Nintendo Switch Controllers Review: JoyCon vs Pro Controller – Are They Worth the Money?
The other afternoon, I was out in the garden trying to convince a particularly stubborn patch of weeds that their time was up. The sky, as usual here in Norfolk, couldn’t quite decide what it was doing—sun one minute, drizzle the next. By the time I came in, damp at the cuffs and in need of a sit-down, I put on a bit of Kind of Blue and reached for the Nintendo Switch Controllers I’d been meaning to test properly.
Now, I’m not one for all this modern gaming nonsense, but my grandson insists it’s “good for reaction time.” I suspect it’s mostly good for separating people from their money, but I thought I’d give these controllers a fair go.
What They Don't Tell You in the Ads
Let’s start with the bits they gloss over.
First, the size of those JoyCon things. If you’ve got hands that have seen a few decades of honest work, they can feel a bit fiddly. The buttons are small, and the spacing isn’t exactly generous. I had to adjust my grip more than once, especially during anything remotely fast-paced like firstperson shooters.
Then there’s the setup. It’s not rocket science, but it’s not entirely straightforward either. The instructions are printed in what appears to be font size “ant.” You will need your reading glasses, and possibly a bit of patience if you’re not used to pairing devices wirelessly.
And yes, people worry about durability. Those slim rails the JoyCon slide onto the Nintendo Switch—they do feel a touch delicate. Not outright flimsy, but not something I’d trust to survive being dropped onto a hard kitchen floor.
The Norfolk Stress Test
I used these over a week, mostly in the evenings with a cup of tea, and once or twice after a morning in the garden when my hands weren’t exactly at their nimblest.
The Pro Controller, I must say, is a different story altogether. Proper grip, sensible button size, and it sits in the hands like it was designed by someone who’s actually held a tool before. For longer sessions, it’s far more comfortable than the JoyCon.
Battery life? Perfectly respectable. I got several evenings out of both without scrambling for a cable. Charging is straightforward enough, though the JoyCon require attaching back to the console or a separate grip—a bit of a faff, frankly.
I also tested them in slightly cooler conditions—left them in the conservatory overnight, around 7°C. No issues the next day. Buttons still responsive, no lag or odd behaviour.
One thing worth noting: in brighter afternoon light, the small indicator LEDs on the JoyCon are not easy to see. Minor, but mildly irritating.
The Annoyances
No product is without its quirks, and these have a few.
- JoyCon drift: It’s a known issue. After extended use, the thumbsticks can start moving your character without permission. Mine didn’t go completely rogue, but I noticed the beginnings of it. Not ideal.
- Button layout on JoyCon: When used sideways, it’s frankly awkward. Feels like trying to write with your non-dominant hand.
- Price: For what they are, they’re not cheap. Even on Amazon with “great prices,” you’re still paying a fair bit for small bits of plastic and electronics.
Sifting Through the Amazon Reviews
Now, I had a look at what others are saying on Amazon, and it’s the usual mixed bag.
The glowing 5-star reviews often read like they’ve been written by someone who’s never used anything else. “Amazing,” “perfect,” and so on—take those with a pinch of salt.
The more grounded 3-star reviews are where the truth lies:
- Complaints about stick drift—very common.
- People finding the JoyCon too small or uncomfortable.
- Occasional grumbles about connectivity dropping, though I didn’t experience that myself.
On the positive side, most agree the Pro Controller is solid, reliable, and worth the extra money if you actually plan to play for more than ten minutes.
The Brass Tacks (Questions You Lot Keep Asking)
Do you need a smartphone and a degree in computer science to set this up?
No, but you’ll need your reading glasses and a bit of patience for the pairing process.
Are the JoyCon comfortable for older hands?
Not really. They’re usable, but after half an hour, you’ll notice the strain.
Is the Pro Controller worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value comfort and sanity. The JoyCon feel like a compromise; the Pro Controller feels finished.
Will they last, or are they going to pack in after a few months?
The Pro Controller should hold up fine. The JoyCon are more questionable, especially with that drift issue.
Who Should Walk Away?
If you’ve got arthritic hands, poor eyesight, or limited patience for fiddly gadgets, the JoyCon will test you.
Also, if you’re only planning to play occasionally, the cost of extra controllers might feel like money better spent elsewhere—perhaps on something that doesn’t need charging.
The Pensioner’s Verdict
The Nintendo Switch Controllers do what they’re meant to do, but not without compromise.
The JoyCon are clever in design, but too small and slightly delicate for comfort, especially for older users. The Pro Controller, on the other hand, is spot on—simple, sturdy, and comfortable.
If you’ve got the Nintendo Switch already, I’d say: skip the extra JoyCon unless you absolutely need them, and invest in a proper Pro Controller instead. It’s the difference between a pleasant evening and a mildly irritating one.
Right, the tea’s getting cold and I need to check on the tomatoes.
Cheers,
William
