When many think back to the Gamecube era of Nintendo, one of the first names that comes up is Sonic the Hedgehog. Ok, so maybe that’s not entirely true, but the blue Hedgehog with attitude has found its way on many a Nintendo console in recent years. It only makes sense that when PDP looked at the next character to grace their line of Gamecube-inspired Nintendo Switch controllers, Sonic the Hedgehog is a natural choice.

In keeping with their current line of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate controllers, the Sonic FightPad Pro brings with it the benefits of the FightPad Pro line – high build quality, responsive controls and a detachable C-Stick, allowing players to swap between a regular thumbstick and the iconic C-stick per their preference (personally, I prefer the thumbstick, especially for flick moves in SSBU).

The Sonic Fight Pad Pro really evokes the style of everyone’s favorite hedgehog thanks to it’s red, white and blue color scheme – red and white for Sonic’s shoes and blue for…well, Sonic. The badge in the center of the controller stands out as well, reminding everyone who looks at it who this controller is based around. When we live in a day and age when it’s easy to mess up how Sonic can look – I’m talking to you, CGI monster Sonic – the controller thankfully evokes the version we all know and love from the original SEGA games.

Previously, PDP has released multiple different characters for their Fight Pad Pro line: Mario, Luigi, Link, Princess Peach, and Pikachu. Sonic the Hedgehog is the first in the line to be a 3rd party license. Hopefully, this is a signal for things to come and we’ll start to see more of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate line made into a controller?

First impressions are solid. The controller feels comfortable in my hand and it definitely doesn’t feel cheap. The shoulder triggers are shaped differently than the original Gamecube design the controller is based on, and it might take some getting used to for those who remember the original design. However, it doesn’t feel bad. In my early testing, the FightPad Pro is responsive, and being able to swap the C-Stick for a regular thumbstick is a game changer for someone who has detested the C-Stick since playing Melee in high school.

Additionally, the FightPad Pro is made with the Switch in mind, so it has the buttons you’d need to have full functionality over the device. This means in addition to a Plus and Minus button, the controller comes equipped with a Share and Home button. No longer will I need to keep my Joy-Cons at the ready when playing Smash just to navigate back to the Home screen. Also, the fact that it’s a USB cable versus the original Gamecube connection cannot be overlooked. This means it’s ready to plug into your dock and play, there’s no need to go out and buy an adapter first, which is a nice and welcome touch.

We’ll have a full review up comparing the FightPad Pro as it compares to some of the other leading Super Smash Bros Nintendo Switch controllers on the market soon. And for those wondering when you can get your hands on one, the Sonic FightPad Pro is slated to sell for $24.99 this fall.