Forget Nintendo's pricey Pro Controller. After extensive testing, I've found a third-party option that not only matches its capabilities but, in some areas, surpasses it. The EasySMX S10 Gaming Controller for Switch 2 delivers premium features without the premium price tag.
The Champion: EasySMX S10 – Feature-Rich and Affordable
The EasySMX S10 retails for $59.99 (and often dips lower), making it a compelling alternative to the $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller. What sets it apart? For starters, it boasts TMR joysticks, a welcome upgrade over the Pro Controller's potentiometer-based sticks that are prone to wear and tear.
It's also packed with surprises. The HD rumble is surprisingly well-implemented, rivaling even Nintendo's own. And, incredibly, it includes amiibo support, a rarity among third-party controllers. The Verge notes its ability to remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth is yet another bonus.
Beyond features, the S10 excels in ergonomics. The textured grips and stick caps provide a secure feel, and the swappable eight-way D-pad is a godsend for precise directional inputs. While the placement of the system-level buttons is a bit awkward, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise excellent package. The clicky buttons may divide users, but the softer press and shorter travel feel responsive in-game.
Honorable Mentions: Mobapad N1 HD and More
While the EasySMX S10 is my top pick, several other controllers deserve consideration. The Mobapad N1 HD offers a similar feature set, including excellent rumble, amiibo support, and a comfortable, lightweight design. Costing roughly $46, it undercuts the Pro Controller while delivering Hall effect sticks and a tactile button feel. A fun bonus? Customizing the controller's power-on/off sounds via a mobile app.
For budget-conscious gamers, the GuliKit ES Pro at $29.99 is a steal. This Xbox-inspired controller features TMR joysticks and a functional eight-way D-pad. However, its rumble is subpar, and it lacks amiibo support. 8BitDo's Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad offers extensive customization options and a PlayStation-style stick layout but suffers from equally disappointing rumble. Lastly, the compact GuliKit Elves 2, while cute and affordable, compromises on stick and trigger range.
"It's no longer necessary to break the bank for a high-quality Switch 2 gaming experience."
— Sarah Kim, Automatica PressThe Future of Switch 2 Controllers
The third-party controller market is heating up. GuliKit's TT Max and TT Pro, along with Mobapad's Chitu2, are currently undergoing testing and promise to offer impressive features. Even EasySMX is rumored to be releasing a 'Lite' version of the S10, stripping away amiibo support to further drive down the price. One thing is certain: gamers have more options than ever before, and Nintendo's dominance in the controller space is facing a serious challenge. It's no longer necessary to break the bank for a high-quality Switch 2 gaming experience. The EasySMX S10 proves that value and performance can coexist, offering a compelling alternative that every Switch 2 owner should consider.