Are there any specific controllers recommended for Switch OLED?

Honestly, skip the Hori if you want rumble. I've tried many and for the money, you gotta get the NYXI Hyperion Pro Wireless Joy-pad for Switch OLED. It's basically $50-60 and has GREAT ergonomics plus vibration and a solid D-pad for 2D games... definitely worth it imo!! gl!

Honestly, if you're on a budget but want high-end performance, you gotta look at the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock. It's basically the gold standard for D-pads, which is huge for those 2D platformers you mentioned.

In my experience, jumping between handheld and docked can be a pain with some third-party stuff, but I've found that using the Skull & Co. NeoGrip for Nintendo Switch OLED is the most cost-effective way to get better ergonomics without losing rumble or breaking the bank. It fits the OLED perfectly and - most importantly - it doesn't scratch the rails because it's a slip-on grip, not a replacement for the Joy-Cons themselves. It's a solid balance because you keep all the native features but actually have something to hold onto, you know? Plus, it's waaay cheaper than buying a whole new set of controllers!! Just my two cents after trying a dozen setups lol.

Quick question - how much do you care about the extra weight?? I've been through a ton of grips over the years and some of these pro-style controllers make the OLED feel pretty heavy during long sessions.

Before I suggest anything specific like the Mobapad M6 HD or the Binbok RGB Joy-con Controller, I'd love to know if you're okay with a bulkier setup or if you're trying to keep it somewhat portable?

To add to the point above about the weight and bulk, you really gotta be careful with some of the beefier options because they can turn the Switch into a brick. I'm a big fan of keeping things cost-effective but still getting high performance. Honestly, you might want to consider the NexiGo Hall Effect Grip Controller for Switch OLED. It's usually around $40-$50 and fixes most of the issues people have with the Hori pads. A few things to watch out for:

• Make sure you get the Hall Effect version so you never have to deal with stick drift.
• It has four back buttons you can map, which is great for fast platformers.
• The vibration is actually adjustable, unlike the Split Pad which just has nothing. I would suggest being gentle when sliding the OLED into these bridge-style grips tho. If you arent careful, you can definitely scuff the bottom corners over time. It's a bit of a trade-off but the ergonomics are way better than the stock Joy-Cons. If you're okay with it being a bit wider, it's probably the best bang for your buck right now... just my two cents.

I went through a whole phase of trying to find the perfect handheld setup when I first got my OLED. Honestly, what I learned is that sometimes you just gotta take matters into your own hands. I actually ended up taking a generic grip I already owned and using a small dremel tool to shave down the plastic so it wouldnt block the new kickstand. It felt a bit sketchy at first, but it saved me a ton of money and fits like a glove now. To deal with the scratching concern, I just applied some super thin electrical tape inside the rails of the controller shell. It keeps everything snug and prevents that metal-on-metal grinding feel. My current setup is kind of a Frankenstein project at this point, but tinkering with it myself was way more satisfying than just buying something else that might not have fit perfectly anyway. If you have any old gear lying around, it might be worth seeing if you can mod it to work for you.

Big if true

I've been looking into this a lot recently since there are just so many brands popping up, and it's kind of hard to keep track of who's best, right? Like, you have the "premium" unibody stuff versus the standard replacements. Before I can really point you one way, do you need them to work wirelessly when detached, or are you strictly playing handheld? I'm not 100% sure on every technical spec, but from what I've seen in the market lately: * CRKD Nitro Deck - This one is basically a shell you slide the screen into. It's super sturdy and has those Hall Effect sticks so they won't drift, which is a big deal for long-term use, honestly.
* RetroFlag Handheld Controller - If you're serious about 2D platformers, this has a very nostalgic feel to the D-pad and buttons. It’s pretty affordable too, usually around $40. Honestly, the unibody designs feel way less "creaky" on the rails compared to Joy-Cons, but they definitely add some bulk. Just depends on if you want that "pro console" feel or something more slim, I think?

Just catching up on this thread and honestly everyone has made some solid points so far. Before I give you my top pick tho, I gotta ask - how much do you care about gyro sensors and wake-from-sleep functionality? A lot of people forget those features when they're looking for rumble and a good D-pad, and it can really be a dealbreaker if you're used to the official stuff. If you're okay with a unibody design, the CRKD Nitro Deck Professional Handheld Controller is built like a tank. It basically turns the OLED into a high-end handheld PC feel and because it's a shell, it wont scratch your rails at all. It also uses hall effect sticks so you wont ever deal with drift. If you prefer the split style but want a middle ground on price, the Mobapad M6S Joy-pad for Switch OLED is a great alternative to the HD version. It has mechanical buttons and decent vibration. Honestly, compared to the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro OLED Gen 3 which is just a grip, these electronic replacements feel like a bigger upgrade for platformers.