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So, is it worth getting a Switch Pro Controller?
- Thread starter SuperSah
- Start date
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
How long have you been playing only 1-2 Switch?
MikeE21286
Member
Its worth it. I say this as a guy who didnt really believe in it.
You can easily function without it IMO. But it is a damn fine controller.
You can easily function without it IMO. But it is a damn fine controller.
Merchandise
Member
I only play with the pro controller, even in tabletop.
Same. I just can't get used to split joycons, even with that rail-thingy. Maybe more comfortable 3rd party grips will solve that in the future though.
PhantomZone
Member
100% worth it for me.
Hate the joycons no matter if they are connected to the Switch or not.
I also use the pro controller when I don't have the Switch connected to a tv.
Hate the joycons no matter if they are connected to the Switch or not.
I also use the pro controller when I don't have the Switch connected to a tv.
Kingpin Rogers
Member
I haven't used one but from what I've heard the dpad is bad which is enough to put me off buying one.
dragonzdogma
Member
snipperclips or whateve that game is called.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
That really the only game you bought? Crazy
It's simultaneously my favorite controller and a real piece of shit. The feel is amazing and it's got great features like haptic rumble and gyro control, but... the quality control ruins it. The D-pad is almost guaranteed to be unacceptably bad, the analogs are known for having issues (my first sticks went to %115 at full tilt, my replacement from Nintendo goes to 89% at full tilt), and I just had to send mine in for repairs a second time due to it regularly freaking out and failing to register button presses during Splatoon 2.
On paper, it's the best controller I've ever used and it's far better than the joycons. Don't let anyone tell you that the joycons are just as good- the analog stick range is pathetic in comparison and the tiny, cramped buttons aren't anywhere near as satisfying to use as the Pro buttons. The general ergonomics are also way, way better. If Nintendo could actually manufacture one that worked correctly, it would be an amazing controller that would totally be worth $70. As it is, I can't recommend buying it unless you're willing to send for repairs in the likely event that something is wrong with it.
I find it a lot more comfortable than the Wii U Pro. I loved that controller, but I always felt like the grips were a little too thin around the index/middle finger part of the grip. The Switch pro has just a little more fullness in the grip there, and it feels perfect to me. The Y and B buttons on the Wii U pro were also uncomfortable to reach; I like the analog on top layout a lot, but it just didn't work when it came to the diamond buttons. On the Switch pro, all the buttons and analogs are comfortable. If I go back to the Wii U pro now I actually feel like my fingers are cramped and tiring out, the Switch is that much more ergonomic to use.
On paper, it's the best controller I've ever used and it's far better than the joycons. Don't let anyone tell you that the joycons are just as good- the analog stick range is pathetic in comparison and the tiny, cramped buttons aren't anywhere near as satisfying to use as the Pro buttons. The general ergonomics are also way, way better. If Nintendo could actually manufacture one that worked correctly, it would be an amazing controller that would totally be worth $70. As it is, I can't recommend buying it unless you're willing to send for repairs in the likely event that something is wrong with it.
I find it a lot more comfortable than the Wii U Pro. I loved that controller, but I always felt like the grips were a little too thin around the index/middle finger part of the grip. The Switch pro has just a little more fullness in the grip there, and it feels perfect to me. The Y and B buttons on the Wii U pro were also uncomfortable to reach; I like the analog on top layout a lot, but it just didn't work when it came to the diamond buttons. On the Switch pro, all the buttons and analogs are comfortable. If I go back to the Wii U pro now I actually feel like my fingers are cramped and tiring out, the Switch is that much more ergonomic to use.
I hate playing with the joycons to be honest. The tiny, loose sticks, the small clicky buttons that all feel too close together. The non D-Pad. The placement of the right analogue stick directly below the face buttons feels uncomfortable. The plasticky feel of the things.
The Pro Controller is a damn fine controller in its own right, not just in comparison to the joycons, but yeah. Was pretty much a necessity for me.
The Pro Controller is a damn fine controller in its own right, not just in comparison to the joycons, but yeah. Was pretty much a necessity for me.
CloudStrife_ca
Member
I'm loving my Splatoon 2 Pro controller, I actually took it last night to play in a Mario Kart tournament at a local pub. Sadly when I got there, they were doing Battle Mode on the Switch and Racing on the Wii U.
