The Switch 2 Pro Controller adds a GameChat C Button, two assignable rear buttons, and a headset jack. Nintendo also describes changes to the sticks, grips, and rumble. If you already own the original Switch Pro Controller, you can use it with Switch 2; the new model is for Switch 2 only. Whether an upgrade makes sense depends mainly on whether you want those added controls or built-in headset connectivity.
What’s different at a glance?
| Feature | Switch 2 Pro Controller | Original Switch Pro Controller |
|---|---|---|
| GameChat control | Dedicated C Button opens the GameChat menu. | No C Button. |
| Assignable rear controls | GL and GR buttons can be assigned to button inputs; assignments are saved per game and per player. | No GL/GR buttons. |
| Headset connection | Audio jack supports headset microphones for voice chat. | No built-in audio jack. |
| Sticks and grips | Nintendo says the sticks are quieter and glide smoothly, and the grips were redesigned without the seam around the grip. | Does not have the new model’s redesign. |
| Rumble | HD Rumble 2; Nintendo says it provides stronger, more realistic-feeling vibration with quicker response. | Original HD Rumble. |
| Switch 2 compatibility | Compatible with Switch 2 only. | Can pair wirelessly with Switch 2. |
| Approximate full charge time | Approximately three hours, according to Nintendo Support. | Approximately six hours, according to Nintendo Support. |
| Published battery-duration estimate | Not stated in the reviewed Nintendo Support FAQ. | Approximately 40 hours per full charge, according to Nintendo Support; duration varies with software and functions. |
Nintendo’s feature descriptions and comfort or performance claims are not independent comparative test results. The Nintendo Support FAQs do not provide a Switch 2 controller battery-duration estimate, so the charge-time figures do not establish which controller lasts longer.
Which new controls does the Switch 2 controller add?
C Button for GameChat
The C Button opens the GameChat menu, giving the Switch 2 controller a dedicated physical control for that feature. The original Pro Controller has no equivalent button. Nintendo lists the C Button as a new Switch 2 controller feature.
GL and GR buttons on the back
The Switch 2 controller adds two rear buttons, GL and GR, which players can assign to button inputs. Nintendo’s developer interview says those assignments are saved per game and per player, so settings can be associated with both the game and the player using them.
#1 Best Overall
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
How do headset connections differ?
The Switch 2 Pro Controller has an audio jack that supports headset microphones for voice chat. The original Pro Controller does not have this built-in jack. If you want to connect a headset directly to the controller, that is a practical hardware difference—not just a change to the button layout.
What changed about feel and rumble?
Nintendo says it redesigned the Switch 2 controller from scratch. Its descriptions of the result include quieter, smooth-gliding sticks and redesigned grips with the seam around the grip removed. These are Nintendo’s descriptions rather than independently measured comparisons.
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
The new controller uses HD Rumble 2. In Nintendo’s Ask the Developer interview, developer Shinya Kawamoto said: “However, the HD rumble 2 that’s installed this time not only provides stronger vibration, but also feels more realistic and has quicker response times.” Treat those as Nintendo’s account of the rumble’s feel and response; the source does not provide independent measurements.
Can you use either controller across both Switch generations?
The original Switch Pro Controller can pair wirelessly with Switch 2 and can be charged through its dock via USB. By contrast, the Switch 2 Pro Controller works only with Switch 2 and cannot be used on the original Switch. Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ and compatibility information cover these cross-generation details.
Rank #3
- This Amazon Renewed product is professionally inspected and tested by an Amazon qualified supplier. Box and accessories may be generic.
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
- Includes motion controls, HD rumble, built-in amiibo functionality, and more.
- Comes with charging cable (USB-C to USB-A)
How do charging time and battery information compare?
Nintendo Support estimates that the original Pro Controller takes approximately six hours to fully charge and lasts approximately 40 hours per full charge; actual duration depends on the software and functions in use. Nintendo’s original Pro Controller support FAQ gives those estimates.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller support FAQ estimates approximately three hours for a full charge but does not state a battery-duration figure. As a result, the published figures support a comparison of estimated charging time only, not battery endurance.
Rank #4
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Get the freedom to game anywhere with a 30-foot wireless range, and without the hassle of wires.
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Save money and never need to buy, or waste, batteries again.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE: Enjoy longer game play before needing to recharge.
- PRISMATIC LED LIGHTING: Customize the look of your controller to match your mood with the full color range and four lighting modes.
- MOTION-CONTROLS: Enhance your gaming experience to play the way the developer intended.
Should you keep your original controller or get the Switch 2 model?
- Keep using the original if it meets your needs: Nintendo says it can pair wirelessly with Switch 2, so owning the new console does not by itself require a replacement controller.
- Consider the Switch 2 model if you want the dedicated GameChat button, assignable GL/GR rear buttons, or a headset jack on the controller.
- Choose based on feel cautiously: Nintendo describes changes to the sticks, grips, and rumble, but the cited sources do not provide independent comparative testing.
- Do not choose based on assumed battery life: Nintendo publishes a charge-time estimate for the new controller but no corresponding duration estimate in the reviewed FAQ.
That recommendation follows from Nintendo’s stated features and compatibility: the new controller adds specific conveniences, while an original controller remains usable on Switch 2.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This controller also works with Nintendo Switch 2 - C Button not available
- Eight RGB zones with four pre-set modes for dynamic lighting combinations
- Two programmable quick-action back buttons for customizable gameplay
- Built-in motion controls for immersive gameplay
- Ergonomic design for extended comfort
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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