I’ve used Nintendo’s original Pro Controller for years, both for docked play and as my main choice over Joy-Con. When I heard Nintendo was releasing a Pro Controller built for the Switch 2, I wondered how much would truly change. After using it for several days across multiple genres, I found that Nintendo refined almost everything that needed improvement while keeping its core identity intact. The result is a comfortable, premium controller that feels like a worthy upgrade, even if it is not flawless.
Design and Build
The Switch 2 Pro Controller immediately feels more premium in hand. The matte finish gives it a sleek look and resists fingerprints well. The shape is familiar, but the grip contours are slightly deeper, which makes long gaming sessions more comfortable.
Nintendo removed visible screws from the body, giving it a seamless design that feels sturdy, although it likely makes repairs more difficult. The buttons have a firmer, more tactile feel, and each press feels deliberate.
A new “C” button sits between the D-pad and right stick. It serves as a quick access key for chat and menu shortcuts. I found myself using it naturally once I learned its purpose. The addition of two GL and GR rear buttons behind the grips was a highlight. My fingers rested on them comfortably, and I quickly mapped them to functions like reload and sprint.
Another major improvement is the inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Plugging in a wired headset for game and chat audio worked perfectly, and it felt like a feature that should have been there all along.
The D-pad is better than the first-generation Pro Controller but still not perfect. In fast platformers, I noticed occasional diagonal misreads. The overall build feels solid and dense without being heavy. Nothing rattled or flexed during use.
Performance and Features
Stick Feel and Precision
The upgraded analog sticks are smooth, quiet, and accurate. They offer more resistance and feel better balanced. In shooters and racing games, small adjustments felt cleaner and more controlled. Stick snap-back was minimal, and there was no noticeable drift in my testing. Nintendo has not confirmed Hall effect technology, so long-term durability remains a question, but so far performance is excellent.
Button Layout and Remapping
Mapping the GL and GR buttons was simple. The Switch 2 system menu allows you to remap them per game, which adds flexibility for different play styles. I also found the C button very useful in managing GameChat features and quick commands.
The triggers are still digital rather than analog, which limits fine control in racing or simulation titles. That choice surprised me given the otherwise thoughtful upgrades.
Haptics, Audio, and Motion
The improved HD Rumble feels more nuanced than before. Subtle effects like light vibrations or environmental feedback feel more natural. The wired audio output through the 3.5 mm jack is clear and nearly latency-free. I used it for long play sessions without any sync issues. Motion and gyro controls remain responsive, with smooth tracking across multiple games.
One simple improvement I appreciated was the ability to wake the Switch 2 from sleep using the controller. It sounds small, but it saves time every session.
Battery, Software, and Connectivity
Battery life is rated at about 40 hours, and that matched what I experienced. Even after long sessions, I rarely needed to recharge. Charging is faster than the original Pro Controller, reaching a full charge in just over three hours.
The controller connects easily through Bluetooth and supports NFC for Amiibo scanning. I experienced stable connectivity throughout my testing. Re-pairing was quick when switching from handheld to docked mode.
Most customization happens directly through the Switch 2 interface. There’s no separate app, which keeps setup simple. Mapping, sensitivity adjustments, and button profiles are handled smoothly in the console’s menus.
Pros
- Improved analog sticks with smoother and quieter movement
- Rear GL and GR buttons that can be remapped per game
- Built-in 3.5 mm headphone jack with low audio latency
- Convenient C button for GameChat or shortcuts
- Can wake the console from sleep
- 40-hour battery life and faster charging
- Comfortable, premium build quality
Cons
- Digital triggers limit precision in some games
- Stick drift could still develop over time
- Occasional D-pad misreads during fast gameplay
- Seamless shell makes self-repair difficult
- Higher cost than the previous model
Verdict
it’s clear that Nintendo refined this controller in nearly every way that matters. The improved sticks, added rear buttons, and built-in headset jack make gameplay smoother and more versatile across all genres. Comfort and battery life are top-tier, and the build feels ready for serious use. The lack of analog triggers and the uncertain long-term stick durability are small setbacks, but they don’t outweigh how well this controller performs. For anyone who spends serious time on the Switch 2, this feels like the controller the system always deserved.
Overall Score: 8.7 out of 10
