Not so long ago, I declared in a review that the Ligame Switch Wireless Controller was, in my experience, the best budget controller on Nintendo Switch, saying I was shocked to find such high quality and a solid set of mid-range features in a controller at a budget price. This was such an excellent mix of price and features, in fact, that I gave the controller my highest review grade yet, noting that while I didn't think it was the best controller on Nintendo Switch, it represented the best "bang for your buck" on the Nintendo Switch platform.
So imagine my surprise when just a few weeks later, I would get my hands on the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller, a completely different controller, but one offering a very similar feature set, and at the exact same price, no less. Is this controller on par with my pick for best budget controller on Nintendo Switch? Does it beat Ligame's controller? Read on to find out.
I should note that, since the two controllers are so similar, I'll be copying much of the text of the earlier review, changing it where appropriate to denote the different features of ECHTPower's controller.
The ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller, released in 2024, starts with a pretty solid foundation, doing a pretty good job copying the size, shape, asymmetrical analog stick placement, button layout (save for the home button, which I'll get to in a moment), and feel of Nintendo's own Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It's lighter and its materials feel a bit cheaper than Nintendo's controller, there's no texturing on the grips, and the controller is a bit fatter than Nintendo's own, but otherwise this feels much in line with what Nintendo offers. In fact, I felt that this controller instantly felt really comfortable in my hands - this may be a cheap controller, but it doesn't feel like a cheap controller.
I should note that ECHTPower's controller does pull a bit of a nostalgia play with its color scheme, using a purple color with mostly grey buttons save for a red B and a green A, as well as a bright yellow analog stick, clearly referencing Nintendo's beloved GameCube controller (Other versions of this controller offer different color schemes, but they also differ slightly in button layout and features, so I count them as entirely different controllers). The similarity to the GameCube controller is purely aesthetic, but there are certainly some who will find this appealing, and the lighting surrounding both analog sticks looks classy, and lets you alter it as you desire, or shut it off completely if you want to. The result is a controller that I feel looks great, and I appreciate the call back to Nintendo's past.
Unlike Ligame's controller, which uses concave analog sticks, ECHTPower's controller sticks with convex analog sticks with a ribbed edge, identical to the sort Nintendo uses. Well, that's not exactly true. There's one extremely important difference here - ECHTPower's controller actually uses hall effect joysticks, ensuring that this controller won't be suffering from "drift". This change doesn't affect the way these sticks feel, though - they still react pretty much the way you'd expect Nintendo's own analog sticks to feel.
In terms of standard features, this controller does have some excellent gyroscopic motion control, it can wake the Nintendo Switch from sleep mode, and while it does not have HD Rumble, it does have adjustable rumble, which some may see as a good tradeoff. If you're sensitive to rumble, you may want to take it down a bit on this controller, as its default rumble is pretty strong. Apart from this, the only feature that's truly missing here that Nintendo's own controller has is Amiibo scanning.
However, now we have to talk about the extra buttons and features on this controller. On the face of the controller where the home button is on Nintendo's controllers, you have a Turbo button (which operates in the way you would expect), with the home button being moved dead-center. As I note in other reviews, if a controller is going to move the location of the home button, this is my preferred placement, so I have no complaints here. Toward the bottom in the center, between the D-Pad and right analog stick, you have the M button, which is held down for a few seconds to start macro programming mode.
On that note, flipping the controller onto its back, you'll see a large pair of macro buttons on either side on the grips that can store sequences of multiple inputs (so you can have each remember a "hadouken" or similar move if you like), then in the center-left and center-right there are buttons used to adjust the controller's lighting and turn off the vibration.
I should note that the way this controller has you changing the lighting and vibration, as well as how you set up macros, is a bit awkward, and I really wish this had been workshopped a bit more, as you'll be using the instruction manual for a while until you get used to how these are utilized. Ideally, I really wish this controller could use an Android app like higher-end controllers often do, but given the price point I can't very well complain.
