Topic: NES/SNES controller d-pad vs Switch Pro Controller d-pad

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out what's the best way to play Super Mario Bros. (SNES version) on Nintendo Switch Online.

I tend to replicate as much as I can the original way to play and use the d-pad to control Mario, either if I use the Pro Controller or the JoyCon (I prefer the Pro Controller one since it's more similar to the NES/SNES controller) I never feel like having "real" control of Mario; I tried using the analog stick too and let me tell you it's way batter with the Pro Controller than the JoyCon - this one feels like there's input lag!

Using the Pro Controller I force myself to use the d-pad even if I belive I'm bettere with the analog stick, however I always have the feeling that Mario's response is somewhat delayed...

My question is: do you think the experience would change with the classic controllers? Are their d-pad better/more precise than the Pro one? Or I'm still a noob at this game?!

@andreverts I think they are better played with the classic controllers if you can get your hands on them. The Pro controller D-Pad requires a fix to get it to operate properly otherwise it registers up and down inputs when you press left and right (mine happens more when I press right). The fix is apparently quite easy and is detailed on YouTube videos, I haven't done it yet but I think it involves opening the controller and putting a bit of tape under the D-Pad.

You can check the severity of your Pro controller input issue by going into Switch settings and button test. Hit each direction on the D-Pad rapidly and have a look to see if every input on the screen is what you expect. (I mean, hit Right rapidly, check, hit up rapidly, check, hit down rapidly and so on).

I've not had any issues with the SNES NSO pads and I always use them for non-NSO games that require accurate D-Pad inputs (fighting games, 2D platformers etc)

Thanks for your reply, I didn't know the issue with the Pro controller! I'll check some videos and see if I can work on it

Yeah, I tend to use my SNES pad for the Switch Online games that require the D-Pad, it just feels "right". That said, I played through Super Mario Bros. recently on the G&W edition and the controls are more difficult than I remember - I think they've improved a lot since then therefore it should be a little tricky for you... don't always blame the controller finished the game but only because of the infinite lives cheat!

@andreverts do confirm that your controller has that issue with the method I described. Can also use long presses to see if it starts registering other inputs. I say this because it seems people have different mileage from the D-pad design on the Pro controller. Either some people don't notice it or some controllers are worse than others - I actually didn't notice mine for years until I started playing a rhythm game called Pianista on Switch

Haha this reminds me of the message that pops up on Guitar Hero when you go in to calibrate lag.

I actually only ever finished the original Super Mario Bros on the 16 bit All Stars edition and could never really get into the 8 bit version. I must say that I found the All Stars controls to be very nice though. I really enjoyed pulling off some of those tricky running jumps in the last level or so!

Honestly it seems to work fine for me, but I noticed that when I do right then down very quick sometimes it registers 3 inputs (right, down, right). Anyway, since it doesn't always happen, maybe is my fault shared with the d-pad dimension that's a little bit too high in my opinion.

Talking about the game, today I started all over again and reached 5-3 without any game over. I found some new shortcuts and the training is showing results. I'll work my way to the 8th world and try to complete the game this time.

@andreverts fair play, best of luck to you!

I'm not sure if I've ever beat the game without using Warp Zones. I've never felt inclined to go through the whole game after beating it even if I want to see every level one day.

Maybe I should make it my mission to beat it without using Warp Zones at some point!

@ralphdibny I would get the SNES pad for Switch if you can... given the amount of SNES/NES games to play I think it feels 'right' compared to the Switch Pro Controller. But that's just my opinion!

I managed to complete the SNES version, both in standard and hard mode, without using any warp room. Fun fact: I used the JoyCon d-pad!!
I found out that playing it on handheld mode gave me feeling of more "immediate" control, plus I practiced a lot and got used to the JoyCon's reaponse.

I finished also the NES version just for fun because now I am very confident with every level of the game, but without a save system I used the warp rooms.
I still prefer the 8-bit design!

@andreverts noice, well done!

I actually don't mind the joy con d pad. I know the separated buttons can be weird and don't lend themselves to a lot of games but it's still fine for most games and is actually really good for some others. The buttons are a bit on the small side

I actually had to remap the Xbox D-Pad to the face buttons for one level in Battletoads NES (on Rare Replay). It's one where you ride like a bike or something and there is a big ball chasing you. I remapped directional input to the face buttons and used two index and two middle fingers to do it because I found it far too hard a level to do with a single thumb lol

The other good thing about Switch though is that there is a controller for every occasion. You got Joy cons, the hori d pad joy con, SNES controller, Pro controller, gcn controller, arcade sticks, etc etc