Introduction to the Switch 2 Pro Controller

Nintendo has taken the wraps off a Pro Controller to go along with the newly detailed Switch 2. It’s been upgraded with two new “GL” and “GR” buttons on the rear grips that can be used to remap other controls, a “C” button to enable voice and video chats, and a 3.5mm audio jack along the bottom that can be used to connect a headset and microphone.

According to Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, the two rear paddle buttons — which also appear on the updated Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip accessory — can be mapped to any button inputs, and those settings are saved for each player in each game. Kawamoto also explained that the grips have been re-shaped, inspired by the GameCube controller, and that the control sticks have been improved to feel smoother and quieter, though he didn’t go so far as to confirm if that means Hall effect tech or something else.

The rest of the Pro Controller’s layout looks similar to the Switch version, but the semitransparent plastic has been replaced with a matte black finish across the body of the controller and glossy white plastic on the top edge. Like its predecessor, this second-gen Switch Pro Controller has a more traditional layout compared to the standard Joy-Con controllers. It also comes with bigger buttons and triggers than Joy-Cons, making it a more comfortable option for some gamers.

Pricing and Availability

Nintendo has a history of offering secondary controller options for devices with more unwieldy setups. After introducing the Classic Controller with the Wii, it later launched its first Pro Controller with the Wii U. The new Pro Controller will cost $79.99, $10 more than the previous version. A release date wasn’t confirmed, but it’s likely to launch alongside the Switch 2 itself on June 5th.