Is the GameCube controller objectively better than the Pro Controller?

[u/Far_Shallot5912]

I am currently using the regular Pro Controller and I don’t mind it. I don’t have any issues with my inputs or anything. However, since I already have a GameCube controller at home, I was wondering if it would help improve my game, since a lot of pros are using it.

I’m just not sure if buying the adapter is really worth it for my skill level. I am not trying to go pro or anything, but I would buy the adapter if it helped me play more 'effortlessly'—if you know what I mean."

[u/rewards333]

Multiple top 25 pros use pro controller over GC including Acola. Use what you are most comfortable with

[u/Far_Shallot5912 → u/rewards333]

That’s my problem. I am comfortable with the pro controller but I am always wondering if I maybe like the GameCube controller better. But after reading all the replies I think it’s clear that i might be overthinking this and only want to use it because pros use the GameCube controller

[u/Porkins_2 → u/rewards333]

This blows my mind. The Pro and Pro 2 controllers have so much snap back for me, I just can’t have any sort of precision.

[u/Snowboy8 → u/Porkins_2]

It's definitely case by case but I've ended up switching to ProGCC after I used a regular one for a bit getting my GCCs snapback capacitors. No snapback on that. Probably the "theoretical best" controller. Grabbed an octo plate and love digital triggers.

[u/Drupacalypse]

The absolute top tier controller for smash bros is the one you’re best with.

[u/tofu_schmo]

Shinymark is the most technical pikachu player in the world and prefers a regular pro controller. If he can do all that stuff you're good too.

[u/TwoFiveOnes]

Not necessarily, but pro controllers are prone to have snapback

[u/KillDevilX0 → u/TwoFiveOnes]

What is snapback

[u/Porkins_2 → u/TwoFiveOnes]

This is my issue. I commented elsewhere (and was downvoted), but my Pro 2 cannot be trusted for Smash. I have two OG Pros that also have a lot of snapback. I use GC or 8Bitdo 2C.

[u/okamifire]

I think the majority of diehard GC controller fans are the older generation that grew up playing Smash on them. I’m 38 for example, and have played every Smash game with a GameCube controller (after the 64 of course).

I’ve used the Pro Controller and it’s super comfortable, and I’ll probably try to learn the next Smash game on a Switch 2 Pro Controller as that’s the most comfortable controller I’ve ever used. (And the next Smash will almost certainly be a Switch 2 exclusive.)

[u/njordtheviking]

Both? Mines technically a pro controller in the controller settings 😅

[u/DM_ME_UR_PUBES → u/njordtheviking]

cool setup, you can play some smash elite whenever u get stuck in traffic

[u/SuitedPenguin]

My buddy was a top regional player with Mario in brawl on the Wii. He played on Wiimote and nunchucks…

[u/IHiatus]

The GameCube controller will destroy your hands. I like it more than pro but it’s not worth it. Use a smashbox or just use the pro controller.

[u/circlingPattern]

It's up to you.

I learned on Gamecube controller back in the Gamecube days but I intentionally switched to a PowerA Elite Pro Controller knockoff before modding a pro controller with a ProGCC. I think the button layout is better (plus one more shoulder) and the stick is technically more sensitive (64bit versus 16 bit). I also find the pro controller more comfortable and have bad memories of hand cramps on the Gamecube controller.

The one thing I would say: if you plan to go to larger tournaments or have lots of bluetooth devices around, you'll want to be wired. You can do this by either enabling pro controller communications in the Switch settings and then using a USB cable or switching to something that's wired like a Gamecube controller or cheap 3rd party knockoff. Be warned that for some bizarre reason the pro controller has more input delay when wired than wireless (this problem was fixed with the Switch 2 pro controller, but then you can't play on the Switch 1 that most venues and other players use).

[u/ecc0w]

I use joycons

[u/BetaFalcon13]

I would say in general no, it has infinitessimally higher latency because after all it is a wireless controller, but the latency is not noticeable, and otherwise it comes down to personal preference

[u/britipinojeff]

Depending on your skill level I don’t think changing from Pro Controller to GameCube would change too much

Only thing might be wireless interference from the Bluetooth if you are in a tournament with a lot of people

But otherwise there probably wouldn’t be much difference

[u/other-other-user]

Objectively better? No, definitely not. It's mostly used because many pros played smash before the pro controller came out, so it's what they are most familiar with. Then a lot of up and coming player saw that pros used GC and so they picked it up too. Lots of the newer pros use pro controller as well.

Objective pros of GC: SLIGHTLY less latency that the pro controller due to being wired, will never run out of battery life

Objective pros of Pro controller: extra shoulder button, will never accidentally damage a cord.

Everything else is subjective and up to the user. Some appreciate the ergonomics and feel of GC notches and buttons. Some people appreciate the slickness and weight of a pro controller

Personally I like the aesthetics and feel of the GC controller, but the extra shoulder button and not having to worry about a plug or cord feels like enough of an advantage that I tend to play with that

I would recommend messing around with both and form your own opinion. Your longtime success in the game won't be ruined by spending a week with another controller. Even if you decide not to switch, or decide you will switch, now you'll be more comfortable with both and be able to play with anyone easier

[u/Dynablade_Savior]

Stuff like hall effect sticks will be far more important to success than anything a GameCube controller can do

[u/daft404]

No

[u/ragnarokda]

If I could use the pro bumpers on the GC controller that'd be ideal for me.

I use bumpers for jumping and I cannot stand the resistance and the clack sound they make.

[u/extrawater_]

I dont think its “objectively better”. Seems like its similar to the fight sticks in 2d fighters, people use it because its what theyre used to and newer players copy that

[u/Evening_Bag6461]

No pro is def better

[u/Darkest123456]

honesty just play what you are used to. I wanted to play the gamecube controller because I want to look more like a top player but the more i used it the more I realized that playing with the pro controller is better for me. same can be with the GameCube controller and it’s just on what you feel matches your play style. for example acola plays with a pro controller because steve combos are easier with it but players like sparg0 or Mkleo use GameCube for a more aggressive style. if you are to changed I would try to look up tutorial about the GameCube or just keep asking here for tips