I was hesitant to buy this because of the price. I eventually caved because my original joycons were drifting badly and I wanted something to use while I sent them away to be repaired.
PROS
-great quality
-comfortable to hold
-material is nice
-responsive
CONS
-expensive as hell
-fakes are everywhere so you have to inspect yours to make sure
Here’s a few ways to tell if yours is real
-Real ones have a hidden message under the right analogue stick. If you move it down and shine a light into the space above, you can see a message reading “THX2 ALLGAMERS!” underneath. It’s difficult to find so look it up online if you’re struggling.
-look for the original nintendo seal of quality (in the EU). it should be at the back, on the top left.
-Look for the words “licensed by nintendo”. nintendo never say their products are licensed, because they’re not.
-it will wake the switch (in docked mode) when you press the home button
-amiibo/nfc use, most fake ones won’t have this function.
If it fails any of these, contact amazon for a replacement. fakes coming from this listing are probably a warehouse error and they should help you out.
Overall, this is a high quality controller and I don’t regret purchasing it, but I do wish it were a bit cheaper.
I was hesitant to buy at first as the price seemed high but after finally getting one I can’t believe It took me so long. It’s like a cross between the XboxOne pad and DualShock 4.
The Switch joy-cons are usable, the joy-cons with the comfort grip is better, but the Switch Pro controller takes it to another level.
It’s a comfortable controller with a nice weight. The D-pad feels really good and everything is placed in a really good position. The provided type-C charging cable is great too. Really thick and about 1.5 metres in length.
I have no doubt that if you buy the Switch Pro, you will enjoy Switch games more. It has made Street Fighter games playable and makes 2D mario games easier to play.
Has a tiny tendency to stick in a particular position but very good otherwise. Shame you can’t use Wii u controller as button layout is almost identical
I have medium size hands and the Pro controller is very comfortable to hold and use. Sticks and buttons are great as well, although I miss the control stick notches from the Gamecube controller (GCC).
The directional pad takes some getting used to. It’s very easy to accidentally press a diagonal, or another direction entirely, when you didn’t want to, which is obviously very frustrating. If Nintendo give this controller a much better D-pad then this is suddenly one of the best controllers on the market. As it stands, for games where D-pad control is better than stick (e.g. four-way games like Crypt of the Necrodancer), I have to ditch this pad for the joycons.
The only other problem is the controller turns on with any button press and connects to the last Switch it was synced to. This is very annoying for events where lots of Switches are present, such as Smash tournaments or other Nintendo fan get-togethers. A simple on-off switch would save SO much hassle (and hair) for organisers of such events, wouldn’t be hard to implement, and would only be slightly less convenient for home use (if at all).
Overall I bought this because playing Smash Ultimate on anything but this or GCC is hellish, but I would probably rather play on a PS/XB pad if I could. However, if you don’t care about the D-pad and you don’t go to medium to large Nintendo events, this controller is great.
Great controller. Took a long time to decide to get it given the cost, but one too many problems with the standard controllers leading to me getting splatted in Splatoon pushed me over the edge and I’m glad I did. It’s very comfortable, and the battery lasts for ages. I didn’t notice any great feel in control or accuracy at first but having just had a quick go with the original joycons after playing with the Pro-controller for a few months, the Pro controller is miles better.
I know there is a lot of tech inside controllers these days, but I do think that relative to what you get inside the actual console itself, they are a bit of a con, but in this case, an essential one, at least for me. I rarely use the switch in hand-held mode, and treat this more like a console I can take away with me if I want to. Fact is, it has spent 99.99% of its time wired to the TV. To Nintendo’s credit, this controller is a lovely design and very comfortable to use. There are alternatives of course, not least those from 8Bitdo, but if you have a switch and it’s hooked up to the TV, definitely give this a consideration. High quality, just a bit pricey and not the best value in my opinion.
I have to admit, having read the other reviews I was quite apprehensive in ordering this controller because my intention was to play a lot of games involving the d-pad, however having used it for a few days and doing complex tricks involving precise d-pad inputs I am relieved to say that the d-pad issues seem to be overblown.
The controller has a good weight to it and a nice feel in the hands, it has a phenomenal battery life and the d-pad and buttons are very responsive. I haven’t used the sticks yet because no game has called for it as yet. I hope I don’t come to any issue with that down the line but as of now this controller gets 5 stars from me.
Works very well with Super Mario Maker 2 and the SNES games you get for free with a Nintendo Online subscription.
It wasn’t long after I bought my Switch that I realised the JoyCons just weren’t cutting it. The small clicky buttons, the small movement area of the analogue sticks and the less than ideal solution of having to put them in the JoyCon grip to get something that resembled a traditional controller.
After trying to play Super Smash Ultimate and anticipating eventually playing long story games like Zelda I knew the JoyCons just weren’t going to be good enough.
Immediately after unboxing the Pro controller it felt 10x better than the JoyCons in the hand. Debatably more comfortable than a PS4 controller (Although each has strengths and weaknesses)
The shape feels ergonomic and the rubberised grips help out in those intense multiplayer sessions.
It also has a proper D-Pad as opposed to the JoyCon which has it split into 4 different buttons.
It appears to be more robust than the PS4 controller. When twisting the controller in the hand it doesn’t make that unpleasant creaking sound that the PlayStation controller is prone to. The Switch Pro controller feels solid.
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS OVER A THIRD PARTY CONTROLLER?
Most third party controllers wont allow you to turn the console on with the home button which means you’ll have to keep getting up and pressing the power key on your switch.
The majority of third party controllers will lack either NFC, Rumble or wireless connection. Sometimes all three.
You’re unlikely to find a third party controller which is as comfortable to use for long gaming sessions.
Its built well – Third party controllers are prone to becoming faulty after a short period. You might end up buying twice and spending the same if not more money.
Overall If you’re going to buy one controller for your Switch pay the little extra and get this one. I’ve seen the prices on amazon changing daily from anywhere between 50 – 60. If its at 60 when you’re looking at it hold out for a day or two and wait for it to drop to 50.
Fun Fact: Amazon changes prices on its products roughly every 10 minutes.
Well beyond my expectations. Incredibly precise, comfortable and durable. Price is a tad up there and the D-Pad isn’t the best but everything else is fantastic.
I’m sure other reviews have gone over the technical details so I’ll keep it brief-this is probably the most comfortable controller I’ve ever used across all the consoles, second maybe only to the GameCube controller. It takes a long time for any aches to set in, everything feels perfectly contoured, all the buttons and sticks are well in reach and give great feedback.
I also use this as an alternative to the Steam controller for playing, you guessed it, Steam games. Sometimes the setup can be annoying but once that’s done it’s much more comfortable, and the battery charge seems to last longer, both in use and just sitting around waiting to be used.
The only issue I could think of-I have small hands and it fits perfectly, so there may possibly be a slight sizing issue if you’re much larger. Also, it’s a bit costly at full price. I do think it’s worth it though.
I’ve played on every Nintendo consoles since the NES, so I can confidently say that this is the best controller they’ve ever put out, and possibly one of the best controllers available right now across any platform. It’s certainly leagues ahead of the joy-cons in terms of range of movement, comfort, and responsiveness.
True it is a bit on the pricey side, but considering the amount of tech crammed into this thing it’s pretty impressive; alongside all the fully fledged controls (including a decent enough if not perfect D-pad) you’ve got wireless connectivity, HD rumble, rechargeable battery pack, NFC, motion controls, and USB-C charging.
Most importantly though is that this makes Switch games a more enjoyable experience to play as it is very comfortable, solidly built, and has excellent sized buttons, grips, shoulder buttons/triggers and thumbsticks.
I wan’t sure if I was gonna buy this since I thought it was a bit expensive but because it had so many good reviews I just bought it and it is super good. It feels superb and its a must have no matter what games you play
For the switch this controller is absolutely perfect so five stars there. On the other hand I do prefer the customizability you’d have with say an Xbox elite. Feels great, works great. A must have for switch.
This controller is good, it feels good to hold and the joysticks are very precise, I really think it is a must for anyone who plays the Switch a lot, even though the joy-cons themselves are excellent in my opinion. However, I see that often as soon as I start playing the buttons do not respond very well, I have to press them at least twice for something to happen in games. Then I have to go to controller options and check all the buttons every time in order to be able to play smoothly, which is quite frustrating and that’s the reason why I don’t think it deserves 5 stars. I hope I did not receive a defective controller though.
