Play like a pro
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Budget buy
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
- Nintendo Switch App Pro Controller Machine
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The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is arguably one of the best first party console controllers in recent years. It has a killer D-pad and boasts a built-in NFC reader, motion controls, as well as rumble functionality. When it runs low on power you won't have to go hunting for batteries as it can be charged with USB. The only drawbacks to the Pro Controller are the steep price tag and that many folks have found that the shoulder trigger buttons do not press down deep enough.
Jul 13, 2020 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller features: Take your game sessions up a notch with the Pro Controller. Includes motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, and more. The Pro Controller can be used when the Nintendo Switch is either docked or undocked. Nintendo Switch Wireless Pro Controller. Nintendo made a breakthrough in its gaming controller technology by launching the Switch Pro Controller in the first quarter of 2017 at a cost of $70.00. Despite the pricey tag, the product had an immediate commercial success quickly climbing to the top of the gift wish list for holiday season.
Pros
- Feels fantastic in your hand
- Good D-pad
- USB Charging
- NFC reader
- Rumble
Nintendo Switch App Pro Controller Machine
Cons
- Price
- Trigger buttons have a shallow amount of travel
The PowerA wireless controller may not have an NFC reader or rumble, but it still brings a lot to the table. With a considerably lower price than the Pro Controller, you will get an even better D-pad, motion controls, and what really makes in enticing are the two programmable buttons on the back, which allows you a lot of flexibility.
Pros
- Price
- Programmable buttons
- Slightly better D-pad
- More color options
If money isn't a huge concern for you and you have to have rumble, motion controls, and an NFC reader, then the Nintendo Switch Pro controller is the obvious choice. If, however you want to save a few bucks, The PowerA controller is nothing to look down your nose at. The PowerA also has one specific additional feature that gives it a solid edge on its competition. But is it worth it?
The details
Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore PowerA Controller on the left, Pro Controller on the right.
The Nintendo Switch is an absolutely fantastic controller that boasts just about all the bells and whistles that you could ask for. It has a really nice build quality and feels great in your hands. You can use it's NFC reader to scan your amiibo, and it offers rumble support. Most importantly, it includes motion controls that are necessary when playing certain games. When your Pro Controller is low on juice, you can plug it into a USB port and get it all charged up.
The biggest problem with the Pro controller is that it carries a pretty hefty price tag. While the black version can be had on Amazon for $60, some versions sell for upwards of $90. For some gamers, buying a controller that could run you nearly a third of the cost of the Switch console itself just isn't an option. That's when it may be time to take a closer look at the PowerA Enhanced controller. With an asking price of only $45, it is much gentler on the pocketbook.
Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore Pro Controller on the left, PowerA Controller on the right.
To offer a controller at a lower cost, certain functionality just has to go. In the case of the PowerA Enhanced controller, NFC and rumble just didn't make the cut. However, for some people, that just isn't a big deal. The PowerA controller cannot be charged with a USB because it runs off of AA batteries. Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some people actually prefer using disposable batteries. So this is really a matter of taste. The good news is that this budget controller still features motion controls.
Something that the PowerA offers more readily than the Pro Controller is different design options. There are dozens of different choices ranging from a change in color to a Mario, Pokémon or Zelda theme, so you can find the look you like best. Finally, one of the coolest things that the PowerA offers is the programmable buttons on the back. For those who like the option to customize their gaming experience, this is a real win.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller | |
---|---|---|
Cost | $60 and up | $40 |
Battery Life | 40 Hrs | 30 Hrs |
NFC Reader | Yes | No |
Motion Controls | Yes | Yes |
Rumble | Yes | No |
Gyro Control | Yes | Yes |
Programmable Buttons | No | Yes |
Nintendo Switch App Pro Controller Macbook Pro
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the PowerA Enhanced controller are both great products. They both have specific benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately there are a few things to consider when choosing which one is right for you. How important is the price? Do you need NFC, motion control, and Rumble? If you can afford it, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the better option. If the thought of customizable programmable buttons sounds appealing, you want some color options, or you're still saving to buy the next big Switch game, the PowerA should be your pick.
Play like a pro
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The controller to choose when you have to have it all.
The price of the Pro Controller may be a bit on the high end of the scale, but you will get a lot for your buck. If you need that rumble or you collect amiibo and use them regularly, this might be the only choice for you.
Budget buy
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
When cost matters to your more than features
The PowerA Enhanced Wireless controller makes a few sacrifices to keep the price down. However, if the things sacrificed don't matter to you, this may be a perfect controller. Add in the programmable buttons, and that makes this controller a formidable contender.
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Nintendo Switch App Pro Controller Mac Download
Happy Happy Joy Joy (Cons)Every Joy-Con controller color plus some customization options!
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Ios
They probably weren't available at first, but nowadays you can find Joy-Cons in every color under the rainbow.