Best Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers: Pick Yours Now!

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Best Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers: Pick Yours Now!

Hey there, fellow gamers! Ready to level up your Nintendo Switch experience? If you're serious about gaming on your Switch, you need a Pro Controller. Trust me, it's a game-changer. Let's dive into everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, helping you pick the perfect one for your gaming needs.

Why You Need a Pro Controller

Okay, so why should you even bother with a Pro Controller? The Joy-Cons are cool and all, especially for multiplayer on the go, but for serious gaming sessions, they can feel a little cramped. That's where the Pro Controller swoops in to save the day.

First off, ergonomics are a huge deal. The Pro Controller is designed to fit comfortably in your hands for hours of gameplay. Say goodbye to hand cramps and hello to marathon gaming sessions! The button layout is also more traditional, making it easier to pull off those complex combos in games like Super Smash Bros. or Street Fighter. The improved ergonomics and button placement translate to a more natural and intuitive gaming experience. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or engaging in fast-paced combat, a Pro Controller can give you the edge you need to perform at your best.

Then there's the precision. The Pro Controller's analog sticks are much more accurate than the ones on the Joy-Cons. This means better control in games that require fine movements, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Splatoon 2. The enhanced precision of the Pro Controller allows for smoother camera control, more accurate aiming, and more responsive character movement. This can be especially beneficial in competitive games where every millisecond and millimeter counts. Imagine lining up the perfect headshot or executing a flawless drift with ease – that's the power of a Pro Controller in your hands.

And let's not forget about the battery life. The Pro Controller can last up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is way more than the Joy-Cons. No more worrying about your controller dying in the middle of an intense boss battle! The extended battery life means you can immerse yourself in your favorite games for longer periods without interruption. Whether you're embarking on an epic quest or grinding through challenging levels, you can rely on your Pro Controller to keep up with your gaming marathons.

So, to sum it up, a Pro Controller offers superior comfort, enhanced precision, and longer battery life compared to the Joy-Cons. It's an investment that will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience and help you get the most out of your Nintendo Switch.

Official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Let's kick things off with the OG – the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This is the gold standard, the one that all others are compared to. And for good reason.

The build quality is top-notch. It feels solid and well-made in your hands. The buttons are responsive, the analog sticks are smooth, and the D-pad is actually decent (unlike some other Nintendo controllers we could mention). Seriously, the D-pad is a major improvement over the Joy-Cons. Nintendo really nailed the ergonomics with this controller. It fits comfortably in your hands, even during long gaming sessions. The weight is just right, providing a sense of quality and stability without feeling too heavy.

It's got all the features you'd expect, including motion controls, HD rumble, and amiibo support. The motion controls are precise and responsive, making games like Splatoon 2 and Arms a blast to play. The HD rumble adds a new level of immersion to your games, allowing you to feel subtle vibrations that enhance the gameplay experience. And if you're an amiibo collector, you'll appreciate the built-in NFC reader for unlocking in-game content and bonuses.

Plus, it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, so no need to worry about messy cables. The wireless connectivity is reliable and stable, ensuring a seamless gaming experience without any noticeable lag or disconnects. Setting up the controller is also a breeze – simply pair it with your Nintendo Switch and you're good to go. And with its long battery life, you can game for hours on end without having to worry about running out of power.

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Comfortable ergonomics
  • Precise controls
  • Long battery life
  • Motion controls, HD rumble, and amiibo support

Cons:

  • It's a bit pricey
  • The D-pad could still be better (but it's still good)

If you're looking for the best of the best, the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the way to go. It's worth the investment if you're serious about your Switch gaming.

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller

Okay, so maybe you're looking for something a little more budget-friendly? The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a great alternative. It offers a lot of the same features as the official Pro Controller, but at a lower price point.

It comes in a variety of cool designs, so you can find one that matches your personality. From classic Nintendo characters to stylish patterns, there's a PowerA controller for everyone. The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold, even during long gaming sessions. The buttons are responsive and the analog sticks provide precise control.

