Stewart originated the role of Captain Picard way back in 1987 with the launch of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series ran until 1994, and was followed-up with four movies featuring the same crew: Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek: Nemesis.
That last movie came out in 2002, and found Picard battling a cloned version of himself raised in horrific conditions by Romulans, with the plan of using the clone to place a spy in Starfleet. That clone, Shinzon, instead led a military coup against the Romulan Empire, and while he initially makes overtures to diplomatic relations with the Federation, Picard later discovers Shinzon means to invade and use his ship to wipe out all life on Earth. Picard manages to stop Shinzon, but the movie serves as an interesting examination of Picard’s character as he wonders about how he might have turned out differently as a person if he’d faced the hardships that Shinzon did.
At the time, Picard was still a captain, having refused promotions because of his desire to be an explorer. We know he eventually becomes an admiral, so there’s a lot more to learn about Picard between where we last saw him in Nemesis.
While everyone’s busy with Gamescom, things are still happening over at Netflix. The streaming platform’s puberty-focused comedy Big Mouth is set to finally return, as Netflix has confirmed Big Mouth Season 3 will air on Friday, October 4.
The show’s official Twitter account shared the news and a photo with the words “equal parts shock and aww” written above hormone monster Maurice’s hand. The tweet, captioned with a simple “shook,” features nothing else apart from the October 4 release date for Big Mouth Season 3
Big Mouth Season 3 premiering on October 4 makes it one day shy of a year after the show’s second season, which streamed in its entirety on Netflix on October 5, 2018. Back in February, Big Mouth debuted an approximate 50-minute Valentine’s Day special dedicated to everything love and heartbreak.
We chatted with series creator Nick Kroll (who voices Nick Birch) and various voice actors during New York Comic Con 2018 about how nothing is off limits in Big Mouth Season 2. “I think that’s what we’re always trying to do in the show, which is take some big swings, do some kind of raunchy, dirty stuff,” Kroll said. “But also be saying these larger things about trying to get people to fall in love with their own bodies and who they are and what’s happening to them, and demystify a lot of that stuff.”
Gamescom 2019 is officially underway, and it’s brought a ton of exciting news and announcements for gaming fans. Not only did we get a look at a number of new and upcoming titles during the Gamescom: Opening Night Live presentation, but some of the industry’s biggest publishers also hosted their own livestream broadcasts ahead of the expo, including Nintendo.
Just before Gamescom proper began, Nintendo aired an indie-focused “Indie World” presentation, which spotlighted an array of unique and eye-catching titles coming to Nintendo Switch (and other platforms) over the next few months. In all, the company showcased two dozen indie games on the way to its hybrid system this year and in early 2020, from anticipated sequels like Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince and Risk of Rain 2 to beautiful, classic-style adventures like Eastward and the Zelda-inspired Sparklite.
Since shortly after the Nintendo Switch‘s launch, I’ve been on the hunt for new Switch controllers. It’s a versatile little console, allowing for a wide range of different controller options, from playing with your PS4 and Xbox One controller to pads that resemble the classic controllers of the past. The Switch Pro controller is an obvious and great choice, but it’s also expensive, and in my experience, the D-Pad leaves a lot to be desired.
Thankfully, there are a ton of options from third-party companies like 8Bitdo and PDP that help account for personal preference while also introducing new features not found in first-party Nintendo Switch controllers. They aren’t all winners, but I have tested and identified some solid options worth considering if you need something a little different at a more affordable price.
We’ll keep this article updated as we test new controllers, adapters, and more. In the meantime, read on for an overview of the best Nintendo Switch controllers we’ve tried and can vouch for. Note that all pricing indicated below is subject to change–Amazon slashes the price on these products regularly, so you may see a discount when clicking through that we haven’t listed here.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Quick look: The best Nintendo Switch controllers we’ve tested
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The best first-party Switch controller
The Good:
The best ergonomics of any controller I’ve used
Buttons are satisfying to press
Features NFC/Amiibo support, HD rumble, and motion controls
The Bad:
D-Pad is prone to incorrect inputs
$70 price tag is a bit steep
First off, we can’t talk about the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market without talking about Nintendo’s first-party option, the Switch Pro controller. It’s a great pad with very few faults. For me, it has the best ergonomics among Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony’s first-party controllers. It’s the perfect size for my large hands, and the triggers are shaped just right for resting fingers. The face buttons feel good to press; the +, -, Home, and Screenshot buttons click wonderfully; and the analog sticks have a good amount of tension. The one problem I have with the Pro Controller is the D-Pad. It’s prone to incorrect inputs, which is most noticeable when playing puzzle games like Tetris 99 or fighting games like Mortal Kombat 11. This usually happens when you press a direction on the pad, but you’re a little off-center, causing an input in the wrong direction. It’s not something that breaks the experience completely, but when I’m playing a game that relies particularly heavy on the D-Pad, I always opt for a different controller.
