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Which one would be better to get, Pro Controller or GC Controller?

GoldPiplup64

Smash Rookie
Joined
Nov 28, 2018
Messages
10
I want to play Smash competitively and I don't wanna use the joycons (i mean who would). I don't have internet at home so I'm a tabletop kind of guy. I just really want to know what's worth it. Should I get an 8bitdo (or other) adapter so I can play a GC controller or just get a pro controller?
 

aleckermit

Smash Cadet
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Aug 8, 2013
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52
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TN, USA
NNID
aleckermit
Most people are going to say Gamecube controller but whatever you choose, if you're trying to play competitively, don't use a wireless controller. Input lag with a wireless controller will be about 2 frames; that's 2 frames slower your effective reaction time will be vs your wired opponent's.
 
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Orlando BCN

Smash Ace
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Oct 18, 2018
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579
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Florida
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Personally, I’m going with the Pro Controller since that’s the closest I’ll get to replicating the 3DS controls, which is what I’m used to. The circle gate makes movements much more precise than the GC thumbstick, and there are more buttons available as well. The recommended way to use the PC would be wired, since I’ve heard horror stories about input delay from wireless controllers at large events.
 

Luigifan18

Smash Master
Joined
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Messages
3,134
Switch FC
SW-5577-0969-0868
I want to play Smash competitively and I don't wanna use the joycons (i mean who would). I don't have internet at home so I'm a tabletop kind of guy. I just really want to know what's worth it. Should I get an 8bitdo (or other) adapter so I can play a GC controller or just get a pro controller?
What the heck is wrong with the Joycons?
 

Kevandre

Ivy WAS Saurly missed
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I'm personally going to play with the pro controller but a lot of people who've already played the game definitely prefer the Gamecube controller for it. I'm wondering if it's just because that's what they're used to or if it's legitimately better.
 

Questionmark222

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Jan 11, 2018
Messages
392
Location
Montreal, Canada
I'm personally going to play with the pro controller but a lot of people who've already played the game definitely prefer the Gamecube controller for it. I'm wondering if it's just because that's what they're used to or if it's legitimately better.
Same, but I'm concerned with the 2 frames of lag that wireless controllers (such as the Pro, which I'll play Ultimate with since I'm used to it and learning a new controller would be the equivalent of relearning how to use my legs) have to deal with. I wonder if ethernet cables that you can plug from the Switch dock to the Pro controller exist, and I hope so...
 

Crystanium

Smash Hero
Joined
Apr 28, 2008
Messages
5,921
Location
California
Why be square when you can be pro? Go with which one works best for you. I'm personally going to use the pro controller, since I've been familiar with it since playing SSB4.
 

NuNero1

Smash Cadet
Joined
Mar 18, 2016
Messages
50
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United States
NNID
KSHEFF722
I know how use and play both the Switch Pro Controller and the GC controller. And as of right now the one that I feel a little more comfortable with is the Pro Controller, movements are a bit more precise and it doesn't feel like I'm putting forth that much effort to get my characters to perform a specific move at a given moment and plus it's not as noisy as the Gamecube Controller. My only advice to you is learn how to play with both and then choose which one you feel the most comfortable with.
 

Arthur97

Smash Master
Joined
Jun 7, 2016
Messages
3,463
I use the Pro Controller.

Though, I had heard that for some reason it's actually less laggy wireless for some reason. Not that 2 frames mean much to me.
 
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TheCJBrine

Smash Legend
Joined
Jul 28, 2013
Messages
12,057
Location
New World, Minecraft
Imo the Gamecube is controller is probably preferable, but I don't have a GC Adapter so I can't even use mine for Ultimate, although I like how it feels for Melee.

The pro controller is good too, though, but the input lag stuff people are saying is sorta concerning, though that doesn't mean much to me. I don't notice a problem when playing online, other than the lag that occurs often, and I get put against people who are much better than me usually anyway.
 
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Tr1s

Smash Rookie
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
2
I played on the pro-controller day 1 because my bundle edition got lost in the post and I was at a friend’s place. It felt fine but i definitely noticed myself missing inputs.

Given I last played almost a decade ago in Melee I’m used to the GC controller, but I didn’t expect my play to be radically improved by switching back. In part that’s muscle memory, but it’s also because the controller layout is just way more attuned to Smash in general.

The obvious advice is to play what you feel comfortable with because getting good is not going to be determined by your controller but by your practice with it. That said, the GameCube controller does feel better for this game.
 

lucasla

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Jul 24, 2018
Messages
481
Pro Controller.
Because: No wires, motion controls, rumble, is more beautiful, and NO WIRES.