It also has motion controls and mappable buttons. The motion controls work well, although they're not quite as precise as the official Pro Controller. The mappable buttons are a nice addition, allowing you to customize your controller to your liking. You can assign different functions to the buttons, giving you a competitive edge in your favorite games. This level of customization can be especially useful for players who prefer specific control schemes or want to optimize their gameplay.

However, there are a few downsides. It doesn't have HD rumble or amiibo support. And it uses AA batteries, which can be a pain if you don't have any on hand. But overall, it's a solid controller for the price.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Comfortable design
  • Motion controls
  • Mappable buttons
  • Lots of cool designs

Cons:

  • No HD rumble
  • No amiibo support
  • Uses AA batteries

If you're on a budget, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller is a great option. It's a solid controller that offers a lot of value for the price.

8BitDo Pro 2

Now, if you're a fan of retro gaming, you're gonna love the 8BitDo Pro 2. This controller is designed to look and feel like a classic SNES controller, but with all the modern features you'd expect from a Pro Controller.

The design is spot-on. It's got that classic look and feel that will take you back to the golden age of gaming. But don't let the retro design fool you – this controller is packed with modern features.

It's got motion controls, customizable buttons, and even profile switching. The motion controls work well, and the customizable buttons allow you to tailor the controller to your specific needs. The profile switching feature is especially useful if you play a variety of games with different control schemes. You can create different profiles for each game and switch between them on the fly.

Plus, it works with a variety of platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Android. This versatility makes it a great option for gamers who play on multiple platforms. Whether you're gaming on your Switch, your computer, or your mobile device, the 8BitDo Pro 2 has you covered.

It can be used wired or wirelessly, with amazing battery life. The wired connection provides a lag-free gaming experience, while the wireless connectivity offers freedom of movement. The battery life is impressive, allowing you to game for hours on end without interruption. And with its compact size, it's easy to take with you on the go.

Pros:

  • Retro design
  • Motion controls
  • Customizable buttons
  • Profile switching
  • Works with multiple platforms
  • Amazing battery life

Cons:

  • The retro design might not be for everyone
  • The D-pad can be a bit mushy

If you're a retro gaming enthusiast, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a must-have. It's a stylish and versatile controller that offers a great gaming experience.

Hori Split Pad Pro

Okay, so this one's a little different. The Hori Split Pad Pro isn't a traditional Pro Controller. Instead, it's designed to attach directly to your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

It makes your Switch feel more like a traditional controller. The larger grips and buttons make it much more comfortable to hold and play for long periods of time. Say goodbye to cramped hands and hello to comfortable gaming sessions!

The buttons are larger and more responsive than the Joy-Cons. The analog sticks are also bigger and more precise, giving you better control in your games. The larger buttons and improved analog sticks enhance the overall gaming experience, making it easier to pull off complex maneuvers and react quickly to in-game events. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or engaging in fast-paced combat, the Hori Split Pad Pro can give you the edge you need to succeed.

It also has assignable rear triggers, which can be a game-changer in certain games. You can assign different functions to the rear triggers, giving you quick access to important actions without having to take your thumbs off the analog sticks. This level of customization can be especially useful for players who prefer specific control schemes or want to optimize their gameplay.

However, there are a few drawbacks. It doesn't have motion controls, rumble, or amiibo support. And it only works in handheld mode. But if you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode, it's a great option.

Pros:

  • More comfortable than Joy-Cons
  • Larger buttons and analog sticks
  • Assignable rear triggers

Cons:

  • No motion controls
  • No rumble
  • No amiibo support
  • Only works in handheld mode

If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode and want a more comfortable and ergonomic experience, the Hori Split Pad Pro is worth checking out.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a rundown of some of the best Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers on the market. Whether you're looking for the official controller, a budget-friendly alternative, a retro-inspired gamepad, or a handheld-mode upgrade, there's a Pro Controller out there for you. Consider your needs and budget, and pick the one that's right for you. Happy gaming, folks!