Great news for gamers! After a brief period of being unavailable, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is back in stock on Amazon. This freshly designed first-party controller has quickly become a sought-after accessory for the Switch 2, ever since its debut on the online marketplace earlier this month with a price tag of $85. Following a year-long absence, Amazon resumed offering Nintendo products towards the end of June. Now, just a month later, Amazon boasts dedicated product pages for practically every official Switch 2 accessory, games published by Nintendo, the latest Amiibo figures, and the console itself—although the Mario Kart World Bundle and standalone Switch 2 units are currently available through an invitation system.
$85
The Switch 2 Pro Controller features a sleek matte black finish, complemented by light gray triggers and shoulder buttons. This color combination and the matte texture provide a distinct aesthetic and feel compared to the original’s translucent plastic and textured grips.
The overall shape remains familiar, but with some noteworthy adjustments. Key enhancements include the addition of rear buttons, which can be easily remapped by holding the Home button. Nintendo has also introduced a new C button for in-game chat, positioned between the right stick and D-pad, along with a convenient 3.5mm audio jack on the controller’s bottom.
Retaining features from the original Pro Controller, this updated version includes a built-in gyroscope for motion controls, HD Rumble feedback, and NFC compatibility for Amiibo integration. Nintendo has further refined the rumble motors, motion controls, and analog sticks. Although Hall Effect sensor technology isn’t implemented in the sticks, they offer a noticeably smoother feel and reduced noise during operation.
Official Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories at Amazon
Amazon also currently has Joy-Con 2 Controllers available, both as pairs and individual units. Opting for the two-pack provides better value, priced at $94 compared to $55 per single controller. Notably, one of the exciting new features of the Switch 2 Pro Controller can be replicated with Joy-Con 2 controllers using an additional accessory. The $40 Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip comes equipped with built-in back buttons, allowing you to transform the standard controllers bundled with the console into “pro” controllers suitable for docked gameplay.
Given the difficulty of finding official Switch 2 carrying cases in stock, the officially licensed RDS Industries Game Traveler Deluxe series presents a solid alternative. These durable RDS Switch 2 travel cases are priced starting at $20, and you can acquire the RDS equivalent of the currently sold-out All-In-One case for just $40, offering significant savings compared to its original $85 price tag.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Alternatives
If you’re exploring other options for traditional controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2, several budget-conscious choices from well-known manufacturer 8BitDo stand out. Shortly following the Switch 2’s release, 8BitDo rolled out firmware updates to ensure seamless compatibility for numerous customizable controllers. Of particular note, the top-tier 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller delivers exceptional performance on the Switch 2.
8BitDo Wireless Controllers for Switch 2
In addition to controllers, 8BitDo now supports its USB Adapter and USB Adapter 2, enabling the connection of a broader range of Bluetooth controllers to the Switch 2, which might not otherwise be compatible.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller boasts an array of features, including four remappable buttons (two on the back, two on the shoulder), customizable trigger locks with dual stopping points, cutting-edge TMR electromagnetic sensors (surpassing Hall Effect sensors), customizable RGB lighting rings, and a comprehensive suite of customization options accessible through 8BitDo’s dedicated software on PC and Android. Users can configure up to three unique profiles, fine-tune stick and trigger sensitivity, establish dead zones, adjust rumble intensity, and personalize lighting effects and colors. Both the Ultimate 2 and other Switch 2-compatible 8BitDo controllers come equipped with turbo buttons, which are known to be particularly advantageous in games like Donkey Kong Bananza.
The Ultimate 2 Bluetooth package includes a color-coordinated charging dock with an integrated storage compartment for the accompanying 2.4GHz receiver. Connectivity options include wireless via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz for Nintendo Switch 1/2 consoles and PC, as well as Bluetooth wireless functionality for Android, Apple, and other devices.
8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad
Another excellent Switch 2 Pro Controller alternative to keep an eye on is the recently unveiled 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad. Scheduled for release on August 12 at a price of $70, the Pro 3 incorporates TMR sticks, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons – mirroring the Ultimate 2’s capabilities – while also introducing swappable magnetic face buttons and an additional set of stick tops. The included stick caps come in an arcade-style ball-top design, offering a distinctive touch.
The Pro 3 serves as a successor to the acclaimed Pro 2, a top choice for Nintendo gamers who prefer PlayStation-style aligned sticks and for retro gaming experiences. This gamepad provides wireless connectivity to Switch 2, Switch, and PC through 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. It also extends support for Apple devices, Steam Deck, Android, and more using Bluetooth. Pre-orders are now open in three colors: Gray, G Classic, and a GameCube-inspired purple. Each version includes a corresponding charging dock.
Here are two other third-party Switch 2 controllers that are worth a look for various reasons:
- GameSir G8 Plus: It can cradle the console similar to a Backbone Controller and can act as an alternative to Joy-Cons in handheld mode.
- NYXI Warrior Lite: A GameCube styled wireless controller that features Hall Effect sticks and remappable back buttons.