Even though the controller is shrunken, the analog sticks, face buttons, and triggers are simple and large to discover. With the exception of the directional pad, each of those elements matches the responsiveness of Nintendos own controller. Thats not to say the D-pad isnt serviceable, however it requires a more concerted effort to press each instructions, almost as if the membrane isnt correctly lined up under the plastic. Kids may struggle to easily press it, and I would rule out this design if you primarily play traditional video games that depend on the D-pad.
Nintendos Switch Pro controller is great, however its also sort of huge. If you struggle to get a great grip on it or if you just want a smaller controller to tuck into your bag, PowerAs new Nano Enhanced wireless controller for the Switch (likewise compatible with Windows 10) is an excellent solution. Its a more compact version that shaves about a third off the size of Nintendos official controller. The majority of its design and functions are loyal, including USB-C charging, motion controls, and LED lights on its bottom to show connection status. On the drawback, it does not have rumble support and NFC for Amiibo.
The Nano is $49.99, which is considerably less than the $69 Switch Pro, and it comes in 2 colorways: black with gray information around the sticks and activates or gray with neon red and blue details sprayed in.
Verge Score
7.5 out of 10
Excellent Stuff
Controls aside, youll find a USB-C charging port on the Nanos top, and PowerA claims that it can last 20 hours in between each charge. Lots of third-party Switch controllers use exchangeable batteries, so its excellent that this ones constructed in and rechargeable. If you just play for a little while each day, it also lasts for a few weeks at a time. Theres an LED near the port that indicates when the battery level is seriously low. In the box, PowerA includes a 10-foot USB-C to USB-A cable along with a drawstring pouch for the controller.
The D-Pad is difficult and squishy to press
It lacks rumble or NFC for Amiibo, which might be a deal-breaker for some
The PowerA Nano is a great enhance for the Switch Pro. Depending on your hand size, it could quickly be your main Switch controller. Though, for me, Im less enthused to make it my primary due to the fact that it lacks the HD rumble feedback. Still, I can think of bringing this with me on the go or keeping it handy for either my partner or me to use during a multiplayer video game so that neither people is stuck with the reviled (at least in my house) Joy-Con grip. Long as you can look past the omission of rumble, this shrunken controller is a strong addition to your Switch setup.
Outstanding construct quality
Small, however comfy to use
Rechargeable through USB-C
This small controller has 2 mappable buttons on its back that you wont discover on the Switch Pro, and they permit you to remap, say, a trigger and a face button to the rear, which may be easier for you if you play video games that require holding down a button to run or something else equally laborious. Its sort of like having a more limited version of Sonys Back Button attachment on a Switch controller. This feature doesnt really do much for me, as Ive simply gotten accustomed to utilizing the basic face buttons, but it adds ease of use and some extra value.
This controller has two configurable buttons on its rear that are simple to reach.
In regards to reliability, its up there with the Switch Pro, which is to say its exceptional. I found it simply as simple to connect to the Switch, needing just a press of the pairing button near the USB-C port for it to be linked. (The process for matching it to a Windows 10 PC with Bluetooth is the very same.) It never ever dropped signal with the console, and PowerAs 20-hour battery life claim holds up well. The Nanos construct quality is excellent. It has a rugged, matte-textured probe the controllers body that truly works for a smaller sized controller. I have no problem finding a comfortable grip with the basic Switch Pro, though I discovered myself gravitating toward this one half of the time when I simply wanted something a little more low-profile to hold.
Bad Stuff
Nintendos Switch Pro controller is great, however its also kind of big. If you have a hard time to get a great grip on it or if you just want a smaller sized controller to tuck into your bag, PowerAs brand-new Nano Enhanced cordless controller for the Switch (likewise compatible with Windows 10) is an excellent service. Its sort of like having a more restricted version of Sonys Back Button accessory on a Switch controller. It has a rugged, matte-textured feel around the controllers body that actually works for a smaller sized controller. Long as you can look past the omission of rumble, this shrunken controller is a solid addition to your Switch setup.
