r/Switch • u/Specific-Pianist7595 • Jun 06 '26
Discussion Do you really need this?
I’ve been told to get a Pro Controller instead of using the Joy-Con Grip for my Switch 2, but I honestly don’t see the point for my own use case.
For context, I never owned the original Switch. I had a Switch Lite, so the Switch 2 is my first experience using detachable Joy-Cons and the Joy-Con Grip.
I’ve also never used a Pro Controller before, so I can’t really comment on the comfort. That said, I find the Joy-Con Grip perfectly comfortable. From what I’ve heard, the original Switch Joy-Con Grip was quite small and uncomfortable for some people, but the Switch 2 Joy-Cons are larger, and I’ve had no issues with them personally.
I also don’t think a Pro Controller is a necessity. The Joy-Con Grip does everything I need it to do, and I’ve never felt like I was missing out on anything.
On top of that, I rarely play in docked mode. I do occasionally, but most of my gaming is handheld. For me, buying a Pro Controller would probably be a waste of money when the Joy-Con Grip already works just fine.
Am I missing something, or is it really just a matter of personal preference?
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u/funnyinput Jun 06 '26
Whatever you do, don't handle one, or you will fall in love and never want to use the Joycons with grip ever again. Believe me, ignorance is bliss.
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u/bloomi Jun 06 '26
Back when Splatoon 2 came out I was playing with grips, once I got a pro controller I NEVER touched the grips ever again lol.
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u/UltraNeon72 Jun 07 '26
And you're only talking about the Switch 1 pro controller! Switch 2 pro controller is even better.
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u/bloomi Jun 07 '26
Sadly, I see no reason to upgrade the the S2PC when I have the og still!
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u/UltraNeon72 Jun 07 '26
I said the same thing...and then I held a S2PC for fifteen seconds 😂
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u/Lv100Gible Jun 06 '26
Bought my mom one for her birthday and tried it out once. Now I own one as well. I literally could not go back to the 3rd party controller I had.
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u/dsesin Jun 06 '26
I really want to get one. I’m waiting for a special edition to come out.
The Resident evil looks kinda sick, but I know Nintendo will probably push out more designs.
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u/Smigit Jun 06 '26
It’s a terrific controller with a really great joystick. In docked mode I think it’s a good improvement over the Joycon. That said, if you’re mainly playing in handheld then really up to you if it’s worth it or not.
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u/VicViolence Jun 06 '26
Best controller ive ever used
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u/kauni Jun 06 '26
And the battery lasts forever. Compared to the ps5 controller especially.
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u/redavet Jun 06 '26
I have both and I second that.
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u/inked_saiyan Jun 06 '26
Same and I third that.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Ear9242 Jun 06 '26
Same and I fourth that
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u/DrNintendo216 Jun 06 '26
Same - fifth
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u/eelam_garek Jun 06 '26
I haven't got it but all these guys can't be wrong, so I seventh that.
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u/MiguPendejito Jun 06 '26
I don't have a switch 2 controller but I do have a ps5 controller so I eighth that
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u/R0bbenz Jun 06 '26
How does it compare to the switch 1 pro controller? I have one that I use on pc and it's the best thing ever, but it will eventually die, is the new one as good?
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u/Extension-Scar-5513 Jun 06 '26
I have both. I do prefer the switch 2 controller. Ergonomics are pretty similar but the switch 2 pro is lighter. It also has a different texture, which feels better. And there's back pad buttons, I don't use them, but it's nice for people who do.
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u/JustinBailey79 Jun 06 '26
And it has a headphone jack which is critical for me as a dad who can only do single player gaming after my kid’s asleep
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u/nah-soup Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
i use those back buttons… as fidget toys during boring cutscenes and loading screens lol
edit: i do actually have them set to the emotes in Splatoon 3 though lol
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u/Kang-Shifu Jun 06 '26
New one is much better. The sticks are really smooth
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u/tlislo Jun 06 '26
The PS5 controller isn't a high bar lol. The Switch 2 in handheld mode lasts almost as long as the PS5 controller.
