The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is now available to purchase at Amazon for $84, one dollar before MSRP–the same price you can buy it for at Walmart. The first-party controller was listed on Amazon not long after the retailer started selling Nintendo-published games again. Amazon also has the Nintendo Switch 2 console and Mario Kart Bundle, though these are only available by invitation.
$84
The Switch 2 Pro Controller has a matte black finish with light gray triggers and shoulder buttons. The color scheme and matte finish gives it a slightly different look and noticeably different feel than the original’s translucent plastic with textured handles.
Overall, the form factor is quite similar, though there are a few notable changes. The biggest additions are the back buttons, which can be remapped to any button input by holding down the Home button for a few seconds. Nintendo’s new C button for GameChat was added between the right stick and D-pad, and you’ll find a 3.5mm audio jack on the bottom.
Like the original, the new Pro Controller has a built-in gyroscope for motion controls, HD Rumble, and NFC support for Amiibo. Nintendo made improvements to the rumble motors, motion controls, and the analog sticks. Unfortunately, the sticks do not utilize Hall Effect sensor technology, but they do feel much smoother and don’t make as much noise.
There are other great traditional controllers for Nintendo Switch 2, including a handful of budget-friendly options from popular controller manufacturer 8BitDo. Shortly after the Switch 2 launched, 8BitDo released firmware updates for several of its customizable controllers to make them fully compatible with the console. Most notably, the flagship 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller works wonderfully on Switch 2.
8BitDo Wireless Controllers for Switch 2
8BitDo also added support for its USB Adapter and USB Adapter 2, which allow you to sync a wide range of Bluetooth controllers to your Switch 2 that otherwise wouldn’t be supported.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller has four remappable buttons–two back, two shoulder–adjustable trigger locks with two stopping points, TMR electromagnetic sensors (better than Hall Effect), RGB lighting rings, and robust customization features via 8BitDo’s software suite on PC and Android. You can set up three custom profiles, modify stick and trigger sensitivity, create deadzones, alter rumble intensity, and set up different lighting effects/colors.
The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth comes with a matching charging dock that holds an optional USB-C dongle for 2.4GHz Wireless. It’s unclear if the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth will work with Switch 2 via 2.4GHz Wireless, but Bluetooth and wired connections should be seamless.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
Another notable Switch 2 Pro Controller alternative is the newly revealed 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. Releasing August 12 for $70, the Pro 3 has TMR sticks, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons–just like the Ultimate 2–but it also adds swappable magnetic face buttons and an extra pair of stick tops. The stick caps are arcade-style ball-top sticks, which is a unique addition.
The Pro 3 is the follow-up to the excellent Pro 2, which is our top pick for Nintendo players who prefer PlayStation-style aligned sticks as well as for retro games. The Pro 3 connects wirelessly to Switch 2, Switch, and PC via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. It’s available to preorder in three colors: Gray, G Classic, and GameCube-inspired Purple. Each edition comes with a matching charging dock.
Here are two other Switch 2-compatible third-party controllers that are worth checking out for different reasons:
- GameSir G8 Plus: This can cradle the console like a Backbone Controller and used as Joy-Con alternatives in handheld mode.
- NYXI Warrior: A GameCube-inspired wireless controller with remappable back buttons and Hall Effect sticks.
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