Kris Naudus / Engadget

Despite the Nano’s diminutive size, the D-pad, thumb sticks and buttons are all the same size as a standard controller, just pushed closer together. This is actually a huge advantage for those like myself with small hands, since a recurring issue I have with both Nintendo’s Pro Controller and PowerA’s Enhanced models is that the plus and minus buttons are just a little too far away from the sides of the gamepad, meaning I always have to stretch my thumbs to hit them. With the Nano, everything fits under the sweep of my thumb. It feels a lot better for me, certainly, and I’m sure kids will appreciate it as well.

Less likely to appreciate it are esports pros — I’m thinking Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players here — and anyone playing competitive games like Splatoon 2 or Tetris 99. Because unfortunately, the Nano can’t maintain a rock-solid connection. It syncs easily enough, but I found it often cut out while I was playing, with the D-pad or A button becoming unresponsive. It wasn’t a total disconnect, as neither the system nor controller registered an interruption. Signals simply weren’t getting through.

Kris Naudus / Engadget

I contacted PowerA and the company sent me another Nano to test and, while the problems became less frequent, they still occurred occasionally. It turns out the Nano is highly susceptible to electrical interference, perhaps even more so than its other controllers. I noticed that it tended to cut out when I did things like open my laptop next to me. PowerA even warns that it can happen if your Switch sits behind your television, which mine does since my TV stand isn’t much wider than my 4K set. I’ve pulled it out a bit to alleviate the problem but, unless I sit perfectly on my couch the way normal people do, it still acts up. I can’t sit still; I often relax by lying on my side, or with my legs crossed above me, or even with my feet resting on the back of my couch. It’s my living room, my rules.

But look, that’s just me. You might be just fine sitting on your own sofa, and your kid will probably love having something that fits perfectly in their small hands.

Buy FastSnail Grips at Amazon – $13 Buy Hori Analog Caps at Amazon – $9

There’s really no good way to replace the Joy-Cons entirely with a third-party copy. Some Joy-Con-like controllers won’t connect wirelessly, while others lack key features like vibration or an NFC reader. But there are some tradeoffs that are worth it. For example, if you like to play a lot of 2D platformers in handheld mode, Hori’s D-pad controller will restore the beloved cross-shaped directional button to your gameplay. If you’re looking for something that’s also more comfortable in your hand, the company’s $50 Split Pad Pro is also worth a look. It has a D-pad on the left side and a more ergonomic grip than your standard set of Joy-Cons. But it also makes the entire assembled Switch a lot chunkier.

Buy Hori D-Pad Controller at Amazon – $25 Buy Hori Split Pad Pro at Amazon – $50

If you like to play your Switch with groups (or you’ve experienced the dreaded “drift” issue), chances are you’ve picked up one or two extra pairs of Joy-Cons. Which means you’re going to need a place to charge the spares. PowerA makes an excellent $25 charging station that can be plugged into your Switch dock (or any device with a USB port) and handles four Joy-Con-like controllers at once — that includes third-party gamepads as well as Nintendo’s own Switch-compatible NES controllers (see below).

Buy PowerA Charging Dock at Amazon – $25

For action-packed games: Pro-level controllers

Kris Naudus / Engadget

Sometimes you just want a standard controller to play your favorite action titles — and standard in 2020 means something like you’d get packed in with an Xbox, with grips for the heels of your hands, shoulder buttons and triggers, two thumb sticks, a set of four buttons on the right and a D-pad on the left. Nintendo knows that, which is why it created the Pro Controller. This first-party gamepad pairs easily with the Switch and features a D-pad on the left, while still maintaining features like the infrared sensor and vibration that might go missing on third-party alternatives. The only downside is the $70 price, but avid players of games like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will appreciate the refined controls and increased comfort.

While you can plug your Pro Controller directly into your Switch dock to charge, it’s not the most elegant solution. PowerA also makes an attractive $25 dock that accommodates both Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller, which should keep your gaming area nice and tidy.

