Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is an officially licensed accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch alongside the console on June 5, 2025. Priced at $79.99 USD (£74.99 in the UK, €90 in Europe), it’s a step up from the original Switch Pro Controller’s $69.99, reflecting its enhanced features. Pre-orders began on April 9, 2025, through retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, and the My Nintendo Store, though stock has fluctuated since the announcement during the April 2, 2025, Nintendo Direct.

This controller retains the ergonomic design of its predecessor but introduces several upgrades. It includes a new “C” button for quick access to the Switch 2’s GameChat feature, allowing voice and video communication with up to 12 players (free until March 31, 2026, then requiring a Switch Online subscription). Two programmable “GL” and “GR” back paddle buttons offer customizable inputs per game, a feature long requested by fans and inspired by third-party controllers. A 3.5mm audio jack, absent from the original, now supports wired headsets, enhancing accessibility for voice chat or private audio.

Other features include HD Rumble 2 for more nuanced vibrations, motion controls, built-in amiibo support, and a capture button for screenshots or clips. The analog sticks, dubbed “smooth-gliding sticks” by Nintendo, are quieter and more responsive, though it’s unconfirmed if they use Hall-effect sensors to prevent drift—a common issue with the original. The grips draw inspiration from the GameCube controller’s shape, with a seamless design for comfort, and the battery life remains around 40 hours, charging via USB-C in about 3.5 hours.

It’s compatible with the Switch 2 wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired through USB-C, and Nintendo has confirmed that original Switch Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons will work with the Switch 2, though they lack the new C button and back paddles, limiting access to some features like waking the console from sleep mode. Available in a matte black finish, it’s a premium option for players prioritizing comfort and customization over the included Joy-Con 2 controllers.