The controller is immensely comfortable and extremely easy to set up, and is far more convenient than taking the joycons off the switch every time you want to play in docked mode. The controller is well made and sturdy, has a fantastic battery life and the fact every game can be played with it makes it a must have for anyone who’s going to be getting serious usage out of their switch. The only slightly negative thing I can say about it is that the D-pad is slightly wobbly, but this doesn’t impact gameplay in any way at all. All in all, a necessity for getting the most out of the Switch.
I feel like an absolute Nintendo shill: How can Nintendo keep getting away with pricing their products knowing we will just buy them?
I spent a considerable time debating the Pro over the cheaper wired controller, and you know what? I paid a premium but made the right choice.
Seriously! Considering the cheap plastic the Switch is made of Nintendo has put proper research and development into making their Pro Controller the right texture, size and weight to feel good in the hands. The sticks have rubber to stop thumbs slipping, the D-pad is rough and textured and the ABXY are smooth enough to bash. You know exactly where your thumbs will be just by touch.
Everything just feels right! You can play while charging (which automatically pairs it with your Switch, so no complicated setup) and even with about 8 hours for a full charge the battery is a beast.
Better than the Joycons and works good with most games the only problem I have with it is when the touch screen is needed like captain toads treasure tracker.
After a lot of thought I took the plunge and bought this controller. My hand was forced a little after the joy cons developed faults in the gimbals and had to be sent for repair – I didn’t want to be without a controller but I also really wanted one that would allow the Amiibos to still be used.
I looked at a number of other controllers such as the 8bit range, but finally settled on this as I knew it would be guaranteed to work perfectly and was a nice larger size for those longer play sessions.
Comfort: very comfortable for me and for my 8 years old son, no problems for my big hands or his little ones!
Charge: Lasts a very long time, I can’t specify how long only that I’ve been surprised how long it goes without being charged
RFID: Works perfectly
The only thing I wish is that it had gimbal guards for travel. I don;t need a full case on it, but something just to protect those would be a good idea. It may be possible to get something 3D printed but I haven’t gone that far yet!
Amazing, the controller is comfortable, the battery life is super long, it’s rechargeable, the buttons click very nicely. It’s got a nice weight to it, not flimsy at all, it rivals every the Xbox controller, recommend this for your home setup.
We are in front of the original Nintendo controller, the Nintendo Switch Pro Mando.
The control that has approximate measurements of 106 mm x 152 mm x 60 mm and a weight of 246 g.
And it has:
Bluetooth 3.0, NFC (near-field communication)
Accelerometer, gyroscope
HD vibration
USB Type-C connector
Lithium-ion battery [CTR-003] – Capacity: 1300 mAh
The battery lasts about 40 hours.
Although the command is expensive …, the truth is that we are looking at a quality product, with a very good grip, and an intelligent arrangement of buttons (very similar to the rest of controls for the other game platforms).
As you already have an NFC reader, it is necessary to use the Amiibo.
It comes with the USB cable to charge directly from the console Dock.
One of the points that I find more negative is that the triggers of the command are simple buttons, they have no route and even that this in principle does not subtract points to the control, if that is very negative in the face of possible launches of driving games.
In short, we have an almost perfect command, with great ergonomics, very good touch and quality material. Hurt the price so high, yet the feeling is of durability and perhaps compensate pay more for this command to buy others and soon after they break down.
Controller arrived in great time. My joycon analogue stick had started shifting left a bit, I bought a gamecube style one, which I love for certain games, but it has no rumble feature so it was time to take the plunge.
First off it looks gorgeous, quite similar to the xbox controller (but that’s not a bad thing!) got some nice weight to it, and great sized buttons.
Works great with Mario and zelda, analogue sticks are spot on. HD rumble is better than I’ve seen on ps or xb.
Only posibble downsides, no analogue shoulder buttons, and no octagonal joystick case (like gc)
All in, highly recommend.
I don’t use controllers very often; when I do, it’s a wired Xbox controller for my PC. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is light and comofrtable in hand, the buttons and triggers are lovely to press, the joysticks are smooth. Much more preferable to use than the joycons, and cheaper than a set of those. It has good rumble, the handles are decently grippy, and it’s kinda cool how the main body is translucent (which I didn’t realise until seeing it IRL after delivery). Very nicely made.
This is a great controller. For those wondering if it’s any different to two joycons in a comfort grip, yes, it really is. The sticks are slightly bigger and feel more solid. The buttons are much bigger and easier to use. It sits perfectly in your hand. The battery lasts for ages, and the whole thing just feels really well made. My only slight criticism, which is more of the Switch in general than this controller, is that the shoulder buttons should be analogue. It does everything the joy cons do, including reading amiibos, HD rumble etc with the exception of the IR camera on the right joy con, which, let’s be honest, no-one has ever used. Totally worth the investment.
The controller feels heavy and sturdy. First i was unsure if i should get it or not. If you’re the same don’t hesitate, just buy it. It’s one of the most comfortable controllers out there!
People may all say ‘compared to others this is similar’ but regardless of the market pushing controller prices up 60 pounds still feels like a lot to spend on a controller.
However it is a fantastic controller to use with the switch and for those with larger hands it’s essential to avoid the cramping that comes from trying to use the lower functions on the joycon controllers for any play session longer than about 30 minutes.
Just have to bite the proverbial bullet and buy it.
Bought mine over a year ago and would never go back to joycons out of handheld mode.
Doesn’t always work to wake the switch up from sleep, usually end up with the TV switching automatically but just showing a black screen vs working perfectly when pressing power button on switch itself (but this could be a YMMV situation based on the TV it’s hooked up to).
I’m new to the switch but it became apparent to me quite quickly that I would like a more traditional controller option as well as the joy cons.
This one is truly superb and feels very solid and well built. More so than our previous xbox one controllers, or indeed any other controller. Its superb.
It charges via usb c of which a cable is included and doesnt take long.
Connecting it was a doddle. Here in lies why I bought the genuine one. The switches are perfect. The switches, buttons etc all respond beautifully. You get all the functions you would expect too. HD Rumble, Amiibo support etc
I like the size and shape of it and its perfectly sized and balanced for my son.
Although initially hesitant due to price I’m glad I bought this one. Perfec
Surprisingly good quality. The controller is durable, the haptic feedback is best in class, the buttons are clicky and responsive. Motion control is superbly accurate, it also works flawlessly on PC making it my new favourite controlle
The title sums it up really. I’ve been using it for several months now, for lots of different devices. I’ve tried it on my switch, PC, android device and raspberry pi, all working flawlessly. The texture on the grips are just right, having enough ridges to stop my palms from sweating but at the same time enough to make it feel really good and match the overall look of the controller. The buttons have a nice amount of travel to them, far more than the joycons, this makes for a nice amount of control over what you are pressing and when. The motion controls are accurate and the HD rumble is almost the same as the joycons. The D-Pad doesn’t feel as good as Nintendos previous attempts but that does not mean that the D-Pad is uncomfortable or bad, perfectly usable for Retro titles. The control sticks are fantastic, having nice ridges by the edges and can move a lot more than the joycon sticks. The sticks feel so much more solid and durable here, so much so I use it exclusively for super smash brothers. Finally, the triggers are awesome! They don’t make too much noise and they feel great. Overall, the controller melts into your hands and looks so good that it doesn’t even feel like you are using a controller.
For a Nintendo controller made from plastic, the design is now my absolute preferred favourite over the Xbox One controller. The grips are polished plastic with little holes all over them which gives them a very comfortable feel that doesn’t make them feel rough or sticky. The shape of the grips also fits the palms much better than PS4 or Xbox One controllers. All of the buttons are comfortable and require very little pressure to push. The battery life is very generous and the charge time is moderately fast compared to others. The thumbsticks are soft and light if a little bit stubby. The only downside is the D-Pad. It’s cheap moulded plastic like the ABXY buttons but isn’t as accurate with presses as it needs to be. Sometimes it registers a diagonal on a single direction and rolling between directions can have some unintended results. It takes some time to get used to but I completely recommend using this over the Joy Cons if you want more comfort than the controller grip and better positioning of the sticks in relation to the buttons on each one. It feels like a premium controller for the price of a normal one and your thumbs with thank you for it.
This controller is a game changer, it feels like an xbox controller and transforms you’re gaming experience to new levels (no pun intended) as the standard joy cons are not for serious gaming.
great controller. Battery lasts ages. With the added bonus that it comes with a lead that can also charge the console via USB. This is currently the only way of getting your hands on an official Nintendo branded switch USB charger. So a must for any switch owner.
