics, besides the Afterglow takes issues a step additional. Inside its modern case, you’ll discover LED lights that may be custom-made to shine in numerous colours, supplying you with RGB-esque customization to finest fit your gaming area (or your temper).

As with many different Change controllers, it presents wi-fi connectivity along with an inside rechargeable battery. Additionally, its again paddle-style again buttons are twin programmable, permitting you to make use of them in the way in which that most closely fits your individual play model.

4. Change GameCube Controller

The perfect retro Change controller.

Change GameCube Controller specs:

Execs

• Correct GameCube controller recreation
• Adapter permits you to use historic controllers

Cons

• Doesn’t work with many video games
• Not a wi-fi Wavebird controller

Many veteran Nintendo avid gamers consider the GameCube controller to be top-of-the-line ever. The excellent news for many who nonetheless have their previous GameCube controllers mendacity round someplace is that they’re appropriate with the Change… kind of. It’s worthwhile to purchase an adapter (they’re not too costly) and then you definitely’re good to go.

However, wait! What if you happen to don’t have any previous GameCube controllers and you continue to need to strive utilizing one? Don’t fear. There’s a variety of recent GameCube controllers which have been particularly designed to be used with the Nintendo Change – they even have wi-fi performance and some further buttons (+, -, residence, and display screen shot) in order that they’re higher suited to the newer console. These are available all of the traditional coloration schemes, in addition to a cool new Mario one, and Pikachu, Espeon, and Umbreon-themed controllers for Pokémon followers.

Now we simply want a brand new, Change-compatible set of the Donkey Konga bongo controllers. (What? That’s how I need to play. Go away me alone.)

5. Retro-Bit 64 Tribute Controller

The perfect Pleasure-Con various for Nintendo 64 video games.

Retro-Bit 64 Tribute Controller specs:

Execs

• Higher than the unique N64 design
• Snug and trendy

Cons

• Not particularly designed for Change
• Received’t work properly in handheld mode

Do you get pleasure from enjoying the Nintendo Change On-line N64 video games? Banjo-Kazooie is nice, isn’t it? Yeah, properly, not if you must get to the highest of the tree in Click on Clock Wooden whereas battling Change drift. The Retro-Bit 64 Tribute controller is actually a greater model of the unique N64 controller as a result of it’s been designed for human beings with two arms, somewhat than the three-handed aliens who have been apparently the goal marketplace for the unique.

It’s value mentioning that whereas this wi-fi controller will not be a Nintendo product, it comes with a helpful USB receiver which lets you use it with the Change. Additionally, if you happen to’ve nonetheless received your previous Nintendo 64 and prefer to get it out every now and then, it comes with an N64 port, too.

6. 8BitDo Professional 2 Bluetooth Gamepad

The perfect SNES-like Pleasure-Con various.

8BitDo Bluetooth Gamepad specs:

Execs

• Very like a SNES controller
• Wired and Wi-fi play accessible

Cons

• Could be too small for some
• Battery life form of brief

One other one for followers of retro gaming, this gamepad is harking back to the unique SNES controllers. Modern and traditional in design, this wi-fi Change controller provides you as much as 20 hours of play per cost, however because it comes with a 1m USB-C cable, it can be used as a wired possibility.

The truth that this controller connects utilizing Bluetooth implies that it may be used on issues apart from your Change, together with Home windows, Mac, and Android gadgets.

7. Hori Cut up Pad Professional

The perfect managed for handheld gaming.

Hori Cut up Pad Professional specs:

Execs

• Like Pleasure-Cons with out the drift
• Ergonomic design
• Cheaper than Pleasure-Cons

Cons

• No movement controls
• No HD rumble
• Handheld solely

The Hori Cut up Pad Professional works in the same option to the Pleasure-Cons whenever you’re utilizing your Change in handheld mode. The Change slots into the middle and also you’re left with a lot bigger controllers on both facet, which is ideal if you happen to’ve received larger arms and battle with the Pleasure-Cons’ fiddly structure.

This official Nintendo various does miss a number of the options of the Pleasure-Cons (similar to movement controls and HD Rumble), nevertheless it does have its benefits. The lessened likelihood of drift is one, however the truth that it has a lot bigger buttons and grip implies that it’s a lot extra comfy to carry in your arms whenever you’re enjoying for an extended time, and it’s received assignable rear triggers for simpler, extra customizable play. Although you possibly can’t use the Hori Cut up Pad Professional if you happen to’re enjoying on the tv display screen, it’s a fantastic possibility for many who love handheld mode.

How do I cease my Nintendo Change controller from drifting?

Sadly, there isn’t a straightforward repair for the issue of drifting. We advocate contacting Nintendo immediately for a free restore. In fact, if you happen to play your Change day by day, you’re going to need to go some time with no controller with this technique. That’s why many would possibly favor to purchase a brand new one.

Is Pleasure-Con drift nonetheless an issue in 2023?

Sure. Whereas Nintendo has responded to this drawback with its controller design, it’s nonetheless one thing that might be irksome for gamers who’ve Pleasure-Cons created a short while in the past – and plenty of of those are nonetheless in circulation. Some gamers have even encountered issues with newer Pleasure-Cons (although it doesn’t seem like so widespread).

How shortly do Pleasure-Cons get drift?

The time span can fluctuate enormously. For some folks, it begins to occur throughout the first month. For others, it could possibly happen after years of normal use. It’s a good suggestion to produce other controllers accessible in case this ever does occur to you.

For extra Change content material, learn our Nintendo Change vs Steam Deck article. Our greatest Nintendo Change console information may also be useful if you happen to’re planning on upgrading any time quickly.