One of the biggest sleepers of the whole Switch 2 launch has to be the new Pro Controller. I have been blown away by the material, build quality, size, and sound dampening, especially. At first I thought that $85 was a bit steep for a controller, but after using it for a day, I now see that it might be the best value in console controllers.
First impression and unboxing
The moment you pick it up, you feel the difference. It has this soft-touch, rubberized matte finish that reminds me of the old Apple SlimFolio keyboard cases. The controller is grippy, premium, and not at all plasticky like some cheaper third-party controllers. It’s also lightweight while also feeling dense and high-quality. The shape and foot print is a bit smaller and more narrow than an Xbox controller, making it extremely comfortable to hold.
In the box you get:
- Pro Controller
- USB-A to USB-C cable
That’s it! But that is all you need.
Buttons, analogue sticks and performance
The controller is impressive in a bunch of ways. The first thing I noticed was how well laid out the buttons were. Everything feels great in terms of button separation and distance. I also like how the ABXY buttons are bigger than a traditional Xbox controller, making them much easier to find and use. Finally, the sound dampening is impressive. I highly recommend watching our video below to hear how quiet everything truly is. I compare it to the PowerA Pro Xbox controller, and I was blown away! In terms of ports, you get USB-C on top for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom.
Final thoughts
Again, my initial thought was that this might be a tad overpriced. First-party Xbox controllers go for $50-$60 (non-pro versions). But after using the Switch Pro controller, I actually think it compares more to the Xbox Elite lineup up which is far more expensive! So if you’re planning to sink hours into games on the Switch 2, especially with friends or competitive titles, this is absolutely worth it. The feel, the layout, and the attention to detail all make it a solid pickup.
It’s available today at most major retailers for $84.99. Target in the US has the most stock, but get them while you can!
My favorite Switch 2 accessories
- MIXPOET Carrying Case for Switch 2
- Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- PowerA wireless controller
- Gigastone Express MicroSD card
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