Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review: Perfect

Nintendo has made some of the largest and most iconic controllers in the past few decades. The original NES controller has become synonymous with gaming. The Nintendo GameCube controller is often referred to as the greatest of all time. and the Nintendo Wii controller has redefined what controllers look like and what they can do. Still, it should come as no surprise that the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a masterpiece too.

In our Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review, we’re going to tell you why you should probably own several of these bad guys if you aren’t already. We’re also going to give you the few reasons you might not dig it up.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review: what is it?

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is unique among most console controllers in that it is an add-on. Unlike an Xbox or PlayStation console, you don’t need a Switch Pro controller to play your Switch games. The pair of Joy-Cons that came with your Nintendo Switch have everything you need. If you own a Nintendo Switch Lite, the Switch Pro controller becomes even more optional as you can’t dock the Switch Lite to play on your TV.

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Just because you don’t need A Switch Pro Controller doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want one. Although the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con are innovative and interesting, they are pretty tight for long gaming sessions. Not only that, their battery life isn’t the greatest either as they are small and thin.

The Switch Pro Controller solves all of these problems. It gives you a modern, full-sized controller experience. It offers amazing ergonomics, long battery life and all the features you need to get the most out of your games.

As a side note, the controller works great with other systems too. Android 10 has native support for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and also works great with Windows 10 (including Steam games).

What is good?

Nintendo didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller like it did with the Nintendo Wii. The controller is similar to an Xbox One controller from the start, which has the obvious influence here.

However, Nintendo has refined the Xbox One design and mixed it up with the Nintendo Wii U Pro controller it designed years earlier. What you get is one of the best controllers I’ve ever used. It sits so comfortably in your hand and isn’t too heavy or too light. The textured handle and buttons make every hit precise and satisfying. Almost every detail of this controller is on point.

Since this is a first-party device, it can be easily integrated into the Nintendo Switch. It’s easy to pair, supports HD rumble and Amiibo NFC. Its buttons can be remapped in the Switch’s settings and are supported by almost every Switch title (there are a few notable exceptions, like Super Mario Party and every other game based on Joy-Con).

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The battery life is also excellent: almost 40 hours of play time before a charge is needed. Speaking of charging: the built-in lithium-ion battery supports USB-C and can be charged with any USB-C cable. There’s even a high-quality USB-C to USB-A cable (around 5 feet long) in the box that allows you to play your games even when wired.

In all honesty, there’s so much good about this controller that it’s hard to find complaints. However, there are two that the next section will focus on.

What’s not so good?

There are two things about the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that aren’t great.

The first thing that annoys a bit is the bluetooth pairing button on the back. It is located right next to the USB-C port and is embedded in the housing to make it difficult to accidentally press it. I know why Nintendo did this: it wanted to prevent users from accidentally putting the controller into pairing mode while playing. It didn’t have to go that far, however. If you actually want to use the bluetooth pairing feature, you’ll need a paper clip or other tool to press the button. If you don’t have long fingernails, Bluetooth pairing is going to be tough. So keep that in mind if you want to do this frequently.

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For the sake of clarity, there is no need to use the Bluetooth pairing button with your Nintendo Switch. Simply connect the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to your Switch Dock with the supplied USB-C cable and the boom: your controller is synchronized. You only need to use the pairing button if you want to connect the controller to other systems.

The second thing that’s not particularly good about the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the lack of IR support. In the end, however, this isn’t a big deal as most games that use IR require the use of Joy-Con as well. Since Joy-Con comes with your Nintendo Switch anyway, it’s not that you won’t be able to enjoy these games.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review: Should I Buy It?

If you own a Nintendo Switch and use your Joy-Con in the handle accessory as a controller, you’re living a wrong life. While this setup does the job, your hands and wrists (not to mention your game results) will be so grateful to you when you use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller instead.

If you own a Nintendo Switch Lite and are struggling to hold the entire system for hours, consider investing in a Switch Pro controller (and a solid stand) too.

Even if you don’t own a switch and are just looking for a great gaming controller for Windows or your Android phone, this should be on your list.

Now the big caveat: the price. When it originally launched it was $ 69.99, which was more expensive than the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers. Nintendo has cut the price by about $ 11 since then, but this bad boy is still pretty expensive. It is also in high demand so it can be difficult to find during the heavy shopping season. Don’t let that stop you though: this controller is worth every penny and worth a little work.