The Nintendo Switch 2 design upgrades have a lot of gamers excited, especially with the new magnetic Joy-Con style (although I'm not sure about this mouse functionality). With that said, the official Nintendo Joy-Con controllers aren't to everyone's tastes, and a lot of people prefer using a more traditional-style pad or one of the best Joy-Con alternatives instead.
If this sounds like you, then look no further than Nintendo's own Pro controller, which is a great option for gamers and officially licensed by Nintendo too, so quality is assured. If you already own the first-gen Nintendo Pro controller, then don't throw it away just yet, as this pad is still compatible with the Switch 2 console. BUT – if you're all about that fancy new 'C' button then upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller is a no-brainer really (though it will set you back $79.99).
No need for a Pro pad with a C button? The original Nintendo Switch Pro controller still retails for a slightly cheaper $59.99/£59.99 price tag. We rarely see discounts on either of the Nintendo Switch Pro controller models, so if you spot a deal then it's definitely worth claiming while stocks last. Take a look at our guide to the best Nintendo Switch accessories for more options to choose from.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller prices
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(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The best controller for this console, made by Nintendo.
Key features : HD rumble 2 / Motion controls / Built-in amiibo functionality / Capture Button / C Button for GameChat | Compatibility: Nintendo Switch 2 only | Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack – 4 pole stereo mini plug | Includes: USB-C charging cable
Long battery life
Great for solo gaming
Cheaper than Joy-Cons
Incompatible with some games
The new wireless Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller will be hitting our shelves soon alongside the launch of the console on June 5 at a price of $79.99/£74.99, but it's unclear if the Pro pad will be available for preorder at any point before this date.
What we do know is that this upgraded controller will have a lot of desirable features, including programmable GL/GR buttons on the back that will be handy for freely remapping inputs as you please, and can even be used to take screenshots.
There's also the new 'C' button that everyone is buzzing about, which stands for 'chat' and will allow you to open up the GameChat menu at any time, and initiate functions like voice chat using the console's in-built mic, and the all-new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (sold separately). There's also an audio jack for connecting headphones and headsets.
I really like the matte finish on this new upgraded pad, and the two-tone colour paired with a dark grey. The only downside? You won't be able to use this new Pro controller V2 on the standard OG Nintendo Switch console, so only buy it if you plan to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
The best Nintendo Switch (original) Pro Controller prices
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(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo)
(Image credit: Nintendo )
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
A more traditional gaming controller for the Nintendo Switch
Compatibility: Switch & Switch 2 | Battery Life: Up to 40 hours | Connection: Wireless | Weight: 400g
Long battery life
Great for solo gaming
Cheaper than Joy-Cons
Incompatible with some games
We've noticed that the price for the original Nintendo Switch Pro Controller varies a bit, but generally, it seems to retail for around $59.99/£59.99 at standard. Very rarely, we do sometimes see it drop down to as low as $49.99/£49.99 – though the best price we've ever seen on the official black model was $42 over at Amazon last year.
The official Nintendo Pro controller is a great alternative to the included Joy-Cons that you get with the Nintendo Switch console, especially for switch gamers who tend to have more long-haul gaming sessions, and even more so when playing docked up to the TV. The Pro controller also boasts double the battery life of Joy-Cons, with up to 40 hours of battery from a single charge, so your gaming session won't get interrupted.
There are plenty of unofficial Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers out there too, also at varying prices. But why should you consider buying a third-party pad over one made and licensed by Nintendo? Usually, they're a lot less versatile than a pair of Nintendo Joy-Cons, with some - like the NYXI Hyperion Pro - offering zero stick drift.
We'd certainly recommend the Pro controller for bigger titles where you'll log hours of gameplay, such as Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, two of the best Nintendo Switch games ever. Keep an eye on our live deals widget below which will pull in the very best prices as they go live, and based on your region.
Does the Switch Pro controller suffer from stick drift?
One major issue that players experience with the traditional Joy-Cons is known as stick drift. This hardware fault causes movement to be registered incorrectly during gameplay, meaning characters will move in the wrong direction or move when there's no input by the player at all.
It's a frustrating yet common problem with Nintendo Joy-Cons – but does it persist when using the Pro controller? Luckily, the issue seems to be a lot less common in the Pro controller compared to the original Joy-Cons. However, it's important to note that analogue drift is a universal fault that can affect any controller – even ones as expensive as the DualSense Edge and Xbox Elite controller.
Does the Switch Pro controller have motion controls?
Yes. A big plus of detachable Joy-Cons is the ability to use motion controls. Luckily, you don't miss out on said motion controls if you opt for the Pro controller as it features built-in motion sensors, HD rumble and the ability to register Amiibos using the analogue sticks.
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Beth is Creative Bloq’s Ecommerce Writer and has the fun job of finding you the very best prices and deals on creative tech. Beth kicked off her journalistic career writing for Digital Camera World, and has since earned bylines on TechRadar too. With a Masters degree in Photography, Beth loves getting to tinker with new cameras, especially camera phones, as the resident Samsung fan on the team. Her background working as a tester for CeX let her play around with all kinds of weird and wonderful products, including robots, and she’s recently gotten into 3D printing too. Outside of CB, you’ll find her gaming on her PS5, photographing local shows under the alias Bethshootsbands, and making TikToks of her dog, Tilly.
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