Nintendo Switch Thumb Grips
Today, we will be showing you a list of some Nintendo Switch Thumb Grips, and how these can help make gaming a lot more effective.
Table of Contents
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Why Are Thumb Grips Worth It?
Recently, I published a post on the importance of using controller grips. When it comes to gaming on the Nintendo Switch, having a comfortable grip can really make all the difference. But little did I know that having grips on the controller was only one piece of the puzzle.
It turns out that you can even attach special caps to the tips of your thumbsitcks to improve your gaming sessions. These attachments are designed to enhance performance in gameplay by changing the accuracy and sensitivity of the thumbsticks to take advantage of higher sensitivity settings in games. It gives you the ability to make more precise movements in-game.
Benefits of Using Thumb Grips
Greater Range of motion. The stock thumbsticks are fairly small, and if you turn up the sensitivity settings in a game, even the slightest movement will make aiming a real challenge.
Increased grip. These caps are made from rubbery materials which prevent from slipping. similar to tire treads on a car, they ensure that your thumb maintains traction at all times.
Protection. Simply put, it keeps dirt away from the stock thumbsticks. Furthermore, they keep your default thumbsticks lasting longer over time.
Some Drawbacks to Thumb Grips
More expensive. These products are completely optional for gameplay, and they are not required to enjoy most games. Honestly, if you are not a competitive gamer, this may not be worth your time.
No guarantee on increased gaming performance. It is one thing for these grips to boast an average KDR increase of 26%. But not everyone has the same shape of hands and fingers.
There’s a learning curve. You might have to adjust to a different size of thumbstick, and you also may have to adjust the in-game settings to fine tune your gameplay to see how well it works for you.
Types of Thumb Grips for Nintendo Switch
Thumb grips are starting to be a popular accessory that can greatly improve control, comfort, and precision. There are different types of thumb grips available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits.
I’ve been doing some research, and I’ve found three main types of thumb grips for the Nintendo Switch, each with their own benefits.
Low-Rise. These are small caps that fit over your thumbstick, but they do not have any additional height. These caps are a perfect fit for pretty much all games, from Sports to Platformers.
Mid-Rise. A good balance between low and high-rise, these are slightly raised a little higher, which might make it a little bit easier for Action games and some RPGs.
High-Rise. The tallest of the grips, these are perfect for Shooters and First Person Games, because they provide the most range of motion.
What to Consider When Choosing a Thumb Grip?
So, we know what they are and what kinds there are, but there are some things you should know before you even think of getting thumb grips for your controller:
- Compatibility with your controller. Most of the thumb grips out there are designed to fit specific platforms. That being said, it’s essential to double-check that product description to make sure it fit the Nintendo Switch controller, as opposes to a PlayStation or an Xbox controller.
- Thumb grip design and size. Going off what was mentioned above, stick grips come in various shapes and sizes along with different grips.
- Build Quality. Some are made with rubber, others with silicone, and depending on what you look for, even metal! Try to read customer reviews to assess the durability of the thumb grips.
- Texture. Some thumb grips may have a raised or textured surface, while others may offer a more flat or contoured profile.
- Budget. Remember that these accessories are optional, so it’s good to set a budget range and weigh the features, durability, and overall value for money.
By considering all of these above points, you should have everything you need to make an informed decision and choose a product that enhances your control, comfort, and precision while gaming.
Top Thumb Grips for Nintendo Switch
Below are some of the best controller grips I could find out there, as of writing. Just as I mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to consider the above factors, as well as the price and the average rating.
#1 – FPS Freek Inferno Performance Thumbsticks
Review
These thumb grips by KontrolFreek are my personal favorite, and are highly recommended. These offer exceptional comfort and control, and the ergonomic design and high-quality materials make it a popular choice among gamers seeking a boost in shooter games.
Features
- More Accuracy. Adds 9.9mm of added height to increase arc distance, resulting in more precise in-game movements and faster target acquisition.
- Concave Grip. Non-slip rubber compound offers a good grip with a spiral design.
- Includes 2 High-Rise grips.
Pros and Cons
| + Perfect for Shooter Games | – It’s like an “acquired taste”; you’ll have to get used to different control settings |
| +Easy to install; they snap into place! | – Not for Joy-Cons |
#2 – FPS Freek Galaxy Performance Thumbsticks
Review
Another good choice by KontrolFreek, these ones are a combination of one Mid-Rise and one High-Rise stick, which make them highly recommended for action games and shooters. With a different look, these sport the same great comfort and control, and the different stick sizes make it ideal for those gamers who like to tinker with settings to find the perfect fit for their hands.
Features
- More Options. A mixed height combo lets you pick which is best for your needs.
- Textured Grip. Non-slip rubber compound offers a good grip with a spiral design.
- Better Range of Motion.
Pros and Cons
| + Perfect for Action Games | – You’ll still have to tinker with different control settings |
| +Easy to install | – Not for Joy-Cons |
#3 – KontrolFreek Universal Thumb Grips
Review
This is an excellent “budget” pick for those with Pro Controllers. This is a low rise thumb grip that makes it good for all games.
Features
- Rubber Grip. A good comfy grip that keeps your thumbs in place!
- Good for all Games.
- Additional Colors. Whether you prefer to flaunt your favorite colors, or personalize your controller.
Pros and Cons
| + Perfect for protecting your stock sticks! | – It doesn’t quite improve range of motion. |
| +Easy to install! | – Not for Joy-Cons |
| + Works with multiple platforms |
Runner Ups for the Best Thumb Grips for Nintendo Switch
The more I looked around, the more options I could find, and so I’ve decided to share any other options to consider down below. For some reason or another, they didn’t quite make the list, but it’s good to check them out too!
#4 – FPS Freek Battle Royale Nightfall Performance Thumbsticks
These sticks are virtually the same as the Inferno sticks listed above, except that they are a different color. Sporting a fancy tactical compass look, these dome-shaped thumbsticks help improve accuracy, comfort, and control while playing games that demand precision.
#5 – FPS Freek Edge Performance Thumbsticks
Another good choice that is similar to the Galaxy Thumbsticks by KontrolFreek, these ones have one Mid-Rise and one High-Rise stick, which also makes them best suited to action games. While these look a little different, they still have the same great comfort as always.
#6 – KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
If you don’t have a Pro Controller, then this may be your best solution for those who only use the Joy-Cons. It may not be much, it can help keep your Joy-Con sticks protected. It also comes in a pack of 8 colors that match some of the popular Joy-Con colors out there.
#7 – Ferkun Joystick Replacement Cap – Best Budget Pick?
If you don’t have a Pro Controller, then this may be a good option for those on a budget. While it may not be much, it can help keep your Joy-Con sticks in working order. Now if we can find a fix for drift issues, that’d be ideal.
#8 – PlayVital Black Ergonomic Thumbstick Grips
If looks and fancy colors aren’t a concern for you, then you might be interested in this option. This pack of 10 silicone grips fit over an existing controller’s sticks, so if you don’t just play on the Switch, you can also use the remainders on an Xbox or a PlayStation controller if needed. The best thing I like about this is that they have both concave and convex options
The Bottom Line on Thumb Grips
As you can probably imagine, using thumb grips on your Nintendo Switch controller offers several significant benefits. From improved comfort to a greater range of motion, these grips make it easier to play games that value precision and overall, make it all the more enjoyable to play.
By investing in a high-quality thumb grip, you might be able to take your gaming experience to the next level and protect your controller’s sticks.
Anyways, I hope this post helps you out. Have you used any of the above? If you have any questions or thoughts to share on this post, feel free to leave a comment down below!
Best of luck, and as always, have fun!
~Ken