We bought this controller as part of a Prime day package along with a Switch and Mario Odyssey. It’s not something I would ordinarily buy separately, but it represented good value when combined as a package. I have to say, I’m very pleased we got it!
When docked the joycons feel far too small and awkward in my hands (I have very large hands), even when connected to the connecting section. Whereas the Pro Controller is excellent. The touch and feel of the controller is very premium. The buttons have a satisfying level of travel and feel very accurate. I would say the quality is on par with an Xbox controller, easily superior to a PS controller. My wife and children also find it ideal to use with the Switch.
Battery life on the controller is excellent, we usually leave it plugged in nut even after extended gaming sessions we have never come close to running out.
The overall price tag is hefty and I would say it’s probably too much, but if you can get it as a discount, or bundled with other stuff I think it starts to represent good value for money. Also keep in mind that if you want to play any serious co-op locally you are going to need at least one other controller, a joycon each isn’t going to cut it. Getting one of these will satisfy co-op requirements and also offer a superior experience when playing solo.
Once Diablo comes out in November the Pro controller will probably get worn out until there’s nothing left of it.
The battery life is incredible. I’ve had this pad 10 months and charged it about 8 times. Considering I’ve clocked over 100 hours of Zelda in alone it’s crazy. Was hesitant initially with the price but it’s well worth i
There is a reason to buy extra joycons, not only do the red/blue get reversed allowing for more color combos but 4 player coop is now available. However on your own they have no use as they as no more comfortable, meaning they get minimal attention, use and affection. The pro controller fixes this, by buying it you can play 3 player, which is still pretty darn good, but it also has use when you are on your own, it is so comfortable. The A B X Y buttons are huge and thus easy to press, with ridges on the joystick circles allowing better grip. Nice ridges on the shoulder buttons letting fingers wrap around them with the best grip. And the d-pad returns, however to be honest it is not perfect. But it is not a deal breaker either. This is the most comfortable controller i have, and as i got it with the switch in a prime day bundle (thanks amazon) i would remove the joy con’s when going out and just use the pro controller with the switch in my lap in the car. That Is how much more comfy it is. Its an investment sure, but im happy i have i
As a gamer with bigger hands I found the Joycons to only be suitable for short term play. Knowing I was going to play more intense games including Bayonetta I knew I had to get a better controller. What I love about the Pro controller is it mimics the Xbox design (the best controller IMO) albeit with a smaller build. The buttons feel much better, and the sticks fit my thumbs better also. My only gripe is the triggers have a short tactile bump travel rather than the smooth travel of the xbone and DS4 controller. But other than that it’s a brilliant controller. If you’re thinking of getting one don’t hesitate, just go for it!
Obviously this is an expensive controller. Is it worth it’s price though?… that depends. If you’re like me and have been itching to use something that isn’t the cramped joy cons, this controller is by far the best controller you can ever find to fulfil that propose.
Firstly- it’s build quality is fantastic, it feels so sturdy and perfect in your hands.
Secondly- it’s features are unmatched when it comes to the third party controllers. You’ve got, motion controlls, Amiibo function, vibration… oh and a lovely usb-c charging port (thank you Nintendo)
Thirdly- it’s extreamly comfortable as mentioned before, it feels like a Xbox controller but with bigger buttons.
Tl;dr- This is an amazing controller… worth the price? Probably not for many people. For me it was by far the most rewarding gamble I made on overpriced tech.
This is an amazing controller and a must have for the switch. Now that the price has dropped down to those of a dual shock 4 controller or a xbox one controller it is definitely worth it. Really comfortable and feels superior to the joy cons great value.
It’s a bit expensive, but it has solved the issue I had with my Switch-
Simply sitting 1-2 metres away from the TV I was losing connection when using the Joycons – even in dual mode. I had to bring the switch closer to me, which was simply ridiculous for “Wireless” controllers.
The Pro Controller has none of these issues, and I can now comfortably play without interference from a distance.
Comes with a USB-C cable and can be charged from the Switch’s own dock.
Can’t say manythings negative about this controller. It’s fairly priced saying its not “bulky” as a X Bone controller since by default you need AA batteries for that specific controller. This is pretty much the same price if you have the play and charge addon for the XBone Controller, giving that a rechargeable battery and cable which Switch Pro Controller comes with by default. Infact because the Switch uses Type-C USB which tend to be more expensive to make at the moment, you are probably getting a slightly better deal. Though compared to the DualShock 4 it could be considered a tiny bit more expensive (we’re talking about 8 as of this review).
Pros:
> Comes with USB Type A to Type C cable (mine was about 1.5m long)
> Long battery life
> Nice feeling controller all round, infact is one of my favourite controllers
> a good D-pad, which compared to the Joycons is very welcomed
> larger Face Buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> no weird + and – shaped buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> larger shoulder (L+R) buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> analogue sticks in a way better position, especially for the right side (compared to Joy-cons)
> great to use in tabletop and docked modes
> makes the use of the “puppy-dog” controller grip with the joy-cons a good Player 2 option compared to a limited single Joy-con, or allows for a Player 3 if the Joy-cons are separated
> works great as just a Bluetooth controller for other platforms too, like on a PC (With bluetooth dongle/built-in etc), most Phones (with Bluetooth support in apps and on the phone)
> no need for AA batteries, has its own built in battery, which is a probable reason why its more expensive to a XBone Controller alone
Pro-Cons:
> Weighty? Some people would see this as a Pro and some might see it as a Con
> Cable supplied may be too short for some, especially if you plan to use it’s wired (NFC-less) mode when connected to a switch and enabled in Controller Options, though if you are happy using it wirelessly this won’t be much of a problem with its large battery life
> Yes its is a little pricy at 50-60 BUT, don’t forget it has an NFC reader, and “HD Rumble” built in, plus it feels deluxe, and compared to an Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller, which at the time of this review, was 120 (double this!), a DualShock 4 was about 52, and a normal wireless XBone is 40 so it really isn’t too bad.
> It can be charged via regular 5V USB outputs but be careful, it isn’t Nintendo’s fault if your USB charger/device damages the controller, best plug it into your switch if you need it charging via USB, the Switch Adapter works well for this controller too
> Could do with a Audio Jack but since not many Switch Games yet support audio chat, and seeing Nintendo seem to plan on using your mobile device (for Splatoon atm) for voice chat anyway via their app, this could be added with a USB-C add on (since it does send data via usb and not just accept charge) in the future
Cons:
> After 100%’ing Mario Odyssey (999 stars etc) and using the cappy-spin flick motion control with this controller, I noticed over time, the right handle felt minorly twisted out of position, maybe that was more me since I used that move often in game but I could just hand tighten it back on, so be careful flicking it alot
> Sadly ZL and ZR on Nintendo Switch (including the Joycons) doesn’t seem to support analog triggers, since it is digital so no “precise” triggers, havent seen this been much of an issue for me, but if a game requires a light trigger squeeze or a hard one (or a range), there isn’t any difference with this controlle
Its a real shame these controllers are as expensive as they are. IMO, from a purely observational perspective they fare very well in a general comfort and build quality comparison up against other controllers like the XBone and PS. Certainly feels nicer than the rather disappointing Steam controller.
AFAIK, the price of these devices comes from the motion control and NFC reader built in, as well as the (apparently) HD rumble mechanics. If they could cut the price and strip some of those features out, similar to the wired licensed controller from Hori, but keep it wireless and perhaps with some rumble, I would jump at the opportunity.
Given that the most common use of this controller will be Mariokart and open world games that dont require Joycons for full functionality such as Lego games (Mario World Odyssey is more involved with Joycons), I personally would be happy to go for that compromise.
The only element of this controller that kind of bugs me is the triggers aren’t analogue or stepped in any way. They’re just on or off, so if there was ever to be a really good realistic racing game for the switch, you might be left wanting a little bit.
I bought this after hearing everyone seem to rave about how this is the most comfortable controller ever designed. I usually use a PS4 controller and this felt relatively similar, maybe a little smaller. The grips on the sides are thinner so it feels as though there’s less to hold on to if you have larger hands. However, it’s 100 times better than using the grip that comes with the switch for the joycons. I haven’t found much use for this, since I still prefer using the joycons separately to play most games. To be honest, the only game I would suggest this being essential for is Splatoon. Other than that, you can probably wait for it to be on sale.
This controller feels very good compared to the cobbled together Switch mini controllers with the joiner pad (which comes with the Switch) so I would definitely recommend it.
It feels very much like an Xbox one controller and has similar dimensions.
