Poll of the Day > Is a pro controller worth it for the Switch?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Thinking of buying one as I plan on playing the Switch mostly in docked mode. Thoughts?

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My understanding is pro controllers still have drift

So what I actually have is a beboncool controller. It's both cheaper, and better made. Yes, seriously. I've had it for over a year and used it heavily during quarantine. It's just as good as it was when I got it. I would look into those.

Edit: This is more or less the controller I use https://www.amazon.com/BEBONCOOL-Wireless-Controller-Nintendo-Control/dp/B07ST1ZCL1/

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Interesting.

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papercup posted...

This is more or less the controller I use https://www.amazon.com/BEBONCOOL-Wireless-Controller-Nintendo-Control/dp/B07ST1ZCL1/

gross

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papercup posted...

My understanding is pro controllers still have drift

It seems to be a recurring design flaw even in third party products.

Myself I have used a PDP for quite a while now, without drift issues so far, of the PowerA controllers I have some started drifting.

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Aculo posted...

gross

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I haven't had any drift problems with my pro controller, despite having plenty with my joycons. I'd say it's worthwhile if you do a lot of docked play, since it's a very comfortable controller and a definite upgrade over using joycons.

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A pro controller is more or less a requirement

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I haven't had any drift issues (I have on Joy cons), it's the best solution outside of a gamecube controller imo.

CarefreeDude posted...

A pro controller is more or less a requirement

Pretty much

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adjl posted...

I haven't had any drift problems with my pro controller, despite having plenty with my joycons. I'd say it's worthwhile if you do a lot of docked play, since it's a very comfortable controller and a definite upgrade over using joycons.

I'm leaning towards this. Joy-cons are fine for portability but I've always wanted a traditional controller for Nintendo games.

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Also, I do not know about official Pro Controllers, but the PDP and PowerA controllers I have had for Switch, are also automatically recognized by my PC and Steam.

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Nah, they're ludicrously expensive.
If you can get it on sale for like $50, then sure. But I don't think I've seen it drop even close to that.

I use the wired PowerA controllers. Cost $14-18 depending on sales. Last for months but eventually the sticks become worthless, but at those prices, it's not so bad. Only downsides are no rumble (I don't care) and no motion/gyro controls (I don't care, but some games might require it or be nearly unplayable w/o it).

All controllers these days can pretty much develop drift because of how the joysticks are made.

My pro controller got a little drift 3 years after buying it. Some electrical cleaner fixes it though.

It's absolutely worth it. The charge lasts for like 40+ hours and it feels like nice in your hands.

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Aculo posted...

gross

It's not pretty but it's still better than the first party product

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It's 50 on Amazon for me. Elsewhere it's 60+

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CarefreeDude posted...

A pro controller is more or less a requirement

This. Can't stand the Joycons. My first pair already started drifting even though I used the Pro Controller almost exclusively since day 1.

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depends on how much you play
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papercup posted...

My understanding is pro controllers still have drift

So what I actually have is a beboncool controller. It's both cheaper, and better made. Yes, seriously. I've had it for over a year and used it heavily during quarantine. It's just as good as it was when I got it. I would look into those.

Edit: This is more or less the controller I use https://www.amazon.com/BEBONCOOL-Wireless-Controller-Nintendo-Control/dp/B07ST1ZCL1/

why, more or less, do you use a different model?

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My only issue is that when I play smash the right stick doesn't always register when I use it

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CarefreeDude posted...

My only issue is that when I play smash the right stick doesn't always register when I use it

Is this a legit issue? Do we have better solutions?

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Never had problems with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. I think it's pretty essential.

I also like the 8bitdo pro controllers.

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wwinterj25 posted...

Is this a legit issue? Do we have better solutions?

The "better solution" is a gamecube controller

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Yes.

But if you mostly play games that use the D pad, get an 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controller instead. The D pad on the Switch Pro controller is one of the worst I've ever used. Classic NES Zelda is borderline unplayable with it.

The 8BitDo controller works fine for games that don't use a D Pad, too. But honestly Smash Bros is better with the Switch Pro, as is BotW.

If you play lots of D pad games, or want to save a bit of money, go with the 8BitDo controller. Otherwise, Switch Pro is fine.

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adjl posted...

I haven't had any drift problems with my pro controller, despite having plenty with my joycons. I'd say it's worthwhile if you do a lot of docked play, since it's a very comfortable controller and a definite upgrade over using joycons.

exactly tbis

Switch pro d-pad mis-hits sometimes but it doesn't make games unplayable. It's mostly annoying for menus and stuff. If you've ever had a 360 controller I'd say it's like that (not a glowing review I know but people make too big of a deal over it).