The Pro Controller also boasts a lot of features that most third-party controllers rarely include. This includes NFC/Amiibo support, HD rumble, and motion controls. These things aren’t required for the vast majority of games, but every now and then, a certain utilization of them can put a smile on your face–HD rumble is used excellently in Super Mario Odyssey, for example. However, the Pro Controller’s price tag is also $70 USD, which is more expensive than both the DualShock 4 and latest Xbox One controller. There’s no doubt the Pro Controller is an excellent pad, but when there are great options at cheaper prices, it’s hard to justify buying a second, third, and/or fourth for your friends to use.
The best way to use PS4 and Xbox One controllers on the Switch
The Good:
Enables use of a DualShock 4, Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One, Wii U Pro, Wiimote, DualShock 3, and any compatible 8Bitdo controller
Easy to set up
The Bad:
Some games can cause abnormal vibration, which requires firmware updates to fix
Can’t wake up the Switch from Sleep Mode
The first time I plugged the 8Bitdo Bluetooth adapter into my Switch’s dock, it felt like black magic. I was using my DualShock 4 on a Nintendo platform, hitting Circle when it asked for A, Cross when it asked for B. And when it asked for X? You guessed it: Triangle. There was definitely a period of getting used to what buttons I should be pressing for each input the Switch requested, but once this passed, the adapter proved an excellent way to use not just the DualShock 4, but a wide array of Bluetooth-enabled controllers that don’t already connect to the Switch directly.
Of course, any controller you’ll use with this adapter won’t include features like HD rumble, motion controls, or Amiibo support. These losses are negligible for the vast majority of experiences, especially when using your favorite Bluetooth controller is the trade-off. One downside to this adapter, however, is a rumble issue that crops up with certain games. Most recently, I’ve experienced this with Fire Emblem: Three Houses, where your controller will vibrate abnormally even if you turn off rumble in the Switch’s system settings. This issue has been fixed for games like Splatoon 2 and Crash Bandicoot: N Sane Trilogy, though this requires you to plug the adapter into a computer to update the firmware.
Adjustable dead-zones for analog sticks and triggers
Customizable rumble functionality
Removable, rechargeable battery
Allows for the use of two AA batteries
Also doubles as an excellent option for classic games
The Bad:
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus is one of the more exciting Switch controllers. Not only does it feature a design inspired by the SNES, it also features extensive customization for button mapping, analog sticks, trigger inputs, and vibration adjustments. It allows you to swap button inputs, invert the X and Y axis on your analog sticks, and more. You can even create macros of up to 18 inputs. All of this customization must be done on a computer, but 8Bitdo’s customization software is a breeze to use. The one downside is that there are no extra buttons or paddles on the controller, so the remapping is restricted to swapping buttons.
My personal favorite thing about this controller is the fact that it includes a removable, rechargeable battery and also allows for disposable batteries. As someone who is currently sitting next to a box of dead PS3 controllers, I’m happy to know there is a great alternative to the Switch’s Pro controller that I’ll be able to use long after its rechargeable battery dies.
Audio port works great for voice chat-enabled games and listening with headphones
The Bad:
Can hit paddles by accident in some cases
Can’t wake the Switch up from Sleep Mode
When I learned the Switch had a Pro controller alternative that included an audio port, boasted remappable paddles, and only cost $25, I didn’t expect much in the way of quality. The PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ wired controller exceeded my expectations and is now one of my favorites to use with the Switch. Holding it, it feels very similar to Nintendo’s Pro controller. I don’t think any of these controllers beat the Pro controller in pure ergonomics, but this PDP pad comes close. The general shape is the same, but the sticks and triggers come up a touch higher. I like the raised height of the triggers, but I feel like they could have been reshaped a bit to better fit the natural curve of your fingers.
Nevertheless, this hardly ruins the experience. The inclusion of remappable paddles is a fantastic addition. You can map any button to these paddles, and I found it incredibly useful for games that assigned sprint to a face button. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I’m able to sprint, jump, and glide, all while controlling the camera with my thumb firmly planted on the right stick. Of course, this can present some problems in certain games. When switching from Breath of the Wild to Super Mario Maker 2, I would instinctively squeeze the paddle while making some jumps. And unfortunately, there’s only one configuration profile and no way to turn the paddles off, so if you don’t want to use them, you’ll have to go through the short process of mapping them to each other–this makes it so there’s no input when pressing them. It’s a minor issue, but an annoying one nonetheless.
