Professionals only
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a comfortable alternative to the Joy-Cons. It has HD Rumble, motion controls, and NFC amiibo reader support. Plus, the battery life holds up nicely for your gaming sessions. However, it is expensive.
For
- Comfortable to hold
- Includes motion controls and HD Rumble
- Amiibo support
- Long battery life up to 40 hours
- Charges via USB-C to USB-A cable
Against
- Somewhat expensive for a controller
- D-pad is not amazing like retro controllers
- Need workarounds to work with other platforms like Mac
Retro experience
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller nicely replicates the original SNES controller aesthetically and in feel. It also includes a rumble vibration feature and has motion controls for your Switch games. You can use it with Android, Windows, macOS, and Steam. However, it does not come with amiibo support, and some reviews mention that the left joystick tends to stick.
For
- Replicates both the look and feel of the original SNES controller
- Has a great D-pad that's perfect for retro games
- Includes rumble vibration and motion controls
- Multi-platform support
- Wireless controller with rechargeable battery, charges via USB-C
Against
- No amiibo support
- Left joystick notorious for sticking
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller vs 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller: Let's break it down
We love to get our game on with our Nintendo Switches here at iMore. We've tried out nearly every controller option there is out on the market to help you pick out the best controller for your needs.
When it comes to gaming on your Nintendo Switch, you definitely want to get the best experience, and that's best done with a separate pro-level controller besides the Joy-Cons. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a great versatile option, but 8Bitdo's SN30 Pro is fantastic for retro games, so they each have their own purpose.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller vs. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller: What is under the hood?
Both the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller are great options for Switch gamers. It really depends on if you prefer an overall versatile option, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, or if you want something that's best suited for classic NES and SNES games available, which is where the SN30 excels. Let's take a closer look.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $70 MSRP | $50 MSRP |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours | Mileage may vary |
| Rechargeable | Yes via USB-C to USB-A | Yes via USB-C to USB-A |
| HD Rumble | Yes | Yes |
| Motion controls | Yes | Yes |
| Amiibo support | Yes | No |
| Multi-platform | Designed for Switch, requires workarounds for other platforms | Yes, for Switch, Android, Windows, macOS, and Steam |
| D-pad | Yes | Yes, more authentic for retro games |
Overall, both controllers are very similar. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is very modern and feels comfortable in hand, and the buttons are laid out in the same kind of fashion as the Joy-Cons, so it's not much of a learning curve. Plus, you have motion controls and HD rumble just as Nintendo intended: without any wonkiness. There's also a full NFC reader for your amiibo needs built right into the controller.
However, if you play more classic, retro games on your Nintendo Switch, such as those NES titles available through Nintendo Switch Online, then the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller is a better pick. The D-pad on it feels just like the original SNES controller, and the button layout stays true to the original, making it a great option for classic games. It also doesn't feature Amiibo support, though it does offer motion controls.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller vs 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller: Is it comfortable?
Source: iMore
All the technical specs in the world won't mean a thing if the controller isn't comfortable. Thankfully, both controllers are incredibly comfortable and fit great in your hands, no matter if they're big or small. The Pro Controllers layout mirrors the Xbox One's layout, so it'll feel very familiar to players who hop between consoles. The lightweight frame is very sturdy, and both control sticks are marked with a slight ridge for added stability. This is one of Nintendo's finest controllers.
The 8Bit SN30 Pro Controller is also very comfortable, though it does place both control sticks near the controller's bottom. The controller is light and compact. Plus, the control sticks also feel sturdy and comfortable. The only problem is that emulating the Old Snes controller doesn't leave much room for the shoulder buttons. They're just a little too close together, and that could be a deal-breaker if you're playing a shooter, for example.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller vs. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller: How accessible is it?
One of the SN30 Pro Controller draws is that it can be used across multiple platforms with ease. The controller will work well with your Android, Windows, macOS, and Steam devices on top of the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it will not work with iOS due to Apple's MFi protocol requirement. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can also work on Steam or a Windows PC with relative ease. Both are excellent options for use on the PC, but the SN30 does support a few extra platforms, so we have to give it the edge here.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller vs 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller: Which should you buy?
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and 8bitdo SN30 Pro Controller are excellent controllers for the Nintendo Switch, but we recommend the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It doesn't lack any Nintendo Switch exclusive features and feels really comfortable to use. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller is handy, especially if you favor older games or want to use your controller across multiple platforms.
Play like a Pro
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a must for all Nintendo Switch gamers. The shape of the controller is comfortable for extended gaming sessions. It has HD rumble vibration and motion controls just like Nintendo intended, and there's even NFC built-in for your amiibos. Plus, the Pro Controller battery can last up to 40 hours and uses the same USB-C cable as the Switch to charge.
When you live for retro games and multiple platforms
The SN30 Pro Controller from 8Bitdo is great for playing those retro NES games on Nintendo Switch Online, and then some. The authentic D-pad is what you need to play your favorite classics flawlessly. It also has rumble vibration, motion control support, and works with Android, Windows, macOS, and Steam.
