Hardware [Question] Switch Pro controller alternative?

[FenexFox]

the wii pro controller is comfortable, has great battery life,and the dpad is solid. if the switch pro controller sucks, I'd suggest that.

Okay, Ill keep that in mind

 

[Xzi]

Obviously the 8BitDo SF30Pro is a great SPC alternative if you like the SNES controller.

GBATemp review here:

http://gbatemp.net/review/8bitdo-sn30-pro.703/

 

[FenexFox]

Obviously the 8BitDo SF30Pro is a great SPC alternative if you like the SNES controller.

GBATemp review here:

http://gbatemp.net/review/8bitdo-sn30-pro.703/

It does look pretty good i might consider getting that just for the novelty

 

[Xzi]

It does look pretty good i might consider getting that just for the novelty

They're also $50, so cheaper than SPC, and they have basic rumble plus all the features except NFC. Also compatible with PC and Android (better compatibility than SPC right now)

 

[FenexFox]

They're also $50, so cheaper than SPC, and they have basic rumble plus all the features except NFC. Also compatible with PC and Android (better compatibility than SPC right now)

Holy Beep
they are cheaper alot cheaper yes i think im getting that for sure
and as your saying they are better compatible with other devices

i think tbh im gonna end up getting a SPC and a 8BitDo

 

[Xzi]

Holy Beep
they are cheaper alot cheaper yes i think im getting that for sure
and as your saying they are better compatible with other devices

i think tbh im gonna end up getting a SPC and a 8BitDo

I love mine honestly, going back to the nice big D-pad for fighting games and platformers and the like has been nice. The whole thing is wonderfully nostalgic with all the modern features/inputs added as the cherry on top. The battery life is good but at best half as long as SPC. Still, this has become my favorite controller, with SPC and XB1 controllers tied for second.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

wait it uses bluetooth like the joycons?
doesn't that mean i could potentially use it for my pc as well? through bluetooth?
if that's the case then i am 100% not complaining at the price cause ill get a ton of use outta it

I use mine on PC a lot, it's recognized as a regular DirectInput controller. With XOutput or Steam Big Picture's controller mapping it works fine with XInput-only games too. No rumble though. The only way to get rumble currently seems to be with the ProconXinput driver, but that appears to be wired only.

Okay i think im 100% going to get the Nintendo Pro Controller
i mean it would be better if it was cheaper but i mean i'm just gonna get it cause i'm just too lazy to look around more and its just easier

Thanks Guys for your help

I have one (the Splatoon 2 edition), it looks sexy and works really well. Battery lasts ages, it's comfortable in the hands and buttons, D-pad and sticks are good.
Some people complain that the center pivot on the D-pad is not deep enough making it possible to press the entire D-pad in slightly and some people have issues accidentally pressing the diagonals.
Personally I don't have that issue, I imagine it depends on what you're used to, but they did make the center pivot deeper with the Xenoblade edition so a recently manufactured Pro Controller should have that issue fixed.
You can't really go wrong with the official one.

NFC reader/writer: dirt cheap
A gyroscope: dirt cheap
HD Rumble (aka multiple rumble motors): dirt cheap
Bluetooth: dirt cheap
USB C (and 1 cable): dirt cheap.

Add it all up and you somehow get $70? Hell, it's more expensive than the standard DualShock4 and Xbox One controller!

The only feature the Pro controller has over a DS4 or XBone is the NFC and USB C (the standard in the future) versus Micro USB, which is still the industry standard. The pricing is definitely outrageous and it is definitely where Nintendo is making their money this time around.

It's going to be more expensive since it has more features. And it isn't THAT much more.
HD Rumble is not simply multiple rumble motors. In fact the JoyCons only have 1 each. I haven't opened the Pro Controller but I would guess it has one on each side to match the JoyCon layout. Which is actually the same as the XBox 360 controller, I'd imagine the X-Boner is the same but I don't know about PS4.
What makes HD Rumble different is that they're not simply using a weighted motor like rumble normally does, it's a bit more complex than that. But it's nothing really that special since the Oculus Touch controllers, Vive controllers and Steam Controller use the same technology. It allows some control over the feel of the rumble rather than it being either on or off.
They used some pretty hefty linear actuators for the HD rumble which is why it can get so loud. I'm not going to guess at the price, but for sure it's a lot more expensive than the tiny weighted rumble motors that are normally used.

the 360 uses rf as well. in fact, the rf board is where the rol is. I don't know if it's proprietary or not, but it wouldn't surprise me if it is.