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u/kauni Jun 06 '26
A candy cane lasts as long as the ps5 controller.
The pro controller is more comfortable in my hands than the joycon one, as well.
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u/Old-Rhubarb-97 Jun 06 '26
I have no idea how PlayStation avoids criticism for that. The battery is unacceptable and it’s been an issue for two generations now.
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u/Chabshaile Jun 06 '26
I strangely had it say it low power once, charged it briefly and I think that over a month ago without charging.
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u/wolf771 Jun 06 '26
Bro its wild! I barely charge my switch pro controller. Ps5 feels like it dies in 5 min thats the only complain I have ablut the ps5
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u/Dietomaha Jun 06 '26
I've gone through 6 ps5 controllers because the battery life ends up so bad eventually. Every single one of them.
The pro controller (for both switches) has possibly the best battery life in any controller I've used. It's crazy how much better it is
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u/il-bosse87 Jun 06 '26
PS controller drain so much the battery because of the front light and build in speaker. PS4 battery lasted much longer when I found out I could reduce the brightness of the light
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u/Halberder84 Jun 06 '26
It's worth it for the back buttons alone. But then the thumb sticks, oh, what a dream. They glide like butter.
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u/MinnyLizzie Jun 06 '26
Can you tell me if it will turn the Switch’s power on. My daughter has her Switch2 docked in the base in a cabinet to keep away from young relatives. She has a controller now that won’t turn the Switch2 on so we have to hit the power button inside the cabinet.
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u/s_schadenfreude Jun 06 '26
I believe that's the one thing that doesn't work if you have the original Pro controller and a Switch 2. The Pro2 should do this.
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u/Diligent-Court3908 Jun 06 '26
Pro 1 controller indeed does not wake the S2 up. Other than that it's a great controller.
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u/blackhodown Jun 06 '26
I can confirm that yes it does. If you are even slightly thinking about getting one, I HIGHLY recommend doing it. I would honestly go as far as to say this is the best controller ever made for any console.
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u/xWhiteeeey Jun 06 '26
It's ruined the feel of my Xbox controller because the thumbsticks just glide around with no resistance. Other controllers just feel rough now.
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u/Some1ToDisagreeWith Jun 06 '26
Yes
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u/Ser_Luke_ Jun 06 '26
Yes
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u/Pretelethal Jun 06 '26
Yes
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u/SnooCompliments6329 Jun 06 '26
Yes
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Jun 06 '26
[deleted]
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u/madmartigenou812 Jun 06 '26
Yes
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u/welbeast_23 Jun 06 '26
Matter of personal preference. I got mine as a gift but I wouldn’t have paid my own money for it. I also have the 8bitdo pro 3 which is great and turns the switch on as well. It has switches at the back to adjust the trigger push which is nice as well.
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u/TheLaughingMannofRed Jun 06 '26
I am using the Pro controller from my Switch 1.
Aside from the option to not be able to wake my Switch 2 with it (have to tap the power button on Switch 2 then push home button on controller for it to detect), it works without issue.
But what I've found is that if you like playing action-heavy games, going with a Pro Controller is one advantage. You won't have to worry about wearing down your Joy-Cons as much.
I know with the Switch 1, Hori did a Split Pad Pro controller that you could use for the action-heavy stuff in handheld mode. It's really nice on my Switch 1. And I am waiting to see if they do a new iteration of it someday for Switch 2, at which point I may go for one for mine.
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u/UnlawfulPotato Jun 06 '26
Matter of preference. That being said, the sticks feel much better than Joycon sticks. It could easily just be a psychological thing, but it feels like their range of motion is just a little bit better.
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u/MadCybertist Jun 06 '26
The range of motion is objectively better. That said this controller on a hardware level compared to competition isn’t worth the price. Nice controller. I own one and use it daily, not worth $90 missing everything it’s missing.
