-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Beware if you're purchasing the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller for the d-pad
- Thread starter Spy
- Start date
I feel you. At first I thought it was just bad luck getting a bad D-pad at launch and I'd have a working Pro controller in no time, but it's such a disappointment every time I get another defective controller. I've had whole weeks where I didn't even play my Switch because of it, and I wish this problem would just go away.
I wouldn't try to mod it yourself. Don't want to mess with the warranty in case it is actually the circuit board and not something simple that can be fixed. I heard other people that risked doing that one person's conductive pad trick didn't have such good luck with getting it to actually work. If the fix were simple Nintendo surely would have just fixed them all by now like they did with the left Joy-Con.
Yeah, but if they haven't discovered a fix for the problem by now with a fairly substantial number of people sending for repairs over this, I don't think there is a simple fix. They were on top of the joycon foam issue right away. Plus, there's the risk that you'll get a controller that's even worse, since they seem to have a fair amount of variation.
I said fuck it and dissembled mine tonight just to see if I could figure out why one direction would work perfectly fine while the others don't. I noticed that the way the cross and pad are arranged can make a small difference when putting the controller back together, which suggests to me that the pad is the problem. The person who did the pad mod used a Wii U Pro pad and claimed the issue was resolved- I'd guess that cutting the hole out isn't what helped, but using a different pad. Maybe the black contacts on the Switch pad are lower and touch the board more easily than on the Wii U pad. The people saying that they tried the mod and that it didn't work seem to have used the Switch pad. I'd attempt the mod if I could find a Wii U Pro pad cheap enough. Amazon has what look like the classic controller pro pads for $3, but I don't know if those are interchangable.
RoadHazard
Gold Member
I haven't noticed any erroneous inputs with mine when just using it normally, but I certainly can make it happen by just rocking my thumb a bit.
Hmm, I just got sent an online order number and looked it up and it's another Pro controller they're no doubt sending me to replace the one I sent in for repair. In the past they never sent me a new order number and just went with the original repair number when they replaced the Pro controller. This is like 2 weeks after I sent it in and they haven't even shipped it out yet, so maybe just maybe they've done something to address the problem with the new stock and that's why they're taking so long this time. Either that or they only finally figured out their Pro controllers have a widespread problem and are just trying to buy some time with the slow turnaround to reduce the number of times I'll keep sending the controller back to them.
The Main Event
Member
So Nintendo is actually fixing this? Guess I'll give them a call this week.
mindatlarge
Member
While yet to release, I noticed some 3rd party Switch wired controllers releasing soon. Might be worth keeping in mind for those on the fence with the Pro Controller either due to issues or cost. Not sure what to make of the detachable d-pad on the Hori. Hopefully they prove to be worthwhile in use and quality though.
Got Pro controller number 5, and it's got a defective D-pad and both C-sticks again too, sigh. Weird thing is because they sent out a new controller as an online order rather than as a replacement for my repair, they didn't bother taking the USB cable out of the box this time, so I now have 2 USB cables. Well, now I can't say they haven't given me something extra for my troubles, lol.
Rats Off To Ya
Banned
Against my better judgment I bought one of these hoping I wouldn't have the issue, and it only took an hour of playing Shovel Knight to start getting bad inputs. To be completely honest, I don't really like this controller that much to begin with. The buttons (D-pad aside) and sticks are great but I'm not a fan of the way it fits in my hands. And the Joycons, well...the less said about the Joycons the better.
I'm left without a satisfying input method for a console I'm actually pretty fond of so far. And the Wii U Pro Controller was so good. It's very frustrating.
I'm left without a satisfying input method for a console I'm actually pretty fond of so far. And the Wii U Pro Controller was so good. It's very frustrating.
Yeah, the faulty Pro controller has really ruined the Switch experience for me. I bought the Switch just to play Puyo Puyo Tetris, and the Pro controller to have a proper D-pad to play it with, but it's just so gutting every time I get yet another defective one that I don't even want to play the system for a couple weeks each time because of it. Oh, and Nintendo wants me to send in my Switch for a 2nd time because they still don't believe I could have gotten 5 defective Pro controllers in a row without it being my Switch even though their repair people keep verifying the problem with each controller.
