Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
Controller · 2017
Nintendo Switch OLED
2021
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) lands at 86 and Nintendo Switch OLED at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Pick Nintendo Switch OLED if…
- ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- ✓Store ecosystem
- ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCompared on the performance sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Games
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Compared on the games sub-score
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) leads on games (86 vs 84).
Features
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) more score per dollar ($69 vs $349).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) | Nintendo Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Controller | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Release year | 2017 | 2021 |
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
Nintendo Switch OLED
- +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- +Store ecosystem
- +Cross-gen compatibility
- −Storage expansion pricey
- −Dashboard UX ages
- −Subscription required for online
FAQ: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) vs Nintendo Switch OLED
Which is better, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or Nintendo Switch OLED? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) worth the price? +
At $69, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in performance.
Is Nintendo Switch OLED worth the price? +
At $349, Nintendo Switch OLED delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in performance.
Does Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or Nintendo Switch OLED last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for games, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or Nintendo Switch OLED? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 84). Compared on the games sub-score.
Which is the better value, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or Nintendo Switch OLED? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — more score per dollar ($69 vs $349). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.