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[Chittagong]

I heard the complaints back in the day, but it wasn't only until I've been playing Tetris 99 and Dark Souls that I found that the controller is truly unusable for games that require d-pad.

In Tetris 99, I am messing up my hard drops constantly.

In Dark Souls, I am constantly going "wtf happened to my shield?" or "where did my sword go?"

So I was wondering whether the issue ever got fixed, and whether there is a specific SKU for the fixed version?

 

[DESTROYA]

What exactly is wrong with the D-Pad ? Does it not recognize the inputs no matter how hard you press it?
I've been thinking on buying one .

 

[Tevious]

What exactly is wrong with the D-Pad ? Does it not recognize the inputs no matter how hard you press it?
I've been thinking on buying one .

Mine sometimes triggers the left direction when I'm pressing down. At first, I thought it was my fault but it happens all the time....

 

[01011001]

it was never fixed, but newer models have a slightly better dpad, but it still sucks and will still give you wrong inputs.

honestly, I think the way to go is to wait for the 8bitdo SN30pro+ which is fully Switch compatible and will most likely have a vastly superior dpad

 

[Gormless Noodle]

it was never fixed, but newer models have a slightly better dpad, but it still sucks and will still give you wrong inputs.

honestly, I think the way to go is to wait for the 8bitdo SN30pro+ which is fully Switch compatible and will most likely have a vastly superior dpad

I got the Xenoblade 2 model and I can't say I ever experienced it like that. My main test is generally Street Fighter for any dpad and it seems to work well. But either way there's probably some better options out there, I definitely wouldn't take the gamble on an older model pro controller.

 

[Chittagong]

What exactly is wrong with the D-Pad ? Does it not recognize the inputs no matter how hard you press it?
I've been thinking on buying one .

The other way around. When you press one direction, it generates input for two directions.

For example, in Dark Souls, when I shuffle between Estus Flasks and Purging Stones mid battle (pressing down), it often simultaneously unequips my shield (pressing left) or my main weapon (pressing right).

Or in Tetris 99, when I am moving the block (pressing left/right), it often simultaneously hard drops the block (pressing up).

 

[cireza]

My main test is generally Street Fighter for any dpad and it seems to work well

Pro Controller has one of the worst d-pad ever for games like SF and KoF, in my opinion. The 8bitDo M30 is the way to go for these games.

 

[Vawn]

Tetris 99 is the only time I noticed this issue.

It probably happens in other games, but a quick phantom hit of up on the d-pad can often be inconsequential and go by completely unnoticed. In Tetris, that crap is lethal and annoying as hell.

 

[#Phonepunk#]

I got the wired pro controller but never saw the issue. Bought last christmas

 

[Acidizer]

This is the main reason I haven't picked up a Switch.

Pretty pathetic you need to shell out £55 for a D-pad since it is missing from the included "controller", only for it not to work properly, then on top of that Switch is the home of D-pad appropriate games, and Nintendo having actually inventing the D-pad!

It's like a cruel joke.

 

[Virex]

Never had an issue with the D-Pad on my pro controller. But it sucks that there are people experiencing these problems. Heard there are tons of issue with the joycons as well. And luckily I haven't had any issues either. Hope Nintendo is aware of this

 

[CRON]

it was never fixed, but newer models have a slightly better dpad, but it still sucks and will still give you wrong inputs.

honestly, I think the way to go is to wait for the 8bitdo SN30pro+ which is fully Switch compatible and will most likely have a vastly superior dpad

The 8BitDo doesn't support HD rumble, though. It sounds petty but I really can't go back to traditional force feedback on the Switch, after experiencing HDR.

 

[rabbity-thing]

it was never fixed, but newer models have a slightly better dpad, but it still sucks and will still give you wrong inputs.

honestly, I think the way to go is to wait for the 8bitdo SN30pro+ which is fully Switch compatible and will most likely have a vastly superior dpad

Don't know if it's still a problem, but, considering the topic of this thread, I find it ironic that 8bitdo's Nintendo style controllers have had issues with dpad sensitivity. These may or may not be the solution to the Switch dpad problem.

EDIT: I don't want to seem like i'm knocking them, though. I mad respect 8bitdo's product line and have many of their controllers. The dpad issue has easy workarounds and their build quality is unparalleled in their niche market.

 

[01011001]

Don't know if it's still a problem, but, considering the topic of this thread, I find it ironic that 8bitdo's Nintendo style controllers have had issues with dpad sensitivity. These may or may not be the solution to the Switch dpad problem.

EDIT: I don't want to seem like i'm knocking them, though. I mad respect 8bitdo's product line and have many of their controllers. The dpad issue has easy workarounds and their build quality is unparalleled in their niche market.

yes, their Dpad isn't the best either but honestly, almost anything is better than the one on the Pro Controller.

and I wouldn't trust other third party controllers because most of them are just garbage, with 8bitdo you at leasr know the build quality is good

 

[Acidizer]

What is HD rumble? Doesn't sound like a deal breaker though haven't experienced it, any games use it particularly well?

