One of the perks of being signed up to Nintendo Switch Online is that it grants you access to a library of classic NES games playable on your shiny, modern console. Making the deal even sweeter, Nintendo has also released a pair of special NES-style controllers that can be used with your Switch to make these games feel super-authentic.
For the most part, the NES controllers are just like the Switch's SNES and N64 controllers (in that they're perfect for playing their respective games and are designed to look and feel just like the originals), although the NES controllers are extra special as they can also double up as Joy-Con. Yes, they can even be slotted onto the side of the Switch!
Below, we've shared more details on Nintendo Switch's NES controllers, as well as the all-important links you need to grab a pair for yourself.
Where To Buy Nintendo Switch NES Controllers
The NES controllers for Switch are exclusive to Nintendo's own stores, and can only be purchased by those who are signed up to Nintendo Switch Online. You'll need to sign in to Nintendo's website with an account that has an active subscription before the 'add to basket' option appears.
Strangely enough, they also sometimes appear on Nintendo's Amazon stores in the UK and US. It's worth checking there if Nintendo's out of stock at the links below.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
You might also be interested in checking the following:
- Where To Buy The Nintendo Switch Online Super NES Controllers
- Where To Buy The Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo 64 Controllers
- Where To Buy The Nintendo Switch Online Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Controllers
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription in order to buy the Switch's NES controllers?
Unfortunately, yes. The NES controllers, which come in a pack of two are available to purchase exclusively for Nintendo Account holders with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The same deal also applies to the SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis controllers.
That'll need to be a proper subscription, too — you can't get them if you're enrolled on the free trial version, so make sure you have an active subscription before heading to the links provided above.
Are the Switch NES controllers identical to the originals?
While not truly identical – they're wireless, for a start – the NES controllers designed for Switch share many similarities with the originals and were naturally heavily inspired by the classic pads. Here's a detailed look at the Nintendo Switch NES controller to give you a better idea:
If you've landed on this page and found that the controllers are out of stock, don't worry – the NES controllers do seem to be restocked fairly regularly. Keep trying!
Further reading:
Comments 70
Weird.
They look great. I've not seen the direct yet but will the games be available for purchase rather than rentable through the service?!
Not into it but I am excited about the Final Fantasy games coming.
Look nice, but not for that price.
That freakin' price
Meh.
Seems unnecessary. I wish these were somehow compatible with the NES Classic (that cord)!
No handheld play = no buy !!!
I was hoping for a retro/modern official Nintendo controller,like the 8bitdos,but with HD Rumble and everything.Will stick with my SF30 Pro.
I want 'em, by not at that price
The bad news is this means we almost certainly aren't getting any SNES, much less N64 or CGN for Switch. Boooo
Lovely... will buy.
Luigis mansion 3
Edit: I’m still excited from the other thread
wow way too expensive
Don’t forget the Super NES, N64 and GameCube controllers when those systems come to Nintendo Switch Online.
Shut up and take my money
But where is SNES and everything else?!
Nintendo is seriously concerning me with them continuously reiterating that Switch Online is only getting new NES titles.
My SF30 Pro is also enough for me, if only there were some SNES games coming to the service to use it for
@embison and how do you know that? This doesn't preclude any of those games coming to Switch.
Yes I would like to get these but it depends how much they are when they release in the U.K, it might be cheaper to get a NES classic and an extra controller! than it would to be buy this. Still good though, especially if they release Snes titles at a later stage.
😮
The fact that you can slide them on the side to charge them as joycon is pretty convincing!
Expensive. 8bitdo here i come.
It's two full functioning controllers how much are the 8bitdo (or whatever) that everybody loves so much? (25 for one and you have to use the 3party dongles and all of that jazz). I'll take the Nintendo branded ones.
I would buy 1 for 20 dollars. I have no need for a pair.
Want if they work for e shop arcade games. That price is outrageous though.
I thought these were awesome.
Well you can use the 8bitdo controllers for any game. These are for NES only (and games that only need two buttons and a d-pad maybe).
No thanks. Too expensive.
Too expensive for me for what it is. Also as much as it pains me I’m in no rush to get the online service it’s just not good enough for me to pay for that.
@Ryu_Niiyama 8bitdo controllers work wirelessly on switch natively, no dongles necessary. They're fantastic
I came back to say the price doesn't so much bother me as the fact I can't just buy one. I don't need or want two.
Switch owners worldwide: "I wish Nintendo would release a joy-con with a proper D-pad."
Nintendo: "Ta-da!"
Two controllers for a 3 year subscription price.
That price tho...
Yes and well Yes, I think they are awesome and I play my Switch docked way more than portable people are harping on the price it's two controllers that are rechargeable on your Switch personally not a bad price to me can't wait to pick these up.
