I Tried the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: It Finally Adds My Most Wanted Feature!

Following years of conjecture and gossip, I finally had the chance to get up close with the Nintendo Switch 2 This week in New York City.

The updated console fits well in hand due to its increased dimensions and enhanced Joy-Cons, but one of the standout moments from the presentation for me was experiencing the Switch 2 in TV mode, which owes much of its appeal to these improvements. Nintendo Switch 2 Advanced Controller .

When the first Switch was released, I got one. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller I liked it more because of the bigger buttons and full-sized thumbsticks compared to those found on the Joy-Cons that were bundled with the console. Although I was glad that Nintendo provided a Joy-Con grip in the package for times when playing with separate Joy-Cons wasn't desired, I personally craved a larger controller for extended gaming sessions.

I have now dedicated several years to testing and reviewing the products. best Nintendo Switch controllers Although the official Pro Controller consistently topped my preferences, I frequently opted for various third-party pro controllers because of one killer feature Many of those systems surpassed what Nintendo offered.

With the Switch 2, I doubt that issue will persist. The reason being, Nintendo introduced an essential improvement to the Switch 2 Pro Controller that I've been wishing for ages; it was the very first feature I observed upon holding it.

As comfy as the first one

If you’ve used the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Previously, you'll feel right at home with this updated version of the controller for the Switch 2. The button arrangement closely mirrors the design of the original and it also feels even more comfortable when held.

Although I received the upgrade I desired (I’ll discuss this shortly), unfortunately, those expecting the Switch 2 Pro Controller to feature analog triggers will be disappointed.

Following my hands-on experience with the Switch 2 during a Q&A session, the developers from Nintendo—Kouichi Kawamoto, Takuhiro Dohta, and Tetsuya Sasaki—discussed their reasons for opting for digital triggers in the system.

Although analog triggers are better in racing games where you need more fine-tuned control, digital triggers are easier to press and respond immediately which is why the new Joy-Cons and Pro Controller feature them instead.

Many enthusiasts were anticipating another enhancement: the inclusion of Hall Effect sensors to mitigate joystick drifting. While Nintendo has not officially commented on this feature, I found that the updated joysticks in the Switch 2 Pro Controller operate much more smoothly according to my personal testing.

They have a more refined feel generally, and I particularly enjoy their responsiveness. Additionally, these updated thumbsticks spring back to the center position quicker when you move them to either side and release them.

In an Ask the Developer post on Nintendo’s site, Kawamoto explains that while the Switch 2 Pro Controller looks almost indistinguishable from the previous controller at first glance, it was completely redesigned from scratch.

"In particular, the left and right control sticks are quieter and don’t make noise, even when they’re moved quickly to the edge," Kawamoto said. "Also, they glide very smoothly, so we've taken to calling them ‘smooth-gliding sticks.’"

Now with more buttons

In addition to the new Switch 2 logo, the most prominent alteration on the face of the Switch 2 Pro is the inclusion of Nintendo’s latest emblem. C-button Between the controller's directional pad and the right thumbstick. Since GameChat One of the primary new features of the Switch 2 has been placed prominently, which justifies having easy access to it via a readily available button. Nevertheless, I appreciate that Nintendo maintained the positioning of the Plus, Minus, Home, and Screenshot buttons on the Switch 2 Pro controller, keeping them exactly where they were on the initial model.

The placement of this updated C-button aligns well with the user interface of the Switch 2. Upon activation, the GameChat menu appears at the bottom of either the Switch 2’s display or your television, based on whether you're in handheld or docked mode. This minor yet thoughtful addition highlights Nintendo’s meticulous approach to designing the Switch 2.

I'm excited to test out GameChat because it will allow me to keep in contact with my buddies as we play various games without needing to open Discord or use some other external gaming chat app. Still, the updated C-button isn't exactly my top choice for features of the new Switch 2 Pro Controller.

The first time I held a Switch Pro Controller 2 while trying out the demo for Mario Kart World I was amazed when I discovered what my fingers encountered on the rear side. At the very top of the controller’s grips, two remappable GL and GR buttons have been added. Although these buttons didn't come pre-mapped to any functions and I couldn't access Mario Kart World settings to configure them, simply being aware of their presence instantly sparked excitement for this updated controller.

Following my session with Mario Kart World, I ascended the staircase at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience where I had the opportunity to test additional games. Switch 2 games I'm excited about the new console. Despite having a great time testing out numerous game demos, Donkey Kong Bananza definitely stood out as a highlight for me.

Having the ability to smash through solid surfaces like grounds, mountains, and even foes was incredibly enjoyable, with the action feeling smooth throughout. However, during the demonstration, I frequently wished that option B, which allows punching downward, was assigned to one of the available buttons because I found myself using it often during the brief session I played.

This 'pro' feature should be standardized.

If you spent as much time gaming as I have, your thumbs might be showing signs of strain due to all that rapid tapping on the controls. Personally, my right thumb gets achy pretty quickly, making it tough to keep pressing those face buttons non-stop. That's why nowadays, whenever I can choose, I go for controllers equipped with rear buttons or paddles instead.

Many individuals prefer assigning L3 and R3 functions to buttons rather than pressing in the thumbsticks directly. Personally, I opt for mapping these functionalities onto the face buttons instead. If a controller has dual rear buttons, typically I set one to correspond with button A and the other with button B. For devices equipped with four rear buttons or paddles, however, I allocate all face buttons to those controls, ensuring my thumbs remain on the thumbsticks throughout gameplay.

When the PS5 and Xbox Series X were first introduced, I was quite astonished that their included controllers lacked back buttons. This was particularly surprising for the PS5 since I expected Sony would include them following the release of previous models. DualShock 4 Rear Button Add-on well into the PS4’s lifecycle. Kudos to Microsoft for this. Xbox Elite Core controller offers you the choice to include four rear paddles at a much lower cost compared to pricier alternatives. Elite Series 2 controller Meanwhile, Sony ultimately reintroduced customizable back buttons to the PS5 with its update. DualSense Edge controller , despite the significantly higher cost.

With the release of the Switch 2, Nintendo is offering an official pro controller equipped with integrated back buttons. Priced at $109, this new controller comes close to costing as much as the Xbox Elite Core version. While some individuals favor the compact design of the original Joy-Cons’ buttons, the updated Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip includes additional GL/GR buttons and retails for only $35.

The Switch 2 will have a higher price tag compared to Nintendo’s initial hybrid console, yet just as I did with my first Switch, I’m certain I’ll purchase the Switch 2 Pro Controller alongside it. This time around, it includes the key feature I've long desired from the original controller.