Kris Naudus / Engadget
Despite the Nano’s diminutive size, the D-pad, thumb sticks and buttons are the same size as a standard controller, they just come close. This is actually a huge plus for those like me with small hands, as a recurring problem I have with both the Nintendo Pro controller and the upgraded PowerA models is that the plus and minus buttons are too far from the sides of the gamepad, which means I always have to stretch my thumbs to hit them. With the Nano, everything fits under the thumb. It feels a lot better for me, no doubt, and I’m sure the kids will appreciate it too.
E-Sports Professionals Less Likely Appreciated – I’m Thinking Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players here, and anyone who plays competitive games like Splatoon 2 or Tetris 99. Because unfortunately, the Nano cannot maintain a rock solid connection. It syncs pretty easily, but I found that it often sliced while playing, with the D-pad or A button unanswered. It was not a total disconnection, as neither the system nor the controller registered an interruption. The signals simply were not coming.
Kris Naudus / Engadget
I contacted PowerA and the company sent me another Nano to test, and although the problems became less frequent, they still occasionally occurred. It turns out that the Nano is highly susceptible to electrical interference, perhaps even more so than its other controllers. I noticed that it tended to decrease when I did things like open my laptop next to me. PowerA even warns that it can happen if your Switch is behind your TV, which does mine since my TV stand isn’t much wider than my 4K TV. I took it out a bit to ease the problem, but unless it sits perfectly on my couch like normal people do, it still works. I cannot sit still; I often relax lying on my side, or with my legs crossed over me, or even with my feet resting on the back of my sofa. It is my living room, my rules.
But look, it’s just me. You may be sitting well on your own couch, and your child will probably love having something that fits perfectly in their little hands.
