Best Third-Party Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (2024)

There are a number of reasons why you may want to change your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. The biggest reason is the unfortunate occurrence of stick drift, which the Nintendo Switch is especially known to be plagued with. However, drift might not be the only reason you may want new Joy-Con. Maybe you want a better grip than the stock Joy-Con provide, or maybe you just want a change in colour too. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of options available.

Nintendo's proprietary Joy-Con are a bit expensive, and come in only one size. And so, third party Joy-Con are a great way to switch out your current ones. They are not only cheaper, but also come in a number of shapes and sizes, giving you a choice of grip options. Some even come with lighting features, making your console look pretty neat, if you're into that. Just make sure you get a feel of them before committing.

Updated on August 4, 2024, by Sai Vsr: We're always keeping this list updated to give you the best options for third party Joy-Con for the Nintendo Switch. This time around, we've put in a teeny tiny section on how to maintain your third party joy-cons. Check it out!

Best Third-Party Nintendo Switch Joy-Con

Best Single Piece Controller

Gammeefy Switch Controller

For long handheld sessions.

The Gammeefy Switch Controller is a one-piece controller set for the Nintendo Switch. While it's not technically a Joy-Con set, it is perfect for those who like to spend long hours on the Switch in handheld mode. It comes with a custom vibration setting and special programming for the buttons as well.

Pros

• Customisable vibration settings.
• Programmable buttons.
• Ergonomic grip.

Cons

• Cannot be turned into two controllers for multiplayer.

See at Amazon$36 at Walmart

While it's not a two-piece Joy-Con set like the others on the list, the Gammeefy Switch Controller is the perfect Nintendo Switch controller for those who like playing long sessions of single-player games in handheld mode. For instance, it would be ideal if you wanted to play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom entirely in undocked mode. It can get a tad bit heavy though.

Best Looking Joy-Cons

Funlab Luminous Joy-Cons

For the RGB lovers

Funlabs offers a number of third-party accessory options for consoles, and the Nintendo Switch isn't left behind. The Luminous series offers a wider grip than the original Nintendo ones, and also feature LED lighting of various patterns. This is a great way to spruce up the look of your Switch. You can also pair it with a Pro-Controller of the same design.

Pros

• Great visual aesthetic.
• Can be paired with a Pro-Controller of the same design.
• Includes gyro controls.

$60 at Amazon

Funlabs' Luminous Joy-Con not only look good, but essentially also have all the features that the original Nintendo ones do as well. The lighting is optional, and may bother some people while playing, but no one can resist a bit of RGB aesthetic. They come in a number of designs; this one is supposed to be Pokemon, but it won't say it officially - for legal reasons.

Best Multiplayer Option

Nyko Dualies

For the entire crew

The Nyko Dualies aren't the best looking set of Joy-Cons, nor can they even be attached to the Switch physically. But, what makes them a great pair to buy is that they can be used for multiplayer games like Mario Kart without having to spend a fortune. They're cheap enough for even a monthly gaming session.

Pros

• Great for when you need two extra Joy-Cons for Mario Kart.
• Low pricepoint.

Cons

• Don't look or feel that good.

$25 at Amazon$32 at Walmart

The Nyko Dualies are basically the kind of Joy-Con you can buy and toss into a drawer until ther next time your friends come over to play Mario Kart. They're not only cheap in price, but also the build-quality and looks. Usually, that's a negative, but these Joy-Cons serve their purpose of accommodating Player 3 and Player 4 whenever they come around to play.

Best Ergonomic Grip

Binbok Joypad Controller

For those who want form over function.

If you want something with a wider grip and a bit of style, the Binbok Joypad Controller gives you a more ergonomic shape, and a bit of RGB magic. The accented lighting around the thumbstick is a subtle and classy look, and comes with a number of its own accessories too.

Pros

• Better shape for handheld gaming.
• RGB rings around the thumbstick look classy.

Cons

• Few complaints about the motion controls

$60 at Amazon$45 at Walmart

The Binbok Joypad Controller is one of the most ergonomic and visually appealing third-party Joy-Con you can get. However, while it looks and feels great, the internal hardware has been known to break down after over a year or so. This isn't to say that all of them will surely stop functioning, but longevity was the aspect the designers least focussed on.

Best Overall Third-Party Joy-Con

Hori Split Pad Pro

For those that want Nintendo's blessings

The Hori Split Pad Pro is an officially licensed third-party Joy-Con. If you know anything about Nintendo, you'll know that it doesn't give out licenses just like that. This one is arguably the best third-party alternative you can buy to Nintendo's Joy-Cons. In fact, in many cases, the Hori is better than the original Joy-Cons.

Pros

• Officially licensed by Nintendo.
• Great wide grip.
• Available in various Nintendo IP designs.

$49 at Amazon$50 at Walmart

It's not very often that Nintendo officially licenses a third-party product. But when it does, you can be sure that it's a great product. The Hori Split Pad Pro is considered to be not only the best third-party Joy-Con for the Switch, but the best controller for remote play period. And this is inclusive of the original Joy-Con. All the above wide grip Joy-Con above are modeled after this one.

Hori Split Pad Compact

For those who like a classic d-pad

As the name suggests, the Hori Split Pad Compact is a lighter and smaller version of the Split Pad Pro. The main differences from the bast Joy-Cons is that their wide build is easier to hold, it has a classic d-pad instead of buttons, and it features two back buttons as well.

Pros

• Better grip than regular Joy-Cons.
• Classic d-pad shape.
• Two back buttons.

Cons

• Almost the same cost as the Split Pad Pro.

$42 at Amazon$50 at Walmart

Just a tier below the Split Pad Pro is the Hori Split Pad Compact. As you may have guessed, it is a smaller and lighter version of the Pro variant, but still retains the original rectangular shape of the base Joy-Con. Like the Pro, it also features the classic design of the d-pad instead of the buttons.

