Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: How to Map the New Rear GL and GR Buttons

Nintendo has introduced significant new features with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, including a redesigned Pro Controller that brings enhanced customization to players.

A standout change is the addition of rear buttons, officially named the GL and GR buttons.

This design decision not only aligns Nintendo with trends seen in third-party controllers for the original Switch, but also further updates the hardware’s capabilities for competitive and casual gaming alike. The information was detailed in a recent segment from the Nintendo Today app, which provided a comprehensive look at how simple it is to map commands to the new rear buttons.

According to Nintendo, assigning an input to either the GL or GR button is accomplished via the Switch 2’s Quick Settings menu.

Players only need to hold the HOME Button on the Switch 2 Pro Controller, mirroring the process familiar to owners of the original Switch, whereupon the Quick Settings will appear.

From there, users can choose the relevant GL or GR back button, press the controller button they wish to assign, and the command is mapped instantly. Nintendo highlights user convenience as a top priority for this feature, with an official statement noting, 'The system will remember each user's button assignments for each game they play.' This ensures that players won’t need to remap their controls every time they return to a game or switch between software, adding a level of personalization formerly found only in third-party offerings. To help players understand the process, Nintendo has accompanied the announcement with an instructional video available in the Nintendo Today app, visually walking through the setup and benefits.

This move underlines a commitment to accessibility and user-friendly design as the Switch 2 generation approaches. While some users may not immediately require the rear buttons for everyday gameplay, the introduction of GL and GR provides additional flexibility for those seeking more advanced or ergonomic control options.

It’s a meaningful update, especially when compared with older configurations of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It’s worth noting that the original Switch Pro Controller remains compatible with Switch 2 games, but several features exclusive to the new hardware, such as the rear buttons, the updated C Button, and a built-in headphone jack, will only be available on the new Pro Controller.

Furthermore, players will not be able to wake the Switch 2 console by pressing the HOME Button on the older controller model. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, these controller enhancements signal Nintendo’s response to player demand for more customizable and future-proof hardware.

The Pro Controller’s new functionality is set to launch alongside the Switch 2 hardware, promising a more personalized experience for both long-time Nintendo fans and newcomers alike.

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