Pro Controller D-Pad is about to become a much bigger problem
Anyone who has played Tetris 99, 2D platformers, 2D fighters, or any other game with the Switch Pro Controller knows the pain of miss inputs. Mario Maker 2 and Cuphead are just around the corner and precision inputs are must for both these games. 
Traversing through expert and super expert levels of Mario Maker 2 will take precision. The lack of precision could be a detriment to the game in more ones than one. In order for stages to get uploaded in Mario Maker, the creator has to be able to complete the stage, so this D-Pad issue could effect creators and consumers of the levels. Expert and super expert runs are some of the most watched on Twitch and if fun is replaced with frustration due to the D-pad it could hurt the longevity of Mario Maker 2 and this is a title I would love to see thrive, especially on Twitch.
Cuphead on Switch will need a good D-Pad
I am very excited for Cuphead to hit the Switch but I am concerned about playing the game with the Pro Controller D-pad. Precision is key with Cuphead because this game is brutally hard. I can already see Reddit ablaze with angry nerds upvoting the hate for the Pro Controller D-pad.
Testing the Pro Controller D-pad
I have three Pro Controllers and I tested all three in the settings menu of the Switch. The day one controller tested the same as the Smash and Xenoblade controllers. All three had miss inputs when quickly moving left to right or up and down. To ensure it wasn’t just me hitting miss inputs I did the same test on the NES Joycons and had zero miss inputs.
The Pro Controller D-pad solutions
There are some inexpensive solutions to fix the D-pad but it still doesn’t sit right with me that it has a problem. Nintendo created the D-pad and the original still works great so it baffling that would happen and not be addressed. Below you will find two videos that showcase how to fix this problem using only tape.
Controller Alternatives
There are a few alternatives you can try also like the 8bitdo. I don’t use one but I have a few friends who highly recommend them.
Your Thoughts
I want to hear from you guys on this topic. Will this be an issue for you? Has it been an issue for you? Let know what you think in the comments below. I will be reading the comments on the Nintendo Power Cast this Tuesday.
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While it happens to me, I personally don’t have that much of a problem with it because I don’t play many 2D playformers. The only times I really have a problem with it is in Breath of the wild when switching weapons. But I will however definitely be picking up Mario Maker 2 and I can see how it can be a huge issue for that game.
I followed Spawned Waves advice and I had no issues since then (about 3-4 months). So I’m good. I didn’t know about the rising of the pivot, I’ll probably do it in the future.
SO GLAD you brought this up! I hadn’t noticed this until I started playing Tetris 99 docked, and a missed input there is INFURIATING! The pro controller is such a solid buy, but this D Pad issue drives me nuts. Consequently, I only play Tetris using the Hori D Pad now.
PS–This is a huge problem for Smash, too, Josh. A missed input on a taunt can convey a dramatically different kind of salt.
8Bitdo 8Bitdo 8Bitdo 8Bitdo!! I live mine and picked it up specifically for the precision platforming in Hollow Knight. I will be using my 8Bitdo for both Cuphead and Mario Maker 2. I use the SN30 pro it has the motion controls and joysticks so it can function as an extra pro controller if you need it. I am excited for both April and June for these games!
Picked up an 8BitDo SN30Pro a while back on a recommendation from several people in the community and have no regrets. I picked it up primarily for Celeste at the time and with the precision platforming required for a game like Celeste, I had no issues with it. It has a fantastic d-pad and i’ll definitely be using it for Cuphead & Mario Maker 2 as well.
I hate to hear you have problems with the pro controller D-Pad Josh, but I am honestly glad it’s not just me!!! I’ve had so many issues with mine and have been worried it was defective or something. But with the price tag on them I cant afford to get another one just to test it. I’ve been looking at reviews on some cheaper alternative controllers. Never heard of 8bitdo, but I will definitely look into it! I agree, the D-Pad is definitely going to be an issue while playing Cuphead. I really don’t like the idea of having to fix something on Nintendo’s controller when it shouldn’t be “broken” in the first place.
With the mods done to the pro controller through raising the pivot and taping some of the connectors it’s still not good enough for me. The 8bitdo option is great but only if your playing alone. I’ve found seemingly random input lag with 8bitdo stuff when playing with multiple controllers, so test the fates I suppose. The Dualshock 4 works great with the 8bitdo USB adapter and in my opinion the dpad isn’t all that bad there.