Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a controller for use with the Nintendo Switch console. Unlike the Wii U Pro Controller, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has near field communication functionality, allowing the use of amiibo with games. The layout of the controls resembles that of the GameCube controller, with an analog stick and A, B, X, Y, Plus, Minus, Home, and Capture buttons on the top, and a D-pad and another analog stick on the bottom. The controller also has L, R, ZL, and ZR buttons along the top.
A special variant of the controller with a Smash livery released alongside Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Additionally, a limited edition variant with a gold Smash livery was awarded to the winner of EVO Japan 2020, Shuton.
Compatibility[edit]
The Switch Pro Controller is currently only compatible with the Nintendo Switch with currently no confirmation on if they will be made forwards compatible with future consoles. That being said, its bluetooth connectivity allows it to connect to other devices and unofficially be used as a controller for compatible games, though additional drivers may need to be installed for a smooth experience.
In Ultimate, the buttons on the Pro Controller can be remapped in the Controls menu to perform other functions. As of Nintendo Switch hardware version 10.0.0, every button on the Pro Controller can be remapped via the system's settings, further diversifying its customizability.
Standard controls[edit]
L |
Move |
 |
Standard attacks |
 |
Special moves |
| R |
Stick-smash |
  |
Jump |
  |
Grab |
  |
Shield |
 |
Taunts |
 |
Pause |
 |
Home Menu |
 |
Screenshot |
 |
Nothing |
Technical Data[edit]
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This article or section is incomplete. You can help SmashWiki by expanding or finishing it. The editor who added this tag elaborates: Needs more information on the hardware like the GameCube controller article |
Input lag[edit]
The Switch Pro Controller has among the highest latency of all usable Ultimate controllers when used wirelessly, experiencing lows of 92.86ms (5.5 frames) and highs of 112.86 (6.8 frames). It's just slightly worse than the Joy-Con, which has a higher minimum latency of 93.7ms (5.6 frames) but otherwise similar results.[1] If used wired with a USB-C cable, it's ironically worse than if used wireless.
Licensed variants[edit]
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This article is in need of additional images. The editor who added this tag suggests: Images of each available controller, including each nso variant in a gallery If you have a good image for this article, upload it here. |
Nintendo Switch Online Controllers[edit]
Released over several years, these are Switch Pro Controllers that are designed like controllers from previous console generations meant to be used with the various classic games on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Different designs include Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64.
Hori Battle Pad[edit]
Released in 2018 by 3rd party controller manufacturer Hori. Has the internal components and buttons of a Switch Pro Controller, but with an outer shell designed after a GameCube controller.[2]
PowerA GameCube Styled Controller[edit]
Released in 2018 by 3rd party controller manufacturer PowerA. Has the internal components and buttons of a Switch Pro Controller, but with an outer shell designed after a GameCube controller. This controller is wireless by default, but has a USB-C port to allow a wired connection.
In competitive play[edit]
The Pro Controller is arguably the most popular control scheme in Ultimate aside from the GameCube controller in frequency in tournaments. The ease of access relative to other options and it automatically being compatible with the console without an adapter unlike the GameCube controller make it an appealing option, although its high MSRP pricing many players out has been a sticking point for as long as the controller has been available. In a first for Nintendo, the wired connection uses a standard USB-C port, making this controller compatible with other devices like PC without the use of unofficial adapters. This along with the design being similar to controllers of competing brands, like the Xbox controller, make it a popular choice for PC players, especially with emulators that can play older Smash games online.
Significant design improvements have been made compared to the Wii U Pro Controller, which have made it generally considered the best of the "Pro Controller" family that started with the Wii. The control scheme is much more ergonomically comfortable compared to the GameCube controller, being far more palatable for younger players. Therefore, health risks such as carpal tunnel are significantly lessened.
Like with all other controllers compatible with Nintendo Switch, the Pro Controller has access to the Nintendo Switch's Button Mapping feature, which allows otherwise unusable buttons, such as control stick presses, to be used. This makes many advanced techniques significantly easier to use, such as wavebounced special moves.[3]
However, the previously mentioned price point and relatively high input lag have prevented the controller from becoming the gold standard for Ultimate tournaments, with many still preferring to use the GameCube controller due to experience and less input lag even with the adapter.
Gallery[edit]
Smash Bros. edition
Smash Bros. gold edition.
References[edit]
| Controllers and buttons | |
|---|---|
| Nintendo 64 controller |         
|
| GameCube controller |           
|
| Wii Remote (and Nunchuk) |           
|
| Classic Controller | LR       
|
| Nintendo 3DS |            
|
| Wii U GamePad / Pro Controller | L R           
|
| Joy-Con |   
|
| Switch Pro Controller | LR
|
| Third-party controllers | Hori Mini Pad · Arcade controller · Keyboard |
| Other | Smash Controller · Controller modification |
