Cheaper Switch 2 controllers offer alternatives to Nintendo’s £90 gamepad
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller remains a highly capable, comfortable gamepad, but its £90 price has prompted interest in cheaper alternatives. The article compares more affordable wireless controllers that work with the Switch 2, some of which offer features absent from Nintendo’s official model.
Nintendo’s controller launched at $85 and later rose to $90. Its strengths include responsive buttons, quiet thumbsticks, precise haptics, motion controls, Amiibo support and mappable rear buttons; the article says there have been no widespread reports of stick drift. Alternatives from Turtle Beach, GuliKit and 8BitDo cost between $30 and $70, with features such as RGB lighting, themed designs and TMR sticks.
- Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller costs $90.
- Cheaper compatible gamepads range from $30 to $70.
- Some alternatives add RGB lighting, designs or TMR sticks.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 is the gaming company's latest console, and like all game consoles it has controllers that let players interact with their games. The Pro Controller is Nintendo's premium wireless gamepad, priced at £90, which offers extra features beyond the standard controllers included with the console.
The £90 price has caught the attention of gamers looking for more affordable options. Nintendo's official controller includes features such as precise motion tracking, responsive buttons, and customisable rear buttons, which some players find valuable but others may not need depending on which games they play.
Several manufacturers have released cheaper alternatives that work with the Switch 2, with prices ranging from £30 to £70. These controllers from companies like Turtle Beach, GuliKit and 8BitDo offer distinctive features such as special designs, lighting effects, and different stick technology, letting players choose options based on their budget and preferences.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Third-party alternatives represent compelling value for most consumers, offering substantial feature overlap at one-third to one-half Nintendo's price. Controllers featuring TMR sticks directly address durability concerns, whilst options like RGB lighting and themed designs provide personalisation. For casual players and budget-conscious gamers, these alternatives deliver all essential Switch 2 functionality at a fraction of the cost.
The case against
Nintendo's premium pricing reflects tangible quality advantages: demonstrable reliability with no widespread stick drift issues, sophisticated haptic feedback technology, full motion control support, Amiibo functionality, and rigorously engineered ergonomics. Third-party alternatives often lack this comprehensive feature set or manufacturer support, and controller inconsistency can undermine gaming experiences. For players prioritising reliability and feature completeness, the official controller's investment justifies itself through longevity and seamless system integration.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Affordable alternatives to Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller”.