ExtremeRate Glacier Blue Joy-Con

DIY makeover for you Joy-Cons

While it's not a complete Joy-Con, the ExtremeRate Glacier Blue Joy-Con shell is a great way to change the design of your Switch without spending too much money. However, you'll have to swap the internal hardware yourself, so don't get this shell if you're not willing to get your hands dirty.

Pros

• Gives that classic transparent look.
• Cost effective way to make your Switch look better.

Cons

• Requires you to manually swap circuitry.

$20 at Amazon$20 at Walmart

Remember that amazing transparent purple shell on the Game Boy Advance? The ExtremeRate Glacier Blue Joy-Con shell gives your Joy-Con that look, but unfortunately, you need to swap the internal hardware by yourself. This is a great, cost-effective option if you're looking to enhance your Joy-Con visually, but we suggest you only do so if you're comfortable doing the work yourself and your Joy-Con are not under warranty.

ECHTPower Wireless Joy-Cons

The power of grip

The ECHTPower Wireless Joy-Cons not only offer an ergonomic grip, but even the frame is made in a unique way to offer the most comfortable grip. Besides that, It also features a dedicated macros button, as well as a turbo button.

Pros

• Ergonomic grip.
• Unique frame design.

$40 at Amazon

The ECHTPower Wireless Joy-Con come in a unique shape and also feature a frame designed to make the most of that shape. Together, they make a truly comfortable pair of Joy-Con that can be used over long periods.

Nitro Deck Black Edition

Charge as you play.

The Nitro Deck Black Edition Joy-Con is a single--piece set for the Nintendo Switch. Besides comfort, it also offers Hall Effect thumbsticks to battle the stick drift issue the regular Joy-Cons suffer from. It also comes with a pass-through charging feature, which charges the Switch while you play.

Pros

• Hall-effect thumbsticks avoid stick drift.
• Pass-through charging charges the console while playing.
• Four additional back buttons.

$60 at CRKD

The Nitro Deck comes in a number of colour variations, including Retro purple and Retro Mint, so you don't have to worry about how it will clash with your Switch. Its thick build offers a great grip, especially for those with larger hands. Add to that the number of features it comes with, and you might not want to use the standard dock at all.

Gorixer Controller For Nintendo Switch

In case you're looking to mix it up.

Experience enhanced gaming with Gorixer Controller for Nintendo Switch, featuring ergonomic design, customizable RGB lighting, seamless connectivity, turbo modes, and high-quality vibration feedback.

Pros

• Ergonomic design ensures comfortable extended play.
• Seamless, lag-free connectivity with Switch consoles.
• Customizable RGB lighting adds a personal touch.

Cons

• Limited to specific Nintendo Switch models.
• Requires manual setup for wired communication.

See at Amazon

Marathon gaming sessions are no problem with this ergonomic full-sized controller from Gorixer that just molds right into your hands. The vibrant RGB lighting effects let you trick out your setup with mesmerizing ambient glows and illuminating rings around the joysticks set to your own brightness levels and modes, which is truly some next level customization.

Then again, you need precision just as much as style, and that's where this baby right here delivers with best-in-class motion sensors for tracking all your moves, aim, and gestures without any lag or delays. We're talking unparalleled responsiveness for intense FPS action one minute and nuanced motions for sports sims the next, folks. Pretty cool, huh?

Best Splatoon 3 Themed Controller

Yekilo Joypad for Switch Controller

You read that right.

The YEKILO Joypad for Switch Controller offers a wireless, ergonomic alternative for Nintendo Switch gamers, especially fans of Splatoon 3.

Pros

• Compatible with a wide range of games.
• Easy to connect and use with the Switch.
• Has a really ergonomic design that makes your sessions comfortable.

Cons

• The quality isn't as great as the originals, and you should only really consider this for novelty purposes.

See at Amazon

If you're someone who likes to indulge in a game of Splatoon every now and then, then this controller might be worth checking out. It's really nice that they promise strong wireless connectivity and no latency issues or drift, which can be super frustrating.

The addition of a wake feature, screenshots, and 20 hours of battery life from just a 2-3 hour charge really rounds out the quality upgrades from Yekilo's previous models here. Being able to conveniently charge direct through the Switch itself is handy too.

However, the build quality itself has been reported to be not as great as the original joy-cons, so that's something you may wanna keep in mind.

Maintenance Tips For Third-Party Joy-Cons

By following these maintenance tips, you can make sure that your third-party Joy-Cons remain in excellent condition.

Regular Cleaning And Care

• Wipe down your Joy-Cons with a soft, slightly damp cloth after using them.
• Clean joysticks and buttons with a cotton swab that's lightly seasoned with isopropyl alcohol.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on those puppies.
• As with most things, store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Chuck the joy cons in a protective case when not in use.

Battery And Power Management

• For the rechargeable models, avoid constantly charging them when they're full.
• Remove batteries from battery-powered models during long periods of disuse.
• Use high-quality batteries to prevent leakage.

Joystick And Button Maintenance

• Regularly check for dust or debris around joysticks and buttons.
• Use compressed air to remove debris from sticky buttons.
• Calibrate joysticks using Switch system settings if you start to notice any drift issues.

FAQ

Can I use 3rd party Joy-Con for the Switch?

Yes, third-party Joy-Con are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. We've listed some of the best ones.

What is the best Joy-Con alternative?

The Hori Split Pad Pro or the Pro Controller are great alternatives to the proprietary Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.

Do Joy-Con still drift?

Unfortunately, drift is an inevitability due to how the Joy-Con are made. However, Nintendo has been increasing its services because of these issues.