Nintendo Switch 2 players can grab a surprisingly good alternative to the Joy-Con 2 for handheld mode for only $42.49 (was $54) at Amazon. This is the lowest price yet for the Gammeefy JC400, a Bluetooth controller with a cradle designed specifically to hold the Switch 2 console. The JC400 has Hall Effect sticks with RGB light rings, two remappable back buttons, rumble with five intensity levels, six-axis motion controls, and numerous other features that make it a bargain.
You’re probably wondering about the brand, right? Gammeefy? Yeah, it’s not a major brand. It’s one of those accessory brands you find on Amazon that happens to sell the same exact product as other brands you also haven’t heard of. The JC400, for instance, is also sold by several other brands on Amazon. Additionally, the 2,700+ customer reviews (4.5/5-star average) is bolstered by an older model for the original Switch and Switch OLED on the same store page. It’s worth noting the Switch/Switch OLED version of the controller is only $28 (was $40) for a limited time.
We rarely highlight off-brand accessories sold by multiple brands–a common occurrence on Amazon–but the JC400 is actually quite impressive.
There aren’t many third-party handheld controllers for Nintendo Switch 2. The most notable option in the pipeline is the Nitro Deck 2, which is slated to launch in March/April with a $100 MSRP. Two of GameSir’s Bluetooth controllers for smartphones and tablets also work with Switch 2. The GameSir Galilelo G8 Plus ($80) and X5s controllers ($50) work well but both have extendable bridges that leave a sizable portion of the console exposed, so those can be tough sells for anyone who takes their Switch 2 on the go. The JC400, on the other hand, is a Switch 2 handheld controller that doubles as an ergonomic grip case.
$42.49 (was $54)
Just like the Joy-Con 2, the JC400 can wake up the console from sleep mode. Out of the box, the JC400 synced quickly to my Switch 2 console, and I haven’t experienced any connection issues or increased input latency compared to other Bluetooth controllers.
As shown in the image above, the console slides into place. A sheet of soft felt covers the back of the console cradle to prevent scratches. It already feels secure on its own, but there are two locking switches that can be flipped on the back to prevent the console from moving during accidental drops. After locking the switches, the console doesn’t budge at all–even if you flip it upside down and shake it toward the ground.
If you liked the Hori Split Pad Pro for the original Switch, the JC400 feels similar. The more traditional form factor will probably feel large at first, but it’s certainly more comfortable than the Joy-Con 2 without a grip case.
The one notable downside to the JC400 is that the shell, face buttons, and D-pad feel too plasticky. On the other hand, the full-size Hall Effect sticks are smooth and precise, and the larger triggers and shoulder buttons are nice bonuses. The two built-in back buttons are conveniently located and offer solid feedback.
The back buttons and several other settings can be customized directly on the controller. Four menu buttons are located on the back: The M button remaps MR/ML (back buttons); the light button dims/brightens the joystick rings; SL deactivates the the back buttons; and SR can be used to program macros/input sequences of up to 21 button presses.
You can cycle through five rumble intensities by pressing the vibration button on the front. Also on the front is a Turbo function with support for three different speeds and a fully automatic setting.
The JC400 charges via USB-C and can run for up to 10 hours. The controller blocks the bottom USB-C port on the Switch 2, but the top port is accessible, so you can charge your console and play simultaneously. You can also store up to four Nintendo Switch 2 game cards in the dedicated slots running across the top.
Additional adjustments can be made by syncing the JC400 to a free iOS and Android app called KeyLinker. Since this is an app used by a bunch of different controllers from various brands, it doesn’t offer as nice of an experience as proprietary customization suites. Nonetheless, it gets the job done, allowing you to tinker with stick sensitivity, create dead zones, remap all inputs, switch between the three RGB lightning modes, and adjust the six-axis motion controls.
GameSir Bluetooth Mobile Controllers Deals
As mentioned, GameSir’s Galileo G8 Plus and X5s controllers for iOS and Android also work for Nintendo Switch 2 as well as the original Switch. Walmart has deals on both models right now:
If you’re in the market for a wireless controller for Nintendo Switch 1/2, Amazon is offering great deals on multiple officially licensed PowerA and Turtle Beach controllers. For Switch 2 owners, one of the most notable deals is the PowerA Advantage Mario and Friends Edition for $58 (was $70). This is one of the rare third-party controllers with the new C button for GameChat. It also has Hall Effect sticks and remappable back buttons. The Turtle Beach Rematch controllers on sale have Nintendo-themed lenticular or glow-in-the-dark artwork, back buttons, and great ergonomics. The Turtle Beach Rematch Donkey Kong Edition is up for grabs for $41.61 (was $60)–or $29.12 with a coupon, if eligible. The Mario Bricks Edition is $44.88 (was $60)–or $35.90, if you see the coupon deal on Amazon’s store page. Both designs have lenticular artwork, but you can check out deals on glow-in-the-dark themes below:
Turtle Beach Rematch Nintendo Switch 1/2 Controller Deals:
It’s also worth shouting out the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Controller, an SNES-inspired Bluetooth gamepad for Switch 1/2, PC, Apple, and Android devices. This versatile wireless controller has all of the modern inputs you need–two Hall Effect sticks, two triggers, two shoulder buttons–in a compact form factor. Normally $45, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Controller is discounted to only $30 at Amazon.
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