All buttons are easily accessible although the ‘+’ button and ‘home’ button are very close together so I regularly hit ‘home’ when I mean to hit ‘+’.
No big deal but it can be irritating in the heat of battle when facing a big boss on Zelda.
The control sticks are very responsive and the ‘d’ pad is much better than the 4 button configuration on the standard Switch pads.
Feels much less cramped than the standard Switch pads and although it is very expensive it is made with the usual very high quality Nintendo standards so will last for years…….I’m still using a Japanese Nintendo 64 with original controllers from the 90’s………
love this controller. good for longer games like Zelda. the best thing over the normal Joy cons I would say are the analog sticks. A nice solid weight to it as well.
Controller: 4 stars
Nintendo not including it with console: 1 star
The controller itself, it feels like an lighter and slightly smaller Xbox One controller. Already having a Playstation 4 and XBox One. If i had the choice, i am glad that they chose the Xbox One controller design for their controller. It is kinda similar in size with slight differences here and there. It is a little lighter which i dont really like as it doesnt have much weight to it, some will love that Overall its not a problem for the controller.
Its a must own in my opinion for the Switch which is why i think Nintendo deserve 1 star less for not including with the Switch, but knowing them. They would have over priced it in the Switch package.
How could I not own one of these for a period after owing a Nintendo Switch?? I am really very impressed by the comfort this controller can give while playing, no matter if short or long times, it is just perfect and WAY MORE comfortable than the joy-cons even with some grips attached to them.
It is true these are not cheap and does not offer the variety of functionalities such as the PS4/XBOX controllers does, but forget about it and just focus on the enhanced gaming experience you’ll have by playing your Switch games with a Pro Controller.
I strongly recommend the Switch Pro Controller to any Switch owner – I just think it is a MUST accessory actually.
The Switch Pro controller is surely Nintendo’s most comfortable controller in it’s history. It’s sleek, soft and not too bulky. It contains the NFC reader, HD rumble and integrated rechargeable battery pack.
It doesn’t have analogue triggers but that probably isn’t a surprise due to the joycons not having them either, meaning that the input is either on or off rather than having any variation. The face buttons are very wide and solid, they’re perhaps a tad too stiff and don’t allow rapid presses as much as say an Xbox One controller. The thumbsticks are fine, nothing especially good or bad to say there. The D pad is also a bit stiff and makes it difficult to use fast inputs such as those required on Street Fighter 2 – which is probably the main drawback of this controller in my opinion.
Overall a good controller. Comfortable, but with a few drawbacks and a heavy price tag.
I understand the Switch is expensive and may not float everyone’s boat but if you are willing to spend that money the quality is just how you would expect.
The subtle grips on the handles are perfect for long sessions of gaming especially when in docked mode, that isn’t me saying it’s any different whilst undocked, as it connects relatively quick without delay allowing for no messing around with wires or connection tasks and the 40 hours battery life is a life saver.
I haven’t used the NFC in the controller yet for amiibos but I am willing to in the future of owning a Switch. The overall feel of the controller is great and fits my hands well, due to having quite big hands I’d find it a bit of a fiddle when trying to use the controller slot for the joycons that comes with the console. However, do make sure you give them a try because some people prefer the joycon controller as it is more convinient to have the joycons and a large controller all in one.
The buttons feel nice and respond well, the triggers are well made and so are the thumbsticks which have a nice grip when playing, not worrying about my thumb slipping off.
Overall, the controller is well made and does feel to a premium quality that all should expect when going in to buy an accessory of this price. It’s not for everyone but if feel like it’s something you need/want make sure you test the joycon controller holder that comes with the console first because you may find it nicer to buy a second one of those.
Another high quality, good in the hands controller from Nintendo.
Very comfortable for long gaming sessions – bought it in anticipation of Splatoon 2 and have used it in several other games. Buttons and sticks are laid out nicely, buttons are responsive and not “mushy” to press.
Battery life is superb, had it for 3 weeks now and since plugging it in on day one haven’t needed to since; in fact the battery level hasn’t even dropped to 50% yet. If you had the Wii U Pro Controller, we’re talking same sort of battery performance.
I think, as a person with larger hands, this is a better controller to use with the Switch in TV mode, and I personally don’t find the Joy-Con grip uncomfortable, but overall I’m very glad I purchased this as I feel it enhances the experience of using the Switch on the TV.
Supremely comfortable controller, much better than the default joycon option on the Switch, and as someone who often switches between portable and TV mode, it is far more convenient to simply slot in the console in the dock and pick up this controller then faff around with removing joy cons. I would recommend this to all Switch owners who play a considerable amount on their TV.
It’s undeniable that this is an expensive controller – on average 15 more than a DualShock 4 for PS4, but it’s also undeniable that it is a very well built controller. It has a good heft in the hand, with all buttons within reach and of a very good size. Some people have commented that it is a little on the heavy side, which is true but for me this is a positive and makes it feel much more solid and in that sense appears to be very well built.
It has the same buttons as the combined JoyCon L and R controllers, and also features the same HD rumble however, unlike PS4 and Xbox One controllers, all of the buttons including the shoulder buttons are digital – no analogue buttons on this controller, so for certain games such as racing games, it will lack the fine control of acceleration that you’re able to achieve on the other machines.
For me though, the biggest reason to get a Pro controller for your Switch is that it makes it feel like a full on console, which it obviously is but while there is absolutely nothing wrong with using the JoyCons in the grip when using the switch docked, the face buttons are a little on the small side which makes extended play a little uncomfortable. the pro controller features larger buttons and is more ergonomically designed therefore is much suited to longer play sessions. the battery life is also fantastic, at around 40 hours being quoted by Nintendo.
On the whole, this is a great controller and is in my opinion an essential accessory for any Switch owner. It is a little on the expensive side, but if you’re able to see past that you will find it will be worth every penny for your shiny new hybrid console.
Very expensive compared to the competition, however the build quality is excellent and feels natural to use. The battery life is also very good, and the extra Type C charging cable shipped with it comes in handy.
I love it. At first it felt huge in comparison to the joycon grip but after a few minutes my hands got used to the size and button location. It’s natural now and feels much more ergonomic.
This is a great controller. This controller is far more comfortable to use than the joycons, and much more precise. The Switch Pro controller fits really well in my hands – it has a nice heft to it as well. I’d say it’s more comfortable than my xbox360 controllers, and much more comfortable than the WiiU Pro Controller. No accidental L/R presses like on the joycons.
I was a bit worried about the complaints of the D-Pad. But these are WAY overblown. I have never accidentally input an up/down directional while using left and right – you have to be quite imprecise to do that. But I’ll admit it can happen – the d-pad doesn’t have as distinct a cross directional rocker as something like the Xbox360. So it’s a bit easier to move the entire d-pad in an up/down direction when pressing left/right. But I really have to make a concious effort to do this, it doesn’t happen very easily in my opinion. Maybe if you’re used to more forgiving d-pads it is a problem, though. I’ve had no problems in Zelda at least.
Only complaint is the price feels pretty steep to me, but that’s typical for Nintendo controllers since the Wii.
Feels really comfortable. Got this to be ready for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Yes, it’s expensive, however, so is getting a second pair of joycons. I tested it out in Breath of the wild and it really is more responsive.
This is pretty much a “nintendoified” X360 pad (a good thing IMO).
I guess if you have tiny brand new hands you’ll probably be ok with the joy-cons; but I’m a 40-something player of videogames and an owner of 2 average sized hands whose joints have seen better days I find the slightly cramped hand position of the joy-cons causes me pain if I use them too much – they’re less bad when attached to the joy-con grip but the pro controller is still a way better option IMO.
I also use it when playing on my switch out & about, you just have to have something to prop your switch up against & the battery in the pro controller lasts about 10x longer than the battery in the console.
Feels like a premium product, which is good given the price. Haven’t got too many hours play time with it yet, but so far so good. Feels nice and weighty in the hand, and like all great game pads you soon forget your holding it (until you forget that the A button is used to advance through menu screens rather than the B button, trust Nintendo to be different!).
Waiting for Street fighter 2 to give the pad a real test but for Zelda it’s great. The sticks feel straight out of an xbox one controller regarding positioning and the shoulder buttons feel not too dissimilar to the Ds4. I think the -, screen shot and home buttons may take a bit of getting used to as I find myself having to look down at the pad to find them.
The only downside is the price. I have bought Ds4 pads far far less than the cost of this pad and regardless of what one may think of them as a game pad (I think they are great!), they are stuffed with tech that I feel justifies their price. This however just does what it says on the tin, nothing more nothing less.