In addition to the Nintendo Switch, this controller also supports PC, Android, and iOS. I was able to test this with both PC and Android, and both of these worked quite well using Bluetooth, albeit with some noticeable lag on PC when not connected via USB-C cable (an issue I’ve encountered on other controllers). Also, I should note that this controller doesn’t have analog triggers, making it less than ideal for games that make use of those, particularly Racing games.
So now, I need to get down to it... does the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller beat the Ligame Switch Wireless Controller to become my new favorite budget controller on Nintendo Switch? And the answer to that is... yes, though it's a close race. ECHTPower's controller lacks the concave analog sticks of Ligame's controller that I prefer, its additional functions are clumsier and more awkward to use, and it lacks Ligame's "Sensor mode", though that mode never really worked right and was more about potential than actually useful. However, the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller has a more comfortable form factor, and hall effect analog sticks, two major features that I feel put it over the top when comparing the two.
Again, I have to stress that this controller still lacks many features you would look for if this were a higher-end controller - there's no Android app support, no Amiibo scanning support, and the lag on PC when playing via Bluetooth plus the lack of analog triggers means this is really a controller you will only want to use on Nintendo Switch. However, with its low price point, this controller offers players well beyond what they would find in nearly every other controller at this price, and it even edges out my previous pick for best budget controller. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch controller and want the absolute best bang for your buck, the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller is the new king of that category.
ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller, Switch pro Controller for Nintendo Switch/Lite/OLED Controller, Gaming Controller with
4.3 | 224 ratings
Price: 24.99
Last update: 12-23-2024
About this item
ECHTPower team has crafted this exceptional Switch Controller, combining outstanding ergonomic design with the classic purple of the retro NGC console. This controller is suitable for multi-platform wired/wireless connections, including Nintendo Switch/Lite/OLED, iOS, Android, PC, and Steam Deck, and is designed for extended use.
【Retro Design】Our wireless Switch controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, iOS, Android, and PC. It's a breeze to pair and works in both wireless and wired modes. Inspired by the classic design, this controller blends nostalgic retro style with modern performance, offering a gaming experience like no other.
【Hall Effect Joystick】The ECHTPower Switch Pro Controller is equipped with Hall effect sensors to eliminate joystick drift, ensuring precise control through electromagnetic induction. Perfect for FPS games, the Hall Effect joystick provides fast, accurate responses and a longer lifespan thanks to its contactless design.
【Customizable RGB Lighting】Get ready to stand out! This controller features 9 unique RGB lighting effects with 4 different modes: Steady, Breathing, Running Horse, and Rainbow. You can adjust the colors and lighting to match your vibe, whether it's a solid color or a dynamic breathing effect.
【Long Battery Life & Wake-Up Function】With an 800mAh rechargeable battery, you'll get between 8-16 hours of playtime on a full charge, which takes just 2-3 hours. Plus, the controller has a handy wake-up feature—just press the "Home" button to bring your Switch out of standby and jump right into the game.
【Programmable Macro & Turbo Functions】Want a competitive edge? This Bluetooth controller has programmable macros that let you assign multiple functions to the M1 or M2 buttons, giving you one-touch access to complex moves. You can also adjust the Turbo mode with three speed settings to enhance your gameplay in action-packed titles.
【Adjustable Vibration & 6-Axis Gyro】Get fully immersed in your games with built-in dual vibration motors that feature 4 levels of intensity—strong, medium, weak, or off. The 6-axis gyro sensors deliver accurate motion control, adding an extra layer of realism to your experience.
【DURABILITY & SUPPORT】This switch controller has just the right amount of heft and durability so that you feel comfortable playing the Switch without feeling insecure. If you have any tech problems about this pro controller switch please let us know, we will reply to you within 24 hours and provide support for you
【Retro Design】Our wireless Switch controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, iOS, Android, and PC. It's a breeze to pair and works in both wireless and wired modes. Inspired by the classic design, this controller blends nostalgic retro style with modern performance, offering a gaming experience like no other.
【Hall Effect Joystick】The ECHTPower Switch Pro Controller is equipped with Hall effect sensors to eliminate joystick drift, ensuring precise control through electromagnetic induction. Perfect for FPS games, the Hall Effect joystick provides fast, accurate responses and a longer lifespan thanks to its contactless design.
