With all the hype surrounding the Switch 2 launch, I’m already thinking about my input options. I’ve always found the standard Joy-Cons a bit cramped for long gaming sessions, and while the official Pro Controller is solid, I’m really hoping to find some high-quality third-party alternatives right out of the gate.
In the past, I’ve been a huge fan of brands like 8BitDo and Mobapad because of their customization options and overall build quality. Specifically, I’m looking for a controller that features Hall Effect joysticks to avoid any potential drift issues down the line—that’s become a huge deal-breaker for me lately. I’m also curious if there are any pads with back paddles or macro support that have been confirmed for the new hardware yet. I’ve heard various rumors about backward compatibility for older controllers, but I’d much rather invest in something designed specifically to take advantage of the new console's specific features.
Does anyone have any leads on which manufacturers are already working on licensed or high-end peripherals for the Switch 2? I’m looking for a premium feel similar to the Xbox Elite or DualSense Edge but within the Nintendo ecosystem. Have any of you seen confirmed specs or early announcements from brands like Hori or NYXI?
For your situation, I would suggest sticking with the top-tier 'budget' kings for now while we wait for the official specs to drop. Honestly, I'm kinda new to the deeper technical side of polling rates and stuff, but I’ve been using the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock for months and it’s been amazing. It usually hits around $60, which is a total steal compared to those $150 pro pads. Ngl, I was super worried about drift too, so I finally tried the Hall Effect sensors on the Mobapad M6 HD Joy-Pad Controller. It was my first time messin' with third-party joy-cons and I was so suprised by how much better they feel than the stock ones. The back paddles are actually really useful for simple macros too! I guess we dont know for sure about backward compatibility, but I highkey suspect the Bluetooth protocol wont change much. If ur lookin' for something cheaper just to bridge the gap, the 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller is like $50 and has those back buttons you want. Definately don't drop Xbox Elite money yet until we know if their gonna support the new features. It basically depends on your needs, but sticking to the $50-$70 range with brands like NYXI Hyperion Pro Wireless Joy-con with Hall Effect is the smartest move right now. Hope that helps, cheers!
yo! Been thinking about your question and honestly, I love the energy!! it's amazing how fast things are moving. WARNING: Seriously, watch out for uncertified gear claiming day-one support. If Nintendo tweaks the handshake protocol in the final firmware, ur expensive new pad basically becomes a brick. It's way safer to wait for the 'Made for Nintendo' seal of approval to ensure technical compatibility! For some technical leads, check these out:
- Scan the official FCC ID database—it's fantastic for seeing what brands like Hori actually have in the pipeline before they announce it!!
- Monitor the Bluetooth SIG website for any new HID profiles being registered.
- Follow specialized hardware analysis blogs for teardowns of the new protocol. tbh it's gonna be a wild launch! u planning to wait for reviews first or just dive in?? peace