The Nintendo Switch 2 launches alongside a slew of new Switch 2 games and accessories, including a fresh take on the Pro Controller, now a staple in every new Nintendo console cycle. The original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller was met with rave reviews, with a number of players awarding the controller amongst their all-time favourites!
The new hybrid console comes with upgraded Joy-Con. They’re larger in size, with improved face buttons, triggers, and sticks – as highlighted in Adam’s Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Review. With the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller being compatible with the Switch 2 and the improved Joy-Con 2, is there any value in the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller?
Before diving into the improvements, it is worth noting that the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 for an easy upgrade path. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is not backward compatible with the original Switch hardware (at least, at time of review).
On first impression, the Switch 2 Pro Controller looks almost identical to its predecessor. The familiar face buttons, stick layout, traditional d-pad and shoulder buttons continue the tried and tested layout. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
The key difference with the newer model is the feel, additional buttons, 3.5mm headphone jack and faster charging times. Initial similarities aside, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller feels more premium in your hand. There’s a luxurious matte finish – smooth, comfortable and similar in texture to the new Joy-Con, but dialled up a notch. It’s ideal for those extended Mario Kart World or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sessions, where being one with the controller can be key.
One of the distinctive features of the original Switch Pro Controller, though, was the textured handles, offering a balance of grip and comfort. This is omitted in its successor, opting for a single-material design. It does result in a fractionally more slippery finish, but the controller shape allows the Switch 2 Pro Controller to sit firmly in your hands.
Despite the resounding tick next to comfort, one of the issues with the previous Switch Pro Controller for some was the compact form factor. Some players with larger hands struggled with the smaller size and securing an ideal palm placement. Those hoping for an official Nintendo Switch 2 controller that’s a bit larger overall may not find a home with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, unfortunately.
For those where it does sit comfortably, the Switch 2 Pro Controller survives the longer gaming sessions. It is a natural extension of the player, where it’s a joy to play (there’s a pun in there, somewhere). Much like the original, the button positions and size allow for easy access to each, especially during intensive moments where it’s all eyes on the screen. In addition, there are new back paddle or grip buttons – GL and GR – positioned where most middle or index fingers naturally sit. It may feel strange at first, but the buttons are well placed and avoid accidental presses. They’re also fully remappable and fully optional – great for quick shortcuts.
Like the Joy-Con, the Pro Controller features a dedicated “C” button for GameChat, though it can be remapped if needed. A welcome addition is the 3.5mm headphone jack – ideal for friend sessions without being tethered to the Switch 2 itself. HD rumble also returns, with upgrades mirroring the Joy-Con 2. It’s subtle, but noticeable in some scenarios. If you’ve tried the maraca mini-game in Welcome Tour, you know. The balls are real.
The biggest highlight and key difference of the Switch 2 Pro Controller comes through the analogue sticks and face buttons. At first glance, again, they look the same. But upon a wiggle of the stick and tap of those buttons, they are noticeably different. It’s difficult to necessarily class this as an upgrade per se, because it is highly preference based – but Nintendo has made these both incredibly quiet and buttery smooth.
If likened to keyboards, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has more of a dampened “thock” feel. It’s like a more muted press, where it still feels tactile and responsive, but a lot quieter than a regular controller “clack”. The same applies to the sticks. Frantically moving both about feels slick yet almost whisper quiet. Even Nintendo internally dubbed the change as “smooth-gliding sticks“. The new format is a dream for those who may need quieter controllers for video/streaming, or the classic playing past bed-time scenario most gamers would know all too well! An example of the sound differences can be found in the video review below – it was rather difficult to capture.
The controller doesn’t come without its share of drawbacks. For one – the analogue stick sensor technology. The Switch 2 Pro Controller does not adopt hall effect technology. Hall effect sticks are found in modern controllers, where magnets are used to detect movement. It’s not perfect but is said to be less susceptible to wear and tear. Traditional, more mechanical sticks – like the Pro Controller and Joy-Con – use potentiometers. Because of the delicate moving parts, it can be more prone to the dreaded stick drift.
Time will tell if sticking with traditional sensors was a risk that paid off. Still, though, the analogue sticks feel more durable and responsive overall this time round. Micro-movements glide in naturally and offer a snappy neutral reset, too.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller also opts for digital triggers instead of analogue triggers. By this, the system only knows if the shoulder triggers are pressed or not for “instant” input. While racing fans may miss analogue precision, most players could appreciate the immediacy. It is a challenge to get right, and whilst it’s not an issue for most use cases, titles that do rely on analogue triggers would be trickier to navigate.
Finally, the d-pad – a staple of video games since the early days of 8-bit plumbers and Hylian heroes. The Switch 2 Pro Controller does opt for a traditional look d-pad, very much in line with its predecessor. However, the slight spongey feel still applies in the updated model. There is a slight tendency for mis-input, especially for games that require that precision in quick succession.
