Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Is It Worth $70

After a long session of Zelda or Splatoon, your hands start to cramp from those tiny Joy-Con. That’s when the $70 question becomes impossible to ignore — is the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller actually worth it? We put the numbers, features, and real-world trade-offs side by side so you can decide whether to buy one or stick with what came in the box.

Price: $70 (MSRP) ·
Battery life: 40 hours ·
Connectivity: Bluetooth / USB-C ·
Weight: 246g ·
HD Rumble: Yes ·
Motion controls: Yes

The table below captures the official specifications that define the Pro Controller as a premium Nintendo accessory.

Is it worth getting a Switch Pro controller?

The short answer depends heavily on how you play. For docked-mode gamers who spend more than an hour in a session, the Pro Controller’s ergonomics and battery life make a strong case. But the $70 price tag ($69.99 MSRP, according to IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide) stings more when you consider that third-party alternatives sell for $30–50.

Pros and cons of the Pro Controller

Pro Controller vs Joy-Con: cost analysis

Two numbers matter here: $69.99 for the Pro Controller and $79.99 for a pair of Joy-Con, per iMore tech review. But total cost of ownership shifts when you factor in charging. If you want to charge Joy-Con while playing docked, the Reddit r/NintendoSwitch user community notes that a separate charging grip adds $20–30 — pushing the Joy-Con setup well above $100. The Pro Controller charges via USB-C out of the box.

Long-term value for serious gamers

The Pro Controller’s 40-hour battery is roughly double that of Joy-Con, per Game Rant gaming analysis. Over a console generation that started in 2017 (A90sKid gaming blog), fewer charge cycles mean less battery degradation. But the catch: compatibility with the rumored Switch 2 remains unconfirmed. If Nintendo moves to a new controller standard, that $70 investment loses its long-term value.

Which is better, Joy-Con or Pro Controller?

The Pro Controller and Joy-Con share the same core features — HD Rumble, motion controls, NFC — but diverge sharply on ergonomics and battery. Four headings tell the story.

Ergonomics and comfort

iMore tech review describes the Pro Controller as “larger and more comfortable for adult hands.” Its 246g weight and full-size grips mirror an Xbox or PlayStation controller. Joy-Con, by contrast, are slim enough for handheld play but cramp many adults during docked sessions. A90sKid gaming blog notes that Joy-Con are “generally considered better for handheld play and motion-heavy games.”

Battery life comparison

The gap is stark: Pro Controller lasts 40 hours per charge, Joy-Con last about 20 hours, according to iMore tech review. Game Rant gaming analysis calls this “nearly double.” Joy-Con do charge faster, but only when attached to the console (Nintendo Switch: Joy-Con Grip or Pro Controller? video guide). The Pro Controller charges via USB-C to full in about 6 hours.

Features: HD Rumble, motion controls, amiibo

Both controllers include HD Rumble and motion controls, per iMore tech review. But Joy-Con add an IR sensor for certain games like Labo or Ring Fit Adventure. The Pro Controller has NFC (amiibo) support built into the top center — tap a figure directly on the controller without reaching for the console.

Price and value

At $69.99 vs $79.99, the Pro Controller undercuts a new Joy-Con pair by $10. But Joy-Con’s split-play capability means you get two controllers for multiplayer games out of the box — the Pro Controller is strictly single-player. The Reddit r/NintendoSwitch user community notes that a charging grip for Joy-Con costs extra, narrowing the value gap.

What is the difference between Switch Pro Controller 1 and 2?

Nintendo has never officially released a “Pro Controller 2.” All models share the same internal hardware, model number HAC-013, and specs. What changes are the paint jobs. Wikipedia console accessories lists dozens of special editions, from Splatoon 2 ink patterns to the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 design, but every one runs identical internals.

Official models and special editions

Nintendo has released over 20 special edition Pro Controllers since 2017. The most sought-after include the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sheikah eye edition and the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate design. Each retails at the same $69.99 MSRP, though limited runs often sell above list price on secondary markets.

Hardware revisions: USB-C, battery, etc.

