Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review

On the surface, besides a really amazing looking two-toned grey and black design, you would be remiss to think there isn’t a lot of a difference between the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. In fact, with all the special variations of the original that have been released over the years, it would be easy to think that this is just another one of those.

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller was arguably one of the best controllers on the market for any console, and based on my time with the upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, it might just retain that crown going into the latter half of 2025.

The look of the controller remains relatively unchanged, and when you hold this controller compared to the one you might have owned on the Nintendo Switch, they are going to feel incredibly similar. There are a few things worth noting that set this new, better controller apart though.

First and foremost, we need to talk about one of the bigger features launching with the Nintendo Switch 2, GameChat. A dedicated C button has been added to all of Nintendo’s controllers, including the Joy-Con 2, the Pro Controller, and the GameCube controller which is available to purchase for Nintendo Switch Online Members through Nintendo’s website.

Clicking the C button will quickly launch the GameChat application, allowing you to quickly and easily set up game chats with friends before hopping into that next round of Mario Kart. Adding the button at the centre-bottom of the controller isn’t what wow’s me here – it’s the fact that Nintendo made it so easy – I could easily have seen them bury this feature in the menu that you can access by pressing the Home button. It’s good to see that not overlooked.

Another change that will be more apparent once you hold the controller are two brand new programmable buttons on the back of the controller, right where your fingers rest when gripping. I’ll be the first to admit that programmable buttons mean absolutely nothing to me, as I don’t use them in any of my games. That being said, my kids use them a lot and were really excited to see those included on this controller. I do enjoy that these buttons are not overly bulky, so for someone who chooses to not use them like myself, it’s not really a nuisance when holding the controller.

Another change is the inclusion of a headphone jack on the controller. Again, we are talking about a minor feature for some, but a major feature for others. I love having a headphone jack on my controller, despite not using it often. It not only is great for consumers, but allows third parties a bit more flexibility on the products they release.

I know everyone is going to ask the same questions – does the Pro Controller utilize Hall Effect joysticks. The answer here is unfortunately no, but that doesn’t mean Nintendo has not redesigned these sticks for more fluid movement.

Honestly, at this point in our review cycle, the controller feels amazing, and wouldn’t ya know, I had a sealed Pro Controller for my original Nintendo Switch in the basement here, so I was able to unbox that and compare. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller feels vastly improved when you use brand new controllers side-by-side. While we don’t know what this means for stick drift or other issues down the road, initial impressions are VERY positive.

With the redesign of the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers, I’m not sure I would be as quick to grab a Pro Controller as I was when the original Nintendo Switch launched. This is a premium product, but it comes with a premium price, one that many are likely not willing to pay, at least not after dropping hundreds of dollars on a console.

That being said, I do love having it for long gaming sessions. While the Joy-Con 2 are definitely improved, they still leave me with some discomfort after 2-3 hours of playing, a feeling I don’t get when using a standard controller like the Pro Controller. If you plan on putting in multiple hours straight a few times a week, I believe the investment here is worth it.

A Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller was provided by Nintendo of Canada for the purpose of this review.