【Customizable RGB Lighting】Get ready to stand out! This controller features 9 unique RGB lighting effects with 4 different modes: Steady, Breathing, Running Horse, and Rainbow. You can adjust the colors and lighting to match your vibe, whether it's a solid color or a dynamic breathing effect.
【Long Battery Life & Wake-Up Function】With an 800mAh rechargeable battery, you'll get between 8-16 hours of playtime on a full charge, which takes just 2-3 hours. Plus, the controller has a handy wake-up feature—just press the "Home" button to bring your Switch out of standby and jump right into the game.
【Programmable Macro & Turbo Functions】Want a competitive edge? This Bluetooth controller has programmable macros that let you assign multiple functions to the M1 or M2 buttons, giving you one-touch access to complex moves. You can also adjust the Turbo mode with three speed settings to enhance your gameplay in action-packed titles.
【Adjustable Vibration & 6-Axis Gyro】Get fully immersed in your games with built-in dual vibration motors that feature 4 levels of intensity—strong, medium, weak, or off. The 6-axis gyro sensors deliver accurate motion control, adding an extra layer of realism to your experience.
【DURABILITY & SUPPORT】This switch controller has just the right amount of heft and durability so that you feel comfortable playing the Switch without feeling insecure. If you have any tech problems about this pro controller switch please let us know, we will reply to you within 24 hours and provide support for you
Product information
| Package Dimensions | 6.3 x 4.69 x 2.68 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| ASIN | B0D9LD25M9 |
| Item model number | ES01PE |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
41 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,783 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #35 in GEM Box Microconsole #78 in Nintendo Switch Controllers |
| Date First Available | August 2, 2024 |
| Manufacturer | ECHTPower |
Top reviews from the United States
Jacob M McNeill
My new top pick for the absolute best bang for your buck for a Nintendo Switch Pro-style controller
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
Jacob M McNeill
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
So imagine my surprise when just a few weeks later, I would get my hands on the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller, a completely different controller, but one offering a very similar feature set, and at the exact same price, no less. Is this controller on par with my pick for best budget controller on Nintendo Switch? Does it beat Ligame's controller? Read on to find out.
I should note that, since the two controllers are so similar, I'll be copying much of the text of the earlier review, changing it where appropriate to denote the different features of ECHTPower's controller.
The ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller, released in 2024, starts with a pretty solid foundation, doing a pretty good job copying the size, shape, asymmetrical analog stick placement, button layout (save for the home button, which I'll get to in a moment), and feel of Nintendo's own Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It's lighter and its materials feel a bit cheaper than Nintendo's controller, there's no texturing on the grips, and the controller is a bit fatter than Nintendo's own, but otherwise this feels much in line with what Nintendo offers. In fact, I felt that this controller instantly felt really comfortable in my hands - this may be a cheap controller, but it doesn't feel like a cheap controller.
I should note that ECHTPower's controller does pull a bit of a nostalgia play with its color scheme, using a purple color with mostly grey buttons save for a red B and a green A, as well as a bright yellow analog stick, clearly referencing Nintendo's beloved GameCube controller (Other versions of this controller offer different color schemes, but they also differ slightly in button layout and features, so I count them as entirely different controllers). The similarity to the GameCube controller is purely aesthetic, but there are certainly some who will find this appealing, and the lighting surrounding both analog sticks looks classy, and lets you alter it as you desire, or shut it off completely if you want to. The result is a controller that I feel looks great, and I appreciate the call back to Nintendo's past.
Unlike Ligame's controller, which uses concave analog sticks, ECHTPower's controller sticks with convex analog sticks with a ribbed edge, identical to the sort Nintendo uses. Well, that's not exactly true. There's one extremely important difference here - ECHTPower's controller actually uses hall effect joysticks, ensuring that this controller won't be suffering from "drift". This change doesn't affect the way these sticks feel, though - they still react pretty much the way you'd expect Nintendo's own analog sticks to feel.