The Pro Controller launched with USB-C charging in 2017 and has never received a hardware revision. Battery capacity remains 1300 mAh, delivering 40 hours per charge. IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide confirms the lithium-ion battery is built into the controller, not user-replaceable. No model has ever included a headphone jack.

Compatibility with Switch models

Every Pro Controller works with the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. Wikipedia console accessories confirms backward compatibility across all three models. What remains unclear: whether the Pro Controller will work with the next-generation Switch, often referred to in rumors as “Switch 2.”

Why is the Switch Pro controller so expensive?

At $69.99, the Pro Controller sits at the high end of the console controller market. IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide notes that third-party alternatives from PowerA and Hori run $30–50. The price premium comes down to four factors.

Build quality and materials

The Pro Controller uses a matte plastic with textured grips, analog triggers with metal springs, and a D-pad that iMore tech review calls “more precise than Joy-Con.” The 246g weight comes from internal components, not filler — the controller has a solid, balanced feel.

Features: HD Rumble, motion controls, NFC

Nintendo packs three premium features into the Pro Controller: HD Rumble for nuanced vibration, six-axis motion sensors for gyro aiming, and NFC for amiibo scanning. iMore tech review confirms the feature set is identical to Joy-Con’s — but the Pro Controller delivers them in a more traditional form factor.

Comparison with third-party controllers

Third-party controllers at $30–50 typically skip HD Rumble, use basic vibration motors, and lack NFC. Some omit motion controls entirely. The trade-off: you save $20–40 but lose features that games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3 use extensively.

Nintendo’s pricing strategy

Nintendo first-party accessories almost never drop below MSRP. The Pro Controller has occasionally been discounted to $60–65 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, per Game Rant gaming analysis, but the $69.99 price has held steady since 2017. Compare that to Xbox Elite or PlayStation DualSense Edge controllers at $150–180, and the Pro Controller’s premium starts to look modest.

The catch: Nintendo’s pricing discipline means you likely won’t find a deep discount, but the controller’s resale value remains higher than third-party alternatives.

How to connect Nintendo Switch Pro Controller?

Connecting the Pro Controller takes about 10 seconds regardless of platform. Here’s how it works on Switch, PC, and mobile.

Pairing with Nintendo Switch (wireless)

On the Switch home screen, go to Controllers > Change Grip/Order. Press and hold the sync button on the top of the Pro Controller (next to the USB-C port) until the player LEDs flash. The controller appears on screen — press L + R to confirm. IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide confirms this works on all Switch models.

Connecting via USB-C cable

Plug a USB-C cable into the controller and connect it to the Switch dock or a USB-A adapter. The Pro Controller syncs automatically in wired mode. IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide notes that wired mode also works as a charging method — the controller charges while you play.

Using on PC via Bluetooth or USB

The Pro Controller works with Windows PC, macOS, and Android. For PC, connect via USB-C (Windows recognizes it as a gamepad automatically) or pair via Bluetooth. Steam has native support for the Pro Controller’s gyro and button mapping. Android devices see it as a standard Bluetooth gamepad.

Troubleshooting connection issues

If the controller fails to pair, press the sync button for 3 seconds to reset the Bluetooth buffer. If that fails, restart the console or PC. On Switch, check that no other wireless controllers are actively connected — the Switch supports up to 8 simultaneous controllers, but sync slots can fill up.

“The Pro Controller includes motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in amiibo functionality.”

— iMore tech review

“The Pro Controller is the better option for long docked play sessions.”

— IGN Southeast Asia gaming guide

“Joy-Con are generally considered better for handheld play and motion-heavy games.”

— A90sKid gaming blog

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

For gamers who play mostly docked and want a controller that won’t run out of juice mid-session, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller delivers exactly what it promises. For handheld and multiplayer-focused players, the $70 is better spent on games — or saved for a potential Switch 2. The pattern: one premium controller that excels in a specific use case, but can’t replace the Joy-Con’s versatility entirely.

Related reading: Xbox Elite Controller Series 2: Worth It? Drift Fix & Comparison

For a deeper dive into the controller’s features and value, check out our comprehensive guide for a detailed comparison.

Frequently asked questions