The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is awesome — and I can’t play on Switch 2 without it

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84) is a must-have peripheral for those who primarily play Nintendo Switch 2 in docked mode. While based on the original Switch Pro controller, this Switch 2-specific device features some notable upgrades that make it superior.

This controller’s slimmer profile and matte-like texture make it more ergonomic and nicer to hold than its predecessor. The bigger face buttons and thin shoulder buttons are very responsive and feel good to press. I’m also a fan of the thick D-pad and smooth thumbsticks. For good measure, the controller also features a pair of programmable back buttons.

While great, the Switch 2 Pro Controller isn’t perfect. The thumbsticks don’t have Hall Effect sensors, which raises questions about potential stick drift. I also wish the controller had analog triggers instead of digital ones, as the latter are better suited for racing and shooting games. The fact that these features aren’t on an $84 “pro” controller isn’t great.

Despite some faults, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is an excellent peripheral that I prefer using over the console’s Joy-Con 2 controllers. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s great if you prefer using a more traditional gaming controller.

My Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review will help you decide if this is the best Nintendo Switch controller for you.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller is an alternative to the console’s Joy-Con 2 controllers.
• Who is it for? This controller is for those who want to use a traditional controller for the Switch 2.
• What does it cost? The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller costs $84.
• What do we like? We like the ergonomic design, responsive buttons and smooth gaming performance.
• What don’t we like? We don’t like the lack of Hall Effect thumbsticks, the digital trigger buttons and the steep asking price.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Specs

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: The ups

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is one of the best controllers I’ve used, thanks to its ergonomic design, smart button layout and smooth performance.

Ergonomic design

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller might look like its predecessor at first glance. However, a closer inspection reveals some notable design differences.

Instead of a translucent shell, the new controller has an all-black matte finish that helps it appear more premium. The matte finish isn’t just for looks, as it gives the controller a smoother texture that feels nice against your hands.

The slimmer profile and lighter weight also make it easier to hold. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack located between the hand grips.

I’m glad Nintendo didn’t completely reinvent the new Pro controller since the previous model was already pretty great. Add in the dual-tone colorway, and you have an overall slick-looking peripheral.

Responsive buttons

The Switch 2 Pro Controller has the same layout as the PlayStation DualSense or Xbox controller. This includes four face buttons and four shoulder buttons. The latter aren’t all that different from before, but the face buttons are noticeably larger. The main difference here is the inclusion of two programmable back buttons, which are smartly located where your middle fingers naturally rest.

There are also smaller buttons for Select, Start, Home and Share located on the face. Those are also standard for modern controllers, but the new C button isn’t. Pressing this button launches GameChat, which lets you talk with friends while gaming. You can read my GameChat breakdown, but it’s a crucial feature if you regularly play online with friends.

Lastly, there are the asymmetrical thumbsticks and the updated D-pad. The sticks move smoothly and snap back into place with a satisfying spring. The rounded, concave thumb grips do an excellent job of keeping your thumb from accidentally sliding off. The D-pad also has a rubbery texture that feels good against your thumb.

Great performance

The Switch 2 Pro Controller not only looks great, but it delivers phenomenal gaming performance.

Holding down the A button to accelerate in Mario Kart World is more comfortable than before, thanks to the bigger face buttons. The larger buttons also let me easily perform combos in Street Fighter 6. Shooting desert bandits in Cyberpunk 2077 is also a breeze thanks to the fluid trigger buttons. The smooth analog sticks and responsive D-pad also ensure swift and precise movement.

I tested the controller in wired and wireless modes, and found both equally as responsive. I’m sure there’s some input lag in wireless mode, but since I’m not a professional gamer, I didn’t notice any. The Switch 2 Pro Controller performs like a dream, no matter what game you’re playing.

Long battery life

We don’t have a standardized battery life test for gaming controllers. Because of that, I used the controller normally and gauged how much battery it had left after a certain amount of time.

Nintendo claims that the Switch 2 Pro Controller has a 40-hour battery life. After about 10 hours of playtime, the battery on my controller dropped to about 75%. That being the case, Nintendo’s claims seem to be on the money.

The original Switch Pro controller has stellar battery life, so I’m glad the new controller maintains this tradition. This is a controller that won’t die on you anytime soon.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: The downs

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is undoubtedly great, but it has some notable drawbacks.

No Hall Effect thumbsticks

The original Switch Pro Controller suffered from stick drift, which is when analog sticks move on their own, or “drift” because the input the controller receives isn’t instant, but slow. I prayed that Nintendo would utilize Hall Effect technology to reduce the potential for stick drift. Unfortunately, the new controller doesn’t feature Hall Effect sensors.

Nintendo says the new controller’s sticks are more durable and have smoother motion. I can attest to the latter since the thumbsticks do move smoothly. However, I can’t yet say whether the new sticks are as durable as Nintendo claims.

This could be a moot point if the Switch 2 Pro Controller has more durable thumbsticks in the long run. That said, the company could have assuaged my fears had it opted to utilize Hall Effect sensors.

Digital trigger buttons

As I said before, the shoulder buttons are just as responsive and fun to press as the face buttons. However, I can’t say I’m enamored with the digital trigger buttons.

While these buttons (named ZL and ZR) have a trigger-like shape, they have a much shorter travel distance than the trigger buttons on the PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers. Nintendo says these digital buttons actuate faster than traditional trigger buttons, which is technically true. The short travel distance does allow you to perform actions quickly.

However, having a longer travel distance in a racing game feels better since it’s more akin to holding down the accelerator. The same is true for shooting games, where you want the right trigger to have analogous movement to a real gun’s trigger. I’m all for faster button inputs, but not at the expense of immersion.

Steep price

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already a relatively expensive console at $449. But when you toss in the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s $84 asking price, you’re digging a deeper hole in your wallet.

Sure, you can stick with the system’s included Joy-Con 2 controllers. However, if you’re like me and find these controllers too small and thin to use, then you might have no choice but to buy a Switch 2 Pro controller. That said, the $69 8BitDo Ultimate 2 seems like a good alternative.

If the Switch 2 Pro controller featured Hall Effect sensors and analog triggers, then perhaps the $84 asking price would be easier to stomach. But as much as I love it, I’m the first to admit that it demands a pretty steep cost.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review: Verdict

Qualms aside, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a fantastic peripheral for anyone who mostly plays in docked mode or who isn’t enamored with the Joy-Cons.

Its sturdy build and smart button layout make it great to use with almost every game. The controller also has exceptional battery life, so you can keep playing for hours and hours. And no matter if you play wired or wirelessly, the controller offers phenomenal lag-free performance.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is expensive, it will likely last you for the duration of the Switch 2’s lifecycle. Because of that and everything else it offers, it’s a worthwhile purchase for serious Switch 2 users.