The console accessory market just got more competitive. Nintendo's Switch 2 Pro Controller carries a hefty $89.99 price tag, but third-party alternatives are stepping up with serious savings. The EasySMX S10 controller, which matches most of Nintendo's premium features, drops to just $50.39 with promotional pricing - signaling how accessory makers plan to challenge the gaming giant's pricing strategy.
Nintendo's gaming ecosystem is facing fresh pressure on pricing as third-party accessory makers launch aggressive campaigns to undercut official hardware. The most striking example comes from EasySMX, whose S10 controller now sells for $50.39 - nearly half the price of Nintendo's $89.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller. The timing isn't coincidental. With Nintendo pushing premium pricing across its Switch 2 lineup, accessory manufacturers see an opening to capture budget-conscious gamers who want flagship features without the flagship price. The S10 delivers on that promise with amiibo support, HD rumble that rivals Nintendo's haptic feedback, and TMR joysticks that promise better drift resistance than traditional analog sticks. What's particularly interesting is how these third-party controllers now work seamlessly with both the original Switch and the new Switch 2, giving them a broader market than Nintendo's own accessories. The S10 can remotely wake Nintendo's latest console from standby - a feature that wasn't guaranteed in earlier third-party models. OnePlus is taking a different approach with its Watch 3, using back-to-school promotions to drive adoption of its Wear OS 5 smartwatch. At $269.99 through October 5th, it's positioned as a premium alternative to Samsung's Galaxy Watch lineup while undercutting Apple Watch pricing. The strategy reflects how Android watch makers are threading the needle between flagship features and accessible pricing. The OnePlus Watch 3 includes a rotating crown, enhanced GPS antenna, and health tracking suite that puts it on par with more expensive competitors. It's part of OnePlus's broader push to establish itself beyond smartphones in the wearables space. Amazon's October Prime Day preparations are already driving deals across multiple categories. The three-month Kindle Unlimited trial for Prime members signals how the retail giant uses its subscription services to drive loyalty ahead of major shopping events. Meanwhile, gaming deals extend beyond controllers to collectibles, with Nintendo amiibo figures starting at $5.99 at GameStop. These figurines typically retail between $15-40, making the current promotions particularly attractive for collectors who've been waiting for price breaks. The broader pattern here shows how consumer electronics companies are using aggressive promotional pricing to gain market share as we head into the holiday shopping season. Whether it's accessory makers challenging Nintendo's premium pricing or smartwatch brands competing for wrist space, the deals reflect competitive pressure that benefits consumers but squeezes margins across the industry.