I would recommend this to anyone if you can get over the price!
Great controller. It feels very similar in the hand to the Xbox one controller, although noticeably lighter.
The controller has a smooth satin like finish on the controller that feels nice in the hand and helps to cement the feeling of a premium piece of technology.
The controller is paired to the switch by attaching it to the USB port on the front of the switch dock using the included USB-C cable.
I find it much more comfortable to play Zelda with as the Joy cons and included joy con grip felt a little cramped for my hands (admittedly I do have large hands).
Overall a solid buy for anybody that sees themselves playing for long periods of time with the switch in the dock.
The controller is solid and handles amazingly. Insane battery life.
Pretty much the only way to play certain games.
Wish it wasn’t so expensive.
Its basically an infinite improvement for most games over trying to play with joycons.
I was hesitant to buy this because of the price. I eventually caved because my original joycons were drifting badly and I wanted something to use while I sent them away to be repaired.
PROS
-great quality
-comfortable to hold
-material is nice
-responsive
CONS
-expensive as hell
-fakes are everywhere so you have to inspect yours to make sure
Here’s a few ways to tell if yours is real
-Real ones have a hidden message under the right analogue stick. If you move it down and shine a light into the space above, you can see a message reading “THX2 ALLGAMERS!” underneath. It’s difficult to find so look it up online if you’re struggling.
-look for the original nintendo seal of quality (in the EU). it should be at the back, on the top left.
-Look for the words “licensed by nintendo”. nintendo never say their products are licensed, because they’re not.
-it will wake the switch (in docked mode) when you press the home button
-amiibo/nfc use, most fake ones won’t have this function.
If it fails any of these, contact amazon for a replacement. fakes coming from this listing are probably a warehouse error and they should help you out.
Overall, this is a high quality controller and I don’t regret purchasing it, but I do wish it were a bit cheaper.
I was hesitant to buy at first as the price seemed high but after finally getting one I can’t believe It took me so long. It’s like a cross between the XboxOne pad and DualShock 4.
Feels and performs great. Must have for the pro gamer.
It’s a comfortable controller with a nice weight. The D-pad feels really good and everything is placed in a really good position. The provided type-C charging cable is great too. Really thick and about 1.5 metres in length.
I have no doubt that if you buy the Switch Pro, you will enjoy Switch games more. It has made Street Fighter games playable and makes 2D mario games easier to play.
Recommended.
Has a tiny tendency to stick in a particular position but very good otherwise. Shame you can’t use Wii u controller as button layout is almost identical
I have medium size hands and the Pro controller is very comfortable to hold and use. Sticks and buttons are great as well, although I miss the control stick notches from the Gamecube controller (GCC).
The directional pad takes some getting used to. It’s very easy to accidentally press a diagonal, or another direction entirely, when you didn’t want to, which is obviously very frustrating. If Nintendo give this controller a much better D-pad then this is suddenly one of the best controllers on the market. As it stands, for games where D-pad control is better than stick (e.g. four-way games like Crypt of the Necrodancer), I have to ditch this pad for the joycons.
The only other problem is the controller turns on with any button press and connects to the last Switch it was synced to. This is very annoying for events where lots of Switches are present, such as Smash tournaments or other Nintendo fan get-togethers. A simple on-off switch would save SO much hassle (and hair) for organisers of such events, wouldn’t be hard to implement, and would only be slightly less convenient for home use (if at all).
Overall I bought this because playing Smash Ultimate on anything but this or GCC is hellish, but I would probably rather play on a PS/XB pad if I could. However, if you don’t care about the D-pad and you don’t go to medium to large Nintendo events, this controller is great.
Great controller. Took a long time to decide to get it given the cost, but one too many problems with the standard controllers leading to me getting splatted in Splatoon pushed me over the edge and I’m glad I did. It’s very comfortable, and the battery lasts for ages. I didn’t notice any great feel in control or accuracy at first but having just had a quick go with the original joycons after playing with the Pro-controller for a few months, the Pro controller is miles better.
I know there is a lot of tech inside controllers these days, but I do think that relative to what you get inside the actual console itself, they are a bit of a con, but in this case, an essential one, at least for me. I rarely use the switch in hand-held mode, and treat this more like a console I can take away with me if I want to. Fact is, it has spent 99.99% of its time wired to the TV. To Nintendo’s credit, this controller is a lovely design and very comfortable to use. There are alternatives of course, not least those from 8Bitdo, but if you have a switch and it’s hooked up to the TV, definitely give this a consideration. High quality, just a bit pricey and not the best value in my opinion.
I have to admit, having read the other reviews I was quite apprehensive in ordering this controller because my intention was to play a lot of games involving the d-pad, however having used it for a few days and doing complex tricks involving precise d-pad inputs I am relieved to say that the d-pad issues seem to be overblown.
The controller has a good weight to it and a nice feel in the hands, it has a phenomenal battery life and the d-pad and buttons are very responsive. I haven’t used the sticks yet because no game has called for it as yet. I hope I don’t come to any issue with that down the line but as of now this controller gets 5 stars from me.
Works very well with Super Mario Maker 2 and the SNES games you get for free with a Nintendo Online subscription.
It wasn’t long after I bought my Switch that I realised the JoyCons just weren’t cutting it. The small clicky buttons, the small movement area of the analogue sticks and the less than ideal solution of having to put them in the JoyCon grip to get something that resembled a traditional controller.
After trying to play Super Smash Ultimate and anticipating eventually playing long story games like Zelda I knew the JoyCons just weren’t going to be good enough.
Immediately after unboxing the Pro controller it felt 10x better than the JoyCons in the hand. Debatably more comfortable than a PS4 controller (Although each has strengths and weaknesses)
The shape feels ergonomic and the rubberised grips help out in those intense multiplayer sessions.
It also has a proper D-Pad as opposed to the JoyCon which has it split into 4 different buttons.
It appears to be more robust than the PS4 controller. When twisting the controller in the hand it doesn’t make that unpleasant creaking sound that the PlayStation controller is prone to. The Switch Pro controller feels solid.
WHY SHOULD I BUY THIS OVER A THIRD PARTY CONTROLLER?
Most third party controllers wont allow you to turn the console on with the home button which means you’ll have to keep getting up and pressing the power key on your switch.
The majority of third party controllers will lack either NFC, Rumble or wireless connection. Sometimes all three.
You’re unlikely to find a third party controller which is as comfortable to use for long gaming sessions.
Its built well – Third party controllers are prone to becoming faulty after a short period. You might end up buying twice and spending the same if not more money.
Overall If you’re going to buy one controller for your Switch pay the little extra and get this one. I’ve seen the prices on amazon changing daily from anywhere between 50 – 60. If its at 60 when you’re looking at it hold out for a day or two and wait for it to drop to 50.
Fun Fact: Amazon changes prices on its products roughly every 10 minutes.
Well beyond my expectations. Incredibly precise, comfortable and durable. Price is a tad up there and the D-Pad isn’t the best but everything else is fantastic.
I also use this as an alternative to the Steam controller for playing, you guessed it, Steam games. Sometimes the setup can be annoying but once that’s done it’s much more comfortable, and the battery charge seems to last longer, both in use and just sitting around waiting to be used.
The only issue I could think of-I have small hands and it fits perfectly, so there may possibly be a slight sizing issue if you’re much larger. Also, it’s a bit costly at full price. I do think it’s worth it though.
This is a very solid, functional controller. Maybe s little pricy, but great otherwise.
I’ve played on every Nintendo consoles since the NES, so I can confidently say that this is the best controller they’ve ever put out, and possibly one of the best controllers available right now across any platform. It’s certainly leagues ahead of the joy-cons in terms of range of movement, comfort, and responsiveness.
True it is a bit on the pricey side, but considering the amount of tech crammed into this thing it’s pretty impressive; alongside all the fully fledged controls (including a decent enough if not perfect D-pad) you’ve got wireless connectivity, HD rumble, rechargeable battery pack, NFC, motion controls, and USB-C charging.
Most importantly though is that this makes Switch games a more enjoyable experience to play as it is very comfortable, solidly built, and has excellent sized buttons, grips, shoulder buttons/triggers and thumbsticks.
Bought for my grandsons and they find these are much easier to play with than the small controller.
I wan’t sure if I was gonna buy this since I thought it was a bit expensive but because it had so many good reviews I just bought it and it is super good. It feels superb and its a must have no matter what games you play
For the switch this controller is absolutely perfect so five stars there. On the other hand I do prefer the customizability you’d have with say an Xbox elite. Feels great, works great. A must have for switch.
