PDP Gamecube-Style Nintendo Switch Controller (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
The Nintendo Switch has had so many Gamecube-styled controllers, it'd be difficult to count them. We've reviewed a ton of them here on GBAtemp, in an effort to find which one works the best. PDP has now sent us their contribution, but how does it stack up?
The most immediately appealing thing about this range of controllers is, of course, the designs. I'm a sucker for themed gamepads, and PDP does not disappoint here. There's a large range of awesome-looking pads, so there's sure to be one you'll love. We were sent the Jigglypuff controller, featuring a small Jigglypuff emblem, but there's tons of awesome designs ranging from The Legend of Zelda to Sonic the Hedgehog. These are certainly the most stylish Gamecube pads I've seen.
The controller connects to your Nintendo Switch or PC using a long USB cable. This is nice if you're sitting far from your Switch, but in my case, it's just too much. I'm pleased to report that PDP's controller works seamlessly with not only my Nintendo Switch, but also with my PC.
This is where it gets rather unfortunate. PDP's Gamecube pad doesn't feel like a Gamecube pad. Not at all. It's odd, considering how much it resembles one, but in the hand, it's a different story. Buttons are softer, the handles feel longer, and the shoulder buttons are weird. We can look at this two ways: as a controller that isn't perfect for Super Smash Bros., or as a controller that is better as an all-rounder. Truth be told, this is the worst Gamecube controller I've reviewed in terms of Smash Bros. usage. There's even reports on PDP's website that there are issues with misinputs, which I haven't experienced, but could in the future.
Given that this controller fails to successfully replicate the unique feel of the Gamecube controller, it's odd that they chose to give us the option to swap sticks. Included in the box is an extra analogue stick, which you can swap out with the C-Stick for a more traditional control layout. I wonder what the point of even including this tiny C-Stick was. PDP clearly wasn't trying very hard to emulate how the original controller feels in the hand, so why give us the option of the inferior C-Stick nub? Weird. It's also worth noting that the D-Pad sucks as much as you would expect from a Gamecube controller. It's not any worse than its competition, but it obviously needs to stay away from 2D titles.
Overall, PDP stands out in only one regard; the design. I hate to give this beauty such a negative review, as I adore the Jigglypuff motif, but for Smash, this just ain't right. Check out some more of our Gamecube-style controller reviews, and decide for yourself what suits you the most. Hint: it's not this one.
Verdict
- Wonderful range of designs
- Doesn't feel anything like a Gamecube controller