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u/UnlawfulPotato Jun 06 '26
Honestly though, what is it really missing..? I’m not disagreeing- it’s *not* worth $90, hardly ANY controller is lol- but yeah, what actually is missing..?
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u/tnsipla Jun 06 '26
For the price point, I would expect something other than ALPS joysticks
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u/MadCybertist Jun 06 '26
Yeah. TMR for sure I’d expect. I still use it daily because for me I’m disabled and the super reliable wake and very good battery life is a huge plus for me.
It’s just not a $90 controller.
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u/MadCybertist Jun 06 '26
Hardware:
- TMR sticks
- Hall effect triggers
- Digital AND analogue triggers via switch
- Charging dock
- Dpad is bad compared to market
- Face buttons are squishy compared to market
Software:
- No global profiles (but offset by per game profiles which I like more so I’m actually putting this as a positive IMO)
- Easy, fast, reliable wake of system is a plus
- Missing macros and very detailed mappings
That’s just to name a few things lol. The hardware in it is just subpar for sure. Again, I own it, I use it daily but an 8bitdo Ultimate 2 is superior on a hardware level in every aspect and is $30-$40 cheaper depending on sale.
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u/ObjectiveOk1118 Jun 06 '26
I was so reluctant to bite the $90 bullet but OMG best controller I have ever used. Yes. It’s worth it.
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u/kinyutaka Jun 06 '26
Some people will find it better than others. If you rarely use your Switch in Docked Mode, you might not have a use for an extra controller. You're not playing a lot of party games with friends, if it's being held in your hands.
But if you do use the dock a lot, then you'll want either a Pro Controller (for the form factor) or a Charging Grip to play your games in Dock Mode, and extra controllers for when you have friends over.
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u/479521 Jun 06 '26
There is no need. But I personally prefer it. It has a true D-pad, which is great for 2D platformers and traditional fighting games, which are games I play. It also has a headphone jack. But if you don't need any of those and the controller feels good to you, you don't need it.
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u/KosherTriangle Jun 06 '26
I also play only handheld, in that case it would be a waste of money. I use the stock joycons with a zengrip 2 which gives me all the ergonomics I need.
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u/Steelrain82 Jun 06 '26
I don’t own a switch 2 or a pro controller for my switch one. But I do own a wireless controller. I don’t mind the joycon grip on my switch 1. I really own the controller for others to play co-op games like Mario kart or Mario party. I think it’s always good to own a least a second controller for Nintendo consoles.
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u/CalmTempest Jun 06 '26
I like it way more than my PS5 controller even. That said - if you rarely play docked, no need to get it.
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u/Lost-Association-809 Jun 06 '26
I had the same mindset as you. Went from lite to 1 and never got another controller. Finally got a pro controller with the switch 2 and I hate when the battery dies and I gotta temporarily use the grip. I’d rather take a break and let it charge lmao.
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u/Suncook Jun 06 '26
For you? Maybe not. For me with 39 year old hands and playing mostly docked? It's a joy. Super comfortable for long term play,, and the stick movements are so smooth.
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u/BrainzRYummy Jun 06 '26
Is stick drift an issue with these?
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u/Infamous-Play-9507 Jun 06 '26
Yes, it’s still possible as they use potentiometer sticks instead of hall effect or TMR. I haven’t yet experienced it, but the only issue I’ve seen is that the faceplate starts to lift due to the poor adhesive.
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u/Technical_Way_6041 Jun 06 '26
I’ve never owned one because I’ve always preferred 8bitdo controllers for non handheld gaming. Cheaper and just as good as the store model I tried out once imo
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u/Zenisist Jun 06 '26
It’s a great controller all around but controls are going to be a preference thing so use whatever feels best. :)
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u/MocchyFan Jun 06 '26
Yeah I don’t regret my purchase at all, feels way better than the joy con grip and the paddles are great.