I don't see how the GC controller could be better because the layout it has. Smash barely uses half of the buttons of any of these controllers. It has a lot of repetition on the buttons, like.. In the default control scheme, we have two options to grab, shield and jump, and the right analog stick is just like a shortcut for the smash attacks that you can do with the left analog stick and the attack button...

So, the layout of the controller is not really important, for example, I dont see how the A button being on the center of the GC controller and being so big helps anything, even because it not necessarily the most important attack button to me, I really use the attack and Special Attack in a very balanced way and depending on the character... So.. this layout doesnt help anything to me and I actually preffer the most simetric style of the pro controller, that has the standard shape of any recent joystick. I think I dont need to pretend that the gameplay of smash is so special that there's a need for a specific controller only for this game.

You can configure any controller the way you want. Unless you wanna adapt to a new shape of controller just to play Smash, I dont see any reason to try to get into the GC Controller.
 
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REZERO

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Dec 10, 2018
Messages
417
Location
San Diego
Pro Controller.
Because: No wires, motion controls, rumble, is more beautiful, and NO WIRES.

I don't see how the GC controller could be better because the layout it has. Smash barely uses half of the buttons of any of these controllers. It has a lot of repetition on the buttons, like.. In the default control scheme, we have two options to grab, shield and jump, and the right analog stick is just like a shortcut for the smash attacks that you can do with the left analog stick and the attack button...

So, the layout of the controller is not really important, for example, I dont see how the A button being on the center of the GC controller and being so big helps anything, even because it not necessarily the most important attack button to me, I really use the attack and Special Attack in a very balanced way and depending on the character... So.. this layout doesnt help anything to me and I actually preffer the most simetric style of the pro controller, that has the standard shape of any recent joystick. I dont need I need to pretend that the gameplay of smash is so special that there's a need for a specific controller only for this game.

You can configure any controller the way you want. Unless you wanna adapt to a new shape of controller just to play Smash, I dont see any reason to try to get into the GC Controller.
Its better sometimes because people prefer that layout. The A button being big gives people a reach advantage.
 
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lucasla

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Jul 24, 2018
Messages
481
Its better sometimes because people prefer that layout. The A button being big gives people a reach advantage.
I understand the personal preferences, but I dont think there's a better controller. For me, I dont think I need a different style of controller (the GC controller) or will have any advange to play Smash with one, and I preffer the shape of the pro controller.
 
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gritgodx

Character non-specialist
Joined
Jan 21, 2015
Messages
16
Switch FC
SW 2453 9593 2123
Pro Controller.
Because: No wires, motion controls, rumble, is more beautiful, and NO WIRES.

I don't see how the GC controller could be better because the layout it has. Smash barely uses half of the buttons of any of these controllers. It has a lot of repetition on the buttons, like.. In the default control scheme, we have two options to grab, shield and jump, and the right analog stick is just like a shortcut for the smash attacks that you can do with the left analog stick and the attack button...

So, the layout of the controller is not really important, for example, I dont see how the A button being on the center of the GC controller and being so big helps anything, even because it not necessarily the most important attack button to me, I really use the attack and Special Attack in a very balanced way and depending on the character... So.. this layout doesnt help anything to me and I actually preffer the most simetric style of the pro controller, that has the standard shape of any recent joystick. I think I dont need to pretend that the gameplay of smash is so special that there's a need for a specific controller only for this game.

You can configure any controller the way you want. Unless you wanna adapt to a new shape of controller just to play Smash, I dont see any reason to try to get into the GC Controller.
There's also this pretty cool product called the PowerA Wireless GameCube Controller which is basically a GameCube shell with Pro controller internals. It lets you have the best of both worlds, although it still has the slight lag of a Pro controller that aleckermit aleckermit mentioned. However, it's overall a pretty good option if you want to play with a GameCube controller but you want the wireless of a Pro. Keep in mind however, that it requires AA batteries and doesn't charge. If you are interested I wrote up a review on my thoughts about it on this thread if you are interested.

