This will help you decide what's best for you!

When it comes to playing Smash Ultimate, and just playing on the Switch in general, you actually have an overwhelming amount of options for controllers. From the Joy-Cons, to Pro controllers, to third-party controllers of all different shapes and sizes, it can be quite overwhelming, even for experienced gamers. Now, most of these will be serviceable enough to give you a solid playing experience. 

However, if you want to buckle down, get good, and start climbing the Smash Ultimate ranks, be it online or in your local tournaments, you’ll want to guide yourself by what the best players are doing. After copious amounts of research, I’ve determined that pro players really only use these three controllers, which shine above the rest for various reasons. So, if you’re serious about getting better at Smash, here are the options you should be looking at and why the pros prefer them. 

3. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review

Pros that use it: 

• Rivers (formerly known as Shoyo James)
• Zackray

What’s great about the Pro Controller: 

• Sturdy and weighty.
• High-quality-feeling buttons and sticks. 
• Wireless, means easy to move and put away.
• 4 shoulder buttons to customize.
• Digital triggers (easier on hands for extended sessions).

Where to buy: 

• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

2. Smash Box  

Getting Started - Smash Box

Pros that use it: 

• Captain L

What’s great about the Smash Box: 

• Built like a keyboard; this allows quick presses between your various fingers instead of only using your thumb. 
• Certain quick movements can be easier.
• High-quality-feeling buttons. 
• Wired controller means no input delay, no connectivity issues, quicker to connect in tournaments. 
• Extended sessions can be easier on your hands and fingers.
• Can feel more consistent than joy-stick controllers.

Where to buy: 

• Smash Box

1. Gamecube Controller

Gamecube Controller Review

Pros that use it: 

• MkLeo
• Sparg0
• Tweek
• Just about the majority of the Smash community

What’s great about the Gamecube Controller:

• The classic, chances are you’re used to it in your hand. 
• Responsive snappy buttons and sticks.
• Intuitive button layout.
• Analog triggers can feel more precise.
• Wired controller means no input delay, no connectivity issues, quicker to connect in tournaments. 
• Easy to find.
• The cheapest option.
• Preferred by most pros.

Where to buy: 

• Gamecube Controller

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