Do you have the curiosity to know about the Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative in 2022? 🤔 You can easily Find out now in this definitive list with our detailed review.
Without any further delay let’s find out. 👓👓
The Nintendo Switch is an innovative new console that is popular with gamers both young and old. The official gear for Nintendo Switch is a delight but it is very expensive. If you want to throw some cash on exclusive gear, it is best to bet on it.
Being a Nintendo Switch owner, you are lucky when it comes to gears because you do not have to stick with Nintendo’s official controllers. You have a lot of third-party gears around you to choose from. This third-party gear comes with attractive designs and lower price tags.
These gears come with various options like themes, Bluetooth tethering, wired connectivity, extended battery life, and excellent compatibility. You are not short of choices, depending on your budget, you can choose the best suit according to your taste.
The official Switch Pro Controller is terrific, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are some alternatives available if you want to save some cash.
Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative: Our Picks
1. 8Bitdo N30 Pro Controller
If you take your video game controllers seriously, then chances are you won’t need any introduction to 8bitdo.
This peripheral maker has been hewing outstanding pads and peripherals for a long time, Some of them are slightly inspired by Nintendo’s official gears. 8bitdo N30 Pro is a classy alternative to official Nintendo gear.
8Bitdo’s N30 Pro combination of old and new by rolling a familiar layout and color pattern while adding newer bits and pieces like shoulder keys and thumbsticks.
N30 Pro comes with an excellent d-pad that strikes both the Xbox One and Switch Pro controllers. The face buttons on N30 Pro are amazingly good at emitting a satiating click during the game.
One of the most annoying issues with N30 Pro is how it placed its shoulder buttons. While crafting its classic slim design, they placed buttons very close to each other over the edge, opening you to the risk of hitting the wrong button easily.
Overall, N30 controller is fine, strong, and robust. Buttons and joysticks are very responsive and accurate. It is a good suit for retro gamers and adds a real retro sensation to games while working flawlessly.
With Bluetooth tethering you don’t need to sit close to your console, you can take your couch anywhere and will be able to play. N30 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Switch.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the 8Bitdo N30 Pro Controller that earned it a spot in our list of Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It has a classic design inspired by Nintendo
- It supports all the current games.
- Great portability.
- Bluetooth tethering.
- Great battery life.
Cons:-
- Closely placed buttons.
- Few rumble issues.
2. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro
SN30 is also wandering from 8bitdo and this is the pad you can swear on. You will not face any hurdle in pairing it and its four LED indicators will inform you about the assignment of the player to the pad.
SN30 gears come compatible with Switch so you don’t have to update the firmware. 8bitdo for sure will release firmware updates in the future to iron the upcoming twists of Switch.
The analog joysticks of 8Bitdo’s SN30 Pro are smaller and very closer to each other as compared to the Switch Pro Controller, which could be annoying to people with larger hands. While some gamers might find it seamlessly comfortable.
But if you are a retro gamer, the SN30 pro would be the best suit for your mental orgasm. You can use SN30 Pro with Windows, Android, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.
Rolling out with a price tag of $50, it is very economical than Nintendo’s official gears but it does not have NFC support. The absence of NFC might sound like a deal-breaker, but it is not. There are a lot of other features that can balance NFC absence.
SN30 is a bit smaller and designed in a superb way, which will hook you in its first encounter which is good to put in Nintendo switch alternative 2022 list.
Pros:-
- Classic design inspired by Nintendo
- Supports and functions with all the current games.
- Amazingly portable
- Bluetooth tethering
Cons:-
- Weak implementation of rumble
- Thumbstick placement barricades emulated games.
3. Horipad Wired Controller
If you want to preserve some cash, then Horipad Wired Controller is for you. It is the cheapest gear you can find around. It also incorporates D-pad on its left side and allowing you to choose between four buttons configuration and D-pad.
Horrid is lightweight, comfortable, and has vigorous gears. The sticks and buttons of Horipad are as good as that of Nintendo’s official gears. The most awesome point about the Hori Pad Pro is that it provides you with four programmable buttons.
The Hori Pad Pro price is about $50, which is a lot less than an Exclusive Controller. For fifty bucks, Hori’s offering gets you a wired pad with extra buttons that could potentially improve your gaming performance.
Hori Pad Pro is compatible with both Xbox One and PC, while Windows 10 detects it by default. The wired nature of the controller is a pain and might become annoying sometimes.
The absence of rumble, motion control, and NFC is big displeasure for sure, but in the end, it is a controller whose price is a lot less than Nintendo’s official pad. Despite these few deficiencies, Horipad is a killer gear when it comes to operations.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Horipad Wired Controller that earned it a spot in our list of Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Comfortable grasp.
- Officially licensed for Nintendo switch
- D-pad can be detached.
- Buttons and sticks are easy to use and responsive.
- Very economical in price.
- No battery issues due to wire tethering.
