I’m looking for the GREATEST D-pad for the Switch

[@JerryLoffelbein]

Time for a hot take. One of my favorite D-pads is on the Playstation Vita. They didn't separate the buttons like the dual shocks and PSP. There's a nice tactile click for the primary directions, but not hard to press like tac switches tend to be. It is shoehorning yourself into a system though, like the GBA SP or Switch Lite.

[@itsyaboi-od6kj]

Yeah the vita has the best teir d pad I wish they would have brought them back with the ps5

[@dottyorb]

I don't think it's a hot take at all, in fact I find that it's by far the best D-pad on a handheld.

[@Edo_Luna_]

I don't think this is a hot take. It's an uncommon because the Vita was a flop, but it had an OUTSTANDING D-pad. It's probably my favorite too.

[@re_nforce]

Time for an even hotter take: yall fuckin crazy. All these dpads feel fine The only two dpads i've really ever had problems with are the playstation ones and gamecube one

[@russoft]

The unintentional diagonals kill me on the SN30.

[@RicDreamlandAvalon]

Me too. Did you find a best option?

[@russoft]

@@RicDreamlandAvalon not really. I like the controller most of the time and still use my pair of controllers for my retro gaming rig. One day when I have time I may try modifying the D-pad to get rid of the unintentional diagonals, but it requires quite a bit of disassembly to achieve

[@magedreamuhe3022]

I appreciate this because I don't feel like I've held a good d-pad controller since someone sold my 3DS. I was already eyeing the 8-bit Pro 2, but it's good to see word on some of these other controllers

[@Roofurafulive]

Which one will u choose ?

[@zxserenade]

I was actually looking for a good video on which controller/s have good D-pad, and the moment I saw you praising the GBA SP's D-pad, I knew this is the one~

[@exoltik3199]

I came to this video expecting the Pro 2 and I am happy to see I was on the money 😂 It really is an incredible controller. It has the playstation layout, but the Nintendo style dpad and buttons, chunky and responsive. Can't begin to tell you how comfortable this controller is and how satisfying it is to rock back and forth on that dpad. Best in the business 🙏 It really made my Rogue Legacy 2 gameplay just hit different. And the thumbsticks are not too far out so it's real easy to switch between dpad and the thumbsticks quickly and comfortably. Couldn't really say the same for the PS4 controller, and I'd assume the same for the newer one. And I came to it all the way from the old SFC30 they made a while back, which was great but also fell into that category of being limited because of just having the SNES layout of buttons, no thumbsticks or extra stuff. They've really grown as a peripheral company since then and it's been great to see their journey. They do all kinds of neat controllers, even more niche stuff like the Lite 2 which goes for more of a Wii/DS kind of feel and size and can just fit in your pocket. I can't think of many peripheral companies that will take those kinds of risks. They're real innovators.

[@HarrisonMarchant]

Good video but you should’ve stated in the title GREATEST SWITCH DPAD as anyone could argue you missed a whole bunch of other great console dpads

[@NastadonGaming]

I really need a controller with a good D Pad for Mario Maker 2. I've gone through so many cheap ones and this video has helped me out quite a bit. I just purchased a Pro2 using your link, not sure if you get any kickbacks or not but it looks like a great one for what I need. Hopefully it's as good as you say it is, I'll have it in a few days to try out and will update this post then!

[@IvoryTower777]

Your attention to detail on the issue is so nice. I know for modern mortal kombat games I need a playstation Dpad which is so good for those games, xbox dpad for fighters is big nope but for elden ring I prefer the position of the Dpad ( i have a razor wolverine for pc its such a nice controller for elden ring and FF14 on PC - for these games you benefit from the right hand thumb reach over -I call it which is harder to do on a playstation controller or a Dpad that is up instead of down - I hope that makes sense - you can move around and use the dpad to cast spells or change your equipment in those games at the same time) . I got the switch OLED that came with smash bros, I do like the joystick for all smash games so nintendo got that right atleast it always feels good. But I did buy the switch online with all the classic systems and I am doing research before I buy a controller with a Dpad specific for classic games. I will look on your channel but I hope your fave Dpads also work well for the new gameboy advance emulator on switch.