For you GoldPiplup64 GoldPiplup64 , if you aren't coming from the GameCube controller already it's really up to what feels better for you. I would spend time with both controllers and get a feel for them and which one you are more confident in. Try some more advanced tech and see which controller feels more natural to input it with. The controllers are laid out differently, so certain inputs might be easier (depending on your control scheme too), which is something to keep in mind. Most pro players will be using the GameCube, since that's the standard, even coming from the previous game. But I am guessing that more players will be using the Pro in this game since newer players who are new to the franchise will be playing who haven't been using the GameCube already. If you want the absolute most responsive controller, it's going to be a GameCube, but I would focus on which feels better to you.
 

Zubyyyy

Yung Zuby the Falco God
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
350
Location
Fairport, NY
I cannot play Smash on anything but a Gamecube Controller. Personal preference, obviously, since i've been competing in Melee for a while now. I tried the Pro Controller and simply cannot grasp how to make that work. The GC Controller is just too ingrained in who I am as a player.
 

Lypion

Smash Cadet
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
35
Ok so lets be real here 2 frames because of wireless is fake news. People did try it and make youtube vids so search for them. I'm playing both gamecube and pro in ultimate but after playing for a while i gotta admit the pro is slightly superior for 2 reasons:
1. You can short hop to instant special by whobbling your thumb from y to b which is very useful for many characters
2. If you decide to use your L-shoulderbutton to jump it is way easier to shorthop and you have 1 extra button.
Ofc most smash veterans will choose the gamecube bcs thats what they're used to but the only reason i see using a gamecube over the pro is that it is easier to angle the L-Stick bcs of the notches and a reaaally slight frameadvantage.
 
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soviet prince

I am the terror that flaps in the night
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I use the gamecube controller because the pro is so high
 

Manonymous

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Oct 2, 2018
Messages
301
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France
Ok so lets be real here 2 frames because of wireless is fake news. People did try it and make youtube vids so search for them. I'm playing both gamecube and pro in ultimate but after playing for a while i gotta admit the pro is slightly inferior for 2 reasons:
1. You can short hop to instant special by whobbling your thumb from y to b which is very useful for many characters
2. If you decide to use your L-shoulderbutton to jump it is way easier to shorthop and you have 1 extra button.
Ofc most smash veterans will choose the gamecube bcs thats what they're used to but the only reason i see using a gamecube over the pro is that it is easier to angle the L-Stick bcs of the notches and a reaaally slight frameadvantage.
The reason you said make the Pro superior, or did you talk about the GC controller ?
 
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TrashWaifu

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jan 7, 2018
Messages
2
Switch FC
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Honestly if you were asking about my personal preference, I would say GC all the way.
The face button layout makes it so easy to switch between A,B, and X presses because its just a swift rotation of the thumb and everything can be covered. I think the notches in the stick socket actually help in a lot of ways. It's easy to lock in the directions that matter, and being able to feel the clicks as the stick rubs across the notches really helps for SDI. However, the travel distance on the shoulder buttons is kind of insane, and pressing them on the pro controller is a lot easier. That's just my personal preference, I'd advise you to try both (if a friend has one, ask them if you could mess around with it in friendlies), and make your decision based off if what works for you.
 

Manonymous

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Oct 2, 2018
Messages
301
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France
I mean the GC is inferior. my bad
Oh, okay. I think you have to edit your post then.
(And I also think that your opinion is not shared by everyone, but it doesn't seem to be a problem here since I haven't seen somebody insult someone for their opinions in this thread yet)
 

Lypion

Smash Cadet
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
35
(And I also think that your opinion is not shared by everyone, but it doesn't seem to be a problem here since I haven't seen somebody insult someone for their opinions in this thread yet)
well my opionion i've noted above was based on facts not on personal preferrence. i love the GC controller either way :)
ofc noone has to agree with that opinion. thats how discussions work.
 

Fell God

Smash Ace
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Jul 26, 2018
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749
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Ylisse
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GC controllers can last pretty much forever unless you're actively trying to destroy them. Few, if any, other controllers can attest to that.
 

BK SAMUS

Smash Rookie
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Pro controller can become a wired controller when connected to the console directly knocking out any concern for lag which makes it a really good controller. The GameCube controls are awesome as well so you can’t go wrong with either one
 

Lypion

Smash Cadet
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
35
Pro controller can become a wired controller when connected to the console directly knocking out any concern for lag which makes it a really good controller. The GameCube controls are awesome as well so you can’t go wrong with either one
Unfortunately no.
The wired pro controller actually has more input lag than the wireless for some weird reason..
Look it up on youtube: switch pro controller: wired vs wireless latency test
 

REZERO

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Dec 10, 2018
Messages
417
Location
San Diego
Unfortunately no.
The wired pro controller actually has more input lag than the wireless for some weird reason..
Look it up on youtube: switch pro controller: wired vs wireless latency test
Are you talking about powerA or the horipad wired controller? EDIT: nvm

Also powerA controller isn't too bad. The triggers on the gamecube controller are bad for input purposes so I would recommend a different controller seeing as how shielding is huge in ultimate.
 
