Latest news with #NintendoSwitch2ProController
Tom's Guide
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I bought the Switch 2 Pro Controller for its remappable back buttons — but this feature makes them an absolute game changer
From the moment I first laid hands on it, I knew I had to get the new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Back in April, I was one of the first people to go hands-on with the Switch 2 at an event in New York. While it was awesome finally getting to see the new console up close, I couldn't believe that Nintendo had finally added the feature I always wanted to its pro controller: remappable back buttons. As someone who's been playing video games with a controller for over 30 years, my right thumb has certainly taken a beating. That's why, when possible, I prefer to play on a controller with remappable back buttons or rear paddles. This lets me avoid putting unnecessary strain on my thumb but I've also found that it makes playing certain games a lot easier for me. While plenty of the best Nintendo Switch controllers have remappable back buttons, this is the first time that Nintendo has added them to one of its first-party controllers. Likewise, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is one of the most comfortable gamepads I've ever held with plenty of refinements over the original. After picking up a Switch 2 and the new pro controller at a midnight launch though, I quickly realized that Nintendo didn't just add remappable back buttons to the controller, it completely changed how you use them. If you're like me and use remappable back buttons in every game you play, here's why you should definitely consider picking up a Switch 2 Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2. This new and improved pro controller for the Switch 2 features Nintendo's HD Rumble 2, a C button for GameChat, remappable GL/GR buttons and a 3.5mm headphone jack along with support for motion controls and scanning amiibos. It's very comfortable to hold in hand and can last for up to 40 hours on a single retailers: Target, Best Buy, GameStop Normally on a controller with remappable back buttons, there's often an extra button on the back like with the PowerA OPS v3 Pro or on the front like with the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller. You press this button first to go into remapping mode before assigning inputs to either controller's back buttons. You'll notice though that the Switch 2 Pro Controller doesn't have a button like this on the this is the case, like on the Xbox Elite Series 2, you usually go into your console's settings menu to assign inputs to your controller's back buttons or rear paddles. However, when I opened up the Switch 2's settings menu and went to Controllers & Accessories and then GL/GR Button Settings, there was only a video explaining how they worked but not an option to map them to different buttons right then and there. The reason for this is surprisingly simple. Unlike with the remappable buttons on other pro-style controllers, you can't program the GL/GR ones unless you're in a game. While I wish Nintendo would let me do this as I like using a controller's back buttons to navigate through a console's menus and user interface, I quickly came to appreciate the company's unique and novel approach to assigning buttons. In fact, I now wish both Sony and Microsoft would follow suit. So how do you remap the GL/GR buttons on the Switch 2 Pro Controller? Well, to do so, you first have to open a game. From there, you hold down the controller's Home button to bring up the Switch 2's Quick Settings menu. Underneath the option to toggle Airplane Mode on or off, you'll see a section for the Switch 2 Pro Controller's GL/GR Buttons. Then you just select which one you want to remap and press the button you want to map it to on the controller and you're done. Not only does Nintendo make it quick and seamless to remap these GL/GR buttons but the best part is that how you configure them is saved on a per game basis. This means that while you might have them set up a particular way for Mario Kart World, you can have them mapped completely differently in another game. Then when you switch between games, the Switch 2 automatically reconfigures the controller's back buttons exactly how you had them. No other controller nor console does it this way. In the picture above, you can see I have the GR button mapped to A to make my cart go in Mario Kart World while the GL button is mapped to X so that I can quickly look behind me during the middle of a race. I had my Switch 2 Pro Controller's button remapped this way until earlier today when the idea struck me to map GL to the controller's right trigger so that I can drift as well as perform tricks without having to take my thumbs off the analog sticks. I've mainly been playing my Switch 2 in docked mode with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, so I've been using its remappable back buttons in every game I've played so far. For instance, in Donkey Kong Bananza which I recently reviewed, I have the GR button mapped to A for jump and the GL button mapped to Y to punch. If you've seen any gameplay footage, then you know Donkey Kong does a ton of punching in this game. With punch set to the GL button, this has made it a lot easier for me to not only defeat enemies but to also destroy the world around me as I'm hunting for gold and Banadium Gems. Before Donkey Kong Banaza came out, I was working my way through