Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: Key Features, Improvements, and Launch Details

Nintendo further cements its status as a leader in the gaming hardware space with the release of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

Introduced via a dedicated video on the Nintendo Today! app, this latest hardware iteration is set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, boasting several refinements that cater to dedicated and competitive gamers alike. Following years of success with the original Switch Pro Controller, Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller offers both continuity and innovation.

Players will immediately notice several upgrades.

Among the most significant changes are two newly added back buttons, labeled 'GL' and 'GR'.

These programmable inputs enhance control during high-pressure gameplay, allowing users to remap them to suit personal preferences. Adding to the versatility of the device, the Switch 2 Pro Controller now includes a headphone jack at the bottom.

This much-requested feature lets players experience audio privately during docked gameplay, improving immersion and convenience by removing the need for a wired connection to the console itself. In terms of ergonomics, Nintendo has refined the controller’s overall shape.

While the basic form factor closely mirrors its predecessor, the controller features slightly enlarged face buttons and slimmer grips.

These modifications make it easier for hands to access the new back buttons, delivering enhanced comfort over longer play sessions. Analogue stick performance is another focal point.

Although Nintendo clarified that the controller does not employ Hall Effect technology—a feature designed in some controllers to reduce stick drift—the company emphasizes marked improvements in smoothness and reduced noise during use.

Feedback from attendees at a recent Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event confirms these design enhancements, with users noting how quick and precise the sticks feel in practice. Nintendo has set the retail price for the Switch 2 Pro Controller at £74.99 / $84.99, reflecting its advanced features and premium build quality.

Simultaneously, Nintendo announced the introduction of a GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service, scheduled to coincide with the launch of fan-favorite titles such as Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and F-Zero GX for NSO + Expansion Pack subscribers.

This move further aligns with Nintendo’s strategy to celebrate legacy content and provide flexible controller options for its fanbase. With these focused enhancements, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller stands out as both a familiar and forward-thinking device, solidifying Nintendo’s reputation for innovating within established traditions.

For players seeking the best possible experience on Nintendo Switch 2, this controller aims to deliver on comfort, versatility, and next-generation control.

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