Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is getting another new character with the addition of Min Min from Arms. But, before you start thinking about how you're going to master her unique, two-armed fighting style that focuses on independently controlling each arm with the A and B buttons rather than having a combination of smash and special attacks, you might want to think about the controller you're using.
While you can casually play Super Smash Bros. on just about any controller your Nintendo Switch will support, it takes some serious finesse to play at a high level, especially when you're using a character with a unique style like Min Min. And, that finesse can be hard to manage when using anything but a quality controller for the game. If you're trying to master new moves, speed up your combos, or improve comfort through long play sessions, a good Smash Bros. controller can definitely help. We've tested a load of controllers and picked out those that are ready for the task.
TL;DR – These are the BestSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate Controllers:
- GameCube Controller
- PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro
- Nintendo Joy-Con
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
- Hori Nintendo Switch Wireless HoriPad
- Hit Box Smash Box
- Hori Split Pad Pro
- 8BitDo Arcade Stick
- 8BitDo Pro 2
1. GameCube Controller
A Legend For a Reason
Let's be real – ever since Melee, an all-around better Super Smash Brothers controller has yet to come along. The classic GameCube controller is so well designed for Smash Brothers because so many of the moves in the game were built with it in mind. The prominent A button is a boon for quick jabs and smash attacks alike, while the C-stick hangs out of the way unless you need it to pull off a directional attack and struggle with switching directions on the left stick. The small B key reminds us that Special attacks are indeed special and not spam. Never mind how easy it is to roll off the A button to hit either the X or Y for a quick jump to get right over the head of your opponents.
The triggers may be a little deep and the Z button a touch squishy, but many of us will have learned how to compensate for that. Though the GameCube controller can't directly plug into the Nintendo Switch, all it takes is a simple and affordable adapter to connect. That's a small price to pay when you consider that you'll be getting a low-latency wired connection for up to four controllers, don't need to worry about battery levels, and can use the old GameCube controllers you've had for the last 20 years.
2. PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro
A Great Budget Option
We get it — not everyone is going to feel like paying so much money for a controller that’s been around for over a decade and requires a special adapter just to plug into the Nintendo Switch. PDP solves this with the PDP Wired Fight Pad Pro. This will give you a slightly updated take on the GameCube controller while dropping the price to just $25 and using a 10-foot USB cable to plug directly into your Nintendo Switch dock.
The PDP controller makes a few changes you might like. For one, it adds an extra Z button to the left shoulder, giving you more flexibility with how you perform grabs and dodges in the air. The triggers on the controller are great, providing plenty of space for your fingers while also offering a nice groove for your fingers to sit in. If you never quite fell in love with the GameCube controller’s tiny C-stick, you might also like the Fight Pad Pro’s taller C-stick option that’s a match for the left thumbstick. One downside we’ve noticed is that the controller can be a little loud, but probably not as loud as our shouts when an opponent ledge guards us.
3. Nintendo Joy-Cons
Surprisingly Decent (in a pinch)
Of course, if you own a Nintendo Switch, you’re already the proud owner of a pair of joy-cons. When attached to a joy-con grip, they make for a surprisingly effective controller for all types of games—Smash included.
The tiny controller’s tinier buttons don’t inspire much confidence, but I’m always blown away at just how capable these little guys are. I like the clickiness of the buttons, but the low thumbsticks and small triggers aren’t going to be anyone’s preferred option. And if you have extra large hands, you’re going to hate it. My tallest friend (6’4”) started swearing the second the Joy-Cons graced his hands.
Things fall apart when you’re forced only to use a single joy-con to play. The bumper/triggers are mushy, and the buttons are finger-crampingly close together. But worst of all, a single joy-con has fewer buttons than something like a GameCube controller. Nintendo solves this problem by mapping grab to SL and shield to SR. It works, but you’re probably not going to be super competitive with this setup. Of course, if you don’t have any alternatives, it’s still a fun way to get in some casual two-player action.
These Joy-Con controllers won’t be anyone's first choice, but they're a far cry from the horrible hand-me-downs we used to play on. They work best with the included Joy-Con grip, where they feel more comfortable and are much easier to game on. Playing with a single Joy-Con, however, is not ideal and your play will suffer on the microscopic device.
4. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Expensive, But Worth It
If you’re not a GameCube diehard, the Switch Pro controller is another excellent option. As far as its design and build quality go, it's easily the most premium feeling device on the list. Nintendo’s $70 controller is heavy in the right way and offers rumble too (a feature sorely missing on the PDP and Hori controllers). Its uniform A, B, X, and Y buttons don’t incentivize the A button like the GameCube controller, which I also prefer. The thumbsticks snap back quickly and I adore the shallow click of its digital triggers—perfect for quick air dashing and rolls. There’s no C-Stick, but the Switch Pro’s secondary stick is comfortable and tall enough to easily hit from side to side—just like the PDP’s attachable version.
However, if you’re into tournament play, you already know you’d be better off with a wired solution. Any wired controller will have better latency than a wireless controller, and some tests show the Pro controller has worse latency than even Joy-Cons. While I’m not competitive enough to notice the difference, at certain levels of play it’s going to be a deal breaker.
But, for anyone who prefers wireless—and hasn’t sunk hundreds of hours into a GameCube controller—the Switch Pro is probably your best bet. Plus, you can still find it on Amazon. The best Wireless controller I tested, the Switch Pro controller oozes with quality. It’s heavy and ergonomic and features HD rumble. At $70, it’s not cheap—but it is versatile and feature-rich, while still feeling great for Smash. Unfortunately, at high-levels of play, the latency is a dealbreaker.
5. PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller
Best Customizable Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Controller
The PowerA fusion Pro Wireless Controller (read our review) is here to put the Nintendo Switch Pro controller to shame. This customizable controller lets you swap out the faceplate and the thumbsticks, and it has a handy trick in store on the underside. Yep, that’s right, four paddle controls to mirror front controls for easy access while keeping your thumbs in position on the analog sticks. Those paddles can be removed as well if you don’t need them at all times. The swappable faceplates even have a special feature with anti-friction rings that let you rotate the analog sticks smoothly.
The controller itself is a bit beefy, but it’s accommodating large grips, magnets for attaching components, and a battery that offers 20 hours of battery life over Bluetooth, though you can also opt for a wired connection. While it’s worth noting that this controller’s ZR and ZL buttons are digital, rather than analog, and therefore have a shorter travel, that’ll be a boon for Smash Bros. players, as you’ll be able to activate your shield that much quicker without a long travel before the control actuates.
6. Hori Nintendo Switch Wireless HoriPad
For Smash Bros. Ultimate Players Who Also Play Other Games
Compared to Hori's wired controller above, its wireless option doesn’t fare much better. While it's not coated in a tacky grip like the Battle Pad, it doesn’t feel much better. While the controller has a pleasing thickness, it suffers from the same “hollow” feeling and its triggers just feel godawful. They’re aggressively sloped and made from uncomfortable, sharp plastic. Basically, they’re exactly the kind of triggers you’d expect to shatter if you dropped the controller.
It's too bad, because there’s still a few things to love about the controller, especially its great Mario- and Zelda-themed designs. The controller boasts an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion control—which is great for other games, but won’t help you in Smash. The buttons are also wonderfully mashable, and are some of the quietest I've played with. The battery is rated at 15 hours of play, and recharging is done by simply plugging it into a a micro usb cable. The triggers alone should be enough to deter you from the Wireless Horipad. Add to that, it feels cheap and, at $49.99, costs the same as higher quality controllers. While the design is solid and the buttons are decent, its not enough to redeem the weird triggers. You’d be better off with something else.
7. Hit Box Smash Box
Best Fight Stick Controller for Smash Bros. Ultimate
Smash Bros. Ultimate might not seem like a game that's complicated enough to need a fight stick to play, but there are just some players who prefers the form factor and tactile feel of an arcade stick. If you're in that camp the Hit Box Smash Box might be just what you've been looking for.
That said, it's not exactly a traditional arcade stick controller as it doesn't even have a lever. Instead you get a plethora of buttons—23 in total to be exact. So you're pretty much hitting buttons to do everything from move left to right, jump or hitting C-stick buttons for easy smash attacks (don't spam that last one). Best of all you can pull off all your moves on Hit Box's extremely clicky and tactile arcade buttons.
8. Hori Split Pad Pro
Best Handheld Smash Bros Controller
As convenient as it is that the Nintendo Switch is portable and can have its controllers simply attach to its sides, the Joy-Con aren't really the best or most comfortable controls for a lot of games, especially for larger hands. So, what if you could replace them? That's exactly what the Hori Split Pad Pro does. This controller fully replaces your Joy-Con when in handheld mode. They slide right into the same slots your Joy-Con would, but they're so much bigger.
What does that size offer? For one, the Hori Split Pad Pro offer up much bigger thumbsticks, giving your more fine control over your movement and aim in games. They also have a larger D-Pad, making it much easier to use than the diminutive D-Pad on the Joy-Con. The triggers and bumpers also got a handy size increase. These controllers even add assignable rear triggers and a turbo function. Just note that the Split Pad Pro only works while slotted into your Nintendo Switch, as there's not wireless functionality.
9. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
Best Wireless Fight Stick for Smash Bros. Ultimate
While a lot of us probably would never want to switch away from the classic GameCube controller for any Nintendo game with the word "Smash" in the title, there are a lot of good reasons to consider a quality fight stick to take into battle. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick is a worthy partner on the Nintendo Switch, as you can actually use it with the console wirelessly, letting you sit back and smash in comfort.
The controller features a ball-top joystick for true arcade-style and puts the buttons you need for Smash Bros all in an easily mashable arrangement. You may find that these highly responsive buttons actually give you tighter control over your character than the mushier buttons on a GameCube controller once you get used to the different layout. Another perk of this controller is that you're not limited to using it with your Switch. It will also support your PC, so you can play a lot more fighting games with it than a classic GameCube controller. The lack of analog control from the joystick could present some issues, but you have the option of swapping components out later.
10. 8BitDo Pro 2
Best Tunable Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Controller
Video game controllers don't get much more classic looking than those coming from 8BitDo, and the 8BitDo Pro 2 (read our review) not only comes with that retro sense of style but also makes for a competent Smash Bros. Ultimate controller that you can tune to fit your tastes. At $50, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is an affordable wireless alternative to the Switch Pro controller, and it has some upgrades that may make it more valuable (especially if you play on more platforms, as it supports Windows, Mac, Android, and more via Bluetooth).
The controller looks like the SNES controller had evolved along the same path as the Sony's DualShock controllers, and it has the symmetrical analog sticks and rumble motors to prove it. It also has motion controls to work with more Nintendo games. With 8BitDo's software, you can also customize the button mapping, swap stick behavior or invert axes, or even tune the trigger actuation depth and vibration levels. The customization setup will also let you set up commands for the back paddles, two extra special controls that'll help you get a leg up on the competition.
Nic Vargus is a writer and tech enthusiast who thinks SSB 64 is the best in the series. He wept tears of joy when King K. Rool was announced, and you can follow him on Twitter.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