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

Ive seen on some fighting dedicated channel liking the CRKD Neo S, the guy even switched to it as his permanent go to on the fly although he also had the 8bitdo SN30 Pro. Have you heard of them and know if they are up to par with 8bitdo Dpads.

[@quiet451]

Love this video. SNES controller is my favorite. I just used it to 100% Mario Wonder, but the biggest shortcoming was the hard to reach ZL button which can't be remapped. I have seen a few people comment that the 8bitdo D-pads have a little bit too much extra input. (ie - up/down when you only want a side input)

[@jdxcoffee]

yea that part is rough. I havent had that same experience with my 8-bitdo hardware

[@JerryLoffelbein]

I'm in agreement. I have the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro, Pro+, Pro 2 & ultimate controllers. The Ultimate is pretty decent, and feels a touch more compact than the Switch Pro controller. The bluetooth variant even has hall effect analog sticks. The charging cradle is also a nice extra that they come with. My frustration with it lies in the center cluster of buttons. They're all identical in size and spacing. I often overshoot hitting the start/select buttons, so I'll hit the turbo or profile switch buttons instead, or even the opposite buttons (start instead of select for instance). Something I hope they address in future versions. The Pro+ and Pro 2 don't have that issue by having start/select where you expect them without other identical buttons around to confuse your thumbs, and having the turbo, profile and home buttons out of the way and separated really helps in not hitting them unless you absolutely intend to. I also appreciate that they provide replacement parts for their products like batteries (user serviceable like 360/XBone controllers for the Pro's) and carbon pads for D-pads and buttons if they start to wear out. I appreciate being able to repair my own stuff with genuine hardware.

[@shocknawe]

Hey mate. I have the og SN30 pro model and think that the buttons and d-pad dont feel very nice. Also, i’m not a fan of the analogsticks. Did they fix them in the newer revisions? Thx in advance.

[@JerryLoffelbein]

@@shocknawe From what I understand, they've tweaked the D-Pad implementation a little when moving from the SN30 to the Pro+, but it was very slight from what I could tell. The face buttons and D-pad all use the same membrane part and same goes for the analog sticks (outside the Hall Effect versions of the Ultimate model but they still feel about the same to me, if maybe a bit less spring tension). I'd say if you're not happy with all of the inputs for the SN30 Pro controller, a newer revision isn't going to be a night and day difference so you'd be better off looking to a different brand to save yourself from more disappointment. That is to say, I'm not quite sure what feels bad about the inputs on your specimen (buttons too mushy; travel distance too high? Analog stick spring tension too tight or not grippy enough?). Anyway, I hope that helps.

[@abdellebadabdel9987]

Thanks for this comment. I'm as Shockwave, I do not feel the SN30 pro as good as they were saying in the reviews, the dpad is hard and have some slowness to push it and it doesn't come back as quick as intended. And was thinking about trying the pro2.

[@BastarB]

The dpad of the original Snes controller is truly superior to any 8bitdo dpads. 8bitdo dpads are way to clicky. I want a "stiff" dpad, where the distance from unpressed to pressed is the shortest possible.

[@thenormie]

4:50 actually I really need to find a controller with no analog sticks because my mind keeps bothering me that I only wear out the buttons that aren’t the joysticks

[@WastedHog]

got the Pro 2, 4th defective controller 8bitdo has sent me. Thanks!

same thing happened to me. Their quality control is whack.

[@imSUPERcereal0]

I just bought an sn30 pro, because I wanted a super Nintendo style controller shape that can work on my PC, Switch, and Phone. I found that I did not like the dpad on mine. It had a little to much roll and I was pressing inputs I didn't want. I ended up taking it apart and doing the same fix I did on my switch pro controller. I took tiny squares of electrical tape and put them on the contacts diagonally to help prevent in unintended clicks. Although, I used the same fix as the Nintendo pro controller, I do think the sn30 had the better dpad just was a little bit to sensitive for me. I also think I used a bit to much tape on the top contact because sometimes now, clicking up on the dpad wont register unless I click it harder than normal. I am to lazy to take the controller back apart rn, so I will just live with it for now. Hope that the tape will ware out a bit, might fix it. Edit: I also don't like the analog sticks on the sn30 as I feel they do not have enough grip. A little bit of sweat or grease and my thumbs slip right off. And I don't often play games without washing my hands first to get them dry. but I bought the controller for the snes feel and convenience having thumbsticks is just bonus.

