5.0 out of 5 stars Fits original model Switch consoles, functions like a USB Pro Controller

S.W. · July 5, 2023

-Overview-This is a Pro Controller with a switch holder, it is not a Joycon replacement.-Compatibility-It works with "normal" Switch consoles, but there is a visible gap the the left and right of the console when it's inserted - this isn't a problem, it just looks a little weird. You may have to enable the "Wired USB Controller" setting in your Switch to get it to recognize the controller.-USB C-The controller takes up the USB-C port of your Switch rather than electrically connecting via the JoyCon rails. To make up for this, there's a USB C port on the controller itself. Unfortunately the port on the controller only functions as a charging port, and won't work with other devices such as portable docks or headphone adapters.-Battery Life-This controller has no internal battery, so unlike first-party controllers it does noticeably cut down on battery life because it requires additional power from the console. Normally you would never notice this with a wired USB controller because you wouldn't be using it outside of docked mode, but that's exactly what you're doing with this one. I didn't use timers or anything so YMMV, but play time went from about six hours (with Joycons that have their own batteries and therefore don't drain the console as quickly) to just over 4 hours.-Comfort-Ergonomically this is so much nicer for those of us with larger hands. The controller is very light and barely adds any weight. It really feels like an upgrade to the handheld experience.-Performance-The sticks are responsive and accurate and so far I haven't noticed any drift problems. If it does drift later I'll update the review. The buttons don't feel weird or mushy. (Well the customizable buttons on the back do feel kind of mushy, but I didn't really use them). I'm not a competition gamer so I may not be able to notice subtleties that are important for some, but they feel "fine" to me.-Portability-This will not fit in a case that wasn't designed for it. And to my knowledge there isn't a case designed for it, so this really hurts portability. It almost looks like it would fit in a steamdeck case, but not in the ones that I've tried.-Bonus-There are certain games that, for reasons which elude me, try to prevent you from playing certain games in handheld mode - Harvestella being one of them. This controller effectively bypasses the checks and lets you play the way you want because the console thinks it's a detached Pro Controller.-Conclusion-This really does feel like an upgrade to the handheld switch experience. The grips are so much more comfortable than the JoyCons - at least if your hands are as large as mine. The sticks are responsive, the motion controls feel accurate and the buttons feel "normal". There are some downsides, like shorter battery life, no NFC for Amiibo, and you lose the ability to use a USB-C wired headphone adapter in handheld mode. Additionally, finding a carrying case that this will fit in might be a challenge. On balance the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and I definitely recommend this.

4.0 out of 5 stars Kids love it

J.B. · August 8, 2023

Bought this for my kids, they seem to love it. I have heard no complaints. I did some foam padding to the sides of the switch because it’s a loose fit, but other than that my kids enjoy using it to play on the switch.

2.0 out of 5 stars The D-pad malfuntions

V. · March 19, 2024

I loved this thing when I first got it, but after owning it for four months the d-pad no longer funtions correctly at all. The down and right buttons don't work at all and the right button goes up..and the up button also just goes up. I can't use it to play games that need the d-pad for different things.

3.0 out of 5 stars It’s alright. Could be better, could be worse.

M.N. · July 2, 2023

A product like this should serve as an appealing alternative to the normal. So, an alternative to joycons. Furthermore, not just 3rd party joycons, but the concept of the seperate, detachable controllers itself. This is essentally a standalone controller that connects to the switch via USB-C at the bottom.Now that we have defined the product, what is the most important thing about it? I would argue function and comfort in that order of priority. Functionally, it does alright. You can’t wake up the Switch with the controller alone, which is frustrating, but also not the biggest deal because you just tap the power button at the top. Nonetheless, it’s irritating and pointless enough that is detracts from the experience a bit. But it does work once connected to the system. The comfort is solid, but the buttons are hit or miss. The A/B/X/Y buttons are great and very tactile. The triggers and bumpers aren’t the greatest, but pretty good. However, I am not a big fan of the joysticks. Too small of a surface, and they’re just not terribly ergonimic. But on the topic of ergonomics, I will say this thing fits in the hand really nicely.Bottom line, decently solid product, but nothing to write home about. For the price, if this is exactly what you’re looking for, go for it. However, I think I would streer most people in the direction of a good set of 3rd party joy cons over this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Grip!

L. · October 14, 2023

This controller grip is designed with ergonomics in mind, it provides a comfortable and natural feel while playing. This reduces hand fatigue during extended gaming times. This grip feels really nice and natural to hold in your hands while playing. I really love how it fits beautifully in my hand and does not feel like it hurts like when I'm holding the switch without a grip.The double motor vibration feature on this grip provides really nice feeling haptic feedback and that adds depth to gaming experiences, making in-game actions more engaging. It makes it really nice and like you are more in it, if that makes sense. The motor feels really impressive and I like that it has a really nice smooth feel to it!The built-in kickstand is a nice feature as well, it lets you prop up your Nintendo Switch for gaming on a table or hard surface, it makes it easier to play multiplayer games or watch videos without needing to hold the console at all, which is great for me.The game card slot offers convenient storage for yourSwitch game cartridges, so you can carry your games with you wherever you go. It holds up to four cartridges, so that is nice to have that option for when you want to take some games with you!This controller grip fits both the Nintendo Switch OLED and standard Nintendo Switch, offering flexibility for different console models.This grip looks so so nice and the purple one reminds me very much of the Gameboy Color the translucent nature of these grips are really nostalgic and looks so nice! I would highly recommend this grip and you will not be disappointed! It excels in both style and function, it is totally worth getting this for your Switch.