Buy Nintendo Switch Pro Controller at Best Buy – $70

Buy PowerA Pro Controller Charging Dock at Amazon – $25

Kris Naudus / Engadget

When the price of the Pro Controller is a bit rich for your blood or out of stock, PowerA makes its own version with the same arrangement of buttons. The $43 Enhanced Wireless Controller skips the rechargeable battery in favor of AAs, which has its downsides, but at least when it runs low on juice you can just pop in a new pair of batteries and get right back to gaming. Unfortunately, there’s no USB-C port to connect with so you’ll have to pair the device wirelessly — which can be finicky and may take a few tries before your Switch recognizes the controller. It also lacks vibration, so you won’t get tactile feedback in games where it’s helpful. And the plus and minus buttons are placed a bit closer to the center, so those with smaller hands will have to reach a bit further to press them.

If you’d prefer not to have to recharge — or buy batteries for — your gamepad, PowerA also makes a wired version of the same controller that connects via USB. It’s got the same look and feel, but you won’t have to struggle as much with getting your console to recognize it, and there’s no potential for wireless lag, making it ideal for fast-paced shooters and fighting games. The included cord is 10 feet long so it should reach most couches just fine.

While most third-party controllers tend to mimic the Xbox style of gamepad, anyone more familiar with the PlayStation’s distinctive DualShock design will probably prefer the $50 SN30 Pro+ from 8BitDo. The retro-styled controller has the same button layout and color scheme as the classic SNES gamepad, but adds twin thumb sticks, palm grips, button remapping and even sensitivity adjustments. It’s truly the Swiss Army knife of Switch controllers.

Buy PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller at Amazon – $43

Buy PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller at Walmart – $25

Buy 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ at Amazon – $50

For old school gaming: Niche and retro controllers

Kris Naudus / Engadget

Twenty years later and the preferred controller layout for Super Smash Bros. players is still the one made for the GameCube, which is why today it’s still possible to buy new gamepads straight from Nintendo. The $30 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition GameCube Controller is identical in layout and design to the original gamepads, though now it connects via USB so it can be used with the Switch. The only downside to the reissue is that it doesn’t come in a bold shade of purple anymore. (Editor’s note: At the time of publication, Nintendo is not shipping out product and this controller may be unavailable at its regular price.)

However, if you’re still sporting a classic GameCube controller with its proprietary connector, you can also pick up an adapter that will let your Switch accommodate up to four old-school gamepads. Nintendo sells one on its store, but the $15 Y Team controller adapter is also a good alternative that costs less and can be bought at Amazon.

But you might not want to be tethered to your console — especially if you have fond memories of kicking back on your couch with a Wavebird in hand to play GameCube games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Killer 7. PowerA’s Nintendo GameCube-Style wireless controller is the closest you can get to recreating that feeling short of plugging a few RF dongles into a GameCube adapter.

Buy Nintendo GameCube Controller at Amazon – $30

Buy Y Team Adapter at Amazon – $15

Buy PowerA GameCube Style controller at Amazon – $37

Devindra Hardawar / Engadget

What if your retro tastes go even further back, say to the NES and SNES era? If you’re subscribed to Nintendo Online, you have access to over 70 classic titles, so you might want a more “authentic” controller to use with them. Nintendo Online subscribers can buy retro-style wireless gamepads directly from the company, though the $60 set of two small, rectangular NES controllers will remind you why we’ve moved on from that design. The dogbone shape of the $30 SNES model is more hand friendly and can still be used with the NES games, so it’s a better use of your funds should you decide you want to recreate your childhood gaming experiences. (Editor’s note: At the time of publication, Nintendo is currently not shipping out product from its warehouse.)

Buy Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers – $60

Buy Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller – $30

If you don’t need an exact copy of your beloved childhood gamepads it’s worth looking at 8BitDo instead: It makes a variety of classic-styled controllers that add just enough modern features to make them useful for a wider variety of games. Its models are almost all wireless, and there are some design changes to make the controllers more comfortable and easier to use. We’ve already recommended the DualShock-like SN30 Pro+, but the $45 SN30 also offers features like dual thumb sticks and vibration in the dogbone controller style.

If you’re looking for something more portable, however, the $25 8BitDo Lite is smaller and swaps out the thumb sticks for two D-pads, keeping the four button arrangement on each side. It’s great for 2D games and it even matches the color scheme of the Switch Lite. 

Buy 8BitDo SN30 Pro at Amazon – $45

Buy 8BitDo Lite at Amazon – $25

Before you try any of the controllers listed in this guide, remember to update your Switch to the latest firmware — the 8BitDo controllers will run on any version, but the PowerA gamepads need your system to run at least version 6.0.0. 

Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

Street price: $140; deal price: $104

If you’re an avid Apple fan and looking for a way to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, then this may be the pad for you. Available for $104, this is the first deal we’ve seen on the Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad since the news broke out that Apple would not be releasing their AirPower charging pad. This pad has a section specifically meant for your iPhone, an indented area for your AirPods case, and a mini stand for your Apple Watch.

In our guide to the best wireless charging station now that Apple AirPower is dead, the Mophie 3-in-1 is our top pick. Wirecutter Senior Staff Writer Nick Guy wrote, “The Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad is the best choice if you want a single charging station that can power your iPhone, Apple Watch, and second-gen AirPods at once. It’s better designed to accommodate AirPods and the Apple Watch than any of the models we tested. We liked the simple, clean aesthetics and attention to detail, like the rubber elements that ensure your devices won’t slip.”

Eero Pro + 2 Eero Beacons

Street price: $400; deal price: $320

Available for $320, down from a typical price around $400, this is a decent drop on an attractive and easy-to-set-up Wi-Fi mesh-networking kit. Great for starters, this 3-piece set is a good entryway into Wi-Fi mesh-networking for those looking to get started. We’ll likely see Eero bundles fall lower in price over Cyber Week, but if you’d prefer the certainty of buying one now, this is a worthwhile deal.

The top pick in our guide to the best Wi-Fi mesh-networking kits, the Eero Pro + 2 Eero Beacons works for homes with both simple and complicated layouts. Jim Salter and Wirecutter Senior Staff Writer Joel Santo Domingo wrote, “After testing dozens of mesh-networking kits, we found that the Eero Pro + 2 Eero Beacons set is the first mesh kit most people should consider. The system is physically attractive, simple to deploy and maintain, and high performing, and you can easily expand it with additional units for especially large or complicated spaces. Eero was the first home mesh-networking system, and this is the second time we’ve tested and recommended its second generation. It’s more expensive than our other picks, but we think it’s worth that investment.”

PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch

Street price: $45; deal price: $37

Matching deals we’ve seen outside of deals events like Black Friday, the PowerA GameCube Style Switch Controller is on sale for $37 from $45. If you like purple and aren’t willing to wait and see if it falls any lower over Cyber Week, this deal is a good chance to pick up a retro controller for a classic gaming feel.

The retro-style controller pick in our guide to the best Nintendo Switch Accessories, the PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch is a classic alternative to the Switch Pro Controller. Wirecutter Editor Andrew Cunningham wrote, “Nintendo’s GameCube controller, originally released back in 2001, is still popular among fans of the Super Smash Bros. series—so much so that Nintendo sells a USB-to-GameCube adapter and new Smash-branded GameCube controllers. But if you don’t want to deal with all those wires—or if you want a GameCube-style controller with all the extra buttons you’ll need to play other Switch games—we like PowerA’s GameCube-style wireless controller.”

RAVPower 61W Type C PD 3.0 Power Adapter (RP-PC105)

Street price: $36; deal price: $30 w/ on-page coupon

We recommend this dual port charger in our guide to the best USB-C laptop and tablet chargers. Clip the on-page coupon to bring the black color down to $30, a solid discount matching previous deals we’ve posted before, though not the lowest we’ve seen. Sales are rare on the RAVPower 61W, so if you’re interested, now is a good time to buy.Usually more expensive than our other picks, the RAVPower 61W Type C PD 3.o Power Adapter (RP-PC105) is the upgrade pick in our guide to the best USB-C Laptop and Tablet Chargers. Wirecutter Senior Staff Writer Nick Guy wrote, “RAVPower’s 61W Type-C PD 3.0 Power Adapter (RP-PC105) is the best solution for charging both your USB-C computer and a second device (such as a phone or Bluetooth speaker) at the same time. It’s a little smaller than the Nekteck 60W charger, but it offers the same output from its USB-C port when a single device is charging. If you plug into the USB-A port, the USB-C speed drops to 45 watts, a rate that is still fast enough to keep most computers charged. You pay for this level of convenience though, as the RP-PC105 is more expensive than the Nekteck charger and doesn’t come with a cable.”

Because great deals don’t just happen on Thursday, sign up for our daily deals email and we’ll send you the best deals we find every weekday. Also, deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go here.TOC TAGS