The Nintendo Switch has a vast array of controller options, from licensed third-party ones by PowerA and Hori to questionable budget alternatives. While many are decent, none truly compare to the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Today we're finding out if it's worth the premium price tag.
Design & Comfort
The Pro Controller features an extremely comfortable design that mirrors the layout of the Xbox controller. It has a satisfying weight and premium build quality that feels substantial in the hands—a stark contrast to the lightweight Joy-Cons. The semi-transparent plastic finish is a nice aesthetic touch, allowing you to peek at the internal components.
Buttons & Analog Sticks
The button layout is well-designed with large, spongy face buttons that feel great to press. The analog sticks offer a much smoother experience with significantly more travel distance than the Joy-Cons, making precision aiming far easier. Concerns about drift are minimal; the build mechanics seem more robust here.
The triggers are digital rather than analog (pressured), likely to maintain parity with Joy-Con functionality. While some might miss GameCube-style analog triggers for racing games, the digital triggers feel responsive and consistent. The D-Pad is decent—better than the Joy-Con buttons but perhaps not as precise as the Switch Lite's D-Pad.
Features & Battery Life
Feature-wise, this controller doesn't cut corners. It includes HD Rumble which feels fantastic compared to the standard motors found in cheaper controllers. The motion controls (gyro) are far superior to the Joy-Cons due to the controller's stability.
It also features a built-in **NFC Reader** for Amiibo support directly on the logo. Connectivity is handled via USB-C, which charges the massive battery. Speaking of which, the battery life is phenomenal, lasting approximately 40 hours on a single charge.
Conclusion
Is it better than Joy-Cons? Yes, 100%. Is it worth the price? Absolutely. The comfort, battery life, and feature set make it the best way to experience Switch games like Breath of the Wild or Smash Bros. It earns a perfect score for being the gold standard of Switch controllers.