This controller is good, it feels good to hold and the joysticks are very precise, I really think it is a must for anyone who plays the Switch a lot, even though the joy-cons themselves are excellent in my opinion. However, I see that often as soon as I start playing the buttons do not respond very well, I have to press them at least twice for something to happen in games. Then I have to go to controller options and check all the buttons every time in order to be able to play smoothly, which is quite frustrating and that’s the reason why I don’t think it deserves 5 stars. I hope I did not receive a defective controller though.
Probably one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever used, works with pc as well, worth the price.
The controller is immensely comfortable and extremely easy to set up, and is far more convenient than taking the joycons off the switch every time you want to play in docked mode. The controller is well made and sturdy, has a fantastic battery life and the fact every game can be played with it makes it a must have for anyone who’s going to be getting serious usage out of their switch. The only slightly negative thing I can say about it is that the D-pad is slightly wobbly, but this doesn’t impact gameplay in any way at all. All in all, a necessity for getting the most out of the Switch.
Best thing I bought for my switch, better than the joycon, nice grip, precise analog input, perfect size and charge lasts.
I feel like an absolute Nintendo shill: How can Nintendo keep getting away with pricing their products knowing we will just buy them?
I spent a considerable time debating the Pro over the cheaper wired controller, and you know what? I paid a premium but made the right choice.
Seriously! Considering the cheap plastic the Switch is made of Nintendo has put proper research and development into making their Pro Controller the right texture, size and weight to feel good in the hands. The sticks have rubber to stop thumbs slipping, the D-pad is rough and textured and the ABXY are smooth enough to bash. You know exactly where your thumbs will be just by touch.
Everything just feels right! You can play while charging (which automatically pairs it with your Switch, so no complicated setup) and even with about 8 hours for a full charge the battery is a beast.
Nintendo has NintenDONE it right.
Better than the Joycons and works good with most games the only problem I have with it is when the touch screen is needed like captain toads treasure tracker.
I looked at a number of other controllers such as the 8bit range, but finally settled on this as I knew it would be guaranteed to work perfectly and was a nice larger size for those longer play sessions.
Comfort: very comfortable for me and for my 8 years old son, no problems for my big hands or his little ones!
Charge: Lasts a very long time, I can’t specify how long only that I’ve been surprised how long it goes without being charged
RFID: Works perfectly
The only thing I wish is that it had gimbal guards for travel. I don;t need a full case on it, but something just to protect those would be a good idea. It may be possible to get something 3D printed but I haven’t gone that far yet!
Amazing, the controller is comfortable, the battery life is super long, it’s rechargeable, the buttons click very nicely. It’s got a nice weight to it, not flimsy at all, it rivals every the Xbox controller, recommend this for your home setup.
The control that has approximate measurements of 106 mm x 152 mm x 60 mm and a weight of 246 g.
And it has:
Bluetooth 3.0, NFC (near-field communication)
Accelerometer, gyroscope
HD vibration
USB Type-C connector
Lithium-ion battery [CTR-003] – Capacity: 1300 mAh
The battery lasts about 40 hours.
Although the command is expensive …, the truth is that we are looking at a quality product, with a very good grip, and an intelligent arrangement of buttons (very similar to the rest of controls for the other game platforms).
As you already have an NFC reader, it is necessary to use the Amiibo.
It comes with the USB cable to charge directly from the console Dock.
One of the points that I find more negative is that the triggers of the command are simple buttons, they have no route and even that this in principle does not subtract points to the control, if that is very negative in the face of possible launches of driving games.
In short, we have an almost perfect command, with great ergonomics, very good touch and quality material. Hurt the price so high, yet the feeling is of durability and perhaps compensate pay more for this command to buy others and soon after they break down.
Works nicely. Cozy fit in hands. Just like the picture and will be repurchasing in future if needed.
Controller arrived in great time. My joycon analogue stick had started shifting left a bit, I bought a gamecube style one, which I love for certain games, but it has no rumble feature so it was time to take the plunge.
First off it looks gorgeous, quite similar to the xbox controller (but that’s not a bad thing!) got some nice weight to it, and great sized buttons.
Works great with Mario and zelda, analogue sticks are spot on. HD rumble is better than I’ve seen on ps or xb.
Only posibble downsides, no analogue shoulder buttons, and no octagonal joystick case (like gc)
All in, highly recommend.
I don’t use controllers very often; when I do, it’s a wired Xbox controller for my PC. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is light and comofrtable in hand, the buttons and triggers are lovely to press, the joysticks are smooth. Much more preferable to use than the joycons, and cheaper than a set of those. It has good rumble, the handles are decently grippy, and it’s kinda cool how the main body is translucent (which I didn’t realise until seeing it IRL after delivery). Very nicely made.
Great quality control pad, feels solid and durable. Pricey is only downside as it’s the most I’ve ever spent on a control pad.
This is a great controller. For those wondering if it’s any different to two joycons in a comfort grip, yes, it really is. The sticks are slightly bigger and feel more solid. The buttons are much bigger and easier to use. It sits perfectly in your hand. The battery lasts for ages, and the whole thing just feels really well made. My only slight criticism, which is more of the Switch in general than this controller, is that the shoulder buttons should be analogue. It does everything the joy cons do, including reading amiibos, HD rumble etc with the exception of the IR camera on the right joy con, which, let’s be honest, no-one has ever used. Totally worth the investment.
The controller feels heavy and sturdy. First i was unsure if i should get it or not. If you’re the same don’t hesitate, just buy it. It’s one of the most comfortable controllers out there!
Just might be the best controller of this console generation.
People may all say ‘compared to others this is similar’ but regardless of the market pushing controller prices up 60 pounds still feels like a lot to spend on a controller.
However it is a fantastic controller to use with the switch and for those with larger hands it’s essential to avoid the cramping that comes from trying to use the lower functions on the joycon controllers for any play session longer than about 30 minutes.
Just have to bite the proverbial bullet and buy it.
Bought mine over a year ago and would never go back to joycons out of handheld mode.
Doesn’t always work to wake the switch up from sleep, usually end up with the TV switching automatically but just showing a black screen vs working perfectly when pressing power button on switch itself (but this could be a YMMV situation based on the TV it’s hooked up to).
I’m new to the switch but it became apparent to me quite quickly that I would like a more traditional controller option as well as the joy cons.
This one is truly superb and feels very solid and well built. More so than our previous xbox one controllers, or indeed any other controller. Its superb.
It charges via usb c of which a cable is included and doesnt take long.
Connecting it was a doddle. Here in lies why I bought the genuine one. The switches are perfect. The switches, buttons etc all respond beautifully. You get all the functions you would expect too. HD Rumble, Amiibo support etc
I like the size and shape of it and its perfectly sized and balanced for my son.
Although initially hesitant due to price I’m glad I bought this one. Perfec
Great for big hands find it better than the xbox controller and far better than a ps4 controller feels great in my hands
Surprisingly good quality. The controller is durable, the haptic feedback is best in class, the buttons are clicky and responsive. Motion control is superbly accurate, it also works flawlessly on PC making it my new favourite controlle
For a Nintendo controller made from plastic, the design is now my absolute preferred favourite over the Xbox One controller. The grips are polished plastic with little holes all over them which gives them a very comfortable feel that doesn’t make them feel rough or sticky. The shape of the grips also fits the palms much better than PS4 or Xbox One controllers. All of the buttons are comfortable and require very little pressure to push. The battery life is very generous and the charge time is moderately fast compared to others. The thumbsticks are soft and light if a little bit stubby. The only downside is the D-Pad. It’s cheap moulded plastic like the ABXY buttons but isn’t as accurate with presses as it needs to be. Sometimes it registers a diagonal on a single direction and rolling between directions can have some unintended results. It takes some time to get used to but I completely recommend using this over the Joy Cons if you want more comfort than the controller grip and better positioning of the sticks in relation to the buttons on each one. It feels like a premium controller for the price of a normal one and your thumbs with thank you for it.
This controller is a game changer, it feels like an xbox controller and transforms you’re gaming experience to new levels (no pun intended) as the standard joy cons are not for serious gaming.
great controller. Battery lasts ages. With the added bonus that it comes with a lead that can also charge the console via USB. This is currently the only way of getting your hands on an official Nintendo branded switch USB charger. So a must for any switch owner.
We bought this controller as part of a Prime day package along with a Switch and Mario Odyssey. It’s not something I would ordinarily buy separately, but it represented good value when combined as a package. I have to say, I’m very pleased we got it!