Rats Off To Ya
Banned
I'm tempted to try one of the DIY fixes floating out there on the internet. I'm pretty convinced this is more of a design flaw than a defect, so I don't really want to play the repair game with Nintendo. Won't be my first time doing a minor hardware mod. I'll report back here with the results when I get around to it.
me0wish
Member
Can you please give me a link?
YearoftheWooster
Member
A guy on reddit has what you're looking for.
https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/6msm4p/a_different_fix_for_the_pro_controller_dpad/
iamaustrian
Member
is there a reason why it isn't supported yet? other than switch pro con sales?
maybe a different (outdated?) bluetooth protocol?
sixteen-bit
Member
The Pro controller's D-pad is such an epic fail. I do better on Puyo Tetris with the Joycons.
Yeah, it's pretty fucking awful. I have no idea what the hell Nintendo was thinking. I really regret buying one.
The Main Event
Member
Did anyone test out the Splatoon 2 Pros d-pad? I assume it hasnt change at all?
I sent mine for repair last week, Nintendo is replacing it for a new one. Should receive it today.
I sent mine for repair last week, Nintendo is replacing it for a new one. Should receive it today.
pettersson
Member
I bought an 8bit.do SNES Controller for all things 2d on the Switch. It is an awesome controller
Initially I thought it was because of the missing features (hd rumble, nfc..) but it's not like the other 3rd party options support those either. Probably they just want to sell more of their new Pro pads.
Negotiator
Member
I think it's because of the gyroscope.
I haven't bought the Pro Controller yet because, well, I like the joycon grip fine enough! But, I am definitely intrigued by the 8bit.do controllers, especially the SNES one. It's nice to hear you really like it!
How hard is it to get it working on the Switch? I also do some computer gaming every now and then (I'm on a Mac); would the same controller work fine for both? I currently use a Logitech thing, but it's not my favorite at all. (I guess I don't like super deep handles too much normally? Plus, the buttons are a bit stiff.) Also, would any of their other controllers (I think they have an NES one?) work just as easily with Switch/computer?
Thanks for the input!
HorseFD
Member
I'm also waiting to hear about this. I'll buy one if the issue is fixed, but until then Puyo Puyo Tetris is completely unplayable unless I use the Joy-Con or my 8bitdo controller.
I bought a pro controller for splatoon 2 and played some rounds of the tetris demo without any issues. It doesn't feel like a particularly great d-pad mind you, which is disappointing coming from Nintendo, but no weird inputs so far. Is there something particular I should test to see the issue or does this mean I'm good?
Well, PPT works well with four separate buttons anyway imo. We could use your opinion about a fighting game or a platformer.
Hm. I'm afraid I don't have any of those yet. I'm rather curious about the diagonals, those do feel really awkward but I don't know if they'd register in a weird way. I did some mashing in the calibration tool as recommended in this thread and I didn't see any weird inputs there either. I wonder how widespread the issue is, reading through this thread I'm sort of doubting I got some magical issue-free controller, but I'm not lying when I say I haven't noticed anything weird... yet.
I might look into connecting it to my PC tonight. I've got plenty of platformers to test with on there.
Anyway, this d-pad does feel way worse than the DS4's imo, so that's a bummer. But I love the feel of the sticks so I think it'll serve my Splatoon purposes.
I've had a longer, more literal breaking-in period. Worked pretty much perfectly in the beginning, but now when I release an input, the controller thinks I'm still holding down on them. This isn't just the D-pad either; ZR does this as well.
It's a very good controller when it works, but obviously needed more testing before it was released.
The_Endgamer
Member
Mine works perfect. Still gonna grab a Splatoon 2 Controller to upgrade though.
Want that colour.
Side note: It is easily my favourite controller this gen (Switch/XBone/PS4) with no problems in the 130hrs I've racked up on it.
Want that colour.
Side note: It is easily my favourite controller this gen (Switch/XBone/PS4) with no problems in the 130hrs I've racked up on it.
forknknife
Banned
That's my experience. But I never got the praise Nintendo got for their dpads Sara's were always better except for the dreamcast one.
Nintendo D-Pads are hit-or-miss.