I've heard that there are problems with the dpad of the switch pro controller. once I own a switch, I'll decide if I want to keep the pro controller. I've also heard that there are issues getting the controller to pair with the pc. maybe try a mayflash adapter and use the wii u pro controller instead? I don't know how much they are for a switch controller, but for a wii u one - they're like $18.

Mine pairs just fine. I've had some issues with it occasionally being detected by Windows as still being connected even when it's not, so I can't reconnect it, but that may just as well be Windows or my bluetooth stack that's glitching up.
It's a great controller though.

 

[OrGoN3]

I use mine on PC a lot, it's recognized as a regular DirectInput controller. With XOutput or Steam Big Picture's controller mapping it works fine with XInput-only games too. No rumble though. The only way to get rumble currently seems to be with the ProconXinput driver, but that appears to be wired only.

I have one (the Splatoon 2 edition), it looks sexy and works really well. Battery lasts ages, it's comfortable in the hands and buttons, D-pad and sticks are good.
Some people complain that the center pivot on the D-pad is not deep enough making it possible to press the entire D-pad in slightly and some people have issues accidentally pressing the diagonals.
Personally I don't have that issue, I imagine it depends on what you're used to, but they did make the center pivot deeper with the Xenoblade edition so a recently manufactured Pro Controller should have that issue fixed.
You can't really go wrong with the official one.

It's going to be more expensive since it has more features. And it isn't THAT much more.
HD Rumble is not simply multiple rumble motors. In fact the JoyCons only have 1 each. I haven't opened the Pro Controller but I would guess it has one on each side to match the JoyCon layout. Which is actually the same as the XBox 360 controller, I'd imagine the X-Boner is the same but I don't know about PS4.
What makes HD Rumble different is that they're not simply using a weighted motor like rumble normally does, it's a bit more complex than that. But it's nothing really that special since the Oculus Touch controllers, Vive controllers and Steam Controller use the same technology. It allows some control over the feel of the rumble rather than it being either on or off.
They used some pretty hefty linear actuators for the HD rumble which is why it can get so loud. I'm not going to guess at the price, but for sure it's a lot more expensive than the tiny weighted rumble motors that are normally used.

Mine pairs just fine. I've had some issues with it occasionally being detected by Windows as still being connected even when it's not, so I can't reconnect it, but that may just as well be Windows or my bluetooth stack that's glitching up.
It's a great controller though.

That is one secksi controller! Where did you get it?

Edit: Thanks for the feedback on HD rumble. I figured it was either multiple actuators or variable weight.

Also, I use my Wii U Pro controller with my Steam Link and it works wonders, unless I need a mouse. I haven't messed around with that mapping yet.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

That is one secksi controller! Where did you get it?

Edit: Thanks for the feedback on HD rumble. I figured it was either multiple actuators or variable weight.

Also, I use my Wii U Pro controller with my Steam Link and it works wonders, unless I need a mouse. I haven't messed around with that mapping yet.

I ordered it online when it came out, but I dunno if they are still being made.

 

[OrGoN3]

I ordered it online when it came out, but I dunno if they are still being made.

Ah. Of course the UK Nintendo Store (online) has them in stock, but not the USA online store. I shall look for it leisurely. Thanks!

 

[SonicMC]

Alternatives list

• CooV N100/fast snail adapter: allows multiple controllers (but need 1 per player) to be used on on switch wired.
  
• magic-ns: allows multiple wireless controllers to be used on switch (also need 1 per player)
• Hori/Power A/ 3rd party wired controller
• 8 bit do controller
• Hori pokken controller usb wired (both wii u and switch versions work) edit:fixed line
• Joy-Cons are technically an alternative
• Gamecube Controllers (weird to enable and requires wii u usb gamecube adapter)

Each have advantages and disadvantages and may depend on how you want to use the switch. Here are some examples:

for instance; if you want to play on the go with the switch on a table. Then bluetooth is nicer than all usb adapters/wired controller options.

Some are better per game, pokken controller and gamecube controllers don't have near as many buttons; but I love the pokken for blaster master and Gamecube for Mario Kart.

Barring counting Joy-Cons as an alternative; none of the rest have nfc for amiibo use.

I have heard trying to use more than one 8 bit do controller on the switch can be problematic; but this may have been fixed in a firmware update; I don't have one and definitely not two; so unable to test... but I think they look pretty awesome.

