If you're trying to decide
which Nintendo Switch controller to buy
, you've come to the right place for an affordable option.
Since the launch of the
, it has become the go-to console for couch co-op gaming. Multiple controllers are a necessity for Switch owners - how else are you going to Destroy up to 7 of your mates on
Mario Kart
? (If you have that many friends.)
We recently took a look at one such option, the JC-20 Switch controllers from Gioteck...
Performance - Score 75
Unlike the traditional Nintendo Switch controllers that you can get with the console - Gioteck's 'budget' JC-20s have a curve to them with a slight bump on the back to allow more for a natural hand position.
When using the controllers to play an extensive session of 'Ori and the Blind Forest' on the daily commute, the buttons were just as comfortable and responsive as the classic Switch controllers.
The joy-con thumbsticks are slightly smaller than the originals - this can make for some uncomfortable situations (or thumb slippage in particularly heated gamer moments).
But it's an easy fix with some third-party thumb-stick covers.
Comfortable and responsive
We found there was a slight connectivity lag from when you power on the Switch to being able to use these joy-cons.
Sometimes the left joy-con fires up but the right is inactive and vice-versa. A small problem and is easily resolved with either a little patience or turning the switch off-and-on again.
Comfort - Score 68
As mentioned previously, the JC-20s have a slight curve to them which also makes them slightly larger than Nintendo's stock controllers.
This combined with the slight bump on the back of each controller makes for a great feel - especially for extended gaming sessions.
Good news if you want spare controllers
For those with larger hands, they may find the smaller thumbsticks to be an issue - however, once you readjust to the new size you will barely notice.
When flipping the controllers into side mode they remain comfortable, which is good news if you want spare controllers for multiplayer.
Design - Score 67
The general comfort of the design is really top-notch! Some may even find it preferable to the traditional Switch controllers.
The slightly curved back means they sit in your palm nicely, which should make the JC-20 a popular choice in your household.
Really top-notch
The proportions of the JC-20s mean that, when attached to the console, it can be a struggle to fit them into a traditionally sized case.
Gioteck does sell their own custom cases, so this may solve the issue - however, we are yet to test it out.
Price - Score 89
As with all Gioteck's products, the price here is a glowing beacon of joy and hope.
With the JC-20s retailing at just
, they are noticeably cheaper than Nintendo's default controllers, which are
!
If you're looking for a bargain option to enable some multiplayer sessions on your sofa, then, you could do a lot worse than investing in these.
Our Score
Pros
- Great price
- Nice design
Cons
- Slightly awkward to fit in a case
- Sometimes not easy to pair with the console
The Gioteck JC-20s may not the glossiest or snazziest option on the market when it comes to Switch controllers, but they really do get the job done without breaking the bank.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative for smashing out some multiplayer games with the gang, these controllers are for you!
Read more:
Gioteck WX-4 Switch Pro Controller review