Switch gamers, you gotta get a pro controller.
We went on a long journey through games before discovering that controllers matters. Admittedly, when we were kids, there was always “The Controller,” the one everyone wanted! You remember that controller, right? Whether it looked cooler, felt good in your hands or was just plain reliable, the kiddos would fight over it before every local game of Halo, Street Fighter, or Super Smash.
Recently, we had a revelation: the pro controller is the definitive way to play on the Nintendo Switch.
After using the pro controller for an especially long time, we switched back to the regular joy-con. This is what we learned: while joy-con’s have more versatility, they can’t stand up to the pro controller! So, let’s discuss…
Why Switch users should get a pro controller
It looks great
PS4 controllers look smooth and high-tech, which meshes perfectly well with their robust system. Xbox controllers are angular, sleek, and light, implying the system’s adaptability.
Nintendo controllers look like they were designed by a Splatoon Inkling, with shiny, round edges, and the overall Nintendo eye for design. Both versions sold at this time – plain gray and Super Smash logo – have great minimalist looks that we love. Also, much akin to the original Game Boy Colors, their clear cases also reveal some of the inner mechanisms, which never fails to be a fun design choice (in our opinion).
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Using a PS4 controller feels like you’re grabbing onto a spaceship console: it’s precise and designed for comfort. Xbox controllers feel the wheel of a race car: they’re light, make quick turns, and are more excitable.
The Pro controller feels like chocolate. Or, you know, whatever tactile image you equate to smoothness: a tranquil pond, a hot knife through butter, the touch of a lover, whatever.
A few aspects to note: buttons are well-placed and the left thumbstick isn’t located too far away from your hand, which we greatly appreciate. It has a comfortable weight like the PS4 controller. Joy-cons and Xbox controllers are far lighter, which makes them go back and forth between feeling breakable and playfully weightless. Good and bad.
Finally, most importantly, the joysticks are a dream to use. As Xbox users, we find Microsoft’s controllers to be severely lacking in this respect: the pro controllers have smooth thumb resistance, and the dead zone (how far the stick goes before moving the character) is well-placed. In games where aiming matters – like Fortnite – this can make a huge difference.
It works great
Licensed Nintendo products, unlike the knockoff accessories, almost always have a reliable level of quality. The pro controller is no different.
Expect an excellent charge. We’ve used the controller for hours without having to plug it in, and even when that happens it charges quickly enough that you won’t be bothered by the cords restriction for too long.
Aside from that, this thing is tenacious. We’ve dropped it one too many times, but it still keeps going. You won’t get that toughness from a third-party retro GameCube controller that literally breaks after a few minutes of regular use. Not that we’ve had that experience or anything…
Finally, it has a built-in Amiibo reader. Now you can scan Amiibo during the heat of the game next time you play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild!
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Really, what’s so bad about joy-cons?
The answer is: nothing. In fact, joy cons are completely necessary for the Switch. They’re an integral part of the console’s experience. You wouldn’t have nearly as much fun playing Mario Odyssey without being able to actually “throw” your friend Cappy!
But sometimes, there are games that require a little more finesse, games that require a regular controller and simply aren’t done justice by the joy-con charging grip. In those situations, when you want a good-looking controller that stays charged for an excellent amount of time, feels good in your hands, and maneuvers like a professional soccer player, we recommend picking up the pro controller.
If for no other reason, grab one because it makes beating your friends in Super Smash: Ultimate approximately 1,000 times easier!
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, it’s your choice whether or not you want a Switch Pro Controller. We believe them to be one of the best console controllers made, and it appears others agree: they have a considerable 4.5 stars with thousands of reviews on Amazon!
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