Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Joy-Cons are clever, but for long sessions of Mario Kart, Smash or anything with a big map, most Switch 2 owners end up wanting a full-size controller. Nintendo’s own Switch 2 Pro Controller is the one that supports every feature the console offers.

New for this generation are GL and GR buttons on the back, which you can map to any button you choose. That lets you keep your thumbs on the sticks while jumping or dodging, a big help in action games. There’s also a C button that brings up GameChat, the Switch 2’s voice and video chat feature, and a 3.5mm jack for plugging in a headset directly.

The rest covers what you’d expect from a first-party pad: HD Rumble 2 for detailed vibration, motion controls for aiming and motion-based games, built-in amiibo support, and a Capture button for screenshots and clips. Since it’s made by Nintendo, compatibility with Switch 2 features is guaranteed in a way third-party pads can’t always promise. It’s aimed squarely at the Switch 2, so PC players will find better value in multi-platform controllers. For anyone who plays their Switch 2 docked on a TV most of the time, it’s the most complete controller for the system.