@embison maybe some time down the line... I hope... The concept is a good idea, we fans always want the whole enchilada, but sometimes things need to be tested.
@penfold007
Yeah. Stupid idea. You are ironic right?
People want d-pad joy-cons for handheld play. Then they release this nonsense, that you can't use in handheld mode. Nintendo is just not listening to their customers.
Would have been nice, if you somehow could use these in handheld mode when they are attached to the Switch. Then we would have a deal Nintendo!
$60 is a bit much.
@Ryu_Niiyama
Dongle?!? Do your research! They work natively like a charm. And they have more buttons and therefore work with more games.
And also, I can just buy a single one if I do not need two controllers. It's always nice with some options.
@embison
That was a wired conclusion to make out of this?!? Nintendo just realized how big the market is for Retro gaming.
Of course we will also see SNES titles sooner than later on Switch. Don't be naive!
And Nintendo also wants to sell you expensive special SNES controllers when they announce SNES for Switch. You can count on it
Cool idea but that price tag. I'll just play these games with the Mega Drive controller!
Finally, Nintendo manufactured joy cons with d-pads...that have the majority of the modern buttons removed, near exclusive use for N.E.S. titles, and a price tag of $60.
Do I need these? Nope. Will I probably buy them? Yup.
Not sure I would use these but man they would look good on display on my joycon / pro charging dock.
So an adapter for the Mini consoles' controllers was too much to ask?
@Angelic_Lapras_King
This is so much better for Nintendo, financially. Enough fanboys who will buy this anyway
These look sick but id rather snag an 8bitdo nes style controller that can be used on almost all games
Two things. One, would it have been that hard to have wireless NES controllers with the Mini NES? Two, I'm really curious to see if I can play NES games in handheld mode with those--The right NES pad would have to switch the B and A button functions to accommodate your thumbs. Curious...
Already had a fresh mold for these because of the Nes Mini. Kudos Nintendo. The Direct was wonderful.
@dres exactly, it's crazy people think Nintendo won't find another way to get people to play their older games, especially on their flagship console.
What if I only want one? I don't want two and I don't want to spend £50+ for one with a spare I'll never use.
Yikes.....what a ripoff. You can literally buy an entire NES Mini console for the SAME price as this controller set ($60)! It also seems like you cannot even use these for any normal retail or eShop Switch games either. This probably rules out any compatibility/adapters for the NES mini controllers and vice versa.
I'm not ripping on the controllers themselves; the NES controller is timeless and still one of my all-time favorites. It's cool that there are official 1st party wireless ones now. But the execution & pricing of the concept are flat-out terrible imo.
To make matters worse they are exclusive to online members according to Nintendo’s page also would it kill to be able to play other games with these other than the nes games
@embison I actually think the reveal of these basically confirms SNES games are on the way. A week or 2 ago, some data miner leaked an image of controller icons that clearly showed NES and SNES controllers. There's a chance the leaker just took a guess knowing NES games are coming and photoshopped the image but I don't think so.I'd say it's just a matter of time until SNES games arrive.
They're cute, but my hands would fall off. 😂
Expensive, but might have paid if I could have bought the nes games. Because they become useless if I don’t renew Nintendo switch online and when the service is discontinued (that will be a long time tough) is a no go for me.
No thanks, I'll stick with the NES Classic Edition (which are actually obtainable now).
So sounds like these controllers will be useless once Nintendo ends its online service and take down the NES games off with it.
Yep, as someone said above these are only available to members.
https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/special-offers/
They don't cost much more than 2x 8bitdo NES controllers would. I'm assuming the fact they can charge on your console is where the extra cost comes in. They really should have figured out a way to make them usable in handheld though,definite missed opportunity.
I just want to see Bowser play Ghost n' Goblins more.
What happens when they release SNES games? N64? GC? Are they going to make overpriced controllers for all of them? I don't think they're planning ahead at all for this service.
They look very nice. They charge on the sides, which is nice. They're bigger than the joy-con, nice!
That price though, that's not nice.
Still haven't found any firm confirmation that these exclusively work only with the NES games. But this will decide whether I get them.
I’ll pick these up.
Considering I will keep using the Switch mainly as a portable, I wouldn't need these, but it those games need an internet connection to be played and the on-the-go factor goes to hell... then they're definitely not for me.
Does anybody know if they will work with other games too? Or just the NES ones? I mean, for instance, Arcade Archives Vs. Super Mario Bros.
I will get these but, $60 is a bit steep, well I suppose thats $30 each, but come on...
I don't like the price, but I'll get them anyways
Can't help but think these would've been rewards if Club Nintendo was still around, though they p
Yeah, faithful right down to the very bad ergonomics. I'd rather just play the NES games with the Pro Controller.
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