Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Review: Nintendo's Finest Pad


Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

8.5/10 — Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Works with: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC

Pros

  • Excellent ergonomics
  • Superb battery life of around 40 hours
  • HD Rumble, motion controls and amiibo support
  • Works with Switch 2

Cons

  • Expensive
  • D-pad is good but not great
  • Sticks can drift over time

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is Nintendo’s traditional, full-size controller for the Switch, and it’s one of the best first-party pads around.

Design and features

It has a comfortable, Xbox-style layout with offset sticks and a translucent shell. HD Rumble, motion controls and an NFC reader for amiibo are all included, so it supports every Switch feature. Its battery life is outstanding, at around 40 hours per charge. It charges over USB-C and also works with Switch 2 and PC.

Weaknesses

It’s expensive for a standard controller, and some owners have reported stick drift over time. The D-pad is better than the Joy-Con’s buttons but still not ideal for fighting games.

Verdict

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the best way to play Switch games on the TV. It’s pricey, but its comfort, features and battery life make it well worth it.