I read on here I think you can buy an adaptor on use any pad on Switch... like DS4? Does anyone do that?

 

[iconmaster]

Unfortunately a third-party controller is probably your best bet if D-pad precision is important to your favorite games (such as Tetris 99). Possibly the Switch Lite will solve this, but we won't know for a while.

As pointed out, it's a real shame given Nintendo's history with that input mechanism.

 

[DESTROYA]

So what's the best 3rd party controller folks?

 

[Gormless Noodle]

Pro Controller has one of the worst d-pad ever for games like SF and KoF, in my opinion. The 8bitDo M30 is the way to go for these games.

I think the Xenoblade 2 Pro controller had an upgraded D-pad, prolly why I didn't have much issues with it. But sure, if that 8bitDo controller is a safe option with a great D-pad, go for it.

 

[iconmaster]

What is HD rumble? Doesn't sound like a deal breaker though haven't experienced it, any games use it particularly well?

It's a finer, more variable rumble motor that can be used to simulate some pretty immersive sensations. It's used to great effect in Mario Odyssey, IMO. The only game that really requires it is Super Mario Party, as there are multiple minigames that depend on differentiating between rumble levels.

 

[dcx4610]

I played through both Blaster Master games and didn't have a problem. It's definitely one of the worst Nintendo dpads though. It sits a little too high up which I think is the reason some have trouble.

 

[WindomURL]

The other way around. When you press one direction, it generates input for two directions.

For example, in Dark Souls, when I shuffle between Estus Flasks and Purging Stones mid battle (pressing down), it often simultaneously unequips my shield (pressing left) or my main weapon (pressing right).

Or in Tetris 99, when I am moving the block (pressing left/right), it often simultaneously hard drops the block (pressing up).

Yup, definitely have had some issues with the dpad on my Pros like you've described. Almost like it's a little too sensitive or something. Especially troublesome in Contra and Blazing Chrome, where I find myself switching back and forth between the dpad and the analog when one or the other gets me killed.

 

[Naked Lunch]

For a system loaded with legendary 2d games, to have a shit d-pad is inexcusable.
What a joke.

 

[Vawn]

For a system loaded with legendary 2d games, to have a shit d-pad is inexcusable.
What a joke.

Well, let's be fair. If you just use the joycons, you don't have to deal with a bad d-pad. In fact, you don't have to deal with a d-pad at all.

 

[pimentel1]

So what's the best 3rd party controller folks?

For Tetris, I use either the dpad on a gamecube controller or the wireless nes controller Nintendo was selling, though with the nes pad you can't target other players.

 

[kunonabi]

For Tetris, I use either the dpad on a gamecube controller or the wireless nes controller Nintendo was selling, though with the nes pad you can't target other players.

Games other than smash are compatible with the GC adapter?

 

[Rock And Roll]

The shitty d pad easily cost me a good 500-800 deaths in Celeste.

 

[PhoenixTank]

Games other than smash are compatible with the GC adapter?

Anything that doesn't need ZL and thumbstick clicks should be fine. GC controllers just show as wired Pro Controllers to the system.
I wouldn't really want to use the tiny GC dpad as a primary input for anything, personally.

 

[Codes 208]

Games other than smash are compatible with the GC adapter?

I cant speak for the adapter but the powera wireless gamecube controller is technically a pro controller and works as such. Includes gyro as well.

So what's the best 3rd party controller folks?

For me its the enhanced wireless controller. Its basically a pro controller (even has gyro controls for games like splatoon and zelda) but $15 cheaper.

 

[pimentel1]

Games other than smash are compatible with the GC adapter?

as long as the game doesn't require motion control or a left shoulder button, the gamecube controller works for everything. Even better are games where you can reassign buttons.

And IIRC, the gamecube analog triggers work well with Trials Rising.

 

[kunonabi]

Anything that doesn't need ZL and thumbstick clicks should be fine. GC controllers just show as wired Pro Controllers to the system.
I wouldn't really want to use the tiny GC dpad as a primary input for anything, personally.

Yeah it isnt I deal but I'll still take it over any of the existing awful Switch control options in a heatbeat.

 

[93xfan]

it was never fixed, but newer models have a slightly better dpad, but it still sucks and will still give you wrong inputs.

honestly, I think the way to go is to wait for the 8bitdo SN30pro+ which is fully Switch compatible and will most likely have a vastly superior dpad

Found out about this because of your post and am so hyped!!

 

[Vitacat]

I have the Xenoblade pro controller as well as the original black version, and the Xenoblade one does have a better dpad (i.e. fewer accidental diagonals). But it's still not a great dpad.

Kinda sad considering Nintendo basically invented the dpad, but they can't make a really great one for the Switch. Saturn and Vita dpads remain the best. 8bitdo m30 has a very good dpad as well.

 

[Scopa]

I heard the complaints back in the day, but it wasn't only until I've been playing Tetris 99 and Dark Souls that I found that the controller is truly unusable for games that require d-pad.

In Tetris 99, I am messing up my hard drops constantly.

In Dark Souls, I am constantly going "wtf happened to my shield?" or "where did my sword go?"

