Hey, gamers! Nintendo just pulled back the curtain on a shiny new Pro Controller designed for the upcoming Switch 2, and let me tell you—it’s got some tricks up its sleeve that are worth getting excited about. Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or just someone who likes their hands to feel comfy during a long Animal Crossing session, this controller is bringing some fresh features to the table. Think customizable rear buttons, a slick new design, and even a dedicated chat button for all your online shenanigans.

Rear buttons that do what you want

First up, let’s talk about the stars of the show: the two new paddle-style buttons on the back, labeled “GL” and “GR.” These bad boys are fully customizable, which means you can tweak them to mimic any other button on the controller. Want to map your jump button to “GL” so you can hop around in Super Mario without lifting your thumb off the stick? Go for it. Need a quick dodge in Splatoon? Assign it to “GR.” The best part? These settings save for each player in each game, so you won’t be stuck fiddling with them every time you switch titles or hand the controller over to your buddy.

This kind of flexibility isn’t totally new—fancy controllers like the Xbox Elite and PlayStation’s DualSense Edge have been rocking customizable buttons for a while—but it’s a big step for Nintendo. For folks who love tweaking their setup or need that extra edge in competitive play, these rear buttons could be a game-changer. Plus, they’re paddles, so they’re right where your fingers naturally rest. No awkward stretching required.

The “C” button: chat it up

Next, there’s the mysterious “C” button, which Nintendo says is all about voice and video chats. With online gaming being bigger than ever, this little addition feels like a no-brainer. Imagine you’re in the middle of a heated Mario Kart race or coordinating a turf war in Splatoon—instead of fumbling through menus to talk to your crew, you just tap “C” and boom, you’re live. Nintendo hasn’t spilled all the beans on how it’ll work, but it’s probably tied into their online service, making it super easy to connect with friends or trash-talk your rivals.

This move shows Nintendo’s finally catching up to the social side of gaming. Sure, they’ve been a bit slow to the party—remember when we had to use a phone app for Splatoon 2 voice chat?—but a dedicated chat button feels like a step toward making online play smoother and more fun. We’ll have to wait for the full scoop, but I’m betting this’ll be a hit with anyone who loves teaming up online.

3.5mm audio jack: plug in and play

Oh, and here’s something headset fans will love: the new Pro Controller has a 3.5mm audio jack along the bottom. Yep, you can plug in your favorite wired headset and microphone right into the controller—no more relying on the Switch itself or messing with wireless pairings. The original Switch Pro Controller skipped this feature, which was a bummer for anyone who wanted a direct audio hookup, so this is a sweet upgrade.

Why’s this cool? For one, wired audio tends to be more reliable—no lag, no battery worries. Plus, it’s perfect for late-night gaming when you don’t want to wake the whole house. Whether you’re chatting with teammates or just soaking in the soundtrack of Zelda, that jack is a small but mighty addition that makes life easier.

Now, let’s get to the look and feel. Nintendo’s Switch 2 producer, Kouichi Kawamoto, spilled some details about the design, and it’s got a nostalgic twist. The grips have been reshaped, taking a page from the GameCube controller’s playbook. If you’ve ever held a GameCube pad, you know those curvy grips were a dream for long play sessions. Nintendo’s aiming to bring that same comfy vibe to the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which is awesome news for anyone who’s felt hand cramps after a marathon gaming night.

The control sticks are getting some love too—they’re smoother and quieter now. Kawamoto didn’t say if they’re using Hall effect tech (a fancy term for sticks that don’t drift as much), but the focus on better feel and durability has me hopeful. Stick drift has been a pain for Switch owners, so any improvement here is a win.

Visually, the controller’s ditching the semi-transparent plastic of the original Pro Controller for a sleek matte black finish, with some glossy white accents on top. It’s understated, it’s stylish, and it’ll probably look dope sitting next to your Switch 2. The layout’s still familiar—big buttons, chunky triggers, all the stuff that made the first Pro Controller a solid alternative to Joy-Cons—but it’s got that fresh coat of paint and a little extra polish.

Nintendo’s controller legacy

Speaking of alternatives, Nintendo’s no stranger to offering secondary controllers when their main ones get a bit… quirky. Back in the Wii days, we got the Classic Controller to make things feel more traditional next to the motion-waving Wiimote. Then the Wii U brought us the first Pro Controller, a lifeline for anyone who wasn’t vibing with the GamePad. The Switch 2 Pro Controller fits right into that tradition—Joy-Cons are great for portability and multiplayer, but sometimes you just want a full-sized, no-nonsense pad. This new version takes that idea and cranks it up a notch with all these modern bells and whistles.

Price and releae date

So, what’s this beauty gonna cost you? The new Pro Controller’s priced at $79.99, which is $10 more than the original Switch Pro Controller’s launch price. I know, I know—price hikes aren’t exactly thrilling—but when you stack up the customizable buttons, the chat feature, the audio jack, and the design upgrades, it feels like you’re getting your money’s worth. This isn’t just a rehash; it’s a step up.

As for when you can snag one, Nintendo’s keeping the exact date under wraps for now, but the smart money’s on June 5th, when the Switch 2 is expected to drop. Consoles and their accessories usually hit the shelves together, so mark your calendars and start saving those coins.

Zoom out for a sec, and you’ll see why this Pro Controller matters. Nintendo’s showing they’re not just coasting—they’re evolving. Those rear buttons? That’s them nodding to the customization trend that’s huge in gaming right now. The chat button and audio jack? Proof they’re serious about making online play a bigger part of the Switch experience. It’s like Nintendo’s saying, “Hey, we see what you want, and we’re here for it.”

For the Switch 2’s launch, this controller could set the tone. It’s a blend of classic Nintendo comfort—like those GameCube-inspired grips—with features that feel totally 2024. Whether you’re a pro player chasing precision or just someone who wants a cozy way to unwind with Stardew Valley, there’s something here for you.

So, there you have it—the new Switch 2 Pro Controller in all its glory. It’s got customizable rear buttons for your inner control freak, a chat button for your social side, an audio jack for your headset obsession, and a design that’s equal parts fresh and familiar. At $79.99, it’s a bit of a splurge compared to the last one, but the upgrades make it tempting—especially if you’re already planning to grab a Switch 2 come June.