Gamecube controller kinda sucks for anything but Smash, it's just not versatile

its not a pro controller its a regular controller

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ClarkDuke posted...

why, more or less, do you use a different model?

Mine looks the same but there's no blue

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I use a 8bitdo USB adapter. Plugs into my Switch dock, along with PC / PlayStation Classic / Mega Drive Mini if I want, and lets me use other controllers. I can use a PS4 controller just fine, I have 4 of them around.
https://www.8bitdo.com/wireless-usb-adapter/
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In my experience the nunchuck mode is surprisingly viable and I have found it to be extremely flexible in it's utility. If you are looking to go wireless then save yourself the cash and at least try nunchuck mode first.

However if you are going wired then, yes, get the pro-controller. Wired will save on batteries and provide the classic grip many are used to.

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papercup posted...

Mine looks the same but there's no blue

it might be nice to have a throw away controller.

DeltaBladeX posted...

I use a 8bitdo USB adapter. Plugs into my Switch dock, along with PC / PlayStation Classic / Mega Drive Mini if I want, and lets me use other controllers. I can use a PS4 controller just fine, I have 4 of them around.
https://www.8bitdo.com/wireless-usb-adapter/

ive been looking at this, since i mostly to use an xbox one controller, are there any in game incompatibilities?

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ClarkDuke posted...

ive been looking at this, since i mostly to use an xbox one controller, are there any in game incompatibilities?

No more than any third party Pro controller. You won't get Amiibo support with a Sony or Microsoft controller, and you still need to turn the system on with either the official controllers or with the power button. IIRC, it supports rumble, at least with PS4 controllers. It is quite nice to use, had no problems on Switch, though there was an issue on PC when a driver update went wrong, but eventually fixed it.
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Unbridled9 posted...

In my experience the nunchuck mode is surprisingly viable and I have found it to be extremely flexible in it's utility. If you are looking to go wireless then save yourself the cash and at least try nunchuck mode first.

However if you are going wired then, yes, get the pro-controller. Wired will save on batteries and provide the classic grip many are used to.

They have built in batteries that can be wired

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ClarkDuke posted...

it might be nice to have a throw away controller.

I mean it works perfectly, what's the problem?

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If you're playing on the TV and can afford it get a pro controller, mine's got drift though even though my original joycons are fine

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DeltaBladeX posted...

I use a 8bitdo USB adapter. Plugs into my Switch dock, along with PC / PlayStation Classic / Mega Drive Mini if I want, and lets me use other controllers. I can use a PS4 controller just fine, I have 4 of them around.
https://www.8bitdo.com/wireless-usb-adapter/

I have one of these, too. I'm not a fan of the PS4 controller for most Switch games. The A/B swap throws me off.

One impressive thing about this is that the gyro controls still work. It seems 8BitDo is the only third party controller company that recognizes how important gyro aiming is. Their SN30 Pro+ controller supports gyro, too.

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I bought a $25 wired GameCube style controller and it works great. No motion or vibration though.

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DeltaBladeX posted...

No more than any third party Pro controller. You won't get Amiibo support with a Sony or Microsoft controller, and you still need to turn the system on with either the official controllers or with the power button. IIRC, it supports rumble, at least with PS4 controllers. It is quite nice to use, had no problems on Switch, though there was an issue on PC when a driver update went wrong, but eventually fixed it.

youve sold me, $19 is well worth it, ok?

papercup posted...

I mean it works perfectly, what's the problem?

theres no problem, i need a second player controller, ok?

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ClarkDuke posted...

$19 is well worth it, ok?

I got a better price elsewhere, but still not bad. Go for it. :)
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I ended up getting one. Originally bought a GameCube style controller cause I always loved that controller but the button placements being different kept throwing me off considering I play both docked and portable.

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DeltaBladeX posted...

I got a better price elsewhere, but still not bad. Go for it. :)

if you have a suggestion, im all for savings, ok?

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If you're primarily playing docked I would definitely recommend it. When I first got my Switch I didn't have a TV and just played with the Joycons attached to the screen and enjoyed it, though my hands got tired/sore quicker than with other controllers. But now that I have a TV and Pro controller it's definitely much more comfortable.

ClarkDuke posted...

if you have a suggestion, im all for savings, ok?

I just hunted around online, got a deal from a third party seller. They aren't running the deal right now. I can only suggest hunting around yourself to see if anyone is selling them cheaper right now.
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Welp. I took the plunge and made a order for the pro controller. Thanks folks.

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I have a Switch Lite so it doesn't make any sense for me to have one.

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