The Nintendo Switch is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and versatile systems on the market, featuring plenty of options for controllers and gameplay styles. Many gamers find that the included joy-cons don’t really suit more hardcore games like Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, which requires plenty of fast inputs and easily identifiable buttons.
Thankfully there are several alternatives that will take your Smash Bros experience to the next level and will completely change the way you play with better inputs and easily identifiable buttons, and here they are.
Switch Pro Controller
The Switch Pro Controller is one of the best controllers you’ll find on the market. Its features include extremely solid build quality, huge buttons and a comfortable grip, and a whopping 40 hours of battery life on a single charge.
With the pro controller, you’ll probably never go back to the joy-cons again since this can do everything they can do like HD rumble. While the price tag may be heftier than some of the other options, you’ll find that you’re definitely getting what you pay for.
GameCube Controller
If you’re a Smash Bros. fan, the Original GameCube Controller is unquestionably one of the best options. The GameCube controller is unrivaled in competitive gaming and professional competitions. After all, the original is still largely considered to be one of the greatest controllers ever created.
Ever since its debut in Super Smash Bros Melee, neither Nintendo nor the players ever gave up on this controller. Even as controllers have evolved and added more features, most Smash players believe that the GameCube controller is a must-have.
Power A Wireless Controller
The Power A Controller is here if you want a solid pro controller alternative without paying pro controller prices. This controller looks almost identical to the pro controller and features many of the same features. Not only that, but they also come in a much wider variety of designs and styles featuring games like Pokémon, Mario, and more.
One other advantage is that the Power A controller also comes in a variant that resembles the GameCube controller so that you can play in whichever style is most comfortable for you.
Nexigo Wireless Controller
The Nexigo Wireless Controller is a great option for those who want to play Smash on the go. This controller is geared for players who want a handheld option to replace the joy cons. You can slide your Switch right in and enjoy features like Gyro and rumble. It also features a comfortable design and a long-lasting battery life.
One other advantage is that this controller, unlike joy-cons, is just one unit, so there’s no risk of one of them getting lost or damaged, leaving you unable to play. The large size of this controller brings all the comfort of a pro controller without sacrificing the handheld form factor.
Horipad Wired Controller
The Horipad Wired Controller is both functional and comfortable. One concern for many smash players is the input lag that some wireless controllers tend to have. This is where this wired controller comes in handy. You not only have a more direct input, but you can also avoid worrying about battery life and charging after extended play sessions.
The Hori Wired Controller comes in many styles and forms so that you can play Smash in whatever way you feel like. There’s probably no better feeling than striking a great combo as Luigi while playing on your Luigi-colored controller!
Afterglow Wireless Deluxe Controller
The Afterglow Wireless Deluxe controller is an excellent option for aesthetically pleasing gaming. This brand has been around for a while, and stood out from the competition because of its LED light-based controllers and functional designs.
These controllers feature fully-customizable lights, programmable back buttons, and a fully transparent design so you can bust out the light show unimpeded.
8Bitdo Sn30
The 8Bitdo Sn30 is a retro-themed controller built to bring you the ideal experience for past and present games. They include all the features you need like rumble, motion controls, and USB C charging while also featuring new additions like adjustable joystick sensitivity.
Coming in three designs that throwback to the NES and SNES days, these controllers are both great to play and marvelous to look at. The best part is that you can use these controllers on PC as well, making them more versatile than regular Switch controllers.
Why a Good Controller Changes the Way You Play
If you want to improve your gameplay and enjoyment of Super Smash Brothers, upgrading your controller is the way to go. A solid controller will make a major impact, whether you plan to play casual matches with your friends or aim for the top of the tournament bracket.
With so many possibilities, such as portable or docked, GameCube style or pro controller style, colored or plain, you can really customize your experience exactly to your liking.