Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
Controller · 2017
PlayStation 5 Digital
2020
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) lands at 86 and PlayStation 5 Digital at 85. That puts Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Pick PlayStation 5 Digital 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 83).
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 $399).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) | PlayStation 5 Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Controller | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Release year | 2017 | 2020 |
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)
PlayStation 5 Digital
- +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 PlayStation 5 Digital
Which is better, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or PlayStation 5 Digital? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 PlayStation 5 Digital worth the price? +
At $399, PlayStation 5 Digital delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in performance.
Does Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or PlayStation 5 Digital 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 PlayStation 5 Digital? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 83). Compared on the games sub-score.
Which is the better value, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) or PlayStation 5 Digital? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — more score per dollar ($69 vs $399). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.