The Switch Pro Controller's Great, Is This Nintendo Controller Better?

Nintendo's Lost Gem: The Wii U Pro Controller vs. the Switch & Switch 2 Pro Controllers The Nintendo Wii remote and Nunchuk sparked a revolution, but for many, the "waggle" controls or two-handed design simply missed the mark. Fast forward to the modern era, and Nintendo offers a return to tradition with the Joy-Cons (which still offer a nod to that split feel), and the highly-praised Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the new Switch 2 Pro Controller. But before them, there was one true standout: the Wii U Pro Controller. Design & Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Stick Layouts The most immediate difference is the placement of the analog sticks. The Wii U Pro Controller utilizes a symmetrical, "inline" design, with both sticks positioned up top. This unique layout is a stark contrast to the asymmetrical "Xbox-style" layout adopted by both the Switch Pro Controller and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, where one stick is higher than the other. While the newer controllers mimic designs from Sony and Microsoft, the Wii U's unique approach offered an incredibly comfortable and truly unique feel—a design choice many fans wish Nintendo had continued. In terms of overall ergonomics, all three controllers are comfortable, featuring substantial grips. However, the Wii U Pro Controller is often praised for its distinct, wide, and comfortable shape. Button Comparison: Size, Spacing, and New Features Face Buttons (B A Y X): All three controllers share the same button arrangement. However, the Wii U Pro Controller features slightly smaller buttons and wider spacing between them compared to the Switch Pro Controller and the Switch 2 Pro Controller. System Buttons: The Home, Plus, and Minus buttons exist on all three. A notable difference is the Capture/Screenshot button, which is a standard feature on the Switch and Switch 2 Pro Controllers, but is absent on the Wii U Pro Controller. The Switch 2 Pro Controller takes a step further with new features like mappable Back Buttons and potentially a dedicated 'C' button for new system features. D-Pad: The Wii U Pro Controller is widely regarded as having a superior D-pad for classic and 2D games compared to the original Switch Pro Controller. Connectivity & Power: The Charging Cable Catastrophe The Wii U Pro Controller boasts a feature its successors can only dream of: a colossal 80-hour battery life. This is double the approximately 40-hour life of the Switch Pro Controller and Switch 2 Pro Controller. However, the Wii U's charging port is a major drawback: it uses a bulky, outdated Mini USB port connector, making it difficult to find modern cables. While adapters exist to convert this to modern USB-C, it's a clunky solution. Both the Switch and Switch 2 Pro Controllers use the modern, convenient USB-C port for charging. The Verdict: A Unique Legacy While the Switch Pro Controllers offer modern features like HD Rumble, motion controls (gyro), and Amiibo NFC support (all absent on the Wii U Pro Controller), the Wii U Pro Controller still holds a special place. Its fantastic D-pad, incredible battery life, and unique, comfortable, symmetrical stick layout make it a controller that was truly Nintendo's own—not simply an iteration on the competition. Which controller reigns supreme for you? Do you miss the unique symmetrical stick layout, or are you happy Nintendo moved to the asymmetrical, feature-packed modern design? Let us know in the comments below! #WiiUProController #NintendoSwitchProController #Switch2ProController #NintendoController #ControllerComparison #WiiU #NintendoSwitch #Switch2 #GamingController #RetroGaming #SymmetricalSticks #AsymmetricalSticks #BestController #NintendoHardware