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Ranking the best Super Smash Bros. for Wii U controller options

Nintendo decided to add several controller options with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, giving gamers all sorts of way to play the popular videogame. Of course, some controllers are better than others, especially if you are looking for a competitive edge. So what are the best Super Smash Bros. for Wii U controller options? Find out in our rankings below.

9. Wii Remote

While you can use the Wii Remote as a controller for the game, it should be your last possible option. You will be stuck using the small directional pad instead of an analog stick. Not to mention that jumping has been mapped to the up directional button while grabbing is mapped to the minus button. You will probably end up fighting more with the controls than your opponent if you opt for the Wii Remote.

8. Nintendo 3DS/Nintendo 3DS XL

One of the benefits of buying Super Smash Bros. for Wii U along with Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is being able to use the Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL as controllers for the home console version. Unlike the standalone Wii Remote, there isn’t any awkward button configurations. Even if you are uncomfortable, you can always customize your controls via the Options setting.

The biggest problem with using the 3DS or 3DS XL is the analog nub. It not only feels a lot worse when compared to an analog stick from a console controller but it can also break if you aren’t careful.

7. Wii Remote and Nunchuck Combo

Adding a Nunchuck with the Wii Remote makes playing the game a lot easier compared to just simply using the Wii Remote as there is now a dedicated button (with C) to use while jumping. With that said, there is still some awkwardness since you need to use both A and B to grab someone, which is easier said than done during the heat of battle. You may also have to deal with the cable that connects the two accessory together.

If you can deal with these issues, then the game is perfectly playable using this setup. However, there are definitely better options.

6. Wii Classic Controller Pro

The Wii Classic Controller Pro uses the same button layout as the Wii U Gamepad and Wii U Pro Controller. The placement for its analog stick may be problematic, however. Instead of being placed on top and far apart, the analog sticks are located below the other buttons and are much closer. While you can get use to it, there are more effective controllers to use when playing competitively.

Check out the current price for the Wii Classic Controller Pro, which needs to be connected to a Wii Remote, with this page on Amazon.

5. PDP Wired Fight Pad

The PDP Wired Fight Pad is officially licensed by Nintendo for use with the Wii U. The third-party controller is shaped similarly to the Gamecube controller with some notable differences. While it has the same control scheme, the product does not feel nearly as good to hold as the official Gamecube Controller and HORI Battle Pad. Some gamers may not also like the C-stick being replaced by a regular right analog.

The PDP Wired Fight Pad, which also requires a Wii Remote, is still a good option if you can’t find the other controllers that are ranked higher. You can check out its current price here.

4. Wii U Gamepad Controller

The default controller for the Wii U works pretty well as expected. The gamepad also has an added advantage of being able to play Super Smash Bros. for Wii U on its screen. One of the big problems, however, is comfort as you may find the ergonomic design a little too bulky for extended play. The other is the rumble, which feels cheaper than the Gamecube Controller. With all that said, the Wii U Gamepad Controller is quite good as an option.

3. Wii U Pro Controller

If you are having problems with the ergonomic design for the Gamepad, a good alternative is the Wii U Pro Controller, which is a normal controller that gets rid of the screen and other added bulk. While it is a great controller overall, it is not the best one for Super Smash Bros. if you prefer using the C-Stick instead of a regular right analog stick.

If you don’t mind the minor differences, the Wii U Pro Controller is a great option. Purchase it with this link.

2. Gamecube Controller

The original Gamecube Controller is just about as good as it gets for playing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, especially if you grown up using it to play Melee and Brawl. There is a reason why a lot of tournament level players use this over other options. The only real issue, if you can call it that, is that you need to use a Gamecube Controller Adaptor, which is hard to find at this point in time, to use the controller for the Wii U.

Still, the controller and adaptor are well worth your investment. You can buy the two right now with these links: Gamecube Controller and Gamecube Controller Adaptor.

1. Hori Battle Pad

The other officially licensed third-party controller available for the Wii U is the Hori Battle Pad. The product is designed almost exactly like the official Gamecube Controller with one small difference that are beneficial to Smash players. The shoulder buttons on top are made for short strokes. Since the videogame do not use the analog springs of the Gamecube controller, having the triggers act as regular buttons may slightly improve your accuracy when dodging, grabbing and using a shield when you get used to it. The only real con is the lack of rumble.

If you are looking for the best Super Smash Bros. for Wii U controller, you should definitely buy the Hori Battle Pad (which also requires a Wii Remote for connection with the Wii U) on Amazon with this page.

The latest Smash game was made available starting on the 21st of November in the United States. The product supports up to eight players at once. So you may want to purchase more than one of our recommended options if you are planning to play it with friends in the same room.