Wii U Pro Controller vs GameCube Controller.

[Mr. Potatobadger]

I'm unsure if a similar thread has already been created, but I feel that this is definitely an issue that needs to be discussed, or at least realized.

First off, I'll go through the Pros and Cons of both the WUP Controller and the GCN Controller. Please note, these reflect my own personal opinions, based off of hundreds of hours with both controllers. Some points will contradict each other, as whether or not something is a pro or a con can be entirely based on opinion:

Wii U Pro Controller:

-PROS:

• Modern ergonomic design allows for more comfort for a longer period of time.
  -Also suitable for larger hands.
• Digital Triggers (instead of analog) allow for arguably quicker sheilding.
• C-Stick is closer to the face buttons.
• Face buttons are closer.
• Face buttons have a more solid "Click" feeling.
• Bumpers are bigger and more comfortable (easier grabs if you have the bumpers set to grab)
• Analog Sticks move more fluidly and smooth than the GCN Controller
• Analog Sticks don't have the Octagon Lock (or whatever the heck it's called) the GCN analogs had
• D-Pad feels way better than the GCN Controller (this doesn't really matter)

-CONS:

• Digital Triggers might feel strange to some.
• Face buttons are easier to press on accident because of how close they are.
• Analog Sticks have click buttons, which can possibly mess you up if you press down too hard.
• Analog Sticks don't have the Octagon Lock the GCN analogs had.
• Heavier than the GCN Controller.
• Wireless, WILL cause interference problems at large tournaments (more on this later).
• Battery dependent, could potentially cause problems in a tournament situation, even though the controller has approx 80 hours of life.
• Bulkier design may be unsuitable for some.

GameCube Controller:

-PROS:

• Widespread, common, and have been used for over 10 years, so people will be used to them.
• Decent ergonomic design is suitable for a large spectrum of people.
• Buttons are large.
• C-Stick is great for quick flicks.
• Octagon Lock decreases chance of inputting the wrong direction.
• Lower latency just because of the fact that it's wired.
• Great for a tournament setting because of how common and accessible it is.
• Analog Triggers arguably feel more responsive than Digital.

-CONS:

• Outdated ergonomics might feel strange to some (including myself).
• Smaller controller might make long play sessions uncomfortable for those with larger hands.
• Analog Stick feels more stiff than the WUP Controller.
• Buttons feel less "Clicky" and responsive. (Purely opinion)
• C-Stick is located far away from the face buttons, and kind of awkward to press depending on your thumb size.
• 10+ Years old, so chances are you will be using an either really old controller, or a 3rd party one of some kind.
• Octagon Lock arguably makes reverse-Up-B's more difficult to do.
• Adapters at this point are scarce, and expensive for the most part.
• Single Bumper (Z).
• Analog Triggers arguably make the buttons feel less responsive, and make shielding slower.

(Please let me know if I forgot any key points)

WHY I'M BRINGING THIS UP

In my opinion, the Wii U Pro Controller is far superior to the GameCube Controller, and it's my personal preference. I feel like I perform better on it. However, there are perfectly valid reasons to use both controllers. Unfortunately, there are some HUGE drawbacks to the Wii U Pro controller, which is the reason I created this thread, as well as why I'm switching to the GCN Controller completely.

THE WII U PRO CONTROLLER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGE TOURNAMENTS.

I've attended a few small tournaments, where the WUP Controller works just fine. I recently went to my first large tournament, where over 150 went solely for smash (other fighting games were there as well). I got to the tournament pretty early, about 3 hours before the tournament actually started. I played a few friendlies with a few people, and the Wireless Controller had like, half a second of input delay, and occasionally, the controller wouldn't even pick up inputs. It was miserable, and obviously, I got destroyed. I played a few more friendlies right before the Tourney started, where there was a LOT more people. The controller was even worse, this time. (The controller had a full charge, mind you)
There was absolutely no way I could compete, so I forfeited and left.

Quite disappointing, but honestly, I should have seen it coming. I learned a valuable lesson.

With that being said, here's the verdict:

I CANNOT recommend enough switching to the GameCube controller if you want to play competitively, even if it requires you to spend some money on an adapter.

Chances are, most of you already know this. But there may be some newer people out there wanting to get into the competitive scene that plan on using the Wii U Pro controller. Don't let what happened to me happen to you.

I'm new to competitive Smash, and I learned a valuable lesson at my first big tournament. Hopefully, some new people out there will read this so you don't make the same mistake.

 

[Tony_11]

I personally prefer the WUP over the GC as well, and have built muscle memory in using the more accessible bumpers for moves like jump and specials, but I have to agree that there are drawbacks. I did not have the previous experience, and therefore muscle memory, with the GC controller growing up. This made it easier to get used to the WUP, but with all that said I always carry a GC controller with me for tournaments, even if I know I would perform subpar with it.