Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review: Comfort vs Flaws
Starting with a surprising twist from community reports: while Nintendo markets the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as a premium, feature-rich upgrade, a recurring theme from users is that it’s both “the most comfortable controller I’ve ever held” and “a $70 device with a flawed D‑pad.” Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and ResetEra, the score balances between ergonomics and persistent design quirks — settling at a strong 8.7/10 for those who primarily play docked, but dipping for D‑pad‑heavy genres.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for docked play and long sessions, but D‑pad issues and high price may deter some.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely comfortable grip and weight distribution | Expensive compared to competitors |
| Exceptional 35–40 hour battery life | Widespread reports of D‑pad misinputs |
| Full motion controls and HD rumble | No headphone jack |
| Built-in NFC for Amiibo | No analog triggers |
| Solid build quality and premium feel | Occasional stick drift and button wear over time |
| Works with PC via Bluetooth | Rumble less intense than Joy‑Cons |
Claims vs Reality
Nintendo’s marketing leans on comfort, longevity, and advanced features. Official specs tout “easy-to-hold grips for longer periods” and “HD rumble with Amiibo scanning.” Digging deeper into user reports, the comfort claim is almost universally upheld. Reddit user u/track*** said: “I only use my Pro Controller when I play docked now… it’s my favorite one and it’s very comfortable to use.”
Battery life is marketed at 40 hours, and the reality largely matches. IGN noted they’d “yet to successfully run down” the charge, while Trustpilot reviewers confirmed multi-week gaming without recharging. However, HD rumble hasn’t impressed everyone — ResetEra members called it “cell phone buzzing” compared to Joy‑Cons.
The D‑pad, marketed as a traditional improvement over Joy‑Cons, has a glaring gap between promise and delivery. A verified Trustpilot buyer reported: “Pressing up on the D‑pad sometimes triggered left or right presses… after a week it improved but still get rare mispress.” ResetEra threads echo this, with players of Celeste and Contra Collection citing fatal in-game errors due to misreads.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ergonomics dominate the praise. Players migrating from Joy‑Cons say the wider grip spacing reduces hand strain. Trustpilot user wrote: “Fits my hands perfectly… very comfortable in my large hands.” Reddit discussions highlight it as “more comfy, better battery life” than competing pads, with some calling it “my favorite controller on any system.”
Battery longevity consistently wows. Nintendo Life reviewers went weeks without charging during Breath of the Wild marathons. For travel-heavy users, this is transformative — no need to pack a charging cable for a weekend convention.
Motion controls and Amiibo integration earn points for convenience. IGN appreciated the NFC’s central placement under the logo, avoiding screen smudges seen on 3DS. Collectors and Splatoon players benefit most, scanning figures mid-match without swapping to Joy‑Cons.
Common Complaints
The D‑pad fault is the most repeated criticism. Competitive platformer fans and retro gamers suffer misinputs, especially in high-speed games like Puyo Puyo Tetris. ResetEra user recounted: “Kept using a move that made me go downwards over a pit… died like 10 times.”
Lack of a headphone jack frustrates those in shared living spaces. Trustpilot reviews suggest workarounds — long cables or Bluetooth transmitters — but these add cost and clutter. Price remains a sticking point, with many noting the $10–$20 premium over PS4/Xbox controllers while offering fewer features like analog triggers.
Durability concerns surface in long-term Reddit posts. Some report stick drift (“left joystick no longer reads ‘up’ consistently”) and sticky face buttons. While not universal, such faults are costly to fix given the controller’s high MSRP.
Divisive Features
HD rumble splits opinion — some love the subtlety, others find it underwhelming compared to Joy‑Cons. The weight is another divider: players with larger hands enjoy the heft, others find it heavy for casual play. Aesthetics, particularly the translucent plastic, charm nostalgia fans but prompt others to wish for matte black or white finishes.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot sentiment points to high build quality out of the box, but mixed longevity. “Solid build construction… nowhere does it feel they cheaped out,” wrote one verified buyer, yet others noted D‑pad sensitivity varying between units, suggesting quality control variance.
Fakespot’s analysis of the Splatoon 2 Edition found “minimal deception” in reviews, indicating genuine feedback patterns. However, several users on Reddit and ResetEra recommend buying from retailers offering warranties due to occasional connectivity issues with Splatoon 2 and the potential need for repairs.
Alternatives
Community comparisons often cite the 8BitDo SN30 Pro for retro games — praised for its superior D‑pad and multi-platform compatibility, though lacking Amiibo scanning. PowerA Enhanced Wireless controllers offer themed designs and extra rear buttons at lower prices, but omit NFC. For GameCube nostalgia, the Hori Battle Pad is cheaper, wired, and enlarged for modern ergonomics, but sacrifices motion and rumble.
Price & Value
At $69.99–$79.99 new, the controller’s price is consistently debated. eBay resale shows strong retention for special editions — Splatoon and Zelda variants often list above MSRP, suggesting collector value. Standard editions dip to ~$55 used, making second-hand a viable route if warranty risk is acceptable.
Reddit buyers suggest waiting for sales around $50–$60 or buying refurbished. Given its long battery life and comfort, many feel the price is justified for heavy docked players, but casual or handheld-first gamers may find less value.
FAQ
Q: Does the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller work with PC?
A: Yes, via Bluetooth or USB‑C cable. Users report seamless Steam integration, though some features like Amiibo scanning won’t function.
Q: How bad are the D‑pad issues?
A: For casual use, many barely notice. In precision-heavy games, misinputs can be frequent enough to cause gameplay errors, especially in fast platformers.
Q: Can it wake the Switch from sleep?
A: Yes. Pressing the Home button wakes the console, a convenience for docked setups.
Q: Is HD rumble better than Joy‑Cons?
A: Opinions vary. Some prefer its subtlety; others find it weaker and less immersive than Joy‑Cons.
Q: Are analog triggers important?
A: Not for most Switch games, but racing sim fans may miss them due to reduced throttle/brake precision.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a docked or long-session player seeking comfort, battery life, and Amiibo convenience. Avoid if you rely heavily on the D‑pad for competitive play or need a headphone jack. Pro tip from community: hunt for special edition sales — they hold value better and offer unique aesthetics without sacrificing performance.