In terms of standard features, this controller does have some excellent gyroscopic motion control, it can wake the Nintendo Switch from sleep mode, and while it does not have HD Rumble, it does have adjustable rumble, which some may see as a good tradeoff. If you're sensitive to rumble, you may want to take it down a bit on this controller, as its default rumble is pretty strong. Apart from this, the only feature that's truly missing here that Nintendo's own controller has is Amiibo scanning.
However, now we have to talk about the extra buttons and features on this controller. On the face of the controller where the home button is on Nintendo's controllers, you have a Turbo button (which operates in the way you would expect), with the home button being moved dead-center. As I note in other reviews, if a controller is going to move the location of the home button, this is my preferred placement, so I have no complaints here. Toward the bottom in the center, between the D-Pad and right analog stick, you have the M button, which is held down for a few seconds to start macro programming mode.
On that note, flipping the controller onto its back, you'll see a large pair of macro buttons on either side on the grips that can store sequences of multiple inputs (so you can have each remember a "hadouken" or similar move if you like), then in the center-left and center-right there are buttons used to adjust the controller's lighting and turn off the vibration.
I should note that the way this controller has you changing the lighting and vibration, as well as how you set up macros, is a bit awkward, and I really wish this had been workshopped a bit more, as you'll be using the instruction manual for a while until you get used to how these are utilized. Ideally, I really wish this controller could use an Android app like higher-end controllers often do, but given the price point I can't very well complain.
In addition to the Nintendo Switch, this controller also supports PC, Android, and iOS. I was able to test this with both PC and Android, and both of these worked quite well using Bluetooth, albeit with some noticeable lag on PC when not connected via USB-C cable (an issue I’ve encountered on other controllers). Also, I should note that this controller doesn’t have analog triggers, making it less than ideal for games that make use of those, particularly Racing games.
So now, I need to get down to it... does the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller beat the Ligame Switch Wireless Controller to become my new favorite budget controller on Nintendo Switch? And the answer to that is... yes, though it's a close race. ECHTPower's controller lacks the concave analog sticks of Ligame's controller that I prefer, its additional functions are clumsier and more awkward to use, and it lacks Ligame's "Sensor mode", though that mode never really worked right and was more about potential than actually useful. However, the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller has a more comfortable form factor, and hall effect analog sticks, two major features that I feel put it over the top when comparing the two.
Again, I have to stress that this controller still lacks many features you would look for if this were a higher-end controller - there's no Android app support, no Amiibo scanning support, and the lag on PC when playing via Bluetooth plus the lack of analog triggers means this is really a controller you will only want to use on Nintendo Switch. However, with its low price point, this controller offers players well beyond what they would find in nearly every other controller at this price, and it even edges out my previous pick for best budget controller. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch controller and want the absolute best bang for your buck, the ECHTPower Wireless Switch Controller is the new king of that category.
Images in this review
Caden
Best third party controller I've tried
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024Jimmy James
Great controller with some issues
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024RossTV
This is what quality controllers look like!
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
RossTV
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
This company has done a fantastic job at creating a controller that’s every bit as good as an OEM product and it’s available for a fraction of the cost. I would certainly consider purchasing this controller in the future if I need an additional unit for couch co-op or multi-player gaming.
Images in this review
Hellskitchencollectable
SWITCH CONTROLLER WITH HALL EFFECT JOYSTICKS AT A BUDGET PRICE!
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
Hellskitchencollectable
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
The joysticks feel absolutely incredible plus the thumb grips are literally off a Switch Pro controller. So if you're comfortable using a Switch Pro controller then these joysticks will make you happy. The only one complain I have is that the joysticks are not tall enough. They're very short!
The buttons and triggers are all membrane but feel above average. A bonus is that the joystick rings have RGB lights that are tastefully done. I do want to point out that because of all the other features the build is all plastic. To some people that might be a good thing because it keeps the controller fairly light in hand. I would say that this controller is for smaller to medium size hand gamers. Aesthetically the colors are beautiful! It has a cool GameCube vibe to it.
Images in this review