the end of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which runs and looks even better on the Switch 2. Here, I also have the GR button mapped to A since you use it for everything from jumping to climbing to talking to in-game characters and interacting with the world around you. However, you also frequently make use of Link's new abilities which you select from a wheel after pressing the left bumper or L button on your controller. To make it easier to pull up this wheel and switch between abilities, I mapped the GL button to L when I restarted playing Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2. The remapping possibilities are really endless on the Switch 2 Pro Controller as you can remap its GL/GR buttons to anything from the face buttons (A,B,X,Y) to the triggers and bumpers to the D-pad. Surprisingly, you can also remap the controller's new C button which brings up GameChat to either one of them as well. The same is true with the Capture button as well as both the Plus and Minus buttons. At $85, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is certainly an investment, especially as it costs more than the console's most expensive game so far. However, if you prefer playing in dock mode, have larger hands or use its remappable back buttons as much as I do, then I'd say it's definitely worth it. Pictures definitely don't do the Switch 2 Pro Controller justice either. Instead, this is the type of controller you need to hold in your hands to truly appreciate. It's slightly lighter than Nintendo's first Pro Controller for the original Switch but it also feels slimmer and more balanced in your hands. At the same time, it now also comes with a headphone jack and its two-tone gray and black design looks a lot sleeker too. If you don't have $85 to spend on a new controller but still want the experience of using remappable back buttons on the Switch 2, there is another option. Nintendo's Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip costs less than half the price at $40 but after buying one and testing it out myself, the way you remap and use its GL/GR buttons works exactly the is worth noting that the GL/GR buttons on the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip — just like the buttons on the Joy-Cons themselves — are significantly smaller than the ones on the Switch 2 Pro Controller. This wasn't a deal breaker at all for me though, as I found them just as easy to press and use. If you're on a tight budget or even if you just have smaller hands, this might be the better option. Either way, it's great that Nintendo has finally added remappable back buttons to its first-party controllers. Still, what impresses me even more is how it came up with a novel new way to remap them on the fly and how you don't have to configure them all over again every time you switch between games. This accessory lets you attach your Switch 2 Joy-Cons to use them like a standard controller but it also features a USB-C port to charge them. Like the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it has remappable GL/GR buttons that can be mapped to whatever buttons you retailers: Target, BestBuy, GameStop
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
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 Price $84 Compatibility Nintendo Switch 2 Connectivity Bluetooth, NFC Mic 3.5mm headphone jack Colors Black Dimensions 5.8 x 4.1 x 2.3 inches Weight 0.51 pounds 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is undoubtedly great, but it has some notable drawbacks. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This newly revealed PowerA Nintendo Switch 2 controller could be a worthy budget Pro Controller alternative
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Accessory maker PowerA has revealed its Nintendo Switch 2 line up It includes a wired controller with Hall effect thumbsticks, plus a case and screen protector All items are officially licensed and will be available in June Gaming accessory brand PowerA has revealed its new line of licensed Nintendo Switch 2 accessories. Available in June, the line includes the Advantage Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch 2, Slim Case for Nintendo Switch 2, and Screen Protector 2-Pack for Nintendo Switch 2. The Advantage Wired Controller will be offered in three colorways: a plain Black, the Super Mario inspired Mario Time or the colorful Mushroom Kingdom. All variants feature Hall effect thumbstick modules, which should help prevent drift. Nintendo has previously confirmed that the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller does not include Hall effect components, so this could be a huge advantage for PowerA. At $39.99, the PowerA offering is also much cheaper than the Nintendo one - though there is a big catch. This is a wired-only controller, so can only be used when it's plugged in. It does, however, benefit from the addition of on-board audio controls, with multiple presets to choose from (including a Bass Boost mode) and the ability to quickly mute your microphone. As you might expect, it comes with two remappable rear inputs. These can be adjusted on the fly without the need for any software. The Slim Case is then a $19.99 carrying case, with a subtle dark grey aesthetic and subtle red stitching. It's got space for the Nintendo Switch 2 console in addition to up to ten physical games, plus includes a built-in play stand for tabletop mode. Finally, the Screen Protector is, well, a screen protector. You get two in each pack plus a Nintendo Switch 2 branded cleaning cloth, which isn't a bad deal for its $12.99 asking price. Although there will undoubtedly be generic cases and screen protectors available for slightly cheaper, I find that it's always worth paying a little more for licensed products for the added peace of mind. