Wondering about which controller to use for Smash Ultimate? Check our best controller guide to know which is the best controller for your Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) experience!

Best Controller to Use

Product Name	Recommendation Level
Original game Cube Controller	★★★★★
Hori Battle Pad	★★★★★
Pro Controller	★★★★☆
Joy Con Grip	★★★☆☆
Joy Con Sideways	★★★☆☆
Two Joy Cons	★☆☆☆☆

Explanation of Controller Types

Gamecube

Recommendation	★★★★★
Included With Switch??	☓
Price	$24.99 GC Adapter: $29.99 (New)
Pros
・Great for those who are used to playing Smash with it ・Notches on control and C-Stick ・Great layout for Smash Bros. ・Will always be compatible with Smash games
Cons
・Requires an adaptor to be used on Switch docks ・Both Controller and Gamecube Adaptor may be hard to obtain

The original gamecube controller is what will make you feel at home when playing smash bros ultimate if you came from the older smash bros games. However, it requires an adaptor to use on your switch and obtaining one may be a tad bit difficult.

Gamecube Adaptor

The required adaptor to play use gamecube controllers on the Switch. It can be purchased for around $29.99 but once you have it, multiple gamecube controllers can now be used in a single switch, making it a good purchase for the fans of the old.

Hori Battle Pad

Recommendation	★★★★★
Included With Switch??	X
Price	29.99$
Pros
・Cheap Price ・Highly similar to gamecube controllers, but with an extra shoulder button ・No adaptors needed, just plug it into the Switch
Cons
・To use many Hori Battle Pad, you'll need to use additional USB sockets for your switch

In terms of shape, functionality, and much more, the Hori Battle Pad stands at the top together with its original counterpart gamecube controllers. Unlike the Gamecube controller, it uses a usb port which saves you the trouble of getting an adaptor for your controllers.

Switch Pro Controller

Recommendation	★★★★☆
Included With Switch??	X
Price	$69.99
Pros
・Wireless ・Extra Shoulder Button ・Compatible with other switch games ・Standard controller for tournaments ・Compatible with other amiibos
Cons
・Expensive ・Lacks notches for sticks ・Must be disconnected from Switches after each set in Tournament play

The standard switch controller used for switch games and tournaments for Smash Ultimate. It's a wireless controller which makes it great for home use but at the same time, it being wireless means there could be slight input delays when playing. It's also a bit costy so if you wish to go for home use controllers, sticking to joycons may be the best option.

Joycon Grip

Recommendation	★★★☆☆
Included With Switch??	◯
Price	$79.99 (joycon) $14.99
Pros
・Great compatibility with switch games ・Comes together with a Switch purchase
Cons
・Small buttons ・Prone to drifting ・High price

The Joycon grip is a decent option if you want to start out in Smash. The buttons may be small for a fighting game which makes it difficult to use but if you only wish to enjoy playing smash then the joycon grip is definitely enough for your daily smash usage.

Sideway Joycon

Recommendation	★★★☆☆
Included With Switch??	◯
Price	$79.99 (joycon)
Pros
・Great compatibility with switch games ・Comes together with a Switch purchase
Cons
・No tilt stick ・Small buttons ・High Price

The go to setup when hosting a smash party with new players. Using joycons that come with the switch, you can host two players immediately. While it is not an ideal controller to use in organized play, it'll do for casual setups.

Two Joycons

Recommendation
Included With Switch??
Price
Pros
・Great compatibility with switch games ・Comes together with a Switch purchase
Cons
・Small buttons ・High price ・Prone to drifting ・No grip makes playing harder

Using two joycons without a grip is a taxing experience. Without a grip, it's even way harder to use small inputs when playing. Highly unrecommended.

Controller Rating

Did you agree with our rating? Leave a comment below on which controller feels the best for you and let's help out our fellow smash players! Now that you know which controller to buy, see our guide to the best Smash Ultimate controller settings!

Best Custom Control Settings

Smash Ultimate Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

In-Game Guides

Unlocking Characters Fast	How to Beat Challengers
Challenger's Approach	How to Farm Gold
How to Raise GSP Fast	How to Unlock Elite Smash
How to Get Support Items	How to Use Stage Builder
How to Join Online Tournamets

Improvement Guides

Best Characters for Beginners	Guide for Beginners
How to Short Hop	Parry Guide
How to Fast Fall	How to Cling to Walls
How to Wall Jump

Settings and Game Mechanics

Best Controller to Buy	Best Custom Control Settings
List of Echo Fighters	Physical and Digital Differences
How to Save Replays