The Switch 2 controller landscape just got a major shakeup. The Verge's comprehensive testing reveals that third-party manufacturers are delivering superior gaming experiences for significantly less money than Nintendo's flagship $89.99 Pro Controller. The standout winner? The EasySMX S10, which packs advanced TMR joysticks, amiibo support, and exceptional HD rumble into a $42 package that outperforms Nintendo's own hardware.
The gaming world is witnessing something remarkable: third-party controller manufacturers are beating Nintendo at its own game. After extensive hands-on testing with the Switch 2's ecosystem, it's clear that Nintendo's stranglehold on premium gaming accessories is under serious threat.
The Verge's Cameron Faulkner didn't mince words in his comprehensive review. The EasySMX S10 "is nearly as capable and comfortable as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, yet it's $30 cheaper at $59.99." But here's the kicker - current pricing shows the S10 available for just $42 with Prime, making the value proposition even more compelling.
What makes this particularly stunning is the technical superiority these third-party options bring. While Nintendo stubbornly sticks with potentiometer-based joysticks in their $90 Pro Controller - the same technology that plagued the original Switch with drift issues - companies like EasySMX and Gulikit are shipping tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) and Hall effect joysticks that are inherently drift-resistant.
The EasySMX S10 doesn't just match Nintendo's features; it exceeds them in key areas. The controller delivers what Faulkner calls "the best adaptation of Nintendo's HD rumble that I've felt in a third-party controller." It also includes amiibo support and can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode - features that are surprisingly rare in the third-party space.
For budget-conscious gamers, the Gulikit ES Pro at $24 represents an even more dramatic value play. This Xbox-style controller earned a 7/10 score despite costing less than a typical AAA game. Its eight-way D-pad excels in fighting games and retro titles, while the TMR joysticks ensure longevity that Nintendo's more expensive option can't match.
The implications extend beyond just gaming accessories. This represents a broader shift in the consumer electronics landscape where traditional console manufacturers can no longer rely solely on brand recognition and ecosystem lock-in. Third-party manufacturers are leveraging superior component choices and aggressive pricing to capture market share.
