The Best Controller for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 2024

By far the biggest and greatest fighting game on Nintendo is the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Many have been waiting for such a great game to play since other games like Smash Brawl and Smash Melee came out. This is the fifth instalment in the series and one of the best ones to date.

Players can play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in various ways on your Nintendo Switch. You can choose a controller for playing according to what you prefer, like the GameCube controller which is a classic, the Joy-Con controllers, or a Switch Pro Controller. It seems to be a daunting task to choose one over the other because each one offers a unique quality. Worry not, we got you covered. We have reviewed some of the best controllers for smash ultimate to help you understand the pros and cons of each. 

Best controller for smash ultimate Reviewed 

Here is a list of the best smash ultimate controllers reviewed to make your life easy and joyful. Learn about the various controllers and their specifications that will help you make the right choice.

1. GameCube Controller

GameCube Controller was introduced with Super Smash Bros. Melee. It is one of the most loved and one of the best Gamecube controllers for Smash ultimate. It is considered to be a classic controller for Smash Bros. 

It is one of the most expensive controllers out there. For it to work on your console, you need to buy a controller along with the adapter for the GameCube controller. If you are a competitive player, this is one of your perfect matches. 

Specifications:

Video Game Platform- Gamecube 

Compatible with – Nintendo Cube 

Brand – Nintendo 

Weight – 5 oz

Year of Release- 2003 

Pros

  •  Familiar with Smash players making it comfortable to use 
  •  Pairs perfectly with Smash Bros. 

Cons 

  • Some key buttons are missing 
  • Difficult to set up 

 2. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

This Nintendo Switch Smash controller works smoothly with almost all Switch games. It gives its users the option to customize the button commands according to their preference which will give the users the flexibility to have a setup that works well for them.  

The huge buttons make it easier to play and the good battery life is a bonus. The Switch Lite users will enjoy the wireless gameplay with this controller. It also has good motion controls. It is one of the best Switch controllers for Smash. 

Specification 

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch 

Brand – Nintendo 

Weight- 14.1 oz

Year of Release – 2017 

Pros 

  • The design fits comfortably in hands   
  • Great motion control along with Amiibo function
  • Large buttons 

    Cons 

  • The layout of buttons doesn’t perfectly match Smash  

3. Nintendo Joy-Cons

This is a convenient choice to play Smash Bros. on the go. It makes playing Smash comfortable in the handheld mode. This controller has a small control stick but it enables twitchy and quick movements. Don’t worry about running out of juice thanks to the good battery life this controller has. It is also amiibo compatible making it easy to deal with amiibo fighters in Smash. 

Specifications 

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch 

Brand – Nintendo 

Weight- 1.7 oz

Year of Release – 2021

Pros 

  • The handheld mode works great 
  • Amiibo compatibility 

    Cons 

  • Small control stick 

4. PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro

It is one of the first replicas of the GameCube and certainly is cheaper than Gamecube. The handles are longer on this controller, a relief for many large-handed players. All the buttons that are missing on GameCube are present here. 

It also has a C-stick that is easily swappable making it a unique feature. It is an expressive controller with colors based on characters like Pokemon, Mario, Sonic, and more.  

Specifications 

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Wii 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch 

Brand – PDP  

Weight- 10.58 oz  

Year of Release – 2015

Pros

  • Easily swappable C-stick
  • Full range of buttons 

Cons 

  • Low stick tension 
  • Clicky buttons 

5. Power A Fusion Pro Wireless Controller

This is a good controller if you are on a tight budget yet want a powerful wireless controller. This one is officially licensed by Nintendo. Power A Fusion Pro is an imitation of the Nintendo controllers. 

This controller needs batteries to function as the old times which many players wouldn’t like. It comes with 5.0 Bluetooth and a metallic D-pad.

Specifications

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch 

Brand – PowerA  

Weight- 9.6 oz  

Year of Release – 2018

Pros 

  • Budget controller 
  • Great D-pad 

Cons 

  • NFC reader not available 
  • Requires AA batteries 

6. 8BitDo Arcade Stick 

8BitDo Arcade Stick seems affordable and attractive to many players. It is a good controller for arcade-style gaming. The ball joystick makes things more interesting. You can connect via Bluetooth with this controller, it works well with the Nintendo Switch. 

