Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Introduces 'GL' and 'GR' Back Buttons: What This Means for Developers and Gamers

Nintendo has once again redefined its hardware strategy with the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct.

One of the standout features of this controller is the inclusion of two new back buttons, labeled 'GL' and 'GR', ushering in more customization and accessibility options for players and developers alike. The newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller offers a fresh take, blending the comfortable ergonomics inspired by the GameCube controller with innovation seen in other contemporary devices, such as the Xbox Elite Controller and PlayStation Dualsense Edge.

Both of these competing platforms are well-known for their customizable back 'paddles,' establishing a modern standard that Nintendo now adopts and enhances. The addition of 'GL' and 'GR' buttons is not just about ergonomics—it opens up a new dimension in personalized gameplay and control.

According to Kouichi Kawamoto, a key figure involved in Nintendo hardware development, controller profiles can be saved on a per-game and per-user basis.

This means players will have the freedom to tailor the button mappings of the GL and GR inputs for each game or even individual users, providing a tailored gameplay experience for all. Further insight comes from Nate Bihldorff, a senior executive at Nintendo of America.

Reflecting on developer ingenuity, Bihldorff shared: "Developers typically maximize every tool available to them, so I’m certain we’ll see games that purposefully utilize the new GL and GR buttons for specific functions, especially where it enhances the game experience.

At launch, expect most use to focus on player customization, since adding dedicated functions to these buttons would likely suit complex games using the controller’s full capabilities.

Different teams will take their own approach, but the real advantage is giving gamers the ability to map controls on a per-game and per-profile basis." A key consideration, however, is that not every player may own the new Pro Controller.

For developers, this means any additional functionality assigned exclusively to the GL and GR buttons must remain optional to ensure accessibility.

Nintendo’s approach emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, encouraging developers to integrate these features as enhancements without making them mandatory for critical gameplay. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s back buttons represent a significant step forward for the platform, increasing control options while supporting deeper customization.

Whether these features gain widespread developer adoption or remain focused on player-driven remapping, they reflect Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to innovative, user-centric design. Nintendo Switch 2’s hardware enhancements, including the versatile Pro Controller, demonstrate the company’s dedication to evolving how players engage with games—both in play style and platform flexibility.

As developers experiment with these new inputs, the community can look forward to more personalized and dynamic gameplay experiences across current and future Nintendo titles.

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