Haunted
Member
I don't think so.
It's not a bad controller per se but I never felt that it was necessary or worth it since you already get a full traditional controller with the joy-cons + grips.
I gave mine away to a friend after using it for ~a week and not feeling it. Save your money and buy 2-3 games instead, imo.
It's not a bad controller per se but I never felt that it was necessary or worth it since you already get a full traditional controller with the joy-cons + grips.
I gave mine away to a friend after using it for ~a week and not feeling it. Save your money and buy 2-3 games instead, imo.
AllBusinessJr
Member
The Splatoon model is really a stunner. Hoping that aliexpress will carry the pink/melon handles eventually.
moltonasty
Member
Best controller I've ever used, so yes, absolutely.
Spiritwalker
Member
I'm buying one next week, but it'll be pure black as I don't like the Splatoon version. My favourite controller right now is the DS4 so I'm curious to see how this compares.
Schucky Ducky
Banned
I got mine from Japan about $10 less then what it retails for in the USA. I have found that I generally prefer split joy-cons for when I'm playing on the TV, but it does make for a nice alternative for when they have to charge or I don't feel like getting up to remove them from the docked Switch.
I have two of the pro controllers. Both of them lag like crazy, even when close to the switch, register incorrect inputs and the dpads on them are not as tight and accurate as i would like. I need to ship them both back to Nintendo, but knowing they might not be fixed, i just put them to the side snd use the joycons for now.
Maybe another batch will be better.
Maybe another batch will be better.
Bought one and returned it. D-pad caused me to perform horribly in Puyo Puyo Tetris. I do just fine in that game with split joy-cons, but I was curious about the pro controller so I gave it a try.
Joy-cons admittedly take some getting used to and are obviously inferior in several areas compared to traditional controllers, but I greatly prefer them to any other controller I have because of the freedom they afford me while lounging on the couch. What I was finding when I owned the pro controller is that I didn't want to use it.
One thing I'll note is that while everyone commends the battery life on the pro controller - and rightfully so - it's still something you're going to have to be more mindful of, because you're eventually gonna have to plug it into something to charge it. The joy-cons slide effortlessly into the console itself to charge (or in my case, a charging dock since I have more than one pair of joy-cons) and seem far more convenient to me in that sense. Further to that, if you own 2 pairs of joy-cons, you can have 1 pair always connected to the Switch so that if batteries run out, it's as simple as getting up and swapping them out. You're back up and running in seconds, and you never have to put any thought into charging outside of that.
Opinions will vary greatly on this subject and you're never going to get a definitive answer. I think you need to just try it out and see if it fits into your playstyle/lifestyle. For me, it didn't, but I can certainly see how it would for others.
Joy-cons admittedly take some getting used to and are obviously inferior in several areas compared to traditional controllers, but I greatly prefer them to any other controller I have because of the freedom they afford me while lounging on the couch. What I was finding when I owned the pro controller is that I didn't want to use it.
One thing I'll note is that while everyone commends the battery life on the pro controller - and rightfully so - it's still something you're going to have to be more mindful of, because you're eventually gonna have to plug it into something to charge it. The joy-cons slide effortlessly into the console itself to charge (or in my case, a charging dock since I have more than one pair of joy-cons) and seem far more convenient to me in that sense. Further to that, if you own 2 pairs of joy-cons, you can have 1 pair always connected to the Switch so that if batteries run out, it's as simple as getting up and swapping them out. You're back up and running in seconds, and you never have to put any thought into charging outside of that.
Opinions will vary greatly on this subject and you're never going to get a definitive answer. I think you need to just try it out and see if it fits into your playstyle/lifestyle. For me, it didn't, but I can certainly see how it would for others.
I posted this in a related thread before, but there is a wireless alternative coming soon that will likely be cheaper. Personally though I really like the Pro pad, comfortable and functional. Slight DPad annoyance that I've been meaning to get fixed, but otherwise good controller.
