Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller review

The original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller was my go-to anytime I played my Nintendo Switch docked. It wasn’t perfect, but it did the job better than the Joy-Con grip. With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller arrived as its updated counterpart. At first glance, it didn’t seem like much had changed. I wasn’t sure it would be worth the upgrade.

After spending time with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, though, the differences became clear. Some are subtle, while others stand out more during longer play sessions. This version focuses less on big changes and more on refining what worked before. It’s more comfortable, smoother to use, and adds a few features that feel long overdue.

That said, not everything works as well as it could. A few familiar issues are still present, and some design choices might not suit everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller gets right, what it doesn’t, and whether it fits your setup.

First impressions and design

Unboxing the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller is a pretty simple experience. You get the controller and a USB-A to USB-C cable, and that’s about it. There’s no extra packaging fluff, just what you need to get started.

The first thing that stood out to me was the texture. The matte finish feels smooth, soft, and noticeably more comfortable than the slicker plastic used on the original. It also does a decent job of resisting fingerprints and sweat, which makes a difference during long sessions. The grips are slightly slimmer than before, but they still feel solid in the hand. There’s a nice balance between weight and shape that makes the controller feel sturdy without being bulky.

There are a few design tweaks that give the controller a more modern look. The grey accents around the analog sticks and shoulder area offer a bit of contrast without being distracting. It’s a cleaner, more uniform design overall, even if it still leans toward simplicity. One of the more surprising changes is the analog sticks themselves. The left stick is slightly taller than the right, and the caps are shaped a little differently. It’s a small detail that doesn’t affect every game, but it’s noticeable once you start using it regularly. Some might prefer the added height for fast-paced games, while others may not notice it at all.

Overall, it’s a comfortable controller that feels like a proper upgrade, even if the design changes are more subtle than flashy.

Visual touches and durability

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller looks familiar at first glance, but small design changes help it stand apart. The matte black finish keeps it low-key and comfortable. A white top panel surrounds the USB-C port, shoulder buttons, and sync button, adding a small visual contrast that sets it apart from the original.

Face buttons are slightly larger than before and sit closer together, which makes them easy to press quickly. They feel soft, quiet, and responsive, even during fast-paced sessions. The bumpers and triggers are just as responsive. They use digital input, which works fine for most games, though some might miss analog control in driving games.

The analog sticks are thinner this time, with a small height difference between the left and right sticks. The taller left stick gives a little more control when used for movement, and both sticks feel smooth with strong snapback. The shafts below the sticks are now white, giving the front of the controller a bit more personality without standing out too much.

The controller feels solid overall. It’s not too heavy, but it doesn’t feel hollow either. All buttons are firmly in place, and there’s no rattle when shaking the controller. After using it daily for over a week, nothing feels loose or worn in.

Controls and comfort in play

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller delivers a solid, responsive feel during gameplay. The analog sticks glide smoothly with consistent resistance and snap back to center with more strength than before. They feel tighter and more deliberate. The sticks are also thinner, with a smooth feel and solid resistance that makes movement feel tighter overall. It’s a small difference, but it can offer better control in action games.

Button presses feel soft and quick. The face buttons are slightly larger now and stay quiet, even when tapping quickly. They’re easy to press and never feel stiff. The bumpers and triggers respond well and are nearly silent. The triggers use digital input, which works fine for most games but might feel limiting in racing or simulation-style titles.

The D-pad feels better than the original Pro controller, especially in games that need quick directional inputs. It’s not perfect, though. During calibration tests, it sometimes picked up vertical inputs while holding left or right, but not often enough to cause problems. I had no issues pulling off combos in fighting games like Capcom Fighting Collection 2 or quick movements in platformers like Super Mario Bros Wonder. Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller’s D-pad feels more dependable this time.

Comfort-wise, the controller holds up well during long sessions. The grips rest naturally in your hands, and the slight angle helps avoid wrist strain. The matte finish also keeps your hands dry, even after hours of use.

New features and enhancements

The biggest change on the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller is the addition of two programmable back buttons. Labelled GL and GR, they sit right where your fingers naturally rest on the grips. They don’t get in the way, and it’s hard to press them by accident. You can remap them on a game-by-game basis, which is handy for things like jumping or sprinting without shifting your thumbs off the sticks.

There’s also a built-in GameChat button, which gives you quick access to the Switch 2’s new voice chat system. It sits below the face buttons and has its own icon. You’ll need to move your thumb to reach it, but it’s out of the way enough that you won’t hit it by mistake. Another welcome upgrade is the 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the controller. It works for both game audio and GameChat when plugged in. As long as your controller is updated, it connects with no setup required. This is especially useful for late-night gaming or portable sessions where you don’t want to rely on the TV speakers.

The upgraded HD Rumble feels stronger and more detailed than before. It gives you sharper feedback during actions like drifting in Mario Kart World or getting hit in action games. The rumble stays quiet, too, so it doesn’t distract from what’s happening on screen. Motion controls also feel more stable this time around. Aiming with gyro in shooters or tilting for steering in racing games needed less calibration and stayed accurate over longer sessions. It’s not a dramatic shift, but it works more consistently than the original.

None of these additions are flashy, but they’re thoughtful. They fit into the existing design without cluttering it and give you more ways to tailor your setup to the way you play.

Battery life and connectivity

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller connects wirelessly through Bluetooth and pairs with the console in seconds. Setup is simple. You just plug it in once with a USB-C cable, and it’s ready to use wirelessly after that. There’s no need to stay wired, and you won’t have to repeat the process unless switching to a new system. The connection stays stable whether you’re docked or using the controller separately in handheld mode.

Battery life is solid. After a full charge, it lasted over 20 hours during regular use, even with HD Rumble active and a wired headset plugged in. Charging is handled through USB-C, with the port positioned on top so it’s easy to play while powering up. The controller doesn’t support fast charging, but it still charges quickly enough that it rarely gets in the way.

One useful detail is that the headphone jack remains active during charging. That means you can game uninterrupted for longer sessions without switching devices. If your controller needs a firmware update, the Nintendo Switch 2 will let you know as soon as you plug in a headset.

The indicator lights near the top show pairing status and low battery warnings. They flash when connecting and give a quick heads-up when it’s time to charge, so you’re never caught off guard.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller balances familiar feel with meaningful upgrades

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It takes what worked from the original and smooths out some rough edges. The buttons feel great, the analog sticks are more precise, and long sessions are more comfortable than ever. Small changes like the built-in headphone jack and programmable back buttons make a real difference, even if they don’t jump out at first.

That said, a few things still hold it back. The D-pad is better than before but can still misread inputs in specific situations. And if you’re hoping to use this controller on other devices or with your old Nintendo Switch, that’s not an option.

If you plan to stick with the Nintendo Switch 2 for the long haul, this controller is a strong choice. It’s built well, feels good in the hand, and offers a few thoughtful upgrades that show Nintendo was paying attention. I’ve been using it daily since launch, and it’s my default controller when I play on Nintendo Switch 2. If you’re someone who plays docked often or just wants something more comfortable, I definitely recommend picking one up.

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