Best Ocarina of Time Controllers for Switch and PC
The top pick for playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch or PC is the 8BitDo Pro 2. It nails the retro feel with a modern layout, works flawlessly on both platforms, and has the precise D-pad and analog stick you need for aiming and playing the ocarina. It’s the most reliable, comfortable, and affordable choice for most players.
What to Look For
Before you buy, focus on these five things. They matter more than brand names or flashy features.
- D-pad quality: The ocarina songs require quick, accurate directional inputs. A mushy or imprecise D-pad will cause missed notes. Look for a controller with a crisp, responsive D-pad.
- Analog stick precision: You need fine control for aiming the bow, slingshot, and hookshot. A loose or overly sensitive stick makes those sections frustrating. Check for a stick with good resistance and accuracy.
- Button layout: The N64 controller had a unique layout. On modern controllers, you want the A and B buttons close together for quick swordplay, and the C-buttons mapped to the right stick or face buttons. Make sure the layout feels natural to you.
- Wireless vs. wired: Wireless gives you freedom, but adds input lag. For a slow-paced game like Ocarina of Time, modern wireless is fine. Wired is cheaper and has zero lag, but can be restrictive.
- Platform compatibility: Switch and PC have different requirements. Switch needs a controller with native support or a Bluetooth adapter. PC is more flexible, but you may need to configure buttons. Check that the controller works on your platform out of the box or with minimal setup.
Top Picks
8BitDo Pro 2
Strengths: Excellent D-pad, comfortable grip, Hall-effect joysticks (on the newer version), and native Switch support. It also works on PC via Bluetooth or USB. The Pro 2 has a dedicated profile button that lets you switch between Switch, PC, and other modes easily.
Trade-offs: It’s not a true N64 layout, so the C-buttons are mapped to the right stick, which takes some getting used to. The face buttons are smaller than the N64’s.
Who it suits: Most players who want a versatile, high-quality controller for both Switch and PC. It’s the best all-rounder.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Strengths: First-party build quality, excellent analog sticks, and a comfortable, familiar layout. It has the best battery life of any controller here (about 40 hours). It works natively on Switch and via Steam on PC.
Trade-offs: The D-pad is notoriously imprecise for 2D games, but for Ocarina of Time it’s acceptable. It’s more expensive than 8BitDo options. The C-buttons are mapped to the right stick, which is fine but not ideal for quick item switching.
Who it suits: Players who prefer a first-party controller and want the best analog stick feel. It’s a great choice for PC players who also own a Switch.
8BitDo M30 (Bluetooth)
Strengths: The M30 is a retro-style controller with a 6-button layout and a superb D-pad. It’s perfect for the ocarina sections because the D-pad is incredibly accurate. It also has a comfortable shape for long sessions.
Trade-offs: It lacks analog sticks, so you can’t control the camera or aim properly. This is a dealbreaker for most of the game. It’s only recommended if you’re playing a romhack that uses D-pad controls, or for the ocarina mini-game specifically.
Who it suits: Purists who want the most authentic ocarina experience and are willing to sacrifice camera control. Not recommended for a full playthrough.
8BitDo SN30 Pro+
Strengths: Similar to the Pro 2 but with a slightly different grip shape. It has a great D-pad, comfortable buttons, and works on Switch and PC. It’s often cheaper than the Pro 2.
Trade-offs: The SN30 Pro+ is discontinued, so you may have to buy used. The Pro 2 is the newer version with better software.
Who it suits: Budget-conscious players who find a used SN30 Pro+ at a good price. It performs nearly identically to the Pro 2.
Xbox Series X/S Controller
Strengths: Excellent ergonomics, precise analog sticks, and a solid D-pad (the hybrid one on newer models is good). It’s the best PC controller for compatibility, working natively with Windows and Steam. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Trade-offs: No native Switch support without an adapter (like the Brook Wingman). The D-pad is not as good as 8BitDo’s for 2D games, but it’s serviceable. The face buttons are smaller and may feel cramped for some.
Who it suits: PC players who already own an Xbox controller and want a familiar, reliable option. If you also need Switch support, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
N64 Controller + USB Adapter
Strengths: The most authentic experience. You get the original three-pronged design, the yellow C-buttons, and the analog stick. It’s the only way to play with the exact original layout.
Trade-offs: The original N64 controller’s analog stick is notoriously poor (it wears out and becomes loose). You’ll need a USB adapter (like the Raphnet or Mayflash). It’s not wireless, and the layout can be awkward for modern games.
Who it suits: Hardcore retro enthusiasts who want the authentic feel, even if it means sacrificing comfort and precision. It’s a novelty, not a practical daily driver.
How to Choose
Start with your budget. If you want to spend under $50, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is the clear winner. If you’re willing to spend more, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller offers the best build quality. For PC-only players, the Xbox controller is a solid choice, but you’ll miss out on the better D-pad of the 8BitDo.
Consider your use case. If you only play Ocarina of Time, you don’t need a controller with extra features like paddles or gyro. Focus on D-pad and stick quality. If you also play other games, choose a versatile controller that works on multiple platforms.
Common trade-offs: Wireless vs. wired (battery life vs. zero latency), D-pad quality vs. analog stick quality (most controllers can’t excel at both), and authenticity vs. comfort. The 8BitDo Pro 2 strikes the best balance for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a GameCube controller for Ocarina of Time on Switch?
Yes, but you need a GameCube controller adapter. The layout is different, but it works. The D-pad is small, so ocarina songs may be harder to play.
Is the 8BitDo Pro 2 compatible with the Switch’s N64 emulator?
Yes, the Pro 2 works with the Switch’s N64 app. You may need to remap buttons in the Switch’s controller settings, but it works fine.
Do I need a controller with motion controls for the ocarina?
No. The ocarina is played with the D-pad, not motion controls. Motion controls are only used for optional gyro aiming in the Switch version, which is not required.
Can I use a PS4 or PS5 controller on Switch?
Yes, but not natively. You need a Bluetooth adapter like the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2. On PC, PS4/PS5 controllers work via Steam.
What is the best budget controller for Ocarina of Time?
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is the best budget option. It’s under $50, has a great D-pad, and works on both Switch and PC. The 8BitDo Lite 2 is even cheaper but lacks analog triggers.
Does the Switch Pro Controller have a good D-pad for ocarina songs?
It’s passable, but not the best. The D-pad is a bit mushy and can register false inputs. If you’re a perfectionist, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is better.
Bottom Line
For most players, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is the best choice. It’s affordable, works on both Switch and PC, and has the best D-pad for ocarina songs. If you prefer a first-party controller and don’t mind the price, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a solid alternative. Avoid the M30 unless you’re playing a romhack, and skip the original N64 controller unless you’re a collector. Stick with the Pro 2 and you’ll be playing Zelda’s Lullaby with ease.
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