Best Nintendo Switch Controllers for Kids 2022

All expected functions

With the TNE Wireless Pro Controller, the buttons have the same layout as the familiar Joy-Cons and the official Pro Controller. With the battery-powered LED light bar, you won’t have to worry about your child losing their controller in the game. It has four LEDs to indicate battery charge level and it’s designed to last 10 hours between charges, using the same type of cable as the Nintendo Switch console. This light controller is even made with anti-scratch and non-slip material to give it extra protection against damage.

Fast charging and playful colors

When it comes to third-party brands of Nintendo Switch controllers, 8Bitdo is one of the best choices. This tiny but mighty option charges in just two hours and gives you eight hours of playtime between charges. It also comes with a one-year free return/replacement warranty and can be used for mobile, Apple and PC games. It comes in three pretty pastel colors that match those of the Switch Lite systems. The downside of playing with this controller is the lack of joysticks.

Approved by Mario

This officially licensed HORIPAD Mini wired controller has been specially designed to be smaller in size. It has all the same buttons as the Joy-Cons, is easy to grip, and comes in designs that feature your kids’ favorite characters. You’ll want to make sure the area you’ve installed the switch in will be safe for a wired controller, with enough room for it to be plugged in with the cable. There are a few downsides to this controller though; children will not be able to connect amiibo, use motion controls, or feel rumble features.

play mat

This flat, wide controller can be a good option for small children who play more relaxing educational games – the opposite of the highly interactive The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For this type of relaxing game, this is an affordable option. Or, if your child ends up wanting to use it for more intense games, there are customizable turbo buttons. However, one thing to keep in mind: while this controller has split D-pads, it doesn’t have the joysticks. If you’re looking to have more range of motion offered by the mobility of a joystick, you may need a different controller.

cute bear

This adorable controller bear is made with comfort in mind. Curves on the back of the controller make it easy for little hands to grip while playing for up to eight hours on a full charge. It even uses the wake-up feature on the switch when activated so the system will automatically turn on and on the correct channel without assistance. It’s a feature you can tweak on your Switch if you see it’s more of a hassle than a positive feature. There are no home or screenshot buttons, but the rest of the controls are accounted for. Plus, the cuteness of this design is almost unbearable.

Joy-Con replacements

This set of third-party Joy-Cons comes in pink or black and has a cute panda design. Just like the original Joy-Cons, these can be used together or separately as two. To help with the security and preservation of the controllers, they are made of non-slip ABS and coated with a scratch resistant top layer. These have motion controls and vibration so your little one gets the same immersion as with the original controllers. The controller can be plugged into the Switch for handheld mode, held individually, or placed in the included M-shaped controller base.

For the curious

Designed to be mini, this controller has lots of cute cartoon design options. The transparent shell is a fun way for curious kids to see all the internal parts of the controller and start thinking about how they work. With eight feet of cable, you should have enough room between the switch and the controller. This is an officially licensed controller that’s sure to sit perfectly in little hands.

Joy-Con Fit

If buying a brand new controller isn’t in your plan, there’s a way to use the Joy-Cons differently. Slide the Joy-Cons right into that comfortable grip and it’ll make the pair work like a traditional controller. It’s good for parents who may be worried about losing the Joy-Cons. With this option, you can even mix and match different handle designs. This handle also comes with a two-year limited warranty in case anything goes wrong.