Many options also do not support motion control gaming; if the controller doesn't have it, then it doesn't have it. Hori/power a/ usb wired/ and older controllers from other systems... looking at you.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

From what i heard the Xenoblade chronicles 2 controllers have the D-pad Pivot inside, perhaps a new print run controller would have them too. Wonder why they didn't do that in the first place a year ago. Still I was gonna get one just cause I went all out on xenoblade chronicles 2 purchase with special edition $100 + Season pass $30 and the controller $70 (See how expensive it is just to SUPPORT SOMETHING You care about)

Hope xenoblade one HD comes to switch. I use my Switch pro on my controller with rumble. Though it wasn't cheap, but least is not bad. Though I prefer my dualshock 4.

 

[ploggy]

I have one of those Magic-NS dongles only cost £20 and allows you to connect:
PS3 (Wired/Wireless)
PS4 (Wired/Wireless and utilises the gyro sensor too)
WiiU Pro (Wired/Wireless)
Xbox 360 (Wired)
Xbox One (Wired/Wireless)
and it works on PC too (one dongle per player though)

 

[FenexFox]

I have one of those Magic-NS dongles only cost £20 and allows you to connect:
PS3 (Wired/Wireless)
PS4 (Wired/Wireless and utilises the gyro sensor too)
WiiU Pro (Wired/Wireless)
Xbox 360 (Wired)
Xbox One (Wired/Wireless)
and it works on PC too (one dongle per player though)

Interesting... i might look into that

 

[ploggy]

Interesting... i might look into that

It came a couple days ago. So far I'm really happy with it.

 

[LightyKD]

I have a pair of wired pro controllers from Power A

Mario: https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Contro...sr=8-2&keywords=powera+switch+controller&th=1

Zelda: https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Contro...sr=8-1&keywords=powera+switch+controller&th=1

I also found a slightly cheaper wired controller here: https://www.amazon.com/Alteagle-Con...140&sr=8-13&keywords=powera+switch+controller

I might pick up this third one later. I'm fond of the build. I had other Android controllers with the same build and they are almost as comfortable as a GameCube controller. Hopefully the grips are rubberized. Some controllers of this build have these smooth rubberized bottoms that makes the overall feel seem professional.

 

[Xzi]

I have a pair of wired pro controllers from Power A

Mario: https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Controller-Plus-Nintendo-Switch-Super/dp/B075DNGDWM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518895140&sr=8-2&keywords=powera+switch+controller&th=1

Zelda: https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Controller-Plus-Nintendo-Switch-Breath/dp/B075DQ13SR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518895140&sr=8-1&keywords=powera+switch+controller&th=1

I also found a slightly cheaper wired controller here: https://www.amazon.com/Alteagle-Con...140&sr=8-13&keywords=powera+switch+controller

I might pick up this third one later. I'm fond of the build. I had other Android controllers with the same build and they are almost as comfortable as a GameCube controller. Hopefully the grips are rubberized. Some controllers of this build have these smooth rubberized bottoms that makes the overall feel seem professional.

I own the Zelda one and I do like it, but it's obviously lacking features and feels a bit cheap.

 

[invaderyoyo]

I very highly recommend a magic-NS plus a PS4 controller. Motion controls and vibration are supported so it's like using a pro controller. You lose out on NFC, but I've never used it anyway. It might be important to you.

I already had a pro controller when I bought the adapter specifically for Superbeat: Xonic since it feels very strange with asymmetrical buttons and was very pleasantly surprised.

If I'm being honest, I'm having a hard time seeing how people can justify the $70 pricetag of the pro controller. It just isn't worth that to me, but I thought it was my only choice when I bought it.

 

[LightyKD]

I own the Zelda one and I do like it, but it's obviously lacking features and feels a bit cheap.

Maybe I'm used to light controllers but I'm fine with the weight. The one thing I would change is the plus and minus buttons. I'd rather have them to be shaped like on the Joy Cons and not a standard looking button.

 

[RyanAnayaMc]

If you don't want to lose out on functionality, you can use the Joy-Con grip! (jk please don't kill me)

I own the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and I honestly can't complain about anything. Sure, it's pricey, but it has some nice weight to it (unlike the Wii U Pro controller), can last a freaking week constantly powered on, has a nice layout, big buttons, and overall nice build quality. Plus, I just like first-party stuff better than third-party because I had some problems with Afterglow controllers in the past.