[@jarrettbellboy]

Love my SN30 pro. It’s become my standard for all 2D games and I use it as my travel controller too due to the small form factor!

[@jdxcoffee]

Its such a rad controller

[@gmxboxgaming4756]

Good to see you still posting man keep up the work and I wish you many more years to keep posting

[@jdxcoffee]

I appreciate that

[@Jrstrdr]

Great video! What would you recommend as the best joycon d-pad option?

[@shocknawe]

Hey mate. I have the original SN30 pro and find all buttons stiff (seems to be the contact rubber). Also, the analog sticks dont feels very nice. How are the new models, including the SN30 pro 2? Ican’t find any videos of people actually talking about that and back in the day everyone was crazy for these controllers.

[@axMf3qTI]

I have the sn30pro and I use it all the time I don't get the "comfort isn't there" argument. Seems to fit perfect in my hands. I actually use it as my main controller and used so much that I had to replace the thumb sticks caps. Which was a pain because I couldn't find the light gray ones.. For anyone needing to replace them caps marketed to PS4 controller fit great.

[@hushroll]

Thanks for the video. I am a Metroid Zero Mission speedrunner, which has made me hate any dpad that doesn’t feel like the GBA SP. I tried playing it on NSO as it was recently put on the service and it made me realize how much I hate the pro controller d pad.

[@Autotrope]

Tried the 8bitdo Lite (original not 2)? Precise clicky dpad kind of like a PS vita. The V2 replaced it with mushy conductive rubber

[@Faizu777]

I’m actually buying the 8bitdo pro 2 again and now it has hall effect joysticks and I’ll get it in the gameboy colorway

[@Demokirby]

The official SNES controller is great for most games since the switch has a SNES layout, but lack of mapping and handful of games where the ZL/R are used frequently does hurt it at times.

[@SpaceLab-ei5sq]

Though I guess it can depend on what sorta games you're playing but tbh I think the genesis has one of the best! I get if the 'rock n roll' mechanical buttons aren't for everyone, but I think it makes it rlly easy to just keep your thumb on the dpad without having to barely lift it.

[@Mikumikku]

The best d-pad was from a company called basstop who made replacement shells with a d-pad that was akin to a Nintendo ds lite dpad. Sadly they don’t sell them anymore

[@ThisisDD]

My favorite DPAD currently is the PS5 Dual Sense. Was not expecting that at all. It feels so smooth. Not clicky and loud like the garbage Xbox Series controller

[@jamflipp]

Hi, as I commented under your stream, nes controller works for gb online, instead of ZR and ZL you should press Start and Select buttons. Also 8bitdo ultimate controller can wake up the switch, just shake the con.

[@jdxcoffee]

is that new!! that totally works!

[@jamflipp]

@@jdxcoffee no, it was since the beginning

[@jdxcoffee]

Interesting.

[@Light_77_77]

​@@jdxcoffeebro wher are you

[@ThatPunkYT]

I hate the D Pad on the Pro controller and have a few 8bitdo controllers I already love. You've made my choice clear. Thank you!

[@introvertedsociety5299]

My favorite dpad is the one on the nintendo dsi because i grew up with it and i have never had an accidental diagonal input. Worst one is the one on the wii ontroller because it's so fricking tiny

[@Psmgamer]

I like the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller definitely better than the Switch Pro controller.

[@stephenxs8354]

After so many years still so hard to get dpad right :(

[@BastarB]

My favourite dpad of all time is the one on the NES dogbone controller

[@jdxcoffee]

which one is that?

[@BastarB]

@@jdxcoffee It's the bone shaped one that came bundled with the later revision Top Loader NES. It's incredible to play Ninja Gaiden with that controller.