NES - (the first!) Shit
Gameboy/Color - Great
SNES - Great
N64 - Okay
Gameboy Advance - Okay
GameCube - Awful
Gameboy SP - Solid
DS Phat - Solid
GB Micro - Great
DS Lite - Good
Wii Remote - serviceable
Wii Classic Controller/Pro - Great
3DS Series - Serviceable
Wii U Gamepad - Great
Wii U Pro - Great
Switch Joycons - Non-existent
Switch Pro - Shit
Full-circle.
So yeah, I've been using it some more and still no wrong inputs. Unless it kicks in later it seems I really am good, so fine Switch Pro d-pads do appear to exist?
Regarding the quality of Nintendo d-pads, I'm of the opinion that the ones that matter the most range from good to great, HotHamBoy's list is pretty accurate. (NES I'll excuse because it's such an early one.) I wouldn't call the Switch Pro Controller D-pad shit though, it's more in the "servicable" Wii Remote tier to me. Which would be worse than the Wii U's, so it absolutely is a pretty great downgrade.
So still disappointing if you're buying a Pro Controller for the lack of a d-pad on the Joycons of course, I guess it does matter a little more here. I think I'll look into 8bitdo's controllers once those retro Nintendo games start hitting the Switch. :s
Sony's always used to be iffy imo, but the Vita d-pad is just lovely and the DS4 one is pretty great too. Funny how that goes.
Anyway, I really do like this Pro controller. Very comfortable to me, sleek design, general button feel is pretty great too and I sort of adore the sticks. I don't see myself playing Splatoon 2 without it unless I'm on the go.
Regarding the quality of Nintendo d-pads, I'm of the opinion that the ones that matter the most range from good to great, HotHamBoy's list is pretty accurate. (NES I'll excuse because it's such an early one.) I wouldn't call the Switch Pro Controller D-pad shit though, it's more in the "servicable" Wii Remote tier to me. Which would be worse than the Wii U's, so it absolutely is a pretty great downgrade.
So still disappointing if you're buying a Pro Controller for the lack of a d-pad on the Joycons of course, I guess it does matter a little more here. I think I'll look into 8bitdo's controllers once those retro Nintendo games start hitting the Switch. :s
Sony's always used to be iffy imo, but the Vita d-pad is just lovely and the DS4 one is pretty great too. Funny how that goes.
Anyway, I really do like this Pro controller. Very comfortable to me, sleek design, general button feel is pretty great too and I sort of adore the sticks. I don't see myself playing Splatoon 2 without it unless I'm on the go.
ShadowFox08
Member
I just bought one recently. Man I hope I don't have this issue too.
HorseFD
Member
Are you using the new Splatoon 2 Pro Controller, or the regular black one?
LastOne2100
Member
Looking at the internal pictures, this is definitely a design flaw, not a manufacturing defect. Some may of course be worse than others, but there is undoubtedly a speed at which there would be problems for everyone.
Really depends on the game you're using it with and the speed at which you push the buttons.
Really depends on the game you're using it with and the speed at which you push the buttons.
dragonlife
Member
Forgot this was a thing...
I ordered the Splatoon version of the Pro yesterday. I hope they fixed things on their end, but I'll definitely be mindful of inputs (I play Puyo Puyo Tetris and Bomberman a lot).
At least that tape fix above seems easy enough. Thanks for the link.
I ordered the Splatoon version of the Pro yesterday. I hope they fixed things on their end, but I'll definitely be mindful of inputs (I play Puyo Puyo Tetris and Bomberman a lot).
At least that tape fix above seems easy enough. Thanks for the link.
What? No. It's one of their best.
me0wish
Member
Looks like a brilliant solution, might try it this week end, thanks!
iirc Nintendo said that they might support Wii U peripherals. Third party controllers and some Wii U accessories are already compatible, I don't see any technical reason for Wii U controllers not being supported.
It does, tested two pro controllers.
forknknife
Banned
Yeah, I agree with the micro and the Wii classic controller, they were pretty good.
It feels fine, but it's way too small.
martinstraka8282
Member
The pro controller is absolutely night and day compared to the joycons in or out of the grip for me. I played with the joycons for less than a week before I said fuck it and forked out for a pro controller.
Jonneh3003
Banned
Don't N64 and SNES have the exact same dpad?