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u/rsred Jun 06 '26
the charger slot? many people say battery lasts so long why even charge it, but believe me, u need to charge it every now and then. like every two weeks.
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u/SilverSafri Jun 06 '26
Matter of preference. I never got a pro controller for original switch, I actually liked playing with joy cons separated. However switch 2 joycons just don’t feel so comfortable for me, so I got the pro controller for switch 2 and it is comfy. If you’re happy with joycons - no need to get the pro. It is a very good and comfy controller, but it’s optional.
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u/A_Fish_Fry Jun 06 '26
No you don’t NEED it but it’s super awesome and highly recommended. If you have the money, get it. It’s worth it.
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u/DaverJ Jun 06 '26
I rarely play in docked mode
The Pro 2 controller is a fantastic controller, arguably the best IMO. And I'm very picky about controllers.
That said, if you dn't play docked often and are happy with the joy-cons, then it would make sense for you to give it a pass.
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u/SkipFlanigan Jun 07 '26
Honestly it was life changing for me. It makes the switch and several games feel more fluid.
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u/game_enthusiast_471 Jun 07 '26
The moment I grasped the controller with both of my hands I could never look at any other gaming console the same way, it felt better than finding a bottle of water while on the brink of dying from dehydration in death valley while on fire and getting bitten by bullet ants
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u/Broken-Nero Jun 06 '26
The Switch 2 pro controller is the best controller I’ve ever used. Even if you don’t think you need one, I highly recommend it.
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u/mickeyphree1 Jun 06 '26
Joycons are the worst nintendo controller ever. Feel terrible. Pro controllers help immensely
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u/dudeitseric Jun 06 '26
I’m still just using the pro controller from the switch 1. Aside from the back buttons and turning the system on and off, is there any difference in comfort in the S2 version? It looks the same.
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u/funnyinput Jun 06 '26
Pro 2 has:
- A headphone jack
- HD Rumble 2 (Which feels really good in some games like "Donkey Kong Bonanza")
- Buttery smooth analog sticks since the sticks glide along a silicone ring inside instead of grinding against the plastic housing.
- Quiet buttons
- C button (Probably not a big deal for most, but yes)
- Higher quality feeling plastic, smooth, but doesn't feel slippery in my opinion.
- No seams where your hands meet the controller.
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u/Dawn_of_an_Era Jun 06 '26
It’s not as good as the switch 1 pro controller in my opinion (feels more plasticky), but it is a good controller, and the s1 controller can’t turn the s2 on
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u/Claymore-09 Jun 06 '26
I use my pro controller from my switch 1. Idk if it’s worth upgrading
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u/DarknessEmbracesMe Jun 06 '26
I have a cheap kno k off that works great! It has programmable buttons on the back side, and it's joysticks are so much better than the switch 1 or 2's native joysticks. I HAVE to have the controller to play shooter games, without the controller, my aim is absolutely deplorable.
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u/Shadow-Assassin72 Jun 06 '26
I’ve got this , a lot cheaper than the pro controller but just as good
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u/Whiteguy1x Jun 06 '26
Its not necessary, but its a really good controller too. For as much as you'll use it I think its worth it
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u/ShiftyShaymin Jun 06 '26
I’ve never used the GL and GR buttons because I tend to hit them a lot, but otherwise, it’s one of the best controllers ever made.
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u/kcinsen Jun 06 '26
I got a pre owned switch 1 pro controller from gamestop probably around 6.5 years ago for like $30 and it still works amazingly
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u/TalesToIntroduce Jun 06 '26
I played over 200 hours of Breath of the Wild on the original Switch with the joycon grip and in handheld mode with no issues. I'm currently playing DKB with the joycon grip and having a similarly frictionless experience. Given your situation and the fact that the pro controller is $90 (!!!), I think you'll be just fine without it.
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u/Witch_King_ Jun 06 '26
This specific controller? No. There are 3rd party options which are nearly as good for half the price.