Cons:-
- It is a directional pad that can be stroppy for some game inputs.
- Not ideal for the fighting game.
- It is very awkward to use the secondary d-pad option.
- No vibration.
- No NFC support.
4. PowerA Wired Controller
PowerA is another economic wired gear that is slightly different from the Horipad. It has a stylish design from Legend of Zelda.
Control stick caps for PowerA are interchangeable allowing you to adjust the height of sticks according to your need and comfort. Due to its wired nature, you will also need to stay tethered to your console. Overall it is superb gear with an attractive and comfortable design.
PowerA wired controller is made of hard plastic and with a nice lusterless finish, and with an exclusive gear feel. The gear might sound a bit hollow, but it’s still pretty solid. All of the buttons are ‘clicky’ and receptive as well.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the PowerA Wired Controller that earned it a spot in our list of Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Comfortable grip
- It can be used with a PC.
- Very responsive.
- No battery issues due to wire tethering.
Cons:-
- Not Wireless.
- No Rumble
- No NFC support.
5. Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo switch lite is a lighter and affordable alternative to the Nintendo switch. The game console is new and is compact. The device comes with Joy-Con controllers that are fully integrated suitable for young gamers.
It comes with a 5.5-inch display that provides gamers the much-needed entertainment value. Though some players might not be too pleased with it, using the device for long hours can be a not so enjoyable experience.
Apart from that, the D-pad-style control pad enables you to be on top of your game. The battery works decently and can run for 7 hours, with a single charge. It comes in 3 colorful modes, namely, grey, turquoise, and yellow.
It is priced at just less than $200. The handset is quite comfortable to hold. If you are somebody who is looking for that ideal gaming experience, then the Nintendo switch lite is the best device.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Nintendo Switch Lite that earned it a spot in our list of Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It is cheaper than other switches in the market.
- It comes with several features.
- Its battery is good and lasts long.
- You can buy it in several colors.
Cons:-
- Its screen is small, which can annoy some gamers.
6. Nintendo 3DS XL
Nintendo 3DS XL is one of the budget-friendly handheld switches in the market as of now. The device comes with decent features that make it right on the money. It is lightweight and easy to hold for long hours.
The C stick, as they call it, comes with controls that are improved and extremely refined. The device also comes with NFC support and a built-in amiibo. Using it, you can play some of the 3D games, as well.
A piece of good news for parents is that it comes with parental controls. This way, you can restrict the 3D mode for kids who are less than 6 years. The battery life is wanting only at 6 hours or less. However, it is beautiful when compared to other switches that provide you with 7-8 hours of usage.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Nintendo 3DS XL that earned it a spot in our list of Best Cheaper Nintendo Switch Alternative to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- It is portable.
- Ideal for gaming purposes.
- The battery life is good but reasonable.
- The power is excellent and robust.
- It comes with parental control.
Cons:-
- The colors are limited
- Makers could have provided more power
7. iPad
There is no denying that the iPad is the best tablet in the market as of now. It comes powered with the A12X Bionic. The device can effortlessly help you enjoy all your games. It could be exciting or action-packed multiplayer games.
It comes with iOS 13, which can easily support the Xbox and PS4 controllers. The device also comes with a monthly subscription to the Apple Arcade at $4.99/month. Gamers would be delighted to know that they can play several games on it.
The ideal feature of the device is that you do not have to carry around several devices with you. With the iPad, you can just about do anything you want, like play games, watch Netflix, check your emails, view YouTube, and so on.
When you are interested in getting a device that can really help you out, then the iPad is one of the best options for that. It comes with immense power, and you can plan several games using it, without much effort.
Pros:-
- It is easy to set up.
- You can play several games using it.
- It is a versatile device.
- The Switch is terribly fast.
Cons:-
- It is expensive.
8. Microsoft Xbox One S
Microsoft Xbox One S or the Xbox is one of the most popular gaming consoles that have managed to impress gamers of all ages. From the day of its release, gamers have been glued to the console, thanks to excellent features and configuration.
Users find similarities with the Nintendo Switch, which makes them addicted to it. The graphics are just too excellent. So is the range that can meet all your requirements. The console also comes with cloud storage that helps you to save your games, and is accessible on the go.
You can also make use of the Xbox game pass that is available for $9.99/month. Not to mention, the console is just not about gaming, but you can watch Netflix and stream 4K HD serials. The clarity is something to see with your own eyes.
You are aware that the Nintendo Switch comes with all these. Hence, in our opinion, the Xbox is the closest rival to the Nintendo switch. When you want to enjoy your gaming, then you may consider the Xbox as your companion.
Check Price on Amazon9. PlayStation 4 Pro / Slim
PlayStation 4 Pro / Slim is an expected gaming console on our list. Though not as good or powerful as the Microsoft Xbox One S, it comes with its set of bells and whistles. The PS4, as it is called, comes with refined features that make it a noted substitute for the Nintendo Switch.
