Review: Mayflash Magic NS Adapter flawlessly adapts your controllers to work on Nintendo Switch

I have a huge problem: I love my Xbox One controller too much. No matter what system I’m playing, I always want to use my Xbox One controller. Whether I’m on PS4, PC or even the 360 – there is only one controller that ever truly feels comfortable to me. The Switch’s Pro Controller is fine, the Dualshock 4 is worse than that but still okay, but the Xbox One controller is perfection in my hands.

Nintendo’s built-in Joy-Con controllers have never really done it for me. I enjoy them enough and I use them frequently, but their lack of a proper D-Pad and tiny analog sticks make them far less enjoyable than I’d like.

Mayflash’s Magic-NS Adapter is a small USB device that you connect to your Switch via the dock’s USB port (or using a USB-A to USB-C adapter into the bottom of the controller) and your controller. Using this device, you’ll be able to use any controller you own on your Nintendo Switch console. It’s remarkably simple to use, although it is recommended to update the device’s firmware on your PC before use.

Once fully updated, holding the singular button on the device changes modes. Different controllers require different modes to use. If your controller has Bluetooth capabilities, like the Xbox One S controller, Wii U Pro Controller or DualShock 4, you can use controllers wirelessly when using the adapter’s Pro mode. It even supports the Dualshock 4’s gyro movement for gyro aiming.

As far as input lag goes, pushing your controller’s signal through the Magic-NS adapter doesn’t seem to add any meaningful lag to your play. I spent most of my time playing Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Hyrule Warriors, Super Mario Odyssey, Paladins and Bayonetta 2. The lack of motion controls in my Xbox One controller made playing Mario less than ideal to play, but my time with the rest was perfect. It even reinvigorated my love for Paladins.

Mayflash’s device is essentially plug-and-play… after flashing the new firmware and allowing wired controllers in your Switch settings. It works well and feels well made enough for a USB device – it’s a pretty chunky piece of plastic. The included USB-A to USB-C cable is well made, too, and can be used for a variety of devices.

If you really want to find a device that’ll easily and cheaply let you play on your Nintendo Switch with your controller of choice, this is it. It’s been hard to find great devices that do the same thing in the past to such a degree of quality, but Mayflash has done it.