Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: Key Features, Improvements, and How It Stacks Up

When Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 during its showcase in April 2024, the gaming giant also introduced a fresh iteration of its Pro Controller.

As a premium optional peripheral, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is designed to complement the console’s improved hardware while offering advanced features aimed at both casual and hardcore players.

The controller’s announcement was met with high anticipation from the gaming community, eager to see how Nintendo would refine its acclaimed accessory for the next generation. Since the reveal, members of the gaming press have had multiple opportunities to test the new controller across prominent launch titles like Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

The consensus among reviewers is mixed regarding the leap in quality the Pro Controller represents, especially when compared to the improvements seen in the latest Joy-Con controllers.

The original Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch was widely celebrated for its ergonomic design and robust features, often considered a significant step up from the original Joy-Con units.

For the Switch 2, Nintendo has reportedly made considerable upgrades to the Joy-Con controllers themselves, narrowing the performance gap between the standard and Pro options. In a recent interview, one reviewer explained that the enhanced Joy-Con set a new benchmark for comfort and responsiveness, making the Pro Controller's improvements feel less dramatic by comparison.

“While the Pro Controller for Switch 2 does offer some notable new features, its leap in quality over the improved Joy-Con isn’t as significant as the jump we saw with the previous generation,” he noted. Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller distinguishes itself with several new additions.

Among the highlights are the freshly introduced 'GL' and 'GR' buttons, which give players the ability to customize inputs on a per-game basis.

This flexibility may become increasingly valuable as developers leverage these extra inputs, offering gamers more control and accessibility.

The enhanced analog sticks have also impressed those who have tested the device, with many praising their precision and feel. One important compatibility detail for upgraders: unlike prior Pro Controllers, the previous generation model cannot be used to wake up the Nintendo Switch 2 from sleep mode.

While this may be a minor inconvenience for some, it’s a detail worth considering for anyone invested in Nintendo’s accessory ecosystem. Overall, while the necessity of upgrading to the new Pro Controller remains up for debate, there's no question that it offers meaningful enhancements—particularly for players seeking customizable controls and premium build quality.

As with prior Nintendo peripherals, the final verdict will likely rest on individual gaming preferences and the evolving requirements of upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 software. For more insights and a comprehensive review of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, stay tuned as more in-depth analysis becomes available following the console's global launch.

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