Dragon Ball Fighterz is one of the most prominent 2D fighting games coming to the Nintendo Switch. As with other titles in the genre, it is best played with either an arcade stick or a pad with a good directional pad.
Unfortunately, the D-pad on the Left Joy-con is not the best for 2D fighters as it operates more like face buttons due to the divided and circular directional inputs. Not to mention that the Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, at least the original versions, have an issue where directional inputs will end up being registered incorrectly.
The good news is that there are alternate controllers that are compatible with Dragon Ball Fighterz. So what are the best Nintendo Switch arcade fight stick and pad for the 2D fighting game? You can find out in our buying guide below.
Docked Solutions
If you planning to play the latest Dragon Ball videogame on the television screen with the Nintendo Switch in docked mode, you have several options.
Nintendo Switch Real Arcade Pro V Hayabusa Fight Stick
If you are interested in playing via a fighting stick, then we highly recommend picking up the Nintendo Switch Real Arcade Pro V Hayabusa Fight Stick. The Hori product, which has been officially licensed by Nintendo for use with the Switch, is built with the patented Hayabusa joystick and buttons that are based on authentic Japanese arcade cabinets. It also comes with turbo functions and 10 foot cable. Last but not least, you can also use the arcade stick on PC via X-input.
If you are interested, you can buy the Hori Switch Real Arcade Pro V Hayabusa Fighting Stick with this link on Amazon.
Nintendo Switch Horipad Wired Controller
If you are more of a gamepad player, then we suggest taking a look at the Horipad. This officially licensed controller features a much better directional pad, which can be detached if you don’t want to use it, for Dragon Ball Fighterz and other 2D fighting games. It also offers fast-triggering shoulder buttons, precision analog sticks and even turbo functionalities. The gamepad comes with a 10 foot wired cable while also being lightweight and easy to grip.
If you are interested, the Nintendo Switch Horipad is available for purchase via this page.
Handheld Solution
Hori Left D-Pad Controllers
If you are planning to play Dragon Ball Fighterz on the handheld unit as well then there is another product that you should take a look at. The Hori Left D-Pad Controller, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, provides an actual directional pad unlike the default Left Joy-con. As a result, you will be able to control your directional inputs better in Dragon Ball Fighterz as well as other 2D fighting games and general 2D titles. Keep in mind that the Hori Left D-Pad Controller will only work in portable mode as you can’t use it in docked mode with the controller shell that came with your Switch.
There are two versions of the Hori Left D-Pad Controllers, one features Mario aesthetics while the other is based on The Legend of Zelda. You can check out both with the following links: Mario Version and The Legend of Zelda Version.
Recap
If you are planning to play Dragon Ball Fighterz for the Nintendo Switch in docked mode, then we recommend checking out either the Nintendo Switch Real Arcade Pro V Hayabusa Fight Stick or Nintendo Switch Horipad Wired Controller. For portable mode gamers, we suggest taking a look at the Hori Left D-Pad Controllers.