Thankfully, the PDP Faceoff Deluxe+ feels good enough to use to deal with the occasional accidental button press. Its analog sticks have a similar tension to the Pro controller’s, and it has a great D-Pad. The 3.5mm audio port is a good option for voice chat in supported games (e.g. Fortnite), though I spent most of my time using the port to listen through my favourite pair of headphones. This works really well, with the ability to control your volume on the controller itself and within the Switch’s menu. And with its wired connection, you don’t have to worry about its battery dying. Because that wired connection powers the Switch, however, you won’t be able to turn the console on from Sleep Mode–you’ll have to hit the Power button on your docked Switch before starting to play. As long as you’re okay these few inconveniences, then I can wholeheartedly recommend the Faceoff Deluxe+.
The best, most convenient option for a D-Pad in handheld mode
Very comfortable for games that excel with a D-Pad
The Bad:
Restricted to handheld use only
Incompatible with most cases and grips
Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the Switch is the lack of a proper D-Pad on its left Joy-Con. It’s not an automatic dealbreaker, with games like Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not utilizing the D-Pad for anything super demanding, but when the situation calls for it, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con feels a lot more precise and comfortable when playing in handheld mode.
The D-Pad on Hori’s Joy-Con is softer than what I usually look for, but it’s hard to deny just how pleasant the experience is. I didn’t realize how much I missed a D-Pad until I used this to play games like Mortal Kombat 11, Tetris 99, and Super Mario Maker 2. These games, as well as many others, have since been a lot more enjoyable in handheld mode.
There are a few things that are important to note, however. First off, this Joy-Con can’t be used wirelessly, so you’re restricted to using it in handheld mode. Secondly, it’s incompatible with most cases and grips. This is because the latch button protrudes out further than Nintendo’s official Joy-Cons. I took a pair of scissors and cut out a space for it on my cheap Orzly grip case, but I likely won’t be doing the same to my more expensive accessories.
Also compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Raspberry Pi
The Bad:
Not suitable for all games
8Bitdo’s M30 controller might just be one of my favorite pads ever. As a Sega Genesis kid, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for the six-button controller, which is what the M30 emulates and improves on. Its ergonomics have been shaped differently to make it more comfortable to hold than the Sega original, and the D-Pad is by far my favorite of any 8Bitdo controller. Classic titles, platformers, and fighting games are the obvious choice for the M30, but I’ve also found myself enjoying Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with it. It’s definitely not going to work with every game, especially those that rely on a second analog stick, but it’s a controller I’ll always go to if it’s possible to do so.
Better shoulder buttons than the subscription-exclusive NES Joy-Cons
Includes a Home button
Connects directly to Nintendo Switch
Also compatible with retro receivers and USB adapters
The Bad:
Not suitable for all games
The 8Bitdo N30 isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s an NES-style controller that is great for very specific games, like everything in the Switch Online NES library and very few others. I prefer the NES controller’s shape and button layout for that console’s games, but in trying to find other uses for the N30, I was largely unsuccessful. Even modern Tetris games like Tetris 99 and Puyo Puyo Tetris require more than the D-Pad and B and A buttons–the extra two face buttons on the N30 are restricted to Turbo. The N30 includes shoulder buttons for L and R, which does extend the number of games it can be used with (e.g. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe), but the options are still limited.
I mostly use my N30 in conjunction with a retro receiver that lets me use it with real NES hardware and RetroUSB’s AVS. It’s my new favorite pad for that console. It’s also an excellent option for the Switch, but it’s not necessary to enjoy any game, NES or not. However, if you are looking for that very specific NES experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend the N30. Nintendo’s own NES Switch controllers are good, but they have inferior shoulder buttons and need to be charged the same way as your Joy-Cons–not to mention, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription that’s required before you can even purchase them. With all this considered, the N30 is perfect for the job.
The SN30 Pro Plus discussed earlier might be the best Switch controller on this list, and with its SNES-style layout, it’s great for classic games. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more authentic to the SNES experience, then the basic SN30 is your best alternative. Like both the M30 and N30, it doesn’t work with every game, but there are plenty of great options with the Switch’s excellent selection of platformers and fighting games. And if a recent FCC filing indicates anything, we could be seeing SNES games on the Switch in the future.
The SN30 also comes with a retro receiver that can be plugged into a SNES. If you still have a Super Nintendo–or an Analogue Super NT–then this is an awesome option to play classic games on that console. And as a bonus, this retro receiver can also be connected via USB, as long as you have an extra USB-C cable attached.