So I was wondering whether the issue ever got fixed, and whether there is a specific SKU for the fixed version?

Just a heads up: Nintendo updated Tetris 99 with a dpad fix a while ago. If you look in the settings somewhere (in game), there is a setting to change dpad mode. I changed it and the issue disappeared for Tetris 99. I'm not in front of my Switch right now, but if you can't find the right setting, I can look it up later.

Also, anecdotal but I used to notice the incorrect dpad issue a lot in the past, but in the last few months, I have played a lot of 2D platformers and haven't seen it occur even once. I'm not sure if Nintendo updated the controller firmware or I am just lucky. If you are unaware, you can go into the Switch's settings and update the controllers. Might help.

 

[Chittagong]

Just a heads up: Nintendo updated Tetris 99 with a dpad fix a while ago. If you look in the settings somewhere (in game), there is a setting to change dpad mode. I changed it and the issue disappeared for Tetris 99. I'm not in front of my Switch right now, but if you can't find the right setting, I can look it up later.

Also, anecdotal but I used to notice the incorrect dpad issue a lot in the past, but in the last few months, I have played a lot of 2D platformers and haven't seen it occur even once. I'm not sure if Nintendo updated the controller firmware or I am just lucky. If you are unaware, you can go into the Switch's settings and update the controllers. Might help.

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks!

 

[Kataploom]

These issues on Switch controllers have me thinking whether I should pull the trigger and but one this year or hold on, it's a bummer since I've really been excited to finally play Zelda botw and now I finally have money and time to buy it and play

 

[Chittagong]

These issues on Switch controllers have me thinking whether I should pull the trigger and but one this year or hold on, it's a bummer since I've really been excited to finally play Zelda botw and now I finally have money and time to buy it and play

The controller issues don't affect Zelda very much if at all, it doesn't put mission critical stuff on the d-pad

 

[PeterBazooka]

Pro Controller has one of the worst d-pad ever for games like SF and KoF, in my opinion. The 8bitDo M30 is the way to go for these games.

The M30 really is decent controller for most 2D games and feels great in your hands but... 360 motions don't register very well imo. Its only downfall.


The switch pro dpad is still atrociously bad.

 

[SLoWMoTIoN]

Buy one, test it out. There is a literal test your controller screen. If it has said issue simply return it.

 

[Jigsaah]

Looks like a normal D-pad to me, though I must admit. DS4 has the best D-pad on the market right now.

Those symmetrical analog sticks on the pro controller is the real crime here. How do people play with those and not be annoyed by their thumbs touching?

 

[Zog]

You can really see how bad the Pro Controller D-Pad is in games with menu's like FF7 and The Last Remnant.

 

[MagnesG]

I heard the complaints back in the day, but it wasn't only until I've been playing Tetris 99 and Dark Souls that I found that the controller is truly unusable for games that require d-pad.

In Tetris 99, I am messing up my hard drops constantly.

In Dark Souls, I am constantly going "wtf happened to my shield?" or "where did my sword go?"

So I was wondering whether the issue ever got fixed, and whether there is a specific SKU for the fixed version?

For me I used my Joy-Cons for precision. In fact most pro Tetris 99 used joycons.

 

[kunonabi]

Wait, I just remembered that I own that awesome hori gc controller with the really nice dpad.

 

[01011001]

Found out about this because of your post and am so hyped!!

same, that controller might be the ultimate Pro controller alternative for the Switch for a while.

I have played with the SN30pro before, that one is shaped like a SNES controller or actually even more like a Wii Classic controller, so it's not as ergonomic because it doesn't have grips, but the build quality of the sticks is the best of any 3rd party controller I've ever used, by far... and all in all that thing felt super high quality, which is pretty unusual for 3rd party controllers... like even those super expensive Razer and Nacon controllers feel cheap compared to it.

that's why this is the only one that is even an option for me personally

 

[Zog]

For me I used my Joy-Cons for precision. In fact most pro Tetris 99 used joycons.

I would think they would have to, the Pro Controller D-Pad is just terrible. How does Nintendo (of all companies) mess up a D-Pad?

 

[PhoenixTank]

Wait, I just remembered that I own that awesome hori gc controller with the really nice dpad.

Now that is a proper dpad
Always wanted one, never got around to it while the GC was in its prime.

 

[Kataploom]

The controller issues don't affect Zelda very much if at all, it doesn't put mission critical stuff on the d-pad

Well, yeah but that's not the only game I'll want to play later, then there's also the drifting issue on the joycon

 

[Wesleyalucard]

Nope, it's a complete garbage Just like the xbox d-pad.

 

[cireza]

The M30 really is decent controller for most 2D games and feels great in your hands but... 360 motions don't register very well imo. Its only downfall.

I will check this out. I didn't yet because I mainly play KoF, I don't have any Capcom fighters on Switch yet.

 

[Tesseract]

damn shame such a great controller is so flawed, xbox one stays winning

 

[Cattlyst]

Not really related, but I thought the Hori wired controller had a nice touch with the removable d-pad that has the four individual buttons underneath.