Turn your Nintendo Switch into the perfect couch co-op system this Prime Day

You can never have too many controllers, and that’s doubly true for the Nintendo Switch. While its Joy-Cons let you seamlessly transition between playing the console in docked and handheld mode, they’re not the most comfortable gamepads to use for long gaming sessions. Although a ‘Comfort Grip’ comes bundled with each Switch, Nintendo might have overestimated just how ergonomic that bit of kit really is.

If you tend to spend long hours playing your Nintendo Switch while sitting on the couch or want to play local co-op games with your buddies, you’re going to need to buy at least one other controller. But like the DuelSense Wireless Controller for the PS5 and the Xbox Wireless Controller for the Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo’s official Pro Controller doesn’t come cheap.

Fortunately, there are plenty of brilliant discounted third-party controllers up for grabs as part of this year’s Prime Day Deals. As officially licensed products, they have the blessing of the House of Mario itself and pair effortlessly with a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED. Although they don’t feature ‘Pro’ in their name, most of these gamepads are designed to replicate Nintendo’s official controller in ergonomics, comfort, and build quality.

If you’re looking to nab a few extra gamepads on the cheap to finally play couch co-op to your hearts’ content, now is the perfect time to do it.

Take control

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Proxima Studio)

Third-party controllers for the Switch can be classified into two categories: wired and wireless. As you’d expect, wired controllers come in at a lower price tag, but are more restrictive and might give you the impression you’ve jumped back to 2007. You’ll only be able to only use two wired gamepads with a single console, as you’re limited by the availability of USB ports.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Nintendo Switch controller deals below, but there are a few standout picks. If you’re in the US, you should seriously consider picking up the X of Y. And if you call the UK home, definitely have a look at the PowerA Wired Controller that’s currently on offer for only £11. Now that’s a bargain. (Not in the UK or US? Scroll down for the best prices in your region).

Nintendo Switch Sports – US

Nintendo Switch Sports – UK

It can seem wrong to buy a third-party controller – as if you’re settling for a second-rate piece of hardware instead of the genuine article. For a lot of brands, that’s certainly the case. But not these ones.

We’ve selected genuine hardware manufacturers that produce controllers under an official license from Nintendo. In some cases, players even report the third-party gamepads last longer than Nintendo’s own Pro Controller, as its finicky analog sticks are prone to the dreaded drift. If you’re desperate to play co-op games but can’t justify dropping a lot of cash, take one of these controllers for a spin.

More Nintendo Switch controller deals

No matter where you live, you’ll find all the lowest prices for Nintendo Switch controllers around the web right here, with offers available in your region.