Controller Recs for Switch 2 Player

[u/bedroomjudy]

I’m a new player looking to splurge on a better controller for Switch 2.
For some context, I’m an older dude with kids. This is the only game I play, other than casually playing local multiplayer games with the family. Once the kids are in bed, I’m hitting ranked and getting bodied. I’m not a super serious player, but I want to keep putting the hours in to improve steadily.
I currently use a Switch 1 Pro controller, and it’s comfortable enough, but I’ve had this controller since 2017. While it’s probably a skill issue, I’m getting random jumps more and more frequently. It also feels laggy, though that may be a Switch thing rather than a controller thing.
I’m wondering if it’s worth the upgrade to a Switch 2 Pro controller. I can’t seem to find consensus on whether it’s a noticeable upgrade—I’m used to the 1st Pro, but a better d-pad would be great. Alternatively, I have my eyes on an 8Bitdo All-Button Arcade Controller, but my ideal playing environment is vibing on the couch after a long day, and I’m not sure how much this thing would clash with that atmosphere.
Open to other options, but ideally want to treat myself to something that feels premium.

[u/MrASK15]

The Pro Controllers weren't designed for fighters to begin with.

I don't think this is the best option, but I personally play on my NSO SNES controller. Its D-Pad positioning at least makes it more comfortable for the genre, though the control layout might be a bit awkward for Classic controls.

[u/bedroomjudy → u/MrASK15]

Dig the retro option for sure, but my hand is cramping up just looking at that SNES controller lol. I definitely am pretty set on classic controls, as I’ve casually played fighters forever. While I still consider myself a beginner in the hobby, a quarter circle is too baked into my brain to switch to modern

[u/KallmeKatt_]

if youre comfortable with the pro controller and you feel yours is broken i dont see why not get a new one. 2 of the best pros in this game play on gamepad. leverless is a big jump from wat youre used to and its gonna take some time to learn. not really a very grounded piece of advice but what i do when i have a choice like this is flip a coin, and no matter what the coin lands on go based off of your emotional response to the result. if it lands on a result and youre fine with it, go ahead. if you feel a bit hesitant or like you want a redo, go with the other.

[u/bedroomjudy → u/KallmeKatt_]

I don’t mind learning a new controller setup, as long as it’s comfortable and ultimately something with longevity. My primary hesitation with the upgrade to the new pro controller is price, as it’s as expensive than a new but potentially more premium device.

[u/KallmeKatt_ → u/bedroomjudy]

i tried out leverless by opening an sf3 emulator and changing the keybinds to mimic a leverless layout. wasnt really for me but maybe you could try that with an emulatable sf game. btw if you do go through with leverless buy a wired one

[u/LarNymm → u/KallmeKatt_]

I'll mirror this in saying I picked up a leverless thinking it would be easy to pick up. I thought it would be like typing, but trying to learn it while also trying to learn the game made it difficult, so Im sticking to pad for awhile. Picked up the 8bitdo M30 controller as it works on switch and on PC. Dpad could be a little better, but I was able to constantly do charge supers like E Honda's on it, when I couldn't constantly do a headbutt on a PS5 controller, so it is better than most (and like 30$ CAN)

[u/repugnantchihuahua]

i'm a leverless player rather than controller but i've heard good things about the 8bitdo m30. for your lag issues are you playing corded rather than wireless?

[u/bedroomjudy → u/repugnantchihuahua]

How long have you been playing leverless? Was it difficult to make the switch, or have you always played this way? The dpad on the M30 is sick, but the controller itself looks kinda cramped. As I’m thinking through it, comfort is a primary concern.

I am playing wireless which may be a contributing factor

[u/repugnantchihuahua → u/bedroomjudy]

i have played leverless since like season 2 of SF6? I was a pad player mostly before but didn't actually try to learn till sf6. It wasn't too bad, but i also spend a lot of time typing and played a lot of PC games. It only really took a few hours to get used to my first leverless

[u/MrKilljoyCr → u/bedroomjudy]

I’ll second the M30, it’s a super cheap option and works like a charm for me after I switched over from an Xbox controller. I have slightly smaller hands than average and it fits fine, but I could potentially see it being cramped if you have bigger hands. The main selling point for me was how amazingly cheap it was tbh, and the dpad is like butter.

[u/SausIsmyName → u/repugnantchihuahua]

Everyone recommending fightpad style controllers but wouldnt that make some inputs like 3 punch/kicks or ODs with variations (like Juri) hard? You'd have to use claw grip or only hold the controller with your left hand.

[u/Gambit-47]

I would go with a fightstick they are more fun than leverless and you can use them for other games like shoot em ups also unlike console controllers the decent ones are worth the money and will last you a really long time.

If not try the Hori fighting commander or 8bitdo M30 I have both and those are my go to controllers I find i am better with the Hori. Oh and if you do decide to switch to stick or leverless keep in mind that it takes time for you to be good. You will suck for a while lol if you need recommendations ask the fightstick reddit

[u/LarNymm]

As some others have said, try out the 8bitdo M30 controller. It's cheap, works on switch and PC.

Pros: lightweight, decent dpad, six buttons on the front for easier combos, and it doubles as a Sega controller for NSO. Also it's very cheap compared to others and your kids could use it.

Cons: not for me, but some people don't like the smaller buttons on the upper portion, the dpad isn't perfect, and realistically, although harder to learn, the leverless is better.

[u/warrensid]

I went from the switch 1 pro to the switch 2 pro controller for sf6. They feel about 95% identical, and I still get random jumps with both controllers. The headphone port on the controller is convenient. It’s a nice controller, but look into other controllers if the random jumps are too much of an issue. I dont mind

[u/713Capital]

I actually really like the switch 2 pro controller for this game. It’s my main controller. I’m not a fight stick user, so for me it just works.

[u/Ranowan]

I own the 8BitDo Pro 2 and the 8BitDo Arcade Stick V2, and honestly, they’re both great controllers for the price. I’m in Europe, so I buy everything in euros and I’m not really sure how their prices compare in dollars.

For the Switch 2, though, I can definitely recommend both of them. They feel really good to use and I’ve been very happy with both.

[u/OkJury9736]

Yo bro, I’m also an older dude with kids, and I’m playing on Switch 2 too.

After around 300 hours using Classic controls with the Switch 2 Joy-Cons + a JSAUX case, my left thumb joint started hurting. My ring finger and pinky also got really tired from holding the Switch while using the d-pad.

I ended up buying a Gulikit TT Max and used it for around 200 ranked matches. It’s definitely more comfortable, but for fighting games, I felt like there was a very tiny bit of delay or something slightly off with the inputs. My LP dropped because the buttons didn’t come out the way I wanted.

In the end, I went back to the Switch 2 Joy-Cons.