Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: Release Date, Features, and Upgrades Explained

Nintendo fans anticipating the next evolution in console gaming have their sights set on the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set for release in June 2025.

Alongside this highly awaited hardware refresh, players will see the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller—a key accessory guaranteed to enhance the experience for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers.

Informed by direct statements from Nintendo and the latest Nintendo Direct, this in-depth overview highlights all the essential details you need to know about the Switch 2 Pro Controller, from launch date and price, to key features and compatibility. **Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Release Date and Price** According to official press materials and the recent Nintendo Direct broadcast, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will launch on June 5, 2025, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $79.99.

This new controller will be widely available through the Nintendo eShop, major retailers, and as part of various hardware bundles accompanying the Nintendo Switch 2 console launch. **New Features: Programmable Buttons and Audio Jack** While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shares the familiar ergonomic design and signature button layout of its predecessor, keen-eyed users will notice several meaningful upgrades—both inside and out.

One standout addition is the inclusion of rear GL/GR buttons, customizable to any input according to player preference.

Although this feature has been standard in several third-party Switch controllers for years, Nintendo is making it available natively for the first time, adding new flexibility and accessibility for competitive and casual play alike. Another highly requested feature that debuts on this model is the audio jack.

The controller now sports a 4-pole stereo 3.5mm mini plug, adhering to the CTIA standard, enabling direct headphone connection for private or enhanced audio during gaming sessions.

This is a substantial upgrade for users seeking improved voice chat and in-game sound options. **Enhanced Traditional Features and the All-New C Button** Returning favorites like HD Rumble technology—now upgraded to HD Rumble 2—and motion controls have been further refined, promising even greater tactile feedback and motion precision.

According to Nintendo, the analog control sticks will also feel smoother and more responsive, delivering a superior sense of control in even the most demanding titles. A new entry in the controller’s feature set is the C Button, specifically dedicated to toggling the innovative GameChat function.

This button gives players instant access to in-game voice communication, reinforcing Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to expanding online and social play options for the community. Additionally, the built-in amiibo functionality and Capture Button for instant screenshots and video recording return, rounding out the controller’s robust offering for Switch 2 users. **A New Standard for the Next Generation** By combining time-tested design with modern player demands, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller positions itself as a must-have accessory at the launch of Nintendo's latest hardware.

Whether purchasing through the Nintendo eShop or as part of a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, fans can look forward to a proven, enhanced controller experience tailored for the next era in Nintendo gaming.

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