Introduction: A Safe Yet Solid Choice for Switch 2 Players

When it comes to gaming controllers, evolution often means incremental improvements rather than radical redesigns. The new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller exemplifies this approach, sticking closely to what has worked well in the past. While Nintendo hasn’t radically overhauled the design, this controller offers notable enhancements that make it a compelling accessory—especially for dedicated players using the Switch 2 in docked mode.

If you already own the original Pro Controller, you might wonder whether an upgrade is necessary. The answer depends on your priorities: if you value performance, comfort, and new features, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a worthwhile investment despite its higher price point. For casual gamers or those satisfied with the previous version, sticking with the original might suffice. Still, for serious Switch 2 enthusiasts, this controller is a significant step forward, particularly in ergonomics and functionality.

Fundamentals of the Switch 2 Pro Controller

The package includes just the essentials: the controller itself and a five-foot USB-A to USB-C cable. While this is sufficient for most use cases, I wish Nintendo had included a longer cable—something in the 10-foot range—to facilitate more flexible setup options around the TV or in a home theater environment. Personally, I’ve opted for a cheap, longer USB cable for convenience.

Pairing the controller is straightforward: navigate to the “Pair New Controller” option in the Switch 2’s home menu, press and hold the pairing button atop the controller until the LED begins blinking, then confirm the connection. Alternatively, you can connect it directly via the included USB cable for instant pairing.

Physically, the controller features subtle updates from its predecessor. Notably, the analog stick bases and the top area housing the USB-C port, pairing button, triggers, and bumpers now sport light gray accents. The matte black finish provides a firm, comfortable grip, avoiding the cheap plastic feel common in lower-end controllers. While I do miss the rubberized coating of the original, the durable, dense build quality still conveys a premium feel.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort vs. Size

One common critique of the original Switch Pro Controller was the size of the handles. Compared to controllers like the DualSense or Xbox controllers, the handles are still on the smaller side, which may impact long gaming sessions, especially for players with larger hands. The slim profile aids portability but comes at the expense of ergonomic comfort.

All the core controls—large, responsive face buttons (B, A, Y, X)—continue to impress with their softness and quick responsiveness. The analog sticks are particularly notable; they offer smooth, consistent resistance throughout their full range of motion, which Nintendo often refers to as “creamy.” However, I found the stick-click inputs for the right and left sticks to be a bit stiff, requiring more effort than ideal.

The directional pad has been slightly improved, providing more accurate inputs with fewer accidental presses—crucial for precise platforming or fighting games. The bumpers and triggers are lightweight and tactile, offering good feedback. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing that Nintendo has yet to adopt analog triggers, which would significantly enhance versatility, especially for PC gaming or racing titles.

New Features Elevate the Experience

The Switch 2 Pro Controller introduces several key features that set it apart from earlier models. One standout addition is programmable back buttons—labeled GL and GR—that can mirror any other button input. This feature allows players to assign complex actions to these paddles, keeping thumbs on the sticks during intense gameplay.

While the controller doesn’t allow direct mapping of these buttons through the device itself, the process is simple via the system menus: hold the Home button, select button assignments, and press the desired button combination. Assignments are saved per game, making customization seamless across different titles.

Another notable upgrade is the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack—something many gamers have long requested. This allows wired headphones to be connected easily, improving sound quality and convenience whether you’re docked or portable. Additionally, a new C button located on the bottom center grants quick access to Nintendo’s GameChat system, simplifying voice chat setup during multiplayer sessions.

One minor inconvenience is that the controller cannot wake up the Switch 2 from sleep mode, unlike previous controllers. While not a dealbreaker, it’s a small annoyance that nudges users toward purchasing the new model.

Performance and Playability

In terms of gameplay experience, the Switch 2 Pro Controller excels in several areas. Its back paddles prove invaluable in games with complex controls, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Assigning important actions like sprint or weapon switching to the paddles allows for more fluid gameplay, especially when quick reactions matter.

The analog sticks are among the smoothest I’ve used, providing excellent control whether drifting in Mario Kart or aiming in first-person shooters like Cyberpunk 2077. Nintendo’s design here surpasses both the Xbox and DualSense controllers, offering superior precision and feel.

However, a lingering concern is stick drift. Since the new controller uses the same mechanisms as previous models—without adopting newer Hall Effect magnetic sensors—the risk of wear and malfunction remains. Out of the box, though, the sticks are some of the best in the industry, with minimal issues.

Battery Life and Compatibility

The battery life remains consistent with the original Pro Controller—around 40 hours on a full charge. This is ample for extended gaming sessions and surpasses many competitors like the DualSense, making recharging less of a concern. After approximately 20 hours of use over four days, the controller still had over half its charge, and an hour of charging brought it back to full capacity.

Using the controller on PC presents some challenges. Windows recognizes it when plugged in, but full compatibility requires workarounds, such as using third-party tools or software. Until Nintendo or Microsoft improve support, many users might prefer more straightforward PC controllers available on the market.

Additional Considerations and Pricing

While the controller’s performance and new features make it a worthwhile upgrade for dedicated Switch 2 players, potential buyers should weigh the cost against their gaming needs. The improved ergonomics, back paddles, and added convenience features justify the investment for many.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a high-quality, feature-rich gamepad that elevates the gaming experience on Switch 2. Its refined design, improved controls, and thoughtful additions make it a must-have accessory for serious gamers, despite some minor drawbacks like size and compatibility quirks.