How important are hexagonal edges?

[Glitchy_]

I started playing Smash on the 3ds and continued playing on the Wii U.
I bought a GCC and didn't like it because I wasn't used to the analog triggers so I used the Wii U Pro controller.

I started playing competetive this summer and saw that most people use GCCs.
When I have a discussion about what controller to pick i always hear about the edges at both sticks... And I'm not sure if they are that helpful.

Do they make anything easier (like Nairing/jabbing with Attack-stick) or maby even make thinhs harder?

 

[Daymaster]

I started playing Smash on the 3ds and continued playing on the Wii U.
I bought a GCC and didn't like it because I wasn't used to the analog triggers so I used the Wii U Pro controller.

I started playing competetive this summer and saw that most people use GCCs.
When I have a discussion about what controller to pick i always hear about the edges at both sticks... And I'm not sure if they are that helpful.

Do they make anything easier (like Nairing/jabbing with Attack-stick) or maby even make thinhs harder?

In Smash 4, they help but not too much. The edges allow you to use Nair with the attack stick, do sticky runs at the ledge and more easily shield drop. But those aside, there are no inherit advantages to a GameCube controller. However, wireless controllers, when tested in an area without wireless interference, have about 1 more frame of input delay compared to wired controllers about half of the time. In tournament, there is bound to be at least a little bit of wireless interfearence, so the input lag will probably increase there. The only disadvantage to a GameCube controller is the lack of a second Z button on the other side of the controller. As a result, Bidou is very impractical with a GameCube controller.

 

[Glitchy_]

In Smash 4, they help but not too much. The edges allow you to use Nair with the attack stick, do sticky runs at the ledge and more easily shield drop. But those aside, there are no inherit advantages to a GameCube controller. However, wireless controllers, when tested in an area without wireless interference, have about 1 more frame of input delay compared to wired controllers about half of the time. In tournament, there is bound to be at least a little bit of wireless interfearence, so the input lag will probably increase there. The only disadvantage to a GameCube controller is the lack of a second Z button on the other side of the controller. As a result, Bidou is very impractical with a GameCube controller.

I use Bidou that's why I won't switch to the GCC. The reason for making this thread was me thinking about using the HORI Fight Pad...
It has digital shoulderbuttons (4 of them!!), and both sticks have these edges around them.
The only problem... It' wireless once again!

 

[FamilyTeam]

You can still input Neutral Airs with the WUPC, it's just a bit harder to get consistent at. I'd recommend training it a lot, and you'll get used to it.
About Shield Dropping: I find the lesser travel distance of the WUPC's analog stick to make them easier, really. They also make True/Extended Dash Dancing and Pivots easier for me.
The CStick placement is obnoxious but after a month, I have learned to use it to my advantage (such as setting R to Special and the CStick to Attack for easier Wavebounces and CBounces).

 

[Glitchy_]

So if I'm using Bidou the edges don't really help me that much... the only downside still beeing the 1 frame increased lag?

 

[FamilyTeam]

So if I'm using Bidou the edges don't really help me that much... the only downside still beeing the 1 frame increased lag?

It's hard to judge input lag on wireless devices because there are too many variables to take into account. If you're in a situation like me where you are standing centimetres from your Wii U and your house barely picks up 3 Wi-fi signals, then the additional input lag besides the raw 5-6 frames it's always expected to have might not even be noticeable. It may increase in a tournament, but it's hard to gauge how much.
Being limited to wireless only is basically the only objectively bad thing with the WUPC, really.