[@senord2429]

what was a new 3ds xl doing there?

[@jdxcoffee]

D pad feels

[@cor4ormer834]

In my opinion, the best D-pad of all time is not on the SNES, it's on the Sega Saturn. So I'd personally go with the 8bitdo M30 for everything that doesn't require analog sticks.

[@ZephyrPlayz__TTV]

liked and subbed in first 10 sec cuz I'M LITERALLY LOOKING FOR GBA SP DPAD CONTOLLER

[@heyheyspaceman]

I love my 8bitDo pro 2! I'm curious to see how game streaming progresses and I love the versatility. be well :)

[@Iliketurtules]

Idk abt that cause game boy is pretty smooth too. Ngl

[@jdxcoffee]

It is.

[@ghosttiee9212]

That’s why I bought the gclassic 8bitdo pro 2 best controller to me! PlayStation layout is the best

[@izri1]

The best D-Pad ever is the playstation d-pad. No other controller can beat the PS d-pad. And they are silent too. I would love controller like that for the Switch. But with BAYX buttons.

[@carlossince92]

The best d pad is the switch lite

[@jdxcoffee]

I like it but that locks you intio the hardware. I think the Hori d-pad joycon is a good option for OLED users

[@Jay-zr8kx]

Steam deck

[@stingraykoltes9750]

I have the different switches and I compared the dpad of the lite against all the reputable controller models and it is clearly not the best. there are many models above. To begin with, the lite's dpad is small, too recessed, a coating that slides and therefore has poor grip and to top it off, there are misfires at the input. incomprehensible on the part of Nintendo. In comparison, they missed as much on this dpad as they did with their joycon drift problem.

[@Eternal-pj8zh]

Implying the GBA version of SMW is superior 👌

[@sifterbox]

I have a sega sls usb original almost new it's the best dpad ever pretty much. I bought it new for 20 bucks i think its worth a few hundred now. I could fire of a series of dragon punches nad fireballs and never miss one out of 100 I can instantly fire them off. I went on a search and 12 years ago I found the xbox 360 lime edition released for a soccer game in UK, SA, and AUS. I ended up with 7 of them and only have one left. It has a 32 dpad instead of a 16. best 2 dpads I ever saw then the original ps1 i guess.

[@Jeepster71]

Have most of those controllers, and most of your comments are spot on, (my favorites used to be 8BitDo Ultimate and Pro 2) but I recently got the 8BitDo M30 Genesis bluetooth controller for better control on Mega QBert, and for someone who wants a larger D-Pad for 2D games and likes the D-pad shape on the old Genesis controller, the response is excellent. Just another one you should try if you haven't. Only $30.

[@PixelOutlaw]

Sega Saturn. Anything that registers multiple opposite directions at once and doesn't roll well is garbage.

[@willy24able]

I have to prepare for the upcoming Freedom Planet 2 on Switch. Casually, I should be fine playing it. But when it comes to 100% completion especially that goddamn Rainbow S Ranking, I need to have the best D-Pad just to stand a chance. The 8BitDo models have the best D-Pad but there's no Home button & no Camera button. UGH! It's as if Nintendo in recent times hated D-Pad or anything related to 2D gaming. Maybe I have to keep my own Pro Controller until the 4K Nintendo console should have a much better D-Pad this time. The Switch feels like a step backwards from previous Nintendo consoles in technicality like missing features(No backwards compatibility & no proper Virtual Console), the infamous Joy Con Drift, and controllers overall on Switch not the best ever. Not like previous consoles like Wii, Wii U, DS, or 3DS.

[@guille6785]

awesome video

[@jdxcoffee]

thank you brother

[@pixelmentia]

Watched this while rubbing my D... ...pad. Seriously though, it's SNES for me for the #1 best of all time, followed by the Dualshock 4. If it was good enough for me to beat Celeste and Cuphead with it, it's good enough to be #2.

[@jdxcoffee]

oh man two of the hardest games out there

[@pixelmentia]

​@@jdxcoffee I seriously considered listing them on my CV.

