People say that the Pro Controller is one of the essential Switch accessories. But many new Nintendo players are not quite sure if they should buy a Switch PRO controller. I purchased the Pro Controller on Amazon for $69.99 when it was first released, and have been using it for over 4 years now. Today I will share with you some of my experience.
Ultimately, I think it comes down to what types of games you frequently find yourself playing, and how you play them. If you tend to play more chilled out games like “Animal Crossing” while you're lying down on a sofa or in bed, then perhaps getting a pro controller won't change your life. But if you tend to find yourself playing more input heavy games like "HADES" or "Street Fighter" quite a lot for extended periods of time, getting a pro controller can really make a big difference.
What Does The Pro Controller Bring to You?
The Pro Controller is a more professional gamepad, in fact it is very similar to the XBOX controller, only the position of the joystick and buttons are different. the Switch Pro Controller does give you a lot of enhancements to your experience that the Joy-Cons does not.
1, Switch Pro Controller Provides Enough of A Gaming Controller Grip to Hold Comfortably
The pro controller offers a much more superior gaming experience and make the Switch feel a lot more like other real consoles such as your Xbox and your PlayStation.
Because of the lack of a rubber grip (or any grip) on the Joy-Cons, it's often not comfortable, especially during longer sessions of input-heavy games like Super Smash Bros. The grip of Switch Pro controller is focused on the actual handle. The grips are rounded and won’t make you uncomfortable for extended period of time using.
2, Pro Controller Has Better Joysticks And Buttons That Responsiveness And Click Tactile
Switch Pro Controller has better joysticks. Everything feels firm and responsive. It moves smoothly without being floppy, and it has a solid clicky tactile in every direction like the buttons.
The joystick of Pro Controller is much higher, longer key-stroke and giving really good responsiveness while using. If you are used to using the Pro Controller. You won’t like the Joy-Cons as its joystick is too short and lack of click tactile.
Plus, it's way easier to use the buttons, as your thumbs have more space and support to move around. I found myself accidentally performing the wrong actions at crucial moments far more often with the Joy-Cons, and this is something that you won't have problems with on the pro controller.
3, Pro Controller Is Less Possible to Have Drift Issues
The joysticks stiffness is also something which quite nice. I've had this controller a while and haven't experienced any stick drift of any kind. I definitely experienced that quite a bit on my Joy-Cons.
There aren't rampant cases of joystick drift for this more traditional-looking controller. In that way, it's a more reliable option.
But in My 4 Years of Use, I Also Have Dissatisfaction with The Switch PRO Controller
1, D-pad Is Possible to Register The Wrong Direction
The Nintendo Switch pro controller is a comfortable controller with a great button press feel but the D-pad has a possible problem where It can register the wrong direction when you press on it.
The thing is that when you’re holding down right or left, then if you slightly push down or up on it, it can actually register as diagonal instead of right.
I can find some customer reviews on amazon.com Switch Pro controller sale page complaining D-Pad register wrong direction. And, on Amazon.jp, similar review could be found on Switch Pro controller sale page as well. But the number is not much, it should be a small probability event.
"The controller had a faulty d-pad that would sometimes trigger up or down when pressing left or right and vice versa. I returned it for a replacement, but it also had the same issues. Also pay attention to the left and right grips, feel the straight edge where they connect to check if they are flush/even with the controller. Both of the controllers I received had issues with not being flush on the right side. Had high expectations for a premium priced controller and was disappointed."
Source
2, Switch Pro Controller Doesn’t Have A Headphone Jack
I don’t quite understand, why until today, the Switch Pro controller still don't have a headphone Jack hole. A headphone jack would be super useful for voice chat in games.
Pretty sure that Nintendo have already said it'd take up another Bluetooth channel and limit how many controllers could connect. But the Nintendo Switch console allow up to 8 controllers. They have enough bandwidth to do sound too. So I think Nintendo should let user decide if they want to connect a headphone jack or more controller.
The fact is that there is no microphone jack for a 70$ controller and it is horrible.
What Games Do You Like to Play That Determine Which Switch Controller You Should Use
I can divide the games on Nintendo into two main types. One type of game is a complex fighting game that requires gamers to operate quickly and react according to different situation. The other type of game requires less instantaneous reaction, but the operation is repetitive and frequent.
The first type of game is more suitable for Joy-Cons, where players can press multiple buttons in a short period of time, and their thumbs can cover both the button area and the joystick area at the same time. The Legend of Zelda, for example, gamer can also use the thumb joint to move the viewpoint at the same time when attacking and jumping, which the Pro Controller cannot do.
Diablo 3 is a game with the core gameplay of brushing monsters and exploding equipment. Because of the design of the game character talent skills, players need to repeatedly use skills to output damage. This means player will press more frequently on the buttons and joystick. This may slowly cause problems such as Joy-Con button not working and joystick drift
Besides, Joy-Con handle will also be more good for games that require sensor motion.
I make a table listing that which game is better to play with Pro Controller and which game is better to play with Joy-Cons according to my experience. You can take a refer.
| Games Better Played with Pro Controller | Games Better Played with Joy-Cons |
| Super Smash Bros. | The Legend of Zelda |
| Monster Hunter | Super Mario Maker 2 |
| Diablo III | Super Mario Odyssey |
| Splatoon | Mario Kart |
| Witcher 3 | ARMS |
| Astral Chain | Animal Crossing |
Finally, if you're looking to buy a second set of controllers for your Switch anyway. I would recommend the Pro Controller because they are cheaper than the Joy-Cons. So unless you are a big fan of the Joy-Cons, I don't really see why not to be honest.
But that is just my opinion. What do you guys think? Do you think the Pro Controller is worth it or do you tend to stick to the Joy Cons when playing super Smash bros. Let me know in the comment section down below.
Related Questions
If I Only Play Handheld Games, Is It Necessary to Buy Switch Pro Controller?
It depends on you. But I don’t see it’s necessary. If you only play Switch on handheld mode, you can choose Switch lite, which is cheaper, and easier to carry.
In my opinion, the Screen of Nintendo Switch is too small. With Pro controller, you won’t be able to read the subtitles clearly when you play the game.
If you want to give it a try, I suggest you buy a HORI controller, which is cheaper a lot than pro controller. If you think the experience of this playing is good, then buy a PRO controller.
Pro Controller doesn't have a headphone jack, how to connect Bluetooth Headphones to the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has Bluetooth. But you can´t use wireless headphones unless you have an adapter. You can find many similar products on Amazon by searching “Nintendo Switch wireless headset adapter”.
Once you have that Bluetooth adapter, simply plug it into your Switch's USB-C charging port on the bottom while handheld and hold down the pair button on your headphones--it should connect automatically.
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