Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Boasts Faster Charging and Enhanced Features

Nintendo has officially unveiled the technical details for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, promising significant improvements in both charging efficiency and gameplay features.

As the gaming industry anticipates the launch of the successor to the hugely popular Nintendo Switch, fans and professionals alike are keen to explore the evolutions in both hardware and accessories that will define Nintendo’s next generation of home consoles. The original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, praised for its ergonomic design and robust battery life, had one commonly cited drawback: a lengthy charging time.

Nintendo states the Switch 2 Pro Controller addresses this with a much faster full charge time—approximately 3.5 hours using the recommended cables.

In comparison, Nintendo’s previous official estimates placed the first model’s charging time at around six hours.

Despite this improvement in charging speed, the Pro Controller 2 maintains an impressive estimated battery life of 40 hours, matching its predecessor and ensuring players can enjoy marathon sessions without frequent recharging. Nintendo’s hardware team has also taken the opportunity to add several new, console-specific features, further differentiating the Pro Controller 2 from the original model.

Notable additions include a new "C Button" designed for expanded control options, as well as HD Rumble 2 technology, which offers enhanced haptic feedback for a more immersive gameplay experience.

Two rear "GL" and "GR" buttons give players additional input flexibility, a first for Nintendo’s Pro Controller lineup. Aesthetically and ergonomically, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has undergone subtle refinements.

The new controller is slightly more compact, measuring 105mm x 148mm x 60.2mm and weighing 235g—down from the original's 106mm x 152mm x 60mm and 246g.

Perhaps most notably, the new controller features a first-time headphone jack, addressing a long-standing request from the user community.

As with the original, players can expect all the essentials: gyro controls, NFC reader functionality for Amiibo support, and a USB-C charging cable included in the box. Importantly, Nintendo confirms that players can continue using their first-generation Switch Pro Controllers with the Switch 2 system.

However, one key limitation is that older controllers will not be able to wake the new console from sleep mode via the home button, a function reserved for the updated hardware. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller represents a thoughtful evolution, catering to user feedback while building on the reliable foundation set by its predecessor.

With a faster charging time, subtle ergonomic improvements, and new input innovations, the Pro Controller 2 looks set to be an essential accessory for both casual and competitive Nintendo gamers looking to experience the best of the upcoming platform.

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