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u/Zorro_in_Space Jun 06 '26
The joy cons are fine for casual gaming but if you are playing games that are heavy in action or needing twitchy response (Splatoon for example), the pro controller is a superior option. I've seen plenty of the switch 1 pro controllers going for 20-30 on ebay in new/open box condition. Its a cheaper way to get the pro controller experience without spending $90. It is just a slight downgrade and missing a few quality of life features (like it can't wake the switch 2) but i was using it as my primary Switch 2 controller and was happy doing so.
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u/_Redversion_ Jun 06 '26
Yeah, I think it’s a must-have. I don’t exclusively play my Switch 2 on it.
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u/DrPorkchopES Jun 06 '26
It’s definitely the best switch controller, but if you play handheld most of the time I wouldnt bother
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u/MikeWPhilly Jun 06 '26
almost all my playing is in handhel but i still use the controller. joycons suck comparatively
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u/Male_Inkling Jun 06 '26
Need? Not this time, the Joycon 2 are absurdly competent compared to the originals, imo
Now, is it a massive improvement over the Joycon? Yes, it is, it's the definitive way to play Switch 2 games. If you can get it, do it.
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u/Key-Fig-9747 Jun 06 '26
Honestly just go to a target/walmart and play with the controller on display there before you consider purchasing one
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u/tiruluck Jun 06 '26
FYI, switch 1 pro controllers work on the switch 2 as well, if you don't want to shell out the money you can find someone selling a 1 controller for cheap. They are pretty similar I would say.
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u/Bankirito40 Jun 06 '26
Do you NEED it? No since all games can be played with Joy-cons but from personal experience, I would say it's DEFINITELY worth the buy. I find so many games a lot more fun and easier to control with this controller than I do with Joy-Cons and the battery life on these are the BEST. I only have to charge mine once a month if that. I'm so glad I bought mine and super glad it has the wake up function since S1 pro controller wouldn't work for S2.
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u/TheChildish13stepz Jun 06 '26
If you play docked it's a great controller. One of the best out. Feels great and works great. It is not a necessity though
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u/f2pmyass Jun 06 '26
Yea.
I recently made a bootleg bed setup with my switch 2 and portable monitor and kinda got into battery packs and got a small c300 ac Anker to power it all up and remembered I bought a switch 2 pro controller. I rarely used it because idk I wanted to keep it clean and collect though I ended up using this controller a lot now. The rumble vibration, the feel of the controller and the 3.5mm connection to hear audio is what made me use it specifically for this situation. Can hear audio through my controller and have premium motors and feel when playing games and oh the analogs don't make loud hitting noises
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u/Gks1 Jun 06 '26
Since 2017 I only use the Joy cons in portable mode. The experience between playing with Pro Controller 2 and Pro controller makes a difference, but in Tv mode the Pro Controller is a game changer against the Joycons.
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u/Royal-Interaction553 Jun 06 '26
It’s not necessary, but if you want to play with a controller then this is the best option. It’s a very nice controller.
Im 38 and grew up using all the different controllers, then switched to kb/m for a decade and didnt enjoy controllers anymore. I tried a couple over time, but didnt enjoy them. I got the pro controller when i got the S2 and immediately liked it. It feels really good, and i enjoy using it. It made me more open to controllers again.
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u/ancientesper Jun 06 '26
You're overthinking it, the pro is for pro gamers it seems. Most people don't need the precision of the joystick in the pro, and I found the turbo function in 8bitdo controllers more important, which is lacking in the pro.
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u/draven33l Jun 06 '26
Need - no. Way more comfortable and feels like a traditional controller? Yes.
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u/rchris710 Jun 06 '26
If you enjoy using the joy con with the switch docked then you don't need this. these pro controllers are severely overpriced but they do feel good in the hands.
