As large-scale console game titles are simultaneously released on PC, and games that require precise and skilled operation based on high-level game features increase, the demand for game controllers also increases. fast Furthermore, each console manufacturer is working hard to secure a fan base and expand the market with exclusive third-party titles, along with strengthening cross-play support so you can enjoy games on their platforms in different forms. Nintendo, which we will review this time, also has a high market share in the console market with Super Mario and Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda series, and Animal Crossing, and there is a lot of interest in gamepads that n support it too.
Of course, in the case of Nintendo, unlike other consoles, the display and controller are integrated into the game console itself, and due to differences in support functions and compatibility, the need for a gamepad was low. Recently, with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch and the game progress possible through a dock form, as games that require precise and skilled operation increase, the need for a form similar to the Xbox controller, which can seen as the industry standard, has emerged. The official controller of Nintendo Switch, ProCon, which we will review in this time, supports wired and wireless connections, and can be used on PCs and mobile devices as well as Nintendo Switch through a Bluetooth connection.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has been released with designs added to editions like Splatoon and Monster Hunter after release. Compared to the Joy-Con, the L/R separation function and IR camera are missing, but most of the main functions such as Bluetooth, HD vibration, accelerometer, and gyro sensor are included, and you can see that the redirect keys are being configured.
It includes a Nintendo Procon gamepad body, a USB-C data cable, and a warning guide. It supports customer support and manual reading through QR codes.
If you look at the appearance of the product, it is based on the Xbox controller, so it has a very similar appearance, but you can see that the button configuration is slightly different. When you hold the product, you can feel that it provides a different grip than the previous Nintendo gamepads. Although it is a wireless product, the size and weight are effectively reduced. The size of the product is about 152x106x60mm, and the curved handle with ergonomic design and weight 246g provides a comfortable grip.
The Procon analog stick has an extrusion pattern on the side, providing a stable feel and smooth operation. In the case of the arrow keys, the same material is used as the XYAB input button, and the overall surface is rough, so it can be used quite neatly. The weight is almost the same as the weight of the XYAB button, and the input distance is short, providing a quick feeling, so the handling is good, but it is a little disappointing because of the noise of the lower arrow keys. In the case of the input button, you can see that the XY and AB buttons are placed opposite each other.
★ (button operation video, attached video)
In addition to the front buttons, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller also has a matte finish for the R / L and ZR / ZL buttons, providing a fairly clean feeling of use. Like the bumper button, the trigger is designed to be both short and long, so it is optimized for repetitive use of the button rather than precise play according to the difference in depth. The handle is narrow and rounded, designed to be easy to grip regardless of hand size, and the surface is smooth and soft to provide a more comfortable grip.
In the case of this product, a total of 4 profiles can be used, and the number of players can be estimated by the LED indicator that is illuminated through the player lamp located at the bottom. The built-in battery has a capacity of 1,300mAh, can be used continuously for up to 40 hours, and takes about 6 hours to charge.
A USB-C type terminal is applied to the head of the Nintendo Switch Pro controller to support fixed wired connection to devices and charging functions.
In addition, it supports natural wireless connection through Bluetooth and NFC short-range wireless communication. Although it is indicated on the package, it is recommended to register through a wired connection when connecting to the Nintendo Switch for the first time, and if you set the desired player number on the switch, you can control it separately from various Nintendo accessories such as Joy -Con and Ring-Con. A slight disappointment is that the visibility of the LED is not good, so it is a little difficult to distinguish the LED status in a bright environment.
★(Matching video, video attached)
If you connect the gamepad to the PC via Bluetooth, you can see that it is recognized as an input device called Pro Controller. In case of wired connection, button input was not confirmed in game controller property test mode, but it was confirmed to work normally when connected wirelessly. However, it was not recognized as an XBOX controller, so compatibility was disappointing when using it as a PC gamepad, and it was possible to move forward smoothly through Steam.