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Indecision

Smash Rookie
Joined
Jul 19, 2014
Messages
3
Pro Controller.
Because: No wires, motion controls, rumble, is more beautiful, and NO WIRES.

I don't see how the GC controller could be better because the layout it has. Smash barely uses half of the buttons of any of these controllers. It has a lot of repetition on the buttons, like.. In the default control scheme, we have two options to grab, shield and jump, and the right analog stick is just like a shortcut for the smash attacks that you can do with the left analog stick and the attack button...

So, the layout of the controller is not really important, for example, I dont see how the A button being on the center of the GC controller and being so big helps anything, even because it not necessarily the most important attack button to me, I really use the attack and Special Attack in a very balanced way and depending on the character... So.. this layout doesnt help anything to me and I actually preffer the most simetric style of the pro controller, that has the standard shape of any recent joystick. I think I dont need to pretend that the gameplay of smash is so special that there's a need for a specific controller only for this game.

You can configure any controller the way you want. Unless you wanna adapt to a new shape of controller just to play Smash, I dont see any reason to try to get into the GC Controller.
For starters the C stick doesn't need to be set to Smash attacks, it can be set to Tilts which I recommend as using it for your aerials the tilts will effect your trajectory less than the smashes plus for the most part you should be tilting a lot more than you smash anyway. Aerials are extremely important in this game and if you're not using the C-Stick for aerials as well as the A button then you're doing it wrong.

I really can't think of any character I'd want to be using the B button as much as the A button. NAir and Jabs are too good across a majority of the roster.

You're obviously not very competitive but OP stated that he wants to play competitively which means every edge, no matter how slight, has value and the larger A button could be enough of an edge to warrant the time it will take to get used to it.

I certainly won't begrudge anyone choosing to use a pro controller but for my money the GC controller can't be beat. Well having said that the Ultimate run of official GC controllers are horse**** so really if you don't have a WiiU or Original GC controller just go with the Pro lol.
 

REZERO

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Dec 10, 2018
Messages
417
Location
San Diego
You guys should keep in mind that probably even in the top 10% of players people will not notice the input lag when playing online anyways. Input lag won't be the reason you lose a match, although people will blame it on that.

There's a good chance someone out there in Elite Smash is playing with joycons, just pick a controller you like and go with it.
 
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lucasla

Smash Journeyman
Joined
Jul 24, 2018
Messages
481
The gamecube controller has the least amount of input lag, while the pro controller has the most by about 5.7ms according to these results:

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yKJ...6856/Screen_Shot_2018_12_14_at_1.17.51_PM.png
So, if these results are correct (and if we also ignore what people are talking about the ProController having less input lag than the GC Controller for some reason, and using this result as totally true), the difference between the Pro Controller and the GC Controller is, visually, something around half of a frame, and maybe you will lose one frame sometimes. This maybe can impactate a person playing in a tournament, but for anyone else playing in their houses with their friends or over the intenet... I don't see any advantage in change a wireless controller with a lot more features for a wired gamecube controller. For me is more a cost-benefit function, and lose 1 frame to have better confort while playing is fine for me.

I really can't think of any character I'd want to be using the B button as much as the A button. NAir and Jabs are too good across a majority of the roster.
I understand that, but the A button being already my default position where I rest my finger anyway, it doesnt change anything if it's bigger.
 
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Marmotbro

Smash Apprentice
Joined
Nov 22, 2018
Messages
148
GC is the tried and true model. It has a gate with edges, and some people prefer that. The cons are the button layout is janky for people who aren't used to it. I would say pick it up if you are used to playing with it

Pro has a more "standard" layout, and honestly its the one i would recommend. It has a circle gate, and it should feel comfortable to anyone used to a dualshock or Xbox controller.

JoyCons are what I use. You aren't locked into one way of holding them, i tilt the controller a bit because its more comfortable to me. It is also good if you are used to the 3DS controls. It might be a hassle to set up at locals though, and people might snicker at you.
 

Lypion

Smash Cadet
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
35
(and if we also ignore what people are talking about the ProController having less input lag than the GC Controller for some reason, and using this result as totally true)
Who said that...
 
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