Key takeaways
- Two replacement handle grips (weighing approximately 11 grams / 0.38 ounces each).
- A dedicated PH00 Phillips screwdriver.
- A set of spare replacement screws (usually 1.5mm x 4mm).
What's inside
The Short Answer
Yes, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller replacement grips are absolutely worth buying, but with one key condition: you must be comfortable using a small Phillips screwdriver for a five-minute DIY installation.
If your current controller handles are peeling, sticky, or visually boring, spending $12 to $18 on high-quality replacement grips is a highly cost-effective way to revitalize a $70 controller. However, if you are looking to fix internal hardware issues like stick drift, or if you are highly averse to minor hands-on assembly, you should look elsewhere. When asking if are nintendo switch pro controller replacement grips worth buying, the answer hinges on whether you want an easy, cheap aesthetic and tactile upgrade without the expense of buying a brand-new gamepad.
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What You Actually Get
When you purchase replacement grips, such as the popular eXtremeRate Black Replacement Handle Grips (typically priced around $13.99), you are not buying an entire controller. Instead, you receive two molded plastic or rubberized side panels designed to replace the stock gray handles of the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
A standard replacement kit generally includes:
- Two replacement handle grips (weighing approximately 11 grams / 0.38 ounces each).
- A dedicated PH00 Phillips screwdriver.
- A set of spare replacement screws (usually 1.5mm x 4mm).
The physical installation is remarkably straightforward compared to full-shell replacements. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller features two visible screws at the very bottom of the handles. Removing these screws allows the original grips to slide downward and off the chassis. You then slide the new grips on and secure them with the screws. The entire process takes less than five minutes and does not require you to open the delicate main body of the controller, meaning there is zero risk of damaging the motherboard, battery, or haptic motors.
In terms of materials, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) grips feature a semi-translucent, slightly textured hard plastic. Aftermarket replacements offer a wider variety of finishes. The most common is “soft-touch” ABS plastic, which has a velvety, matte texture that resists fingerprints. Other options include fully rubberized grips, clear colored plastics, and textured patterns designed to increase friction during intense gaming sessions.
Pros
- Inexpensive Customization: For less than $15, you can dramatically change the look of your controller to match your home entertainment setup or gaming desk aesthetic.
- No Internal Disassembly Required: Unlike replacing the front faceplate or the buttons, swap-on grips do not require opening the main housing of the controller, preserving the delicate internal ribbon cables.
- Improved Ergonomics and Tactile Feel: Premium soft-touch coatings and textured finishes offer superior sweat resistance and hand-feel compared to the somewhat slick, aging plastic of the original OEM grips.
- Saves Money on Replacements: If your original controller grips have become sticky due to plastic degradation or degraded rubber, replacing just the grips preserves a perfectly functional $70 controller.
- Excellent Fit and Tolerance: High-quality third-party brands mold their grips to 1:1 specifications, resulting in seamless integration with the original controller body with no awkward gaps or sharp plastic seams.
Cons
- Requires Steady Hands: While simple, you are still dealing with tiny 4mm screws that can easily be stripped if you apply too much torque or use the wrong size screwdriver.
- Soft-Touch Coatings Can Wear Out: Matte, velvety “soft-touch” chemical coatings tend to wear down over 6 to 12 months of heavy use, leaving shiny, smooth patches where your palms rest.
- Potential for Minor Seam Gaps: If you buy ultra-cheap, unbranded replacement grips, the manufacturing tolerances may be slightly off, resulting in a 0.5mm to 1mm ridge that you can feel against your palms.
- Does Not Solve Functional Issues: If your controller is suffering from stick drift, unresponsive buttons, or Bluetooth pairing issues, new handles will do nothing to solve these mechanical problems.
Who Should Buy It
You should buy replacement grips if you love the ergonomics of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller but want to personalize its appearance. As we look at home styling and gaming setups in 2026, minimalist and color-coordinated tech is more popular than ever. Replacing the stock gray handles with matte black, pastel, or wood-grain grips is an easy way to make your controller blend seamlessly into your living room decor.
It is also an ideal purchase for gamers whose original controller handles have degraded. Over years of use, human sweat, oils, and environmental heat can cause the original rubberized coating on the Pro Controller to break down, becoming uncomfortably sticky or tacky. A quick $14 replacement completely solves this issue.
Who Should Skip It
You should skip replacement grips if your controller is physically failing. If you are experiencing joystick drift or sticky face buttons, your money is better spent on a brand-new controller or a set of replacement analog sticks.
Additionally, if you are highly anxious about taking a screwdriver to your electronics—even for something as simple as two external screws—you should opt for a slip-on silicone cover instead. While slip-on covers add bulk, they require absolutely zero tools to install.
Cheaper Alternatives
If you want to modify your controller’s grip or style but want to explore options other than hard-shell replacements, there are several alternative routes available. The table below outlines these options, their average costs, and the trade-offs involved.
| Option | Cost Range | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone Slip-on Sleeves | $8.00 – $12.00 | Adds noticeable bulk to the controller; can feel loose or squishy during fast-paced gameplay; collects dust and lint easily. |
| Analog Stick Thumb Grips | $5.00 – $8.00 | Only improves thumb traction on the joysticks (e.g., using a 6Pcs Silicone Analog Stick Cover set); does nothing for palm comfort or controller aesthetics. |
| Adhesive Grip Tape | $9.00 – $14.00 | Provides excellent non-slip rubber texture; can leave a sticky adhesive residue on the original controller if removed; wears down quickly. |
| DIY Shell Painting | $6.00 (Cost of spray paint) | Requires complete disassembly, sanding, priming, and painting; high risk of ruining the plastic or creating a sticky, uneven finish. |
FAQ
Do replacement grips come with the necessary tools for installation?
Yes, almost all reputable aftermarket replacement kits (such as those from eXtremeRate) include a small PH00 Phillips screwdriver and a set of spare screws. However, it is always recommended to check the product description before purchasing to ensure the tool is included in the package.
Will installing replacement grips void my Nintendo warranty?
No. Replacing the outer handle grips does not require you to open the internal console chamber or break any warranty void seals. Because you are only removing two external screws on the outer handles, your warranty remains intact. If you ever need to send the controller to Nintendo for official repairs, you can easily screw the original grips back on beforehand.
Do these replacement grips feel identical to the original Nintendo grips?
It depends on the finish you choose. Standard matte or painted replacement grips will feel smoother and softer than the original slightly textured, semi-translucent plastic. If you prefer the exact texture of the original, look for replacements specifically labeled as “OEM-style textured ABS.”
Can I mix and match different colored grips?
Yes. Because the left and right handle grips are completely independent pieces, you can buy different colored sets and mix them to create a custom split-color design (such as neon red on the left and neon blue on the right) to match your Switch Joy-Con aesthetics.
