Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review

Kai Taylor
Jun 17
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review cover image featuring the Pro Controller's packaging

Release Date: June 5th 2025

Price: $119

Nintendo tends to drastically change its controllers from one console generation to the next. The Nintendo 64 controller differed significantly from the SNES controller, and the GameCube controller differed from the Wii controller. For the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has opted to release another Pro Controller, similar to the original Switch. The Pro Controller for the Switch 1 was absolutely fantastic. The controller was extremely comfortable, the D-Pad was great, as were all the other buttons, and the battery life was incredible. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is essentially the same as the previous model, but Nintendo has added a few new features to create one of the best controllers I have ever used. Despite its expensive price, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is an absolute must-buy if you already own the console.

HOW IT LOOKS

If you already own the Switch 1 Pro Controller, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller looks almost identical. It has the same face button layout, D-Pad, shoulder buttons, triggers, and the same Home button, capture button, and + and - buttons. The controller is also the same size as the original Pro Controller, and it has the same level of comfort in the hands. Nintendo recognised that the original Pro Controller was a crucial accessory for the Switch, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller retained the same design. The controller feels like an evolved predecessor to the Xbox 360 controller; it has a similar shape and the same cup-in-your-hands feeling. As a big fan of the original Pro Controller, I love that the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller maintains the same shape and button layout. Instead of the clear grey plastic on the previous controller, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has a matte black plastic on the face. I much prefer this style, and the finish has a slight shine to it.

The Nintendo Switch 1 Pro Controller vs. the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Nintendo has added a few new features to the Switch 2 Pro Controller so it better complements the console. The most obvious change is the white at the top of the controller and around the analog sticks. It's a small change, but it's a change that makes the controller pop a lot more. There is now a C button at the bottom for the newly added GameChat feature on Nintendo Switch 2. The controller light now indicates that it's on and which player number you are at the top rather than the bottom. At the bottom, Nintendo has added a headphone jack to the Switch 2 Pro Controller. The headphone jack is an absolute delight, allowing you to use your headphones for gaming via a wired connection on your TV. I always prefer using a pair of headphones when I game on a TV. The USB connection in the Switch 1 dock made this possible, but the headphone jack at the bottom of the new Pro Controller ensures I never have to worry about my headphones running out of battery. It's such a simple feature, and every other home console has a built-in adapter on their controllers, but I'm thrilled that Nintendo included a headphone jack on the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

The best feature of the Switch 2 Pro Controller, however, is the back buttons. These buttons are very common nowadays on more expensive controllers, such as Sony's DualSense Edge and Xbox's Elite Series 2. I had never used back buttons before, but the Switch 2 Pro Controller has taught me how useful and flexible they are. No matter what game you are playing, you can map the two back buttons to any regular button. For example, I used the right back button to jump and drift in Mario Kart World and the left back button to use an item. It's a simple idea, but it eliminates any awkward finger movements you may have to make. The two back buttons are fantastic on the Switch 2 Pro Controller.

The back of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller featuring the new back buttons

HOW IT PLAYS

The improved feel of the buttons and analog sticks is where the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller really shines. The last Pro Controller felt loose in the movement of the analog sticks, but the face buttons were fantastic despite being clicky. The Switch 2 Pro Controller's analog sticks are incredible; they have a bit more weight to them, but they feel buttery smooth and cushioned. The face buttons still produce a satisfying click noise, but it's significantly more subtle. The face buttons have the same cushioned feel as the analog sticks. The only buttons on the Switch 2 Pro Controller that feel the same as the previous controller are the shoulder buttons and triggers. The unchanged trigger and shoulder buttons are not a bad thing; they still have a nice feel to them, and they are not loose like an Xbox One controller. The back buttons are also incredible, featuring the same subtle cushioning, and they are positioned perfectly for your fingers.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller feels very similar to the previous Pro Controller in terms of weight, dimensions, and shape. The Switch 1 Pro Controller weighs 248 grams, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller weighs 237 grams. There is almost no difference between the two.

By far, the most impressive part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is the battery life. The last Pro Controller already had incredible battery life, and I would only need to charge it every couple of weeks before it ran out of power. However, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has managed to triumph over it. I have been using the Switch 2 Pro Controller every day since its release, and it still has more than 60% battery life remaining. The battery life is impressive, and it surpasses that of every current console's controller. Sony's DualSense controller lasts me around 5-6 hours before I need to charge it. Considering that I have put dozens of hours into the Switch 2 since its release, it is amazing how much battery remains in the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.