Slot them into a Joy-Con grip and they function as a single controller, use them as two separate pads when playing with a friend or simply leave them attached to the console, the choice is yours.

What sets this controller apart from many others is the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers up to 20 hours of wireless gaming. Additionally, it takes advantage of USB-C for its charging port, which allows for faster charging and brings it in-line with many other Nintendo Switch accessories. I played through a couple 2D platformers to test the D-pad, and while it didn’t feel perfect, it was definitely serviceable. I didn’t have any input issues during my gameplay, something that even Nintendo’s Pro Controller suffers from at times. TL;DR: Controllers not recognized in any program when plugged into PC via USB, tried XOutput and it worked

Whether you play in handheld mode or with the console docked, these are the best Nintendo Switch controllers available right now

You can also create three bespoke profiles with different button layouts for specific games and switch between them on the fly at the press of a button. That may prove a step too far for those who struggle to remember a single set of controls, but for those wanting to gain the competitive edge in their favourite titles, it’s a game-changer. NFC: Near-field communication (NFC) is what Switch controllers use to interact with amiibos – small figurines that make for great desk ornaments but also grant in-game bonuses. Those bonuses vary depending on the amiibos used and the game being played. It can be used with PC as well as Switch and there are three connection methods available: Bluetooth, wired and wireless (via a 2.4GHz USB-A transmitter). You’ll be using it wirelessly while playing on Switch and the pad lasts an impressive 40 hours on a single charge, with a full recharge taking around four hours. Available in two colourways, one resembling the original Game Boy (shown above) and the other the Super Nintendo, the SN30 Pro is a welcome trip down memory lane for those as enthusiastic about gaming now as they were in the 80s and 90s. If you own a large collection of amiibos and plan to use them rather than simply displaying them, make sure the Nintendo Switch controller you’re buying supports NFC.

Vibration comes courtesy of a pair of asymmetric dual motors, motion controls can be executed via a six-axis gyroscope and there are a few neat lighting modes, too. You can choose to have one of nine colours illuminate the T4 Mini, engage eight-colour or rainbow cycle options or turn off lighting entirely should you wish. For example, tapping a compatible Legend of Zelda amiibo on your controller while playing Breath of the Wild will net you special chests and other helpful items. Using the same amiibo while playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim gives you a chance of snagging Zelda-themed gear for use in Skyrim. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller also uses AA batteries rather than a rechargeable cell. PowerA says you’ll get up to 30 hours of use from a pair. This will, of course, depend on the quality of the batteries you use. PowerA bundles a pair of OEM Duracells.It’s also pretty pricey when compared with most third-party options, but if you want the full Switch experience, it’s definitely worth paying that little bit extra. Things take a turn for the worse if you try to use the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller as a pad for your phone. We tried it with two Androids, and the lag was unbearable. The pad’s front LEDs also continued to flash in sequence, suggesting it remained in pairing mode even when connected, which may be the source of the issue. Its biggest advantage over the official Pro controller is that it’s available in a wide range of attractive designs. There’s an option to cater for just about everyone, including game-specific designs for titles such as Pokemon, Mario and Animal Crossing. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller misses out on a few important extras found in the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. There’s no rumble at all and no NFC, used to scan Amiibo toys.

Still, that’s a price worth paying for a feature-rich Switch controller that’s among the easiest to grip and use on the market.

Such customisation options are great if you take your gaming seriously and play games that require complex combinations of button inputs. However, the majority of people will find a basic button configuration works perfectly well. Motion controls and rumble/vibration are put through their paces when playing supported games that implement them effectively, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Monster Hunter Rise, with both of those titles also used to test Amiibo functionality. Headset compatibility is tested by plugging one into the controller via the 3.5mm port and monitoring the stability of the audio connection over the course of an extended play session. Most wired Nintendo Switch controllers come with 3m cables that you connect to your Switch. That’s long enough to ensure you don’t have to sit too close to your television, but if you’re after true freedom, wireless controllers are the way to go.