When docked the joycons feel far too small and awkward in my hands (I have very large hands), even when connected to the connecting section. Whereas the Pro Controller is excellent. The touch and feel of the controller is very premium. The buttons have a satisfying level of travel and feel very accurate. I would say the quality is on par with an Xbox controller, easily superior to a PS controller. My wife and children also find it ideal to use with the Switch.
Battery life on the controller is excellent, we usually leave it plugged in nut even after extended gaming sessions we have never come close to running out.
The overall price tag is hefty and I would say it’s probably too much, but if you can get it as a discount, or bundled with other stuff I think it starts to represent good value for money. Also keep in mind that if you want to play any serious co-op locally you are going to need at least one other controller, a joycon each isn’t going to cut it. Getting one of these will satisfy co-op requirements and also offer a superior experience when playing solo.
Once Diablo comes out in November the Pro controller will probably get worn out until there’s nothing left of it.
I love using this controller. Much easier to use than the joy cons and a great battery life. Probably my favorite controller now.
Exactly as described and super fast delivery, really happy with product.
NIntendo quality. It’s charge lasts for months and it feels and looks great.
The battery life is incredible. I’ve had this pad 10 months and charged it about 8 times. Considering I’ve clocked over 100 hours of Zelda in alone it’s crazy. Was hesitant initially with the price but it’s well worth i
A bit pricey, but the controller is rock solid. No complaints.
Totally unnecessary, but nice to have and with a great form factor.
Great controller, a must have for any hardcore gamer. Much more comfortable in the hands of an adult than the stock controllers.
Very Comfortable compared to joy cons in almost every game, especially love it for Splatoon 2
It’s brilliant. A much nicer controller compared to using the Joy-Cons with the grip.
Just works and is much better than standard Joy Cons.
QUALITY CONTROLLER RECEIVED IN MINT CONDITION,MUCH BETTER TO USE FOR LONG PLAYING TIME’S THAN THE ONE THAT COMES WITH THE SWITCH.
Perfect for our switch, much more comfortable than the original switch controller.
As a gamer with bigger hands I found the Joycons to only be suitable for short term play. Knowing I was going to play more intense games including Bayonetta I knew I had to get a better controller. What I love about the Pro controller is it mimics the Xbox design (the best controller IMO) albeit with a smaller build. The buttons feel much better, and the sticks fit my thumbs better also. My only gripe is the triggers have a short tactile bump travel rather than the smooth travel of the xbone and DS4 controller. But other than that it’s a brilliant controller. If you’re thinking of getting one don’t hesitate, just go for it!
Firstly- it’s build quality is fantastic, it feels so sturdy and perfect in your hands.
Secondly- it’s features are unmatched when it comes to the third party controllers. You’ve got, motion controlls, Amiibo function, vibration… oh and a lovely usb-c charging port (thank you Nintendo)
Thirdly- it’s extreamly comfortable as mentioned before, it feels like a Xbox controller but with bigger buttons.
Tl;dr- This is an amazing controller… worth the price? Probably not for many people. For me it was by far the most rewarding gamble I made on overpriced tech.
This is an amazing controller and a must have for the switch. Now that the price has dropped down to those of a dual shock 4 controller or a xbox one controller it is definitely worth it. Really comfortable and feels superior to the joy cons great value.
For the price i would expect a longer cable i had to buy one that was long enough
It is very good quality with a nice weight to it. It works very well with the switch.
Save yourself the troubles and get this if you ever plan on playing Nintendo Switch on the dock.
Fantastic controller.
Exactly as expected, great build and feels great to use.
Simply sitting 1-2 metres away from the TV I was losing connection when using the Joycons – even in dual mode. I had to bring the switch closer to me, which was simply ridiculous for “Wireless” controllers.
The Pro Controller has none of these issues, and I can now comfortably play without interference from a distance.
Comes with a USB-C cable and can be charged from the Switch’s own dock.
Top notch all the Wii switch controllers have been very good wireless life is very good
Kids loved these at xmas . Light weight easy to use excellent delivery time thanks
Pros:
> Comes with USB Type A to Type C cable (mine was about 1.5m long)
> Long battery life
> Nice feeling controller all round, infact is one of my favourite controllers
> a good D-pad, which compared to the Joycons is very welcomed
> larger Face Buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> no weird + and – shaped buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> larger shoulder (L+R) buttons (compared to Joy-cons)
> analogue sticks in a way better position, especially for the right side (compared to Joy-cons)
> great to use in tabletop and docked modes
> makes the use of the “puppy-dog” controller grip with the joy-cons a good Player 2 option compared to a limited single Joy-con, or allows for a Player 3 if the Joy-cons are separated
> works great as just a Bluetooth controller for other platforms too, like on a PC (With bluetooth dongle/built-in etc), most Phones (with Bluetooth support in apps and on the phone)
> no need for AA batteries, has its own built in battery, which is a probable reason why its more expensive to a XBone Controller alone
Pro-Cons:
> Weighty? Some people would see this as a Pro and some might see it as a Con
> Cable supplied may be too short for some, especially if you plan to use it’s wired (NFC-less) mode when connected to a switch and enabled in Controller Options, though if you are happy using it wirelessly this won’t be much of a problem with its large battery life
> Yes its is a little pricy at 50-60 BUT, don’t forget it has an NFC reader, and “HD Rumble” built in, plus it feels deluxe, and compared to an Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller, which at the time of this review, was 120 (double this!), a DualShock 4 was about 52, and a normal wireless XBone is 40 so it really isn’t too bad.
> It can be charged via regular 5V USB outputs but be careful, it isn’t Nintendo’s fault if your USB charger/device damages the controller, best plug it into your switch if you need it charging via USB, the Switch Adapter works well for this controller too
> Could do with a Audio Jack but since not many Switch Games yet support audio chat, and seeing Nintendo seem to plan on using your mobile device (for Splatoon atm) for voice chat anyway via their app, this could be added with a USB-C add on (since it does send data via usb and not just accept charge) in the future
Cons:
> After 100%’ing Mario Odyssey (999 stars etc) and using the cappy-spin flick motion control with this controller, I noticed over time, the right handle felt minorly twisted out of position, maybe that was more me since I used that move often in game but I could just hand tighten it back on, so be careful flicking it alot
> Sadly ZL and ZR on Nintendo Switch (including the Joycons) doesn’t seem to support analog triggers, since it is digital so no “precise” triggers, havent seen this been much of an issue for me, but if a game requires a light trigger squeeze or a hard one (or a range), there isn’t any difference with this controlle
Its a real shame these controllers are as expensive as they are. IMO, from a purely observational perspective they fare very well in a general comfort and build quality comparison up against other controllers like the XBone and PS. Certainly feels nicer than the rather disappointing Steam controller.
AFAIK, the price of these devices comes from the motion control and NFC reader built in, as well as the (apparently) HD rumble mechanics. If they could cut the price and strip some of those features out, similar to the wired licensed controller from Hori, but keep it wireless and perhaps with some rumble, I would jump at the opportunity.
Given that the most common use of this controller will be Mariokart and open world games that dont require Joycons for full functionality such as Lego games (Mario World Odyssey is more involved with Joycons), I personally would be happy to go for that compromise.
The only element of this controller that kind of bugs me is the triggers aren’t analogue or stepped in any way. They’re just on or off, so if there was ever to be a really good realistic racing game for the switch, you might be left wanting a little bit.
This controller feels very good compared to the cobbled together Switch mini controllers with the joiner pad (which comes with the Switch) so I would definitely recommend it.
It feels very much like an Xbox one controller and has similar dimensions.
All buttons are easily accessible although the ‘+’ button and ‘home’ button are very close together so I regularly hit ‘home’ when I mean to hit ‘+’.
No big deal but it can be irritating in the heat of battle when facing a big boss on Zelda.
The control sticks are very responsive and the ‘d’ pad is much better than the 4 button configuration on the standard Switch pads.
Feels much less cramped than the standard Switch pads and although it is very expensive it is made with the usual very high quality Nintendo standards so will last for years…….I’m still using a Japanese Nintendo 64 with original controllers from the 90’s………
love this controller. good for longer games like Zelda. the best thing over the normal Joy cons I would say are the analog sticks. A nice solid weight to it as well.
Wonderful to use, buttons are great. Shame about the damn price.
Great controller, really comfortable to use and has great battery life. Much better than the standard Joy-Cons.
