Improved Pro Controller Announced for Switch 2
Posted on April 02 2025 by Evan Hahn
Nintendo has announced the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, updating their gamepad for the new system. At first glance, the controller looks similar to its predecessor, but it has several subtle differences. There’s a new C button on the front, with which players can launch the new GameChat feature. This new social feature lets you chat by voice, share your game screen, and more.
The back of the controller adds two new mappable buttons: GL and GR. You can assign these to any existing button so that you don’t have to take your thumb off the joysticks. For example, you could map the GR button to the Y button. Assigned button inputs are saved for each game, so you’ll only need to set things up once for each one you play.
The bottom of the controller also includes an audio jack so you can use a headset for voice chat. It’s unclear if it will pipe all game sounds through your headphones, but Nintendo Switch 2 Producer Kouichi Kawamoto described it as “convenient if you don’t want to bother those around you with the in-game sound,” thereby suggesting that it will.
Nintendo has made a few other changes with the Switch 2 Pro Controller. It updates the existing semi-transparent design to an opaque matte. They also put a lot of work into the control sticks, reducing the feeling of bumping when they’re tilted and making them quieter. They updated the grip, making the base thinner and removing the seam around the middle of the controller.
Though the Switch 2 Pro Controller is an improvement over the existing Pro Controller, you don’t need to buy a new one if you don’t want the additional features. The existing Pro Controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
Here in the US, a small disclaimer at the bottom of the promotional video notes that they haven’t received authorization from the Federal Communications Commission. It’s possible that the controller won’t look like this in the US — the FCC staff may be a bit busier than usual — but this author thinks it’s likely to be approved as is.
Hardware Design Lead Tetsuya Sasaki mentioned a “long-running project at Nintendo with the grand ambition of developing the ‘pinnacle of all controllers,'” and it seems the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is their latest step towards that goal. Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th, 2025.
What do you think about the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller? Will you be getting one with your new Switch 2, or will you stick with an existing Pro Controller you already have? Are you excited for any of the new features? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Nintendo Direct, “Ask the Developer Vol. 16: Nintendo Switch 2”
Evan Hahn is a computer programmer, technical author, and Zelda fan. Ocarina of Time is his favorite in the series but the Twilight Princess Picross game holds a special place in his heart. When he’s not coding, you can find him engrossed in Zelda news or enjoying beautiful Chicago.
