Nintendo Switch: Joy-Cons or Pro Controller?

The Switch has been out for a good full three days now, and I’ve done my fair share of playing with both the Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller I was lucky enough to find. So which is better?

The first game I played was Breath of the Wild, and I started using the Joy-Cons connected to the Grip the console comes with. It feels smaller and less natural than a PS4 or Xbox controller but much more comfortable than a Wii remote.

After my first hour or so in Hyrule, I changed to using the Pro Controller. It feels almost exactly like a PS4 controller, though it’s a bit rounder and smoother in parts, if that makes sense. The ABXY buttons are significantly larger than the same set of buttons on the PS4 controller, and I’ve enjoyed that.

Overall, the Pro Controller feels more natural, and it’s easier to quickly tap buttons in battles or other fast-paced situations. The textured grip is a great touch, and it doesn’t make my hands sore at all. (To be fair, the Joy-Cons might not either, but I haven’t held them for nearly as long.)

My boyfriend and I tried out the free demo of Snipperclips, which requires the use of the Joy-Cons, one half per player. They definitely feel very small, but adding the wriststrap grip helps them feel more natural. You can take your time and goof around in Snipperclips, so the smaller controller setup didn’t feel too awkward. Like any new controller, it just took a minute to get used to. Definitely can’t see myself playing Zelda with a little Joy-Con though.

But, of course, the Joy-Cons are necessary and work very well when playing on the tablet.

The simple answer to the controller debate is that it depends on the game. The Pro Controller is best for for faster-paced and more involved games, such as action-adventure RPG’s, racing games, and your more complex platformers. The Joy-Cons can definitely be used to play these games, but the Pro Controller will feel more natural, and it’ll make for more intuitive combat and racing.

The Joy-Cons, on the other hand, will be great for slower-paced games like those farming/ life sims, in addition to, well, games that are designed for them.

Nintendo is really selling those Joy-Cons, and they’re making games to show them off. And they’re helping indie developers utilize the Joy-Con tech in their games as well.

Party games will be awesome for the Joy-Cons, and it’ll be easy to pass a few out to friends to get them playing. They’re also sleeker and obviously more portable, making them ideal for playing on the go.

Both the Switch controller options have their merit, though that $70 price tag is a big con for the Pros. I’m excited to see what developers do with the Joy-Cons, and I know I’ll enjoy playing some favorites like Skyrim and Mario Kart 8 with the Pro Controller.

What are your thoughts on the different Switch controllers? Let us know in the comments!