It’s hard to imagine, but we’re a couple of short months away from the first anniversary of the Nintendo Switch 2’s arrival. Over the course of the year, I’ve spent countless hours using the console’s Pro controller as my main driver when playing on my TV. That all changed when the lightweight and compact EasySMX S10 Lite controller came into my life.
I’ve played around and tested a few well-rounded Nintendo Switch 2 third-party accessories over the past year. EasySMX is a bona fide standout when it comes to the delivery of the S10 Lite controller, largely due to its connectivity and affordability. While the very premium Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller comes in at $109 in Canada, the EasySMX S10 Lite is far more accessible, sitting at $56 and comes in a variety of colours, including ‘Blue’, ‘Pink’ and ‘Black’.
What makes the EasySMX S10 Lite stand out is how authentically it replicates the user experience of the Pro controller. It adopts the same layout of the face buttons, D-pad, sticks, and triggers. On the back, you also have access to the customizable rear buttons as well for added inputs in the event you don’t want to move your thumbs off the analogue sticks. These back buttons are easily programmable and are a staple for games like Mario Kart World. With the advent of the C button for chat services on the Nintendo Switch 2, the EasySMX S10 Lite also includes a dedicated button so you can stay connected with friends when playing on the console.
In the ongoing conversation of Hall Effect thumbsticks, I was pleased to discover that the EasySMX S10 Lite features the arguably more refined Hall Effect technology. Hall Effect sticks are proven to be better for longevity and oftentimes are built to endure, while standard Nintendo Switch 2 controllers (alongside PlayStation and Xbox, if we’re being honest) are more prone to stick-drift. Of course, I haven’t tested the EasySMX S10 Lite enough to see the effects of long-term usage, but from a base level, the Hall Effect technology used should provide reliability and longevity to users.
There are also some pretty novel built-in features as well. The EasySMX S10 Lite’s predecessor, the EasySMX S10, features 6-Axis Motion Control. However, the new budget-friendly option has an upgraded 9-Axis Motion Control feature, which works phenomenally for games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Motion controls on the EasySMX S10 Lite feel smooth and nearly identical to a first-party controller.
What I’ve found really novel is how the EasySMX S10 Lite has overcome the annoying ‘Wake Up’ issue most third-party Nintendo Switch 2 accessories suffer from. Native devices, like the Pro controller, are able to wake the Nintendo Switch 2 up from its sleep state when docked, no problem. The EasySMX S10 Lite can do the same with a press of the Home button. So, there’s no need to open up my media cabinet and reach for my console.
As for battery life, I’m quite happy with the results of the EasySMX S10 Lite. The controller provides up to 22 hours of battery life, according to the company. Over a few weeks of usage, I must say that this is an accurate count. I’ve been able to use the EasySMX S10 Lite over the course of multiple play sessions of Pokémon LeafGreen and Cyberpunk 2077 without needing to plug in the controller for a charge.
The EasySMX S10 Lite feels exceptional in my hands. It is certainly smaller and more compact than the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller. I would have preferred to have a bit of a larger body for the controller, but that’s my personal preference. That said, it’s far more ergonomic than using the Joy-Con 2 Comfort Grip controller. The facebuttons and sticks feel smooth to use. The triggers and back buttons are very responsive yet have a bit of a click to them.
If you’re on the hunt for a new Nintendo Switch 2 controller, you’ll find a lot of value in the EasySMX S10 Lite. It’s easy-to-setup options and built-in feature set make it a great alternative to the console’s Pro controller. With Hall Effect sticks, you’ll likely find long-term use from the controller, and with a stable of great features and a well-rounded battery, the EasySMX S10 Lite can power your next play session nicely.
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