Even though it has a retro look it fits well in the modern Nintendo game world. It has customizable buttons as well. This fight stick feels solid for Smash Bros. 

Specifications

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch and Steam

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch and Windows 

Brand – 8BitDo  

Weight- 4. 62lbs 

Year of Release – 2020

Pros 

  • Responsive Controls 
  • Wireless Connectivity 

Cons 

  • No arcade quality parts included 
  • Lacks Android compatibility 

7. 8BitDo Pro 2

This is another best Nintendo Switch Smash controller that is affordable and excellent. It works well on Switch as well as Windows. It has all the standard controls that are necessary. It has rear buttons that are programmable which is great. It can be customized in multiple ways. 

This controller has everything that players want from a good Switch controller. It also has a good battery life, according to the company the battery can last up to 20hours. The motion control on 8BitDo Pro 2 is also good. 

Specifications

Video Game Platform – All 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, macOS 

Brand – 8BitDo  

Weight- 8 oz  

Year of Release – 2021

Pros 

  • Long-lasting battery that can be recharged and availability of removable battery
  • Comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions 
  • Buttons that are programmable 

 Cons 

  • Phone mount needed to play Android games 

8. Hori Split Pad Pro

This is yet another best third-party Switch controller for Smash especially while playing handheld on the Switch. It makes playing comfortable and fun. This controller has an ergonomic design with actual grips. It also comes with analog sticks that are full-sized. 

If you enjoy playing in the handheld mode, this Hori Split Pad Pro will be a good option to think about. Though it may not look quite pleasing and adds bulk to the Switch, its functionality is great. 

Specifications

Video Game Platform – All 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch

Brand – Hori   

Weight- 8 oz  

Year of Release – 2020

Pros 

  • Full-size analog sticks
  • Turbo functionality 
  • Affordable

 Cons 

  • No NFC and Motion Controls 
  • Bulky Controller 

9. Hori Nintendo Switch Wireless HoriPad

Hori Nintendo Switch Wireless HoriPad is a go-to choice for many Smash Ultimate players. It is a lightweight controller that works flawlessly with Switch. It is a wireless controller and also comes with rechargeable batteries that are built-in. This controller is responsive and makes playing Smash Ultimate fun. 

The controller gives you everything that you would get from a Switch Pro Controller but at a more affordable price point. It has a good D-pad but has no rumble making it lightweight. 

Specifications

Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch 

Compatible with – Nintendo Switch

Brand – Hori   

Weight- 8.78 oz  

Year of Release – 2018

 Pros 

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Great motion control 
  • Lightweight Controller 
  • Affordable

 Cons 

  • Absence of rumble 

10. Hit Box Smash Box

This controller has a minimalistic design but this is what gives it a premium look. The build of this controller is a bulky but solid body. It is a large-sized controller. This is like a reinvented GameCube controller for Smash Bros. 

It is a little too responsive and has almost no lag. It has options to customize the software and supports various channels. Adjusting to this large box-style controller can take a few days or even weeks together. 

Specifications

        Video Game Platform – Nintendo Switch 

        Compatible with – Nintendo Switch

        Brand – Hitbox    

        Weight- 8.78 oz  

        Year of Release – 2018

 Conclusion

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is fun to fight out when you have a good controller paired with it. These controllers mentioned above are some of the best controllers for Switch that range from classics to modern ones that have been launched recently.  Super Smash Bros. Ultimate needs a serious player with a good understanding of which controller to play with. This will enhance gameplay and make it easier to fight it out. 

This mixed bag of controllers has some top-notch controllers as well as some affordable ones. But even the affordable ones are power-packed so even on a restricted budget, you can get a good controller that will enhance your gameplay. Trying out a third party control may seem risky but use this article as a guide to weigh out its pros and cons to choose the one that fits well with your expectations. 

About Andrew

Hey Folks! Myself Andrew Emerson I'm from Houston. I'm a blogger and writer who writes about Technology, Arts & Design, Gadgets, Movies, and Gaming etc. Hope you join me in this journey and make it a lot of fun.

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