Hardware

Published on October 5th, 2025 | by James Wright

GuliKit ES vs ES Pro Controller Review (Nintendo Switch 2)

Introduction

When it comes to third‑party controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2, few brands have made as much of an impact in recent years as GuliKit. Known for their innovative use of Hall Effect and TMR joystick technology to combat stick drift, the company has built a reputation for delivering affordable yet feature‑rich alternatives to Nintendo’s own Pro Controller 2. The ES and ES Pro models stand out as two of their most popular offerings, each designed to provide smooth performance, low‑latency responsiveness, and long‑lasting durability. While they share many similarities, subtle differences in precision, customization, and design set them apart, making it worth exploring which one best suits different types of players… and yes both support wake the Switch 2 from sleep!

Review of the GuliKit ES Controller

The GuliKit ES Controller is a budget‑friendly option for Nintendo Switch 2 players who want reliable performance without the premium price tag. Priced around $25 USD (as of August 2025), it delivers features that are often reserved for higher‑end controllers. The ES is equipped with 2200‑level Hall Effect joysticks, which are designed to eliminate the dreaded stick drift issue that plagues many standard controllers. With smooth precision, the analog sticks feel accurate and responsive, making them suitable for both casual and competitive play.

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The controller supports Bluetooth connectivity with a polling rate of 730Hz and latency as low as 3.25ms, while wired mode pushes that further to 1000Hz with latency down to 1.87ms. This ensures that inputs are registered quickly, which is particularly important in fast‑paced games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3. The ES also includes motion controls, a gyroscope, and 256‑level Hall Effect triggers, giving it a feature set that rivals Nintendo’s own Pro Controller at a fraction of the cost.

In terms of design, the ES comes in a light gray finish with a clean and minimalist look. It is comfortable to hold for extended sessions thanks to its smooth curves and balanced weight. The D‑pad is responsive and the ABXY buttons are well‑spaced, though they lack the textured finish of the Pro model. The battery life is impressive at around 30 hours on a single charge, powered by a 950mAh battery. However, one drawback is that the ES does not include a USB‑C cable in the box, so players will need to provide their own for charging or wired play.

Summary

The GuliKit ES Controller is a strong contender for anyone seeking an affordable alternative to Nintendo’s official controllers. It combines low‑latency performance, drift‑free sticks, and long battery life in a package that feels far more premium than its price suggests.

Review of the GuliKit ES Pro Controller

The GuliKit ES Pro Controller builds on the foundation of the standard ES model and adds refinements that make it a more versatile and competitive option. Retailing at around $30 USD, the ES Pro is only slightly more expensive but introduces several upgrades that justify the price difference.

The most notable improvement is the use of TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) joysticks with 4000 levels of precision. These sticks not only maintain the anti‑drift advantage of Hall Effect technology but also allow for finer control, which is particularly beneficial in precision‑heavy games like Fortnite or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The ES Pro also features a switchable D‑pad that can toggle between four‑direction and eight‑direction modes, giving players more flexibility depending on the type of game they are playing.

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Another standout feature is the ability to swap button layouts between PC and Nintendo Switch modes. This makes the ES Pro an excellent choice for players who frequently switch between platforms. The controller also comes with a USB‑A to USB‑C cable included in the box, making it ready for both wired and wireless play right out of the package. Like the ES, it supports Bluetooth with a 730Hz polling rate and wired mode with 1000Hz, ensuring ultra‑low latency performance.

Design‑wise, the ES Pro has a more premium look with a white finish, black analog sticks, and a textured D‑pad for improved grip. The ABXY buttons are bold and clearly marked, while the build quality feels solid and durable. Battery life remains the same as the ES at around 30 hours, powered by the same 950mAh battery.

Summary

The GuliKit ES Pro is an excellent choice for players who want more customization and precision without spending significantly more. Its upgraded joysticks, versatile D‑pad, and included cable make it a better long‑term investment for serious gamers.

Comparison Table: GuliKit ES vs ES Pro

Final Thoughts

In the end, both the GuliKit ES and ES Pro Controllers prove that third‑party accessories can deliver quality and innovation without breaking the bank. The ES offers an excellent entry point with reliable performance and drift‑free sticks, while the ES Pro refines the experience with higher precision, a versatile D‑pad, and added customization that will appeal to more demanding players. Whichever model you choose, you are getting a controller that challenges the dominance of Nintendo’s own Pro Controller and demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can elevate the gaming experience.

About the Author

James Wright

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