★(Game play video, video attached)
For the product review, I played the game on Nintendo Switch and Steam PC platforms. Unlike the Xbox controller, the location of the XYAB button is designed differently, but since I played the game on a platform that supports Nintendo Switch, I was able to move forward the same as r buttons shown on the game. The ZR / ZL trigger button is digital and has a short operating depth, so it is convenient to use when entering a target and firing repeatedly, etc. The vibration is on the natural side, and has been synchronized with the effects in the game, adding to the immersion of the game. However, since the vibration was rather weak, it was a pity to give it a laugh, and it felt only to the extent that the effect like being hit was activated. In the case of a series like The Legend of Zelda that supports a gyro sensor, the sensor helps to aim, allowing for quite natural and comfortable wireless use.
★ (mobile game video, attached video)
This time, for mobile use, I connected a smartphone and a gamepad via Bluetooth. Bluetooth pairing mode can be entered by pressing and holding the sync button located on top of the pad for about 3 seconds. We looked at compatibility through games that support controllers, such as Asphalt and Dungeon & Fighter Mobile. There is a significant delay that is difficult to use as a smartphone gamepad, and there is an error in signal transmission due to the delay, making it impossible to proceed with the game.
So, we took a look at the grippy PC Gamepad Pro controllers available for the Nintendo Switch. The general appearance is similar to the XBOX controller, so there was no difference in use, and even when connected wirelessly, I was able to enjoy the game with quick movements on Nintendo and PC. Like Joy-Con, it does not support the separation function, so it cannot be used in all Nintendo games, but it is relatively useful in games that require precise control. It supports gyro sensor, so aiming was convenient. However, the inconsistent button cross noise and trigger using the digital button can be expected to vary depending on the game genre you enjoy. Above all, although it supports Bluetooth wireless connection, it is almost difficult to use on a smartphone, so its versatility for the price is a little disappointing. If you are a gamer who needs most of the features supported by Joy-Con and wants to enjoy Nintendo games and Steam PC games with a stable and comfortable grip, it would be a good idea to consider Pro-Con.
– Unboxing, package components: 3 points
Since the body is packaged with only the box partition and the protective cover without any internal supplements, it is unreasonable to believe that the product is reliably protected during shipment.
– Physical properties of stick/direction input (cross keys) (material quality, finish): 4 points
In the case of the stick, it is finished with an extrusion pattern and is stable, and in the case of the cross-direction key button, a matte material is used, so it looks clean and feels good.
– Physical properties of the button (material quality, finish): 4 points
The quality of the XYAB button is not much different from other products, but personally I prefer the matte material, so I added one point.
– Physical properties or characteristics of other parts: 4 points
Overall, it has a clean and unified look by using a material that is not easy to leave fingerprints or sweat. The pattern applied to the handle provides good grip and stability.
– Overall build quality: 4 points
Compared with other products in the same class, it is made with a relatively clean quality, and the parts that are touched by hand are made of matte matte material, and the parts are given points others with the unique design of the edition.
– Moveability of stick/direction input (cross keys), feel of operation: 3.5 points
In the case of the stick, it operates lightly and smoothly, and a comfortable and natural operation is possible, but the clicking feeling is disappointing, and there is a sense of difference in the weight and noise of the button in the lower direction of the cross key.
– Button ability, operation: 3 points
In the case of the XYAB button, it is pressed well even with relatively low pressure, so it takes less force and operates smoothly. However, when using the center button including the home button, the stick tends to be held in the hand, and the trigger with the digital button is disappointing.
– Vibration intensity, vibration fineness: 3 points
It works naturally in sync with the game, but its intensity is weak, so it is not enough to add pleasure to the progress of the game.
– Evaluation of another function: 4 points
It has the advantage of being able to be used in games that support the gyro sensor, and through the calibration function, it supports more precise and comfortable play.
– Convenience and connection stability: 4 points
Through the sync button, easy and quick pairing is possible, but the button is slightly inside, so it is inconvenient to input the button. Also, it’s a shame that compatibility varies greatly by game, device and platform.
– Does it help the game immersion or improve skills? : 4 points
With a large capacity battery, you can play for a long time, and the gyro sensor and HD vibration effect add a sense of immersion to the game. However, the sound of the stick and the button at the bottom of the cross key is a little annoying, so it interferes with the immersion of the game.
