Splatoon 2 is one of the few shooters where the controller choice genuinely affects your competitive ceiling due to its gyro aiming system. The best players consistently use gyro-enabled controllers and fine-tune their sensitivity settings to get the most out of them. These five picks are all strong choices for Splatoon 2 on Nintendo Switch, covering everything from the official first-party options to the best third-party alternatives.
| Controller | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Ranked and serious play | 4.9/5 |
| Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) | Handheld and TV mode | 4.7/5 |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Budget gyro alternative | 4.5/5 |
| PowerA Enhanced Wireless | Budget wireless with gyro | 4.3/5 |
| Hori Split Pad Pro | Handheld mode comfort | 4.4/5 |
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller — Best for Ranked Splatoon 2
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the top recommendation for serious Splatoon 2 players. It has built-in gyro, a comfortable grip for long sessions, responsive face buttons and analog sticks, and connects wirelessly with low latency. The gyro implementation on the Pro Controller is smooth and the sensitivity options in Splatoon 2’s settings allow fine calibration. Battery life at around 40 hours is excellent. For ranked Splat Zones, Tower Control, and Rainmaker, where precision matters most, the Pro Controller gives you the clearest path to accurate gyro aiming and clean stick control.
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Nintendo Joy-Con — Best for Flexibility
The Nintendo Joy-Con pair is the default controller that ships with Switch and is a legitimate choice for Splatoon 2. Both Joy-Con have gyro sensors and the dual-controller grip setup works for TV mode. In handheld mode, the gyro aiming maps naturally to tilting the console itself, which many players prefer. The main drawback is that the Joy-Con analog sticks are smaller and less precise than the Pro Controller sticks, which can limit fine control. Joy-Con drift is also a known long-term issue with aging units. As a starting point for new Splatoon 2 players, they cover every use case before you decide to invest in a Pro Controller.
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8BitDo Pro 2 — Best Third-Party Gyro Controller
The 8BitDo Pro 2 supports gyro when connected to Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth and is a strong alternative to the Pro Controller at a lower price. The layout is comfortable, the analog sticks are smooth, and the back buttons add utility for Splatoon 2’s sub-weapon and special inputs. Hall effect joystick variants are available, which eliminates the drift risk that affects Joy-Con and older Pro Controllers over time. The gyro sensitivity calibration in Splatoon 2 works with the 8BitDo’s gyro data cleanly. A well-rounded third-party pick for players who want a step up from Joy-Con without paying the Pro Controller price.
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PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller — Best Budget Wireless
The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a Nintendo-licensed third-party controller with gyro support at roughly half the price of the Pro Controller. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and is compatible with Splatoon 2’s gyro aiming system. Build quality is modest but functional for casual and intermediate players. The included AA batteries rather than a rechargeable pack are a minor inconvenience. For players who want wireless and gyro without spendingcurrent pricing the PowerA Enhanced is a reliable entry point that covers Splatoon 2’s requirements without compromise.
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Hori Split Pad Pro — Best for Handheld Mode
The Hori Split Pad Pro attaches to the Switch’s rails in place of Joy-Con and provides a much larger and more comfortable handheld grip. It does not support wireless use but in handheld mode the larger analog sticks, d-pad, and button surface make extended Splatoon 2 handheld sessions significantly more comfortable than Joy-Con. It does not have gyro, which is a notable tradeoff for Splatoon 2. Players who primarily play in handheld mode and are comfortable using sticks-only aiming will find the improved ergonomics worthwhile, but gyro users should opt for the Joy-Con or one of the wireless gyro-enabled options.
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How to Choose a Controller for Splatoon 2
Gyro aiming support should be your first filter. If you plan to play in TV mode with serious intent, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the clear pick and its price is justified by the build quality and long battery life. For handheld-only players, the Joy-Con pair already covers everything needed. Budget players who want wireless and gyro can look at the PowerA Enhanced or 8BitDo Pro 2. Avoid controllers without gyro for competitive Splatoon 2 unless you are certain you will use sticks-only aiming, as it limits your ceiling in ranked modes.
For more Nintendo Switch controller picks, see our best controller for Smash Ultimate guide and our scoring methodology for how we evaluate gaming peripherals.
Frequently asked questions
Is gyro aiming required for Splatoon 2 or can I use sticks only?+
Gyro aiming is not required but it is strongly recommended. The Splatoon community widely agrees that gyro aiming combined with the right stick for camera control provides faster and more accurate targeting than dual-stick alone. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Con both support gyro and are the primary picks. You can disable gyro in the settings if preferred, but most players who invest time in learning gyro aiming find it significantly improves their performance.
Can I play Splatoon 2 with a GameCube controller or fight stick?+
Splatoon 2 requires a controller with analog sticks and gyro support for the best experience. GameCube controllers lack gyro, making them a poor fit. Standard gamepads without gyro work but put you at a disadvantage in ranked play. The Joy-Con pair, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and third-party gyro-enabled controllers are the recommended options for Splatoon 2 specifically.