10 Nintendo Switch Controller Alternatives That Avoid Joy-Con Drift

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The Nintendo Switch remains one of the world's most popular game consoles of all time. However, criticism has been leveled at Nintendo since the Switch's release due to persistent problems reported with the console's Joy-Cons, and the effect that the notorious Joy-Con drift has on gameplay.

The term Joy-Con drift was coined to describe an anomaly in the Joy-Con's functionality, whereby movement is detected even when the thumbsticks are static. Despite Nintendo Support offering free Joy-Con repairs to address the problem once it has been detected, the issue still affects brand-new units, even following the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED. The jury is still out on the exact causes of Joy-Con drift, though it's likely the result of a combination of factors. It could in part be caused by worn-down contacts from general overuse, or from dust and debris that has infiltrated the inner workings of the Joy-Con controller.

Thankfully, there are plenty of Joy-Con alternatives on the market which can help to lessen or even avoid the effects of Joy-Con drift. Some are engineered with features specifically designed to stamp out drift issues such as hall effect joysticks, while others are simply built to withstand more robust use. So if you're sick of the drift and struggling to fix the issue, why not level up your gameplay with one of these 10 Nintendo Switch controller alternatives?

Ideal for all you handheld Switchers, the Hori Split Pad Pro is an official Nintendo licensed controller designed exclusively for handheld gameplay. One of the best Joy-Con alternatives available, it offers split pad controls, (much like the original Joy-Cons) that slot neatly into place at either side of the main display. The principle difference here is that everything is larger.

With larger pads, larger buttons, a larger grip, and larger thumbsticks, it provides a far more ergonomic experience than its pint-sized predecessor. With more real estate for hand, thumb, and finger placement, you can game in handheld mode for longer before gamer's cramp sets in. It also features a Turbo function that enables rapid input at five, twelve, or twenty button presses per second, as well as two programmable rear triggers, which adds some customizable spice to your gameplay. Beyond that, your Switch will work in docked mode with the Hori Split Pad attached, although this does rather defeat the point of it.

However, the biggest boost to your gameplay offered by the Hori Split Pad Pro is likely to be those larger thumbsticks. Designed to offer much more precise movement, they feel fluid and responsive — kind of how the Joy-Cons should have felt in the first place. Retailing at around the $50 mark, the Split Pad Pro still comes in at less than the price of a new pair of Joy-Cons, making it a no-brainer for anybody who favors handheld gameplay on their Switch. On the other hand, if playing in docked mode is your jam, this one probably isn't for you.

If you prefer your gaming peripherals to be officially licensed, you can keep your house in order with the PDP Afterglow. This product is officially licensed by Nintendo but costs significantly less than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It's also one of the shiniest Switch controllers that money can buy. The PDP Afterglow features eight RGB zones with four pre-set lighting modes, so you can enjoy soothing waves of color with your gameplay. It has a 30-foot wireless connection and gives you a whopping 40 hours of gameplay from a single charge. Additionally, you'll find two programmable back buttons to customize your controls.

However, it's not without its niggles. It doesn't support the Joy-Con's motion control functionality, so gamers be warned — this means it might not play well with games that make heavy use of this feature. Beyond that, while you're unlikely to experience the dreaded Joy-Con drift with this controller, it doesn't feature hall effect joysticks or anything that would specifically prevent this issue from arising.

Nevertheless, it's as cute as a button and has some fairly decent gaming chops to boot. It has an ergonomic non-slip grip texture on the back, providing plenty of comfort, with some defense against sweaty palms. Firmly straddling the midrange options, the PDP Afterglow is still one cool customer, and bound to impress both you and your friends.

Taking its design cues from the Switch in handheld mode but offering much more room to maneuver, the Nitro Deck allows you to play without your Joy-Cons. Simply slide your console inside this stylish deck, and the low-latency USB-C connection inside takes care of the rest.

For starters, that USB-C connection provides a much faster and more responsive gaming experience in handheld mode. The Nitro Deck features zero drift hall effect thumbsticks, so the dreaded Joy-Con drift won't be a problem here. Those thumbstick tops can be swapped out, too, so you can enjoy some cosmetic customization. You'll find four remappable back buttons on the Nitro Deck for control customization, and an integrated kickstand if you want to enjoy some Switch action in tabletop mode. It has gyro compatibility and rumble support, adding further gameplay immersion, and pass-through charging keeps your Switch charged while using the Nitro Deck.

Another unique feature of the Nitro Deck is the CRKD Companion app, which you can download to register your device and display your rankings. It also allows some additional albeit limited options for customization and provides you with access to CRKD TV, so you can keep up with the latest product news. Still, it's the ergonomic design makes this deck a pleasure to hold and rounds off the Nitro Deck as one of the best ways to play your Switch in handheld mode and to kick Joy-Con drift into touch.

Brand new for 2024, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is officially licensed by Nintendo and features customizable Lumectra RGB lighting. With 24 different colors, four individual lighting zones, and three lighting modes, you can create a party on your controller with this one.

It's not all about the fancy lighting, though. This PowerA controller has plenty of gameplay-boosting features, too. Choose between a wireless connection with a 20-hour rechargeable battery, or use the USB-C charging cable for a wired connection instead. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller supports the Switch's motion controls, so you won't have any issues playing your favorite games your way. Plus, its advanced gaming buttons can be configured to your liking at any time, even during the middle of your game.

On the downside, it doesn't come fitted with hall effect joysticks, though you hopefully won't encounter any Joy-Con drift issues with this controller. There's also no amiibo support, which isn't necessarily a deal-breaker in itself, but it is something that you might reasonably expect from a premium controller — particularly a Nintendo-endorsed one such as this. 

Nevertheless, this is a versatile and precise Switch controller that looks good and handles well. Alike in form and function to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, but for a few dollars less. This is a colorful alternative that ticks (most of) the same boxes, provided you're not tied to the amiibo support offered by the former.

Although the 8Bitdo Arcade Stick for Switch has been around for a few years now, it's still one of the best ways to enjoy duking it out with your favorite fighting games. Ideal for Nintendo Switch classics like "Super Smash Brothers Ultimate" and current favorites like "Mortal Kombat 1," it uses the same classic joystick and button array as the old-school arcade cabinets of yesteryear.

It offers three options for connection — Bluetooth, 2.4G, or wired — and is compatible with the Switch as well as Windows. The dynamic button layout can be customized any way you like, and you'll find two dedicated macro buttons, too, to help expand your custom settings. As well as remapping your button functions and setting macros, you can also create custom player profiles and switch between them on the fly. 

Beyond that, a built-in Turbo function means multiple button presses can be registered at once, which is perfect for juggling combos against your opponent. Plus, the 8Bitdo Arcade Stick can also be modified, thanks to a universal mounting plate that supports Sanwa arcade sticks, allowing you to achieve the cosmetic effect that you want.

Price-wise, this phenomenal arcade stick is probably the most expensive Joy-Con alternative of the lot, retailing for around $90. Plus, this button and joystick layout will only really be suitable for fighting games, or for retro-style arcade platformers. However, if you're serious about either of these genres, this is the daddy of all Switch controllers to help you climb those leaderboards.