I must say, the Nintendo Switch got it right with the original Pro Controller. Maybe it was the uncomfortable Joy-Cons, which were way too small, but after begging for an alternative, the Pro Controller brought the goods.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller feels like Nintendo understood what we were already happy with. With a familiar shape and design, Nintendo haven’t done much to redefine the original formula, but added to the overall package where it counts.
With faster charging times, the added Chat button, a new two-tone colourway, headphone jack and customisable back buttons, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a worthy successor to a classic.
Design
At first glance, the Switch 2 Pro Controller looks very similar. You would generally have to pick this thing up and play around with it to notice the more important differences.
Those differences in question would generally be the inclusion of the C button to access GameChat, which feels par for the course given it’s on the new Joy-Cons. I also love the addition of the mappable GL and GR buttons on the back of the controller. We’ll touch on their usage a little later.
Either way, those extra buttons sit nicely under both your middle fingers, and the controller as a whole feels comfortable to hold.
The controller now has a matte grey finish as opposed to the clear grey finish of the original console, and while not a huge difference maker, I prefer it. The two-tone colourway with the light grey panel on top, with the triggers and under each of the sticks, also looks fantastic.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller also comes with an inbuilt headphone jack underneath, which is arguably the most requested addition to this package. Simply plug in a wired 3.5mm headset and you’re ready to go.
There’s not much else to the package, apart from the 1.5-metre USB-A to USB-C cable for charging.
Performance & Software
Most pro-centric controllers on other platforms allow some sort of customisation. Be it the DualSense Edge or the Xbox Elite controller, I think it’s important to be able to get a little more out of the experience, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller leans into that space.
Simply hold the Home button during the game to access Quick Settings, in which the GL and GR buttons can be mapped on the fly to any command on the controller.
The face buttons are also large, but responsive, thanks to a satisfying feel and very minimal travel times. The back ZR and ZL triggers are also quite short and punchy, but it would have been nice to have some adaptive triggers for added immersion.
The left and right analog sticks also feel fantastic. They’re not only responsive but incredibly smooth and satisfying, no matter the game you’re playing. I wouldn’t normally use the Joy-Cons when the console is docked, but it’s hard to pick them up for anything when compared to this.
I am a little worried, though, that the Switch 2 Pro Controller hasn’t utilised Hall Effect sticks, which effectively use magnets to help avoid stick drift. Given that the original Switch encountered this issue, I’m hoping they’ve at least taken certain steps to address it here.
The battery life of the Switch 2 Pro Controller is generally the same as the original, clocking in at around 40 hours from a full charge. Thankfully, it charges much quicker than the original, at around 2 hours.
While all of this is great and a general improvement on the original controller, it is worth noting here that the original Switch Pro Controller works on the Switch 2. It unfortunately cannot turn on the console remotely, nor access the GameChat feature directly via the controller. It is worth considering if you feel you’re not using either the console or the controller consistently, as I feel there’s still plenty of value there.
Verdict & Value
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fantastic iteration that provides a premium feel along with customisable features and better integration for things like wired headsets and software features like GameChat on the new hardware.
The GL and GR buttons are easy enough to customise mid-game, and the two-tone finish looks incredibly stylish without ever feeling overpowering.
Its A$119 price tag might not feel essential if you’re a casual user, but if the Nintendo Switch 2 is a new addition to your collection, it’s an option you should strongly consider.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Two-tone colourway is nice; Sticks feel great; Customisable back buttons; 3.5mm audio jack
Lowlights: Not necessarily essential if you already own an original Switch Pro Controller; No Hall Effect sticks
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Price: A$119
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Nintendo.