[@pr1stvan]

I just compared 8bitdo to my Wii remote dpad (probably the same as 3ds was).. and it’s night and day difference. The 8bitdo ultimate dpad is just crap.

[@TaclifeTyson]

The SP D-Pad slaps

[@jpa3974]

The 8Bit-do d-pads are so terrible, I'm surprised you made a video about it and failed to realize something so clear. I suffered because of my Sn30Pro, it triggers diagonals at the wrong times because it has a design flaw, something that can be easily ascertained by seeing how many videos are out there teaching how to "fix" the dpad problem. If you watched the video and are looking for something decent for the Switch, unfortunately there aren't many options, but Hori is usually the best bet. Their dpads are usually functional, unlike what this video claims about 8Bitdo's dpads (stay away from them, seriously). I particularly use Hori's Pokkén Pro Pad for games that don't need an analog stick, like Super Mario Maker 2 or Tetris99, two games that NEED good dpads for high performance, and which are unplayable with 8Bitdo's stuff, unless you're playing very casually.

[@kevinkaiser6080]

My favorite dpad of all time is the series x controller tbh.

[@ghosttiee9212]

I have the same 8bitdo pro 2 ! I love everything about it more than the ultimate idc for hall effect joysticks lol I love thr 8bitdo pro 2 gameboy edition because the dpad is the best to me it’s so much better then the gray one and black one to me!

[@Anna_Rae]

For me at least, most dpads I use are too stiff and hurt my thumb after a session of Contra 3. The 8Bitdo Pro 2 is pretty great, although I dislike that the triggers are analog. I like the digital triggers of the original Switch Pro Controller. I'd say the comfiest dpad I've ever used was the 8Bitdo M30. However it is uncomfortable to hold, doesn't have all the normal buttons, and I don't like the 6 button layout. Feels like a neverending journey to find a dpad that I find comfortable, while also being on a controller that is feature complete: having all the buttons modern controllers have, rumble, etc

[@jdxcoffee]

I love my 8bitdo controllers personally

[@NotJoeFriend]

The longest segment to a sponsor of 8bit

[@jdxcoffee]

Nah I just prefer that controller

[@aroh]

I don't get it. I have both those controllers and the Dpads are pretty hard to press making them very annoying to use.

[@DungarooTV]

No, ultimate D-Pad belongs to the SNES controller - the 8bitdo remakes aren’t bad either!

[@jdxcoffee]

it really wins!

[@DungarooTV]

@@jdxcoffeeTotally agree...the concept of the SNES had the best D-Pad!

[@extrajava9175]

I have both the switch pro Totk and the 8bitdo pro 2. The pro 2 has a far superior dpad but I like everything else about the switch pro so much more. I love my 8bitdo but my switch controller feels so much more substantial and fills in my hands much better. Also, the gyro is a lot more accurate and the shoulders and triggers are awesome. I understand they're digital but I rarely play games that require analog triggers. The switch pro controller is the best built out of the big three consoles imo. The Xbox series controller is essentially an updated one controller which I've not had a pleasant experience with. The PS5 controller is incredible and very technologically advanced but feels a bit chintzy to me. The switch pro controller feels so solid by comparison

[@ghosttiee9212]

Nah I prefer my 8bitdo pro 2 gclassic

[@Green.Blood.]

Undoubtedly the 8bitdo Pro 2 nothing else is even close.

[@jdxcoffee]

I love the 8bitdo controllers

[@RicDreamlandAvalon]

D-pad in the sn30 sucks, many false diagonals 👎🏻

[@jdxcoffee]

Bummer for ya

[@stingraykoltes9750]

SMW for test input on dpad is just ridiculous. Not first american who compar different dpad on SMW.😅 If you want realistic test for dpad, you must test with fighting games. Take a look Asian testers, finnaly, 8bitdo pro is not best controler (dpad). Hori fighting commander have the best Dpad. But like any good dpad, it ends up giving up after a long, demanding session. At this date, 10oct2023, after having tested all the available controllers, the one that remains the most durable and just as efficient is the Nintendo gamepad pro. The king remains undethroned.

[@rensopinto2139]

I want a good dpad for portable.