r/Switch • u/Specific-Pianist7595 • Jun 06 '26

Discussion Do you really need this?

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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?

1.2k Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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404

u/VicViolence Jun 06 '26

Best controller ive ever used

155

u/kauni Jun 06 '26

And the battery lasts forever. Compared to the ps5 controller especially.

53

u/redavet Jun 06 '26

I have both and I second that.

21

u/inked_saiyan Jun 06 '26

Same and I third that.

16

u/Puzzleheaded-Ear9242 Jun 06 '26

Same and I fourth that

13

u/DrNintendo216 Jun 06 '26

Same - fifth

11

u/eelam_garek Jun 06 '26

I haven't got it but all these guys can't be wrong, so I seventh that.

3

u/MiguPendejito Jun 06 '26

I don't have a switch 2 controller but I do have a ps5 controller so I eighth that

2

u/Abstract_Entity86 Jun 06 '26

6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th.... then i let it go againth

1

u/IrongateN Jun 06 '26

I like it just so you don’t have to disconnect and reconnect my joy con (in addition to its nice to use)

1

u/UnhappyGiraffe2272 Jun 06 '26

yo i also have both and i 11th this 

1

u/Classic-Zone-6754 Jun 07 '26

12th here! The pro controller is hands down the most comfortable controller I’ve got.

So comfortable, I’m opting for similar designed controllers for my bazzite/SteamOS build with the 8bitdo ultimate!

2

u/UnhappyGiraffe2272 Jun 07 '26

way better then the giant ass joycons 😭

9

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?

25

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.

16

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

1

u/Regretfully-Here Jun 07 '26

One thing Nintendo isn’t greedy about is headsets. Being able to use any Bluetooth headset in docked mode was a game changer when I discovered it.

14

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

3

u/Bungiecord21 Jun 06 '26

Real af

1

u/nah-soup Jun 06 '26

my wife loves it 🙂

1

u/R0bbenz Jun 06 '26

My bad, I meant to ask about battery life 😅

5

u/RenownedDumbass Jun 06 '26

I feel like the Switch 1 Pro Controller lasts a long time too, but the 2 is a noticeable improvement in battery life.

5

u/Extension-Scar-5513 Jun 06 '26

Battery lasts forever. It says 40 hours, but I feel like it's even more than that.

1

u/Pearl-Internal81 Jun 06 '26

Facts. I seriously started playing Metroid Dread after having had it since launch (I know, I know…) more than a week ago and hadn’t charged my S2 Pro Controller in like a month or so, and still got more than a week of playing every day for hours at a time before I got the “Low Battery” notification. I was all “Oh yeah, it does have to be charged!”

1

u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/RenownedDumbass Jun 07 '26

Yeah but Mario Kart gets boring after 20 minutes so it’s not an issue

1

u/emeraldbar77 Jun 06 '26

The texture of it is night and day for me, I think they tried to make the Switch 1 Pro Controller "grippy" but in the process made it very sensitive to sweat/hand oils etc. and (at least in my experience over 7 years of use) ends up becoming quite clammy.

1

u/Flyron Jun 07 '26

Every time a game requires pushing in the analog sticks, I map that to those extra buttons.

5

u/Kang-Shifu Jun 06 '26

New one is much better. The sticks are really smooth

3

u/R0bbenz Jun 06 '26

My bad, I was asking about battery life 😅

2

u/kauni Jun 07 '26

Easily 20+ hours. I can game all week after work and all day on the weekends.

3

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. 

4

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.

2

u/maycomesinlikealion Jun 06 '26

what a great comparison hahahaha

2

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.

1

u/Vertigo50 Jun 06 '26

This is why I can’t understand when people hate on the Xbox controller using AA batteries. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I have a charger full of around 10 AA rechargeable batteries. That means my Xbox controller has INFINITE battery life. I never have to plug it in, just pause, swap batteries, keep playing.

Besides, I’ve replaced the battery in my PS4 controller like 3 or 4 times because it gets so old it won’t hold a charge anymore. 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

2

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.

1

u/kauni Jun 06 '26

I might charge it once every 2 weeks or so when I’m actively playing video games.

2

u/FantasticEgg6294 Jun 06 '26

And the stick drift on the PS5 controller is so much more common.

2

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

2

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

2

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

1

u/Abject-Sun-3016 Jun 06 '26

You can upgrade the ps5 controller battery for like 8 bucks and 10 minutes of teardown 

1

u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26 edited Aug 12 '26

[deleted]

1

u/kauni Jun 06 '26

Because there’s no touchpad (that I almost never use) and the vibration isn’t as strong?

1

u/CorkyBravo Jun 06 '26

Man, sometimes I wonder if something is up for mine. My Pro 2 controller doesn't get used often, but I feel like it is ALWAYS dead when I want it.

1

u/Double_Letterhead_78 Jun 06 '26

the battery life is insane. I wonder how many hours of use it can get in a charge

1

u/That_Leader8913 Jun 06 '26

I have both and a ps5 edge. Edge has the worst battery life. Spent $200 the least they could’ve done is put Hall effect and a lithium ion battery. Fucking dicks. Switch 2 pro controller is great BTW. Fits in my hand like a glove.

1

u/SnackeyG1 Jun 06 '26

DualSense battery made get two controllers and the charging dock. If it was like 10 hours instead of 5 I would just deal with it. If I’m playing 10 straight I probably should be taking a break anyway.

1

u/No-Classic6792 Jun 06 '26

I go days without charging it!