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. It costs $449.99 / £395.99 on its own, or $499.99 / £429.99 for a bundle that includes a copy of Mario Kart World. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are live now in both the US and UK. Missed out on a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order? GameStop and Best Buy will have more stock on the console's launch date The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is already doing one thing better than the DualSense Edge and other premium gamepads The newly revealed Logitech G522 Lightspeed could become the new mid-range wireless gaming headset to beat
Business Mayor
23-04-2025
- Business Mayor
The Switch 2 Pro Controller will have the same colossal battery life as the original, with a significantly shorter charge time, according to Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller's tech specs have been revealed According to Nintendo, its charging time will be significantly reduced The new gamepad is also ever so slightly slimmer and lighter There's some great news if you're looking to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to go along with the new console in June. Spotted by Nintendo Life, Nintendo's official technical specifications for the Switch 2 Pro Controller have been revealed on its website. While there are some slight differences in size and weight compared to the original version, the big change here is in battery charge time. On the revised Pro Controller, it's now just 3.5 hours, down from the 6 hours of that first model. You may like Better still, the Nintendo Switch 2's Pro Controller appears to feature the same mammoth battery life (around 40 hours) as the original. Factor in that significantly shortened charge time, and you have a controller that should be ready to go for wireless use more frequently. Here's a breakdown of the key specs between the Switch 2 Pro Controller and its predecessor: Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 – Cell 0 Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Dimensions 4.1 x 5.8 x 2.4in / 105 x 148 x 60.2mm 4.2 x 6.0 x 2.4in / 106 x 152 x 60mm Weight 0.52lbs / 235g 0.54lbs / 246g Battery life Approx. 40 hours Approx. 40 hours Charge time 3.5 hours 6 hours Connectivity Bluetooth (wireless), USB-C (wired) Bluetooth (wireless), USB-C (wired) Vibration HD Rumble 2 HD Rumble Nintendo does warn that to achieve that charge time of 3 and a half hours, you'll want to use an appropriate charging method. These include the Nintendo Switch 2's AC adapter or the included USB-C charging cable. Any third-party variants could negatively impact overall charging time. We can also see that the Switch 2 Pro Controller has been ever so slightly refined in terms of size and weight, coming in just a bit slimmer and lighter than the first model. It's a tiny difference, though, and one that won't really manifest unless you have each side by side. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. For more information, see my Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller hands-on preview, where I found the new gamepad to be an improvement in overall feel. It simply felt much more comfortable to hold, and its thumbsticks were sublimely responsive when I tested it with games like Mario Kart World and Street Fighter 6 at a recent Nintendo event in Paris.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Nintendo Switch 2 will still cost $450 in the US, despite tariffs
Nintendo announced on Friday that it will open Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. on April 24, following a delay due to the Trump administration's hefty tariffs. Fans feared the long-awaited console would spike in price due to Trump's import rules on international goods, but Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will still cost $449.99 and come out on June 5, as originally announced. Switch 2 accessories, however, will increase in price due to "changes in market conditions," Nintendo said in a press release. The company added that other products could also face hikes down the road. Most of the Switch 2 accessories seem to be getting a $5 price bump. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, which was initially set to cost $79.99, will now cost $84.99. Joy-Cons will cost $94.99, up from $89.99, and the new Switch 2 camera attachment will cost $54.99, up from $49.99. As far as games go, Nintendo isn't changing the prices of the digital and physical versions of two launch-day heavy-hitters, Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99). "We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing," Nintendo wrote in the release. Though the changing prices of accessories may concern some customers, they won't find reprieve from other gaming companies. Earlier this week, Sony announced that it would bump PlayStation 5 prices in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand due to shifts in the global economy. Fans expect that similar price adjustments will hit the U.S. eventually, too. Certain electronics, like smartphones and laptops, are exempted from Trump's tariffs, but not video game consoles. Sign in to access your portfolio
