So, I did a Smash Bros. Controller throwdown in the past, but I didn’t feel like that was complete. I felt like quite a few options were missing. Because I can’t help myself I ended up acquiring those as well. So, now a complete controller throwdown.
One controller that was in the last test, the HORI Nintendo Switch HORIPAD, I did not test this time. I still think that it’s a solid budget controller, but it’s just not well-suited to Smash because of the button layout and the looseness of the sticks. But for other Switch games, this is a great extra controller. It’s a cheap tank.
So I tested these a number of ways. First I just played Smash Ultimate with them. I played both offline and online to make sure the controller would work in every situation. I did a button press lag test of every controller and then ranked them by response time. This time I didn’t do any additional research or look at any other reviews since I had done all that for the last round.
So, what comes out on top?
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Ok, so a quick aside, this is the only non-GameCube style controller. To some that may be a dealbreaker, for others it’s a selling point.
Pros
Tied for fastest response time in my input lag test.
Overall, this feels like the highest quality controller.
Digital bumper buttons makes teching, shielding, and grabs easier.
This design gives me in particularly hand cramps, but for the majority of the population this is much more ergonomic shape than the GCN layouts.
Cons
Not a GCN layout.
The sticks lack notches, aren’t as big, and don’t feel as circular as the GameCube sticks. Overall not as well suited for Smash if you learned on a GCN controller.
$60 Price point makes it the most expensive controller.
PDP Nintendo Switch GameCube Style Wired Fight Pad Pro
This controller won the previous throwdown.
Pros
This has a GameCube layout with the Switch Home and Capture buttons added.
This has a larger overall size and feels the best in my hand.
This tied for fastest response time in my input lag tests.
Shoulders bumpers are digital which in theory, should allow faster teching, grabs, and shieldings.
Lowest price point, can often be found for sale between $20-$25 .
Cons
Shoddy build quality. Look, this is a budget controller and it shows. When I first got it it needed some breaking in, but now the sticks are too loose and the button presses don’t have the same spring. My son has an identical controller and swappable stick topper keeps coming off. The reliability is so bad, it can’t win this showdown and can’t be recommended either.
Nintendo GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
Pros
Classic GameCube layout.
Slighty longer cord than the original Gamecube Controller.
Nintendo quality controller and in better condition than the original GCN controllers.
Cons
Requires an Adapter to use on the Switch.
More Input Lag than the Pro Controller.
Glossier finish than original GCN controllers can actually affect gameplay because the grip is slippier.
Analog bumpers means that techs, rolls, and shields can’t be as fast.
These also may be hard to find. In the first year and half of Smash Ultimate’s lifespan you’d be hard-pressed to find one without paying a re-seller at least $80 plus shipping. Now they appear to be available on Amazon for $60 or less, which is still expensive considering you can get a Pro Controller for around the same price and will still need to buy an adapter.
PowerA Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch – GameCube Style
Pros
Gamecube layout with added Switch buttons.
Cons
Not Nintendo quality build.
Buttons are stiff.
Slightly smaller than original GCN which gives it a cramped feeling.
Poor reliability – I had this for less than a year before it broke. The fact that it broke, means it can’t win. Also, don’t buy this at all.
PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller for Nintendo Switch
Pros
Gamecube layout with added Switch buttons and Wireless capabilties.
This controller is still working so the wireless version at least seems more reliable.
Cons
Same issues with build quality, stiff buttons, and smaller footprint as the Wired Controller.
More input lag than the Wired version. In fact other than the GameCube controllers which require an adapter, this had the most input lag in my tests.
Nintendo GameCube Controller (Official, Original)
Pros
Literally, the original controller you may have been using since Melee.
Matte finish give better grip than the glossy finish of the new edition.
Cons
For some reason this had more input lag than the new Smash Bros. controllers, I think this is because the buttons have less spring and the sticks are more worn in.
All the other Cons of the Smash Bros. controller.
Winners
Okay, there isn’t a clear winner and I’ll explain why.
For me, and for most veterans of the Smash series the obvious choice is the Nintendo GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition. If you’ve been playing Smash with a GameCube controller for years, it may just be too hard to learn a new controller layout now. The build quality and reliability are Nintendo grade which puts it easily above the non-Nintendo products. And the extra length in the cord and just the fact that it’s newer gives it the edge over any old GameCube controllers you may have lying around. Personally, I have three of these now and I’m considering getting a fourth so everyone can use one during a four-player Free-for-Alls.
But if Smash Ultimate is your first Smash game, or you played Smash for WiiU with the WiiU’s Pro Controller than the Switch Pro Controller is the hands-down winner. In general the Pro Controller is just the best controller. The GameCube controller is notorious for causing carpal tunnel issues after long sessions. The Pro controller has much better ergonomics for long Smash marathons(for most people). The Pro Controller is a more modern, more premium controller. In fact, general consensus is that this just the best controller for the Switch. So you’d be using it for all your other games as well.
Finally, if for some reason you need a controller that has a GameCube layout but with the additional Switch features, I guess you should go for the PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller for Nintendo Switch. It seems to be the most reliable of the non-Nintendo controllers. It’s not very good for Smash, but maybe there are other games on Switch you really want the GameCube layout for? Hopefully it doesn’t completely stop working or become unusable after a few months like the other two third-party controllers.
So, those are my two or three recommendations. Let me know in the comments below what you think!