Unlocking Pro Play: The Voidjoy Elite Extender for Nintendo Switch

For many gamers, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a beloved piece of hardware. Its classic feel, robust build, and essential features like HD Rumble and NFC make it a go-to choice for countless hours of gameplay. However, as gaming evolves, so do expectations, and one feature consistently requested by the competitive and convenience-seeking crowd is the addition of back buttons.

Enter the Voidjoy Elite Extender, an intriguing accessory designed to bring that “pro” functionality to your trusty original Switch Pro Controller. It promises to enhance your gameplay without forcing you to ditch your existing gamepad for a pricier, next-gen alternative. But does this add-on truly deliver on its promise, or is it a solution with its own set of compromises?

What Exactly is the Voidjoy Elite Extender?

At its core, the Voidjoy Elite Extender is a clip-on attachment that slides into the USB-C port at the top of your original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Its primary function is to equip your controller with two additional, programmable back buttons (P1 and P2), giving you more immediate access to crucial in-game actions without moving your thumbs from the analog sticks.

But that’s not all. This ingenious device also integrates two Hall effect triggers on the top, a feature highly sought after for their precision and durability, free from the wear and tear of traditional potentiometers. Priced at approximately $39.99 (approx. Rs 11,120), it aims to be a budget-friendly alternative to investing in an entirely new controller, especially if you’re keen on retaining your Pro Controller’s native features like motion controls and NFC.

• Price: $39.99 (approx. Rs 11,120)
• Connection: USB-C (to controller), Bluetooth (for device)
• Key Additions: Two programmable back buttons (P1, P2), two Hall effect triggers
• Battery: 1,800mAh (powers the extender)
• Compatibility: Primarily original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (PC, iOS, Android for some features)

Design and Ergonomics: A Question of Comfort

The Voidjoy Elite Extender doesn’t exactly blend into the background. It’s a noticeable addition, featuring a chunky plastic casing that curves around the top of the Pro Controller. While it generally matches the aesthetic of the black Pro Controller with a mix of glossy and matte finishes, its physical integration raises some ergonomic questions.

The P1 and P2 back buttons are situated on a raised platform, positioned above the main grip of the controller. This design choice means your fingers aren’t resting naturally on the back of the grip to actuate them. Instead, you might find yourself holding your fingers at an awkward distance, which can lead to fatigue surprisingly quickly. In fast-paced moments, this can result in missed inputs as your muscle memory struggles to adapt to the new hand position.

Furthermore, the extender adds weight to the top of the Pro Controller. This shift in balance can make the controller feel more front-heavy than usual, subtly altering your natural grip and potentially adding strain during longer play sessions. While the physical USB-C connection is commendably sturdy, and the Hall effect triggers are cleverly removable for storage, these ergonomic concerns are significant for an accessory meant to enhance comfort and control.

Features Beyond the Back Buttons

Beyond the headline back buttons, the Elite Extender packs a few more tricks. Those Hall effect triggers, for instance, offer a nicely tensioned, 1,280-step optical response, making them a joy for precise acceleration and braking in racing games. However, a crucial caveat is that these advanced triggers are currently reserved for PC use only, which is a considerable missed opportunity for Switch gamers.

The accessory also extends its compatibility to iOS and Android devices, with Android even supporting touch mapping via the companion KeyLinker App. While the app itself can be a bit “janky” in its interface, it offers robust control options, including deadzone settings for both the Pro Controller’s sticks and the new triggers, along with macro creation (up to 42 steps) and adjustable turbo functions. Curiously, the app doesn’t allow direct designation for the P1 and P2 buttons; instead, you’ll need to map them on the fly using the controller’s Fn key. Be aware that these on-device mappings aren’t saved across different games, which can be a minor inconvenience for players switching titles frequently.

Performance: A Niche for Purists

In practice, the Voidjoy Elite Extender feels like a functional solution rather than a seamlessly integrated upgrade. The back buttons, due to their awkward placement and somewhat high actuation tension, aren’t ideal for games requiring rapid, repeated inputs. While you can certainly adapt and re-learn your muscle memory for slower-paced titles, consistently hitting them reliably in a tense action sequence can be a challenge.

The disparity becomes particularly clear when compared to high-end third-party controllers designed with integrated back buttons. Those devices typically place buttons where they feel most natural, often on the grips themselves, allowing for quick, intuitive presses. The Elite Extender’s implementation requires a more deliberate, less organic movement.

However, the Hall effect triggers are a different story. On PC, they shine, offering an immersive and precise experience for genres like racing. It’s a shame this quality hasn’t been brought over to the Switch, as it’s easily one of the accessory’s strongest features. Ultimately, the performance of the back buttons feels like a compromise, asking you to adjust to the hardware rather than the hardware adapting to you.

So, who is the Voidjoy Elite Extender truly for? It’s for the dedicated “Pro Controller purist” – the gamer who absolutely refuses to part with the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller’s specific feel, its official connectivity, HD Rumble, and NFC capabilities. If upgrading to a new, potentially more expensive, official or third-party controller is simply not an option, and you’re willing to adapt your grip and finger placement, then this $39.99 (approx. Rs 11,120) add-on offers a way to introduce back buttons to your gaming. For everyone else seeking an optimal back button experience or better value, the market offers a compelling array of purpose-built third-party gamepads that might provide a more comfortable and feature-rich upgrade for a similar or even lower price point.

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.

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