I've been playing with a Pro Controller. The brief time I used the Joy-Cons was with them separated. As with any new controller, you have to get used to the button layout and whatnot. What struck me is that the controllers and everything on them (face buttons) are small, but nothing on the controller felt like a problem. I'd need to put more time into the Joy-Cons before I pass a verdict. My first impression was that it felt like I was playing on a handheld when using them. Since I have a Pro Controller, I'll probably use that 99% of the time since I plan to always use the console docked and the controller is great; the exception would be if I buy games designed with the Joy-Cons in mind (like ARMS). Also, I have no idea how big my hands are.
There is literally almost zero handholding. You get started within 5 minutes (it's maybe more like 1-2 minutes, but I like to take my time and meander) and then you have the entire Plateau to explore. You can completely ignore the first objective they give you and just start doing whatever you want. There is no companion so far. The closest thing is the Old Man you meet at the beginning who will give you tips if you talk to him and kind of informs you of the structure of the game. But it's done super briefly and organically, and I get the impression that that stage of the game is already over. It doesn't really feel like a tutorial. The only thing the game does is force you to get a few items before they'll let you leave the Plateau, likely so that you have enough tools to have fun in the game world and complete the dungeons.
I just beat TPHD a few weeks ago, and it is nothing like that at all. The Plateau is way too big to feel like you're being contained (as it was in Ordon Village), and there's too much to see and do (which you can do in almost any order after you do the first thing!) to feel like you're being controlled. No NPC mundane task sidequests acting as progress gates, and very little has been scripted. Rather than the game's progression feeling sequential like 1-2-3-4-n, it's more like 1-whateveryouwant. I don't remember SS's opening as well, but there's nothing like being told to go here, talk to this person, do this pointless quest, get trained on the sword controls, etc. I didn't try it, but I'm pretty sure you could start the game, ignore the quest, and stumble upon a mini-boss with literally zero equipment and the game would not stop you. At this point, just now leaving the Plateau, I'm pretty sure I can technically already go face the final boss if I wanted to try. I was literally only told that it's not recommended. That really sums it up: the game suggests things, but you're required to do very little of it.