One of the first crossover events for Monster Hunter World was with the PlayStation 4 exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn. Now with MHW’s Iceborne coming soon, Capcom is crossing over with Horizon again with PS4-exclusive content modeled after the Horizon DLC, The Frozen Wilds.
A brief trailer shows off the crossover. It transitions from Aloy skulking in a snowy forest–which could be at home at either game–to close-up shots of her armor and a projectile weapon. The teaser didn’t suggest exactly how you’ll get your hands on the armor sets, but if it’s anything like the last Horizon set, you’ll just need to complete a limited-time quest. It’s notable that unlike many of the game’s traditional armor sets, the first Aloy armor could only be worn as a full set that changed your appearance entirely. The same is likely to be the case here.
The unveiling was part of MHW’s presence at Gamescom, which also included a new trailer for the Iceborne content. That one showed off the explosive Brachydios and a fearsome ice dragon. Iceborne is coming to PS4 and Xbox One on September 6.
Iceborne is the first large-scale expansion for Monster Hunter World, coming more than a year after its initial launch. That first year has been the most successful in series history, having most recently crossed 13 million units sold worldwide. In fact, it has become overall one of Capcom’s most successful games of all time, and earned a spot as one of GameSpot’s Best Games of 2018.
Two months on from Shadowbringers release, the events keep on rolling in Final Fantasy XIV. The Moonfire Faire event began earlier this month and is still ongoing, allowing you to unlock various clothing material and even a kid’s swimming pool for your housing. Then, starting August 26, a new event called The Rising will kick-off for all players level 30 and above.
The Rising will be located in Eastern La Noscea, Bloodshore, and will send you on an important quest to unlock a Brave New Y’shtola minion and numerous pieces of artwork to decorate the walls of your housing with.
Reviewer Ginny Woo awarded the Shadowbringers expansion a score of 9/10 in GameSpot’s review, saying, “It’s not just the sheer scale and strength of the narrative weaving in years of old lore without cheapening the experience for new players, or the immaculately designed boss fights replete with spectacular music and thematic touches. It’s also the implementation of the Trust system and the chance to truly feel the impact of the Warrior of Light’s decisions over the past expansions through exploring the stories of your companions. For a story that starts with a laser focus on your character’s motivations and misgivings, it tells a tale that ends up being the biggest and the best that Final Fantasy XIV has ever told. Equal parts redemption, vengeance, cruelty, and sassy Elezen, Shadowbringers promises a hell of a lot when you take your first steps into Norvrandt and delivers a truly spectacular finish even if it stumbles a little along the way.”
The 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan will be a homecoming of sorts for Mario and Sonic. The unlikely pair have starred in officially licenced games for the iconic sporting event over the past 12 years, with the upcoming Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 being the sixth entry in the long-running series. Unlike previous entries, however, it will be the first to feature Classic Events which use 2D sprites and environments.
Announced during a Nintendo Presents livestream at Gamescom 2019, the classic mode transports the game’s varied cast back in time to 1964 so they can compete in the previous Olympic Games held in Tokyo.
In the mode, the likes of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser are using sprites from 1985’s Super Mario Bros., whereas Sonic and pals feature sprites from 1992’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It’s a nostalgic mishmash of 8- and 16-bit graphics, and the mode is fairly comprehensive, too. The classic 2D characters are able to compete in 10 different events, such as the 100m dash, the long jump, judo, team volleyball, and more, and each event will also take place in a 2D arena.
Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 launches on the Nintendo Switch on November 5 in North America and November 8 in Europe.
Microsoft says its new studios will “focus on making games for our platforms,” with no further plans to release more Xbox exclusives on PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch.
The company has recently acquired a number of studios that either have or will release games on Nintendo Switch and PS4, including Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Obsidian. However, it looks unlikely that this partnership will continue with Xbox’s future releases.
In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft outlined its plans for upcoming first-party titles, saying, “The past year has been an exciting time for us as we have more than doubled the internal creative teams making up Xbox Game Studios. As these new studios transitioned in, we were aware of some existing commitments to other platforms and will honor them. However, going forward these new studios will focus on making games for our platforms. We have no plans to further expand our exclusive first-party games to other consoles.”
Meanwhile, games like Fortnite: Battle Royale, Rocket League, and Minecraft continue to support crossplay across multiple platforms, and Microsoft has no desire to halt these plans for current or upcoming titles. “We continue to believe deeply in crossplay and progression of games with the right flexibility for developers to ensure a fair and fun experience,” the statement reads.