Absolutely, I basically consider it the definitive controller for the Switch. I love the console but I really can't stand the way the Joycons button layouts and controls feel. I could have big hands or something but when using the four buttons on the right Joycon I seem to constantly be bumping up against the right analog stick which is really frustrating, also it feels like the analog sticks are "stiffer" than they need to be making for less precise control.
The Joycons are fine for what they are, but they are not at all my go-to way to play Switch games, if I need to use them in handheld mode I can get by, but if I have my Pro Controller with me I will only use that and nothing else.
The Joycons are fine for what they are, but they are not at all my go-to way to play Switch games, if I need to use them in handheld mode I can get by, but if I have my Pro Controller with me I will only use that and nothing else.
Not really sure what you're trying to say here... the joycons have to be slid into the system to charge and cannot be used for hours. The Pro controller just has to have a USB plugged in and then it not only charges but gives a wired mode with less latency and no battery loss at all... how is plugging a USB cable in a bigger hassle than sliding the joycons in and out of the system, or juggling two sets of joycons? If you keep the cable plugged into the dock, all you have to do is just put the other end in the controller once every 40 hours. Charging the joycons is way less convenient than that.
Bolded the important part. I never keep cables attached to systems or my PC because I just find it messy/unsightly. I guess I should have specified that, but I didn't think about it because I never do it. So for me, traditionally I've always had to remind myself to plug in controllers every now and again or keep an eye on the charge level so that I'm not caught playing with a dead controller. With the Switch, I have 4 joy-cons and I know that 2 of them will always be fully charged since there will always be 2 attached to the Switch in the dock. Never even enters my mind.
Although I have a charging dock now so it's even more convenient.
I was really surprised how bad the joycons in the grip felt, considering Nintendo's excellent history with input devices. However split joycons is pretty decent, but you don't get a d-pad.
So while I never saw a need for the Wii U pro controller because the gamepad was awesome, I'd border on saying the pro controller is necessary for the Switch.
It just pisses me off that it's missing features like analogue triggers and a headphone jack. The lack of a headphone jack really kills me, and analogue triggers would make it great on PC even if the Switch can't use them. It's damn expensive too. Add on the d-pad issue and the ugly front panel design and it's not ideal. It feels great in the palm, though.
So while I never saw a need for the Wii U pro controller because the gamepad was awesome, I'd border on saying the pro controller is necessary for the Switch.
It just pisses me off that it's missing features like analogue triggers and a headphone jack. The lack of a headphone jack really kills me, and analogue triggers would make it great on PC even if the Switch can't use them. It's damn expensive too. Add on the d-pad issue and the ugly front panel design and it's not ideal. It feels great in the palm, though.
seems like a ymmv thing judging from this thread. some have bad dpads some don't. mine's fine and I've done the test in the settings menu.
You bought a Switch for Snipperclips?
I have tested 12 controllers including two of the newer splatoon ones. Nintendo sent me six replacements and I also replaced numerous controllers in store. I highly doubt anyone has a controller that doesn't have the d-pad issue. It's a design flaw.
It is extremely apparent when playing tetris. I didn't get a wide range of splatoon controllers so I can't say for sure but the two I bought and returned exhibited the same issue.
Yep. I suspect a lot of people using the dpad are playing games where an incorrect input wouldn't be of any major significance. Pressing up accidentally in Tetris can really fuck up your game. I personally tested two controllers before giving up on the Pro, but both exhibited the same behaviour.
Billy_Pilgrim
Member
Got one recently. It really is the tits.
I haven't used the pro controller, but this is how I feel about the joycons. I haven't even considered the pro controller because of how comfortable (although tiny) the separate joycons are.
Had 2 bad and have a good one now, they definitely aren't all bad
If they changed the manufacturing process the splatoon ones should not exhibit issues from before. Yet the two I bought still don't work right.
I have tested my Pro controller that I've bought with the Switch in the settings input test and had no issues, did now the same with my new Splatoon edition and no issues either.
Tetris I only played the demo but I had no issues either (can't remember if I've ever used Pro in that game though).
So what are you saying here? That the input test is lying? That Tetris somehow is more dependent on the quality of the d-pad than the input test? Because to me it seems pretty clear that some Pro controllers (the two that I own at least) don't have defective d-pad at all.
ScaryShark
Banned
Best controller on the market right now IMO.