I want to preface this by saying: controllers are a completely subjective topic. No opinion is right, and so my opinion, as well as anyone else’s, should be taken with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, we’re all happy to share our opinions but don’t feel if you have an uncommon opinion that means your controller is someone is inferior to someone else’s.

Now with that out of the way, I would try to stray away from any kind of analog stick as your method for directional input. The primary reason is when you try moving the analog stick extremely fast when you trying to fake running or having to input a lot of quarter-circle-turns consecutively, you might overestimate how far up you press up on the side of the analog stick, and thus the game registers that as a jump command when you didn’t intend to do one. This is further exasperated by modern analog stick design, the casing is entirely circular. There is no defined edges on the inside of the analog stick, so it’s extremely difficult to “feel” where the current analog stick position is.

If you want to go overkill on your switch, I’d recommend watching NihongoGamer’s YouTube channel found here . He’s made many videos about the Switch and fighting game accessories for the console. This might help you make a better informed purchase. About a year ago he made a video showcasing the HORI Nintendo Switch Real Arcade Pro V Hayabusa Fight Stick and the video link is here . He actually went so bar as to purchase a cardboard-constructed desktop arcade cabinet to place his switch in. Basically it’s a $150 fighting stick that works with the Switch.

As for the 8bitdo controllers. They seem to have a pretty positive internet presence, especially on YouTube. This honestly might be do the fact they’re shipping review units to so many retro gaming and smaller gaming YouTube channels, but if you want to take their word for it, then maybe go for it. I’ve watched MetalJockJesus over the years he did a review of the 8bitdo controller a year ago found here and I take him to be pretty honest when he reviews products. To note, I think this video reviewed the first generation of 8bitdo controllers, so it might be slightly outdated.

I’ve played a couple fighting games on the SNES classic controller, which is the very controller the 8bitdo tried to replicate, and I find the Dpad awkward to press because it’s squishy and too small for my hands. I really couldn’t recommend using an 8bitdo if you’re doing long sessions, even with my tiny-ass hands, it’s just not ergonomic and stiff. The best experience I can compare it to was playing BlazBlue on the 3DS, both the 3DS and SNES controller buttons have no delay, just that you’ll feel fatigue in your hands significantly quicker compared to a better optimized controller design.

On the other hand, the Switch populace and the inherit design the Switch makes it more of a “pick-up-and-play” casual experience rather than “time-to-dedicate-my-Saturday-night-in-the-lab-grinding-combos-until-4am” hardcore experience. This is to the advantage of the 8bitdo’s design choice, it’s small, compact, 20 hours of battery life, perfect to throw in your backpack and play on the go. Ideally having two 8bitdos would be the best case scenario. Just sucks they’re $50 a pop, but hey, if you got like $70 to spend on the Switch Pro controller you can probably afford two more controllers!

P.S. Noel needs a buff. (This isn’t subjective, it’s one-hundred percent objective and needs to happen.)