Controller: 4 stars
Nintendo not including it with console: 1 star
The controller itself, it feels like an lighter and slightly smaller Xbox One controller. Already having a Playstation 4 and XBox One. If i had the choice, i am glad that they chose the Xbox One controller design for their controller. It is kinda similar in size with slight differences here and there. It is a little lighter which i dont really like as it doesnt have much weight to it, some will love that Overall its not a problem for the controller.
Its a must own in my opinion for the Switch which is why i think Nintendo deserve 1 star less for not including with the Switch, but knowing them. They would have over priced it in the Switch package.
Great product, delivery and service. Really happy with this. Have already recommended. Thank you!
Great controller, it feels just like an XBOX 360 Controller, which is very good! It’s got a good weight to it too.
exactly what you would expect from this type of controle
Could be a bit cheaper but buttons are nice and big and very comfortable, wish it had analogue triggers then I’d use it on my pc
How could I not own one of these for a period after owing a Nintendo Switch?? I am really very impressed by the comfort this controller can give while playing, no matter if short or long times, it is just perfect and WAY MORE comfortable than the joy-cons even with some grips attached to them.
It is true these are not cheap and does not offer the variety of functionalities such as the PS4/XBOX controllers does, but forget about it and just focus on the enhanced gaming experience you’ll have by playing your Switch games with a Pro Controller.
I strongly recommend the Switch Pro Controller to any Switch owner – I just think it is a MUST accessory actually.
It’s a great control, solid, well built and comfortable I’ve just given it 4 stars instead of 5 because it costs so much.
Very good controller cannot complain
Big and comfortable. Huge battery life
It doesn’t have analogue triggers but that probably isn’t a surprise due to the joycons not having them either, meaning that the input is either on or off rather than having any variation. The face buttons are very wide and solid, they’re perhaps a tad too stiff and don’t allow rapid presses as much as say an Xbox One controller. The thumbsticks are fine, nothing especially good or bad to say there. The D pad is also a bit stiff and makes it difficult to use fast inputs such as those required on Street Fighter 2 – which is probably the main drawback of this controller in my opinion.
Overall a good controller. Comfortable, but with a few drawbacks and a heavy price tag.
The subtle grips on the handles are perfect for long sessions of gaming especially when in docked mode, that isn’t me saying it’s any different whilst undocked, as it connects relatively quick without delay allowing for no messing around with wires or connection tasks and the 40 hours battery life is a life saver.
I haven’t used the NFC in the controller yet for amiibos but I am willing to in the future of owning a Switch. The overall feel of the controller is great and fits my hands well, due to having quite big hands I’d find it a bit of a fiddle when trying to use the controller slot for the joycons that comes with the console. However, do make sure you give them a try because some people prefer the joycon controller as it is more convinient to have the joycons and a large controller all in one.
The buttons feel nice and respond well, the triggers are well made and so are the thumbsticks which have a nice grip when playing, not worrying about my thumb slipping off.
Overall, the controller is well made and does feel to a premium quality that all should expect when going in to buy an accessory of this price. It’s not for everyone but if feel like it’s something you need/want make sure you test the joycon controller holder that comes with the console first because you may find it nicer to buy a second one of those.
feels better than the original controller but for the price tag I do find myself asking whether that extra comfort is really worth i
If you own a switch buy this enough said!!!
Tv mode is magic with this
It may be pricey but worth i
Another high quality, good in the hands controller from Nintendo.
Very comfortable for long gaming sessions – bought it in anticipation of Splatoon 2 and have used it in several other games. Buttons and sticks are laid out nicely, buttons are responsive and not “mushy” to press.
Battery life is superb, had it for 3 weeks now and since plugging it in on day one haven’t needed to since; in fact the battery level hasn’t even dropped to 50% yet. If you had the Wii U Pro Controller, we’re talking same sort of battery performance.
I think, as a person with larger hands, this is a better controller to use with the Switch in TV mode, and I personally don’t find the Joy-Con grip uncomfortable, but overall I’m very glad I purchased this as I feel it enhances the experience of using the Switch on the TV.
Nice comfortable control- you really notice the difference after playing with only joy-cons. (Price stops it being 5*)
Not a lot to say that hasn’t already been said.
It’s undeniable that this is an expensive controller – on average 15 more than a DualShock 4 for PS4, but it’s also undeniable that it is a very well built controller. It has a good heft in the hand, with all buttons within reach and of a very good size. Some people have commented that it is a little on the heavy side, which is true but for me this is a positive and makes it feel much more solid and in that sense appears to be very well built.
It has the same buttons as the combined JoyCon L and R controllers, and also features the same HD rumble however, unlike PS4 and Xbox One controllers, all of the buttons including the shoulder buttons are digital – no analogue buttons on this controller, so for certain games such as racing games, it will lack the fine control of acceleration that you’re able to achieve on the other machines.
For me though, the biggest reason to get a Pro controller for your Switch is that it makes it feel like a full on console, which it obviously is but while there is absolutely nothing wrong with using the JoyCons in the grip when using the switch docked, the face buttons are a little on the small side which makes extended play a little uncomfortable. the pro controller features larger buttons and is more ergonomically designed therefore is much suited to longer play sessions. the battery life is also fantastic, at around 40 hours being quoted by Nintendo.
On the whole, this is a great controller and is in my opinion an essential accessory for any Switch owner. It is a little on the expensive side, but if you’re able to see past that you will find it will be worth every penny for your shiny new hybrid console.
Very expensive compared to the competition, however the build quality is excellent and feels natural to use. The battery life is also very good, and the extra Type C charging cable shipped with it comes in handy.
I love it. At first it felt huge in comparison to the joycon grip but after a few minutes my hands got used to the size and button location. It’s natural now and feels much more ergonomic.
Very well made. Has a good battery life. Much better than the controllers supplied with the Switch.
I was a bit worried about the complaints of the D-Pad. But these are WAY overblown. I have never accidentally input an up/down directional while using left and right – you have to be quite imprecise to do that. But I’ll admit it can happen – the d-pad doesn’t have as distinct a cross directional rocker as something like the Xbox360. So it’s a bit easier to move the entire d-pad in an up/down direction when pressing left/right. But I really have to make a concious effort to do this, it doesn’t happen very easily in my opinion. Maybe if you’re used to more forgiving d-pads it is a problem, though. I’ve had no problems in Zelda at least.
Only complaint is the price feels pretty steep to me, but that’s typical for Nintendo controllers since the Wii.
Feels really comfortable. Got this to be ready for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Yes, it’s expensive, however, so is getting a second pair of joycons. I tested it out in Breath of the wild and it really is more responsive.
Great controller, easily as good as the Xbox controller. BIG plus is its blue tooth too. Classy product, well made. Very Happy.
I guess if you have tiny brand new hands you’ll probably be ok with the joy-cons; but I’m a 40-something player of videogames and an owner of 2 average sized hands whose joints have seen better days I find the slightly cramped hand position of the joy-cons causes me pain if I use them too much – they’re less bad when attached to the joy-con grip but the pro controller is still a way better option IMO.
I also use it when playing on my switch out & about, you just have to have something to prop your switch up against & the battery in the pro controller lasts about 10x longer than the battery in the console.
Feels like a premium product, which is good given the price. Haven’t got too many hours play time with it yet, but so far so good. Feels nice and weighty in the hand, and like all great game pads you soon forget your holding it (until you forget that the A button is used to advance through menu screens rather than the B button, trust Nintendo to be different!).
Waiting for Street fighter 2 to give the pad a real test but for Zelda it’s great. The sticks feel straight out of an xbox one controller regarding positioning and the shoulder buttons feel not too dissimilar to the Ds4. I think the -, screen shot and home buttons may take a bit of getting used to as I find myself having to look down at the pad to find them.
The only downside is the price. I have bought Ds4 pads far far less than the cost of this pad and regardless of what one may think of them as a game pad (I think they are great!), they are stuffed with tech that I feel justifies their price. This however just does what it says on the tin, nothing more nothing less.
I would recommend this to anyone if you can get over the price!
Great controller. It feels very similar in the hand to the Xbox one controller, although noticeably lighter.
The controller has a smooth satin like finish on the controller that feels nice in the hand and helps to cement the feeling of a premium piece of technology.
The controller is paired to the switch by attaching it to the USB port on the front of the switch dock using the included USB-C cable.
I find it much more comfortable to play Zelda with as the Joy cons and included joy con grip felt a little cramped for my hands (admittedly I do have large hands).
Overall a solid buy for anybody that sees themselves playing for long periods of time with the switch in the dock.