Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review: Level 1-2

Table of Contents

Quick Verdict

Back in the Wii U era, which we all know no one wants to talk about, the Wii U Pro Controller was a bit of a necessity. For some games, the giant, tablet-like GamePad was overkill and uncomfortable for longer play sessions. The Wii U Pro Controller, however, was perfect for playing games like Splatoon and Bayonetta 2. When the Nintendo Switch released, I knew right away I would want the Switch Pro Controller, and naturally, the same was true for the Switch 2 Pro Controller. For the most part, I find the small Joy-Cons uncomfortable to use for hours, and I have always loved the ergonomics of the Nintendo Pro Controllers.

Unsurprisingly, Nintendo hasn’t dramatically changed the design from its previous Pro Controller. For me, the additional two back buttons are worth the price of entry, since I’ve gotten accustomed to having them on the PlayStation DualSense Edge and Xbox Elite controllers. But for many, especially those who already own the original Pro Controller, this may not be a necessary upgrade.

Comfortably Familiar

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Review Gallery | Image: Jason Siu / FullCleared

It’s fair to say that Nintendo continues marching to the beat of their own drum. For generations now, the brand has been fine having the least powerful console on the market, and has never chased after the same trends as its main competitors, Sony and Microsoft. The same can be said about its official accessories. As great as the Switch Pro Controller is, it lags behind the competition when it comes to features, namely back buttons. Both the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and DualSense Edge have them, with the original Elite launching nearly a decade ago. Eventually, Nintendo had to catch up, and fortunately, the Switch 2 Pro Controller finally adds two back buttons, making it a true “pro” offering.

For many players, myself included, the addition of two back buttons is the key selling point. Another reason is that the original Switch Pro Controller, while compatible with the Switch 2, cannot be used to wake up the newer console. It also introduces a dedicated GameChat button for the new system-exclusive feature and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. To me, these are the four main reasons to consider the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which handles almost exactly like the original in hand. The joysticks, while not Hall Effect, offer smoother movement, and I really appreciate the premium quality of the controller’s matte exterior.

Back in Control

As I mentioned in my DualSense Edge controller review, I have gotten accustomed to having back buttons after using the Xbox Elite wireless controller for years on my PC. As soon as Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 Pro Controller would have back buttons, I didn’t even hesitate to preorder. The reason is that I found the Switch Pro Controller to be the best way to enjoy Switch games while the system is docked. Its long battery life and comfortable grips are the main selling points, and both of those features carry over to the new Switch 2 Pro Controller. Ultimately, it’s the customizable and easy-to-map back buttons that make the $84.99 price worth it for me.

It’s also fair to argue the Switch 2 doesn’t currently have any games where the back buttons are really advantageous. Mario Kart World doesn’t have complex enough controls to utilize the back buttons, and it’s unlikely the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza will either. The first exclusive where they’ll come in handy is likely FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, or maybe the upcoming Splatoon Raiders. Personally, I like mapping the left back button to a dodge button, and the right back button to R3 (right thumbstick), allowing me to keep my hands where they need to be at all times.

If you’re familiar with Nintendo’s original Pro Controller, there’s probably not much convincing needed here. The main question you’re probably asking is whether or not the Switch 2 Pro Controller is worth it, and I think the answer comes down to how much value you place on the two back buttons. I doubt anyone will rush out to buy it solely for the GameChat button or improved joysticks. If the two back buttons don’t interest you, I’d agree there’s little reason to make the upgrade. That is, unless you’re getting really annoyed that the Switch Pro Controller doesn’t turn on the Switch 2. Just know, the size and weight are virtually unchanged, so anyone who found the original uncomfortable will likely feel the same about the updated model.

Same Same, But Different

Visually, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has a two-tone color scheme with some gray accents, but it does get rid of the semi-transparent shell found in the original Pro Controller. The face buttons and triggers continue to feel superb, with just the right amount of clickiness for me. Again, the analog sticks offer a smoother feel compared to before, and the D-pad is marginally less clicky, though the latter isn’t a dramatic improvement. Unfortunately, the Switch 2 Pro Controller doesn’t have analog triggers, so it’s still not the best option on PC. The programmable back buttons, GR and GL, sit where your middle fingers naturally are and the actuation feels just right, like the rest of the buttons on the controller. Assigning these back buttons is done entirely through software rather than hardware and can be set per game. It’s not a frustrating process either and can be done surprisingly quickly by holding down the Home button and choosing how you want to map them.

Continuing Nintendo’s tradition of excellent battery performance dating back to the Wii U Pro Controller, you’ll easily get at least 40 hours of playtime before needing a recharge with the Switch 2 Pro Controller. It’s pretty much on par with the Switch Pro Controller, so if you’re coming from that, you know what to expect.

At $84.99, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is the most affordable premium option compared to the Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge, which both retail around $199.99, though deals on the Elite Series 2 are common. If you mainly play your Switch 2 docked, I highly recommend the Switch 2 Pro Controller. For me, it’s significantly more comfortable to use than the Joy-Cons with the grip attachment. Although there will likely be better third-party offerings in the near future—we’re really looking forward to seeing what Mobapad is working on—the Switch 2 Pro Controller will probably still be my preferred choice.