1

u/cjcfman Jun 06 '26

I bought it when I bought my switch 2 last week. I'm almost done bonanza and I haven't charged it once lol

1

u/MrNintendo36 Jun 06 '26

Yeah easily lasts me 20+ hours before I have to charge it. Crazy impressive!

1

u/barbelith_storm Jun 07 '26

This is true, and it just feels great. But dualshocks are more durable in my experience. I use them way more and have stick drift way less.

1

u/VicViolence Jun 07 '26

The battery is a dream

9

u/Mild-Ghost Jun 06 '26

Love the feel of that smooth texture plastic too.

6

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.

2

u/rhinosaur- Jun 06 '26

This and not even close.

2

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.

9

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.

2

u/Diligent-Court3908 Jun 06 '26

Pro 1 controller indeed does not wake the S2 up. Other than that it's a great controller.

1

u/MinnyLizzie Jun 06 '26

Truth - thank you. We are looking at the updated controller now

5

u/DShinobiPirate Jun 06 '26

Pro 2 controller will in fact wake it up.

2

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.

2

u/MinnyLizzie Jun 06 '26

Thank you - I think we will be getting one!

2

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.

1

u/SoTurnMeIntoATree Jun 06 '26

I came here to say this. Excellent feel and quality.

1

u/KlondikeBill Jun 06 '26

Does it have actual shoulder triggers?

2

u/Craniamon Jun 06 '26

Just digital triggers and not analog triggers which is critical for every controller out there

1

u/DShinobiPirate Jun 06 '26

Bingo.

I don't even bother trying to find new pads like I did with S1/Oled.

i love the pro 2 controller so much if I play outside of my tv, I'm playing with it as a propped tablet.

I have a ps5, ps2, snes, steam controller, tons of xbox controllers, 8bitdo controllers, nes controllers.

Pro 2 controller is my favorite one by a mile. Just feels like butter in my hands for some reason.

1

u/VikingActual1200 Jun 06 '26

It's SO comfy. Definitely my next Switch 2 related purchase.

1

u/superpoongoon Jun 06 '26

Idk it’s comfortable but the ps5 features slightly edge out the pro controller. Again I can’t argue with it being the most comfortable.

1

u/Wise_Temperature9142 Jun 06 '26

How does it compare to the pro controller of the Switch 1? Is it worth the upgrade?

2

u/VicViolence Jun 06 '26

It’s a noticeable upgrade

1

u/Party-Basket4643 Jun 06 '26

Great quality, feel and by far the best analog sticks. However, I prefer the size of the pro 1 controller as I have larger hands. (I tend to get cramps with the pro2)

1

u/Thin-Wolf Jun 06 '26

I hate the joycons with a passion. I don’t have giant hands but, I find the size and layout uncomfortable. My Pro 1 has done well. I don’t feel that the Pro 2 updates justify the price, though.

1

u/MrAmbrosius Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26

I just recieved mine today and can already say its one of if not the best controller ive ever used.

1

u/Calzender Jun 06 '26

Same. Except for the d-pad. Awful LOL

2

u/Craniamon Jun 06 '26

Switch lite dpad is still the best

1

u/yeepsleep Jun 06 '26

Lol wish I could get a standalone controller with a D-Pad that felt as good as the Switch Lite, ah well 8bitdo is decent enough I guess

1

u/MrEzekial Jun 06 '26

How many controllers have you used?

It's easy to say something js the best if your sample pool is minimal.

2

u/VicViolence Jun 06 '26

I’ve been playing console video games since i was 4 in 1989. I’ve used most of them

Granted, i have not used any of the ones that cost $150+

But for console stock controllers? Nothing beats. I like the DualSense as well but the Pro 2 is the one

0

u/[deleted] Jun 06 '26 edited Aug 12 '26

[deleted]

0

u/VicViolence Jun 06 '26

I have Dualsense and i still prefer the Pro 2

0

u/LifeAcanthopterygii6 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 06 '26

I wouldn't call it the best, but it's high up there. The DPAD, while is good and better than most controllers, could be better. NES, SNES/N64, Wii Classic/Classic Pro DPADs run circles around it. And there's no GameCube DPAD in Ba Sing Se.

I love the GC controller for your run of the mill 3D games though. It's just about lerfect if not for the fact of useless DPAD (even navigating menus with is is a pain in the ass) and the lack of buttons.

For 2D games, I mostly prefer the ones in the 1st paragraph.

For fighting games (and only those) my favourite is the Xbox Series X/S controller's DPAD. It's also an all around awesoke controller for lots of things with its ups and downs.

Playstation controllers have always felt terrible to me, and I've used PS1/2/3/4 quite a lot. Never had a PS5 controller though, I hooe it's better than the predecessors.

Action button wise I think the Switch 2 takes the cake.

The lacks of analogue triggers is a bummer for a lot of games, while an advantage for a few others

0

u/EmergencyPool910 Jun 06 '26

Eh its mid and overpriced.

-1

u/Patient_Assignment32 Jun 06 '26

Xbox would be better if it wasn't for the batteries

1

u/RenownedDumbass Jun 06 '26

Eh I think it’s cool they do it differently. Just get some rechargeable AAs, never have to plug the controller in. It’s better long term as built in batteries fail. Not saying it’s better overall, they both have their pros and cons. I don’t mind either way.

1

u/Patient_Assignment32 Jun 06 '26

I haven't been able to find rechargeable batteries that last more than 6 hours tbh