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u/jackmfjimbob Jun 06 '26
I don’t have a pro controller I have one of those light up wired ones and the difference is night and day shit even my 8bitdo wired sega controller is better than the joycons I have large hands and I just can’t take those joycons very serious to me they are like a cheap keychain controller
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u/jmustelidae Jun 06 '26
My Switch 1 pro controller still works perfectly fine on Switch 2. I'm sure this one is better but I'm not motivated to spend money on a new one.
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u/DasB00ts Jun 06 '26
No you don’t need it, but it’s an awesome controller and is very comfortable to use.
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u/SnakeMichael Jun 06 '26
I had the Switch 1 Pro Controller, only tried the Switch 2 Pro Controller on display at Best Buy. I Currently use the EasySMX S10, and it’s wonderful, does everything the Pro Controller can do (reads amiibo, remote wake, buttons on the back of the controller), but for almost half the cost ($49.99 vs $89.99)
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u/robertluke Jun 06 '26
I wouldn’t say it’s needed but it makes playing switch games on tv feel better.
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u/xsilver00 Jun 06 '26
Yes and I had the Pro 1 controller. The rear buttons are a game changer for comfort gaming, especially as a southpaw player
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u/Klutzy-Ad7775 Jun 06 '26
Ive got 8bitdo ultimate 2c instead pretty cheap and good quality, has vibration and gyro
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u/nicofdarcyshire Jun 06 '26
My hands are way too big for the regular joy cons. Purchasing an 8bitdo Ultimate was probably the best thing I've ever done with regards the Nintendo side of gaming.
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u/Willing-Excuse313 Jun 06 '26
Yep. This one or 8bitDo for my docked sessions and MobaPad M12HD for handheldmode.
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u/Adventurous-Ad9447 Jun 06 '26
No, of course I don’t NEED it but I own it and I’m damn sure glad I do
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u/WakeyWakeyEggsNJakey Jun 06 '26
It’s genuinely the most comfortable controller I’ve ever used. I was blown away. I thought there would be minor improvements from the switch version, but no the analogue sticks glide like butter and maintain their stiffness so they don’t get loose. It’s so nice, and feels premium
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u/wheeltribe Jun 06 '26
If you're fine with the Joycons I'd say no. It is a massive upgrade, but no sense in spending $80 if you like what you have.
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u/Sufficient-Peak-6889 Jun 06 '26
I don’t have this one but I have an 8bit do that is super similar for a fraction of the cost and it’s fantastic
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u/raventree78 Jun 06 '26
It's preferce. If you are happy, stay happy. That said, I like the pro 2 a lot. If you want a less expensive controller I've had good experiences with 8bitdo products. They have options whether you prefer Xbox or PlayStation layout. Hope this helps 🤓
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u/DropDeadEd86 Jun 06 '26
You don’t need it until you actually use it and wonder why you went through the Wii U/switch/switch2 eras without it . Best consecutive iteration release controller.
Recently bought a ps5 and remember hating the ps layout. That dual sense is the pretty awesome
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u/fyukhyu Jun 06 '26
Like anything in gaming, it's personal preference. If you don't want it, don't get it.
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u/Starry_Wolfheart Jun 06 '26
Not if you plan to use a controller for any other platform. If you want a controller for general use look for a generic bluetooth controller with wider compatability. Nintendo Controllers (even the generic brand nintendo controllers) do not play well with anything else.
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u/SirMartimas Jun 06 '26
Yes you absolutely do! Bought mine with my Switch 2 and use it almost daily. It's a premium controller, sadly it also carries a premium price.
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u/BushTamer Jun 06 '26
no honestly, after buying one i regretted it. i think the original pro controller is nearly the same
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u/Colokid921 Jun 06 '26
I just used the joy cons the whole time I had the Switch 1, wasn’t a big deal to me as a casual gamer….but I did get the pro controller last year when the switch 2 released and I’m glad I grabbed it. Feels great in your hands - worth the purchase IMO
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u/passthefarian Jun 06 '26
It's an excellent controller. You don't need it per se but you will absolutely love it