Each of the models comes with an impressive storage capacity of 1TB. Here, you can have all your games. A point to note, the Nintendo Switch comes with only 32GB of storage. When you are a heavy or professional gamer, then you might want to consider the PS4 seriously.
It also provides you with a wide range of virtual reality games. As mentioned, if you are a heavy gamer or love to play virtual reality games, then this will help you grove around. Apart from that, you can watch your favorite movies, stream TV shows, and videos.
Check Price on Amazon10. Super NES Classic
Super NES Classic is the ideal alternate for the Nintendo switch. When you want to play retro games, then this console can help you do exactly that. Perhaps, you may want to play some of the retro games, played during the 1990s era.
You can do that with the help of the Super NES Classic. Having this in your hands, you can play more than 20 games. Apart from that, there are some of 2 player games too. You can play them with your family members or friend.
Some of them include Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting, Super Mario Kart, and others. The console also comes with the Classic Controller Pro and the Classic Controller accessories. With so many features, you can consider the Super NES Classic.
Check Price on Amazon11. PlayStation Vita
The PlayStation Vita is considered to be slightly inferior to the Nintendo switch because, after its release, there is no doubt that it is going to be the most powerful console in the market.
However, the Vita is worth considering as an alternative because it gives you the second-best experience when compared to the Switch.
When it was released in the market, it was only the only device to have featured the Remote Play function. Not to mention, you could easily win over the PS4 and PS3 games with a Wi-Fi connection.
Check Price on Amazon12. Nintendo Wii U Console
The Wii U with Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon are two of the most popular games sold on Amazon even today. Some of you might be surprised to hear this. But the Switch is the replacement for the Wii U console.
That is right. Most of the features and capabilities are similar to that of the Wii U. The console does not follow-up with 3DS. For some users, that is going to be a significant concern. You can use the console and play games on your tablet.
You may not be able to use the Wii U when traveling, but you can use it wherever there is a Wi-Fi network. Not to mention, you have plenty of games that you can play on it, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The console, along with the games, can be purchased for less than $200.
13. Nvidia Shield Tablet K1
Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 is part of the Nintendo switch. How may you ask? Well, if you open the Switch, then don’t be surprised to find the CPU of the Nvidia Tegra X1 powering it. The android tablet is excellent and comes with a better display than the Switch.
That is something that you would want to think about. You can play a wide range of games, like Portal and Half-Life 2. Of course, you need to have a Wi-Fi connection to be able to work on the tablet.
Check Price on Amazon14. LYRA | Handheld Game Console
LYRA | Handheld Game Console offers you the ability to play classic games. Hence, with the name LYRA, you can play some of the best games that history has to provide. With the help of this handheld console, you can play games of the past.
All that is possible, thanks to the Raspberry Pi CM3L. The console also comes as your PC and entertainment device, as well. It is powered by Broadcom BCM2837B0 and a 1..4GHz 64-bit quad-core processor.
The console also comes with 5″ TFT LCD, 1GB of RAM, a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Though it is not the most powerful, it offers players the ability to play a wide range of games. The console is available on Kickstarter.
Pros:-
- It allows gamers to play old classic games with ease.
- It can be used on multiple devices.
- The Switch offers you excellent resolution.
- You can play several games using the Switch.
Cons:-
- The power is left wanting.
15. Google Stadia
Google Stadia is a cloud gaming service; then, this is your best option. When you want to make your gaming experience interesting and exciting, then you can stream video games to 35Mbps for full 4K HDR/60fps.
The gaming service allows players to play top-notch games without having to purchase expensive gaming equipment. To start the videogame, you do not require the browser tab. The console comes with the ability for cloud computing.
The data centers of Google support it. It supports desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The need to spend a lot of money on your console is not there. The gaming service works on the cloud, which means you will put out by $9.99/month.
Pros:-
- The Switch comes with several features.
- Users can begin playing once the setup is done.
- The service lets you play on several devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
- It can be used in several countries.
Cons:-
- The Switch is on the expensive side.
The above were some of the best Nintendo switch alternatives. We discussed their popular features like pricing and capabilities. It is a close call. Based on our research, we feel that most of the Nintendo switch alternatives worth the buck.
However, there can be only one winner. The Xbox, for example, meets all the criteria for being the ideal match for the Nintendo switch. At the same time, PS4, too, was good enough to bet on.
If you are an amateur or heavy gamer, then you need to limit it down to the features, price, and capabilities.
It is safe to say that we were highly impressed with what we read and saw. The switch alternates might not be the same as that of Nintendo, but when you are looking for something similar, then those mentioned above are good enough.
Conclusion
No matter what your needs are, you will always find a cheaper controller out there that you can use with your Switch.
Again, Nintendo’s official gear is nice, but due to its hefty price tag, it’s not going to be the most economical way to get a spare or more comfortable controller. From the above list, you can find a nice controller according to your needs.
