Nintendo has officially unveiled all the exciting details about the Switch 2 during its April Direct, and ever since, fans have been eagerly awaiting the start of U.S. preorders. While the price of the new console wasn’t too shocking, the cost of first-party Switch 2 games at launch definitely raised a few eyebrows. Most notably, Mario Kart World will carry an $80 price tag on its own at launch. In addition to that, Nintendo is launching a fresh lineup of Switch 2 accessories, many of which have seen noticeable price increases compared to their original Switch counterparts—and some are even more expensive than initially announced.
One of the main concerns for many users—including myself—is the newly priced Switch 2 Pro controller, now listed at a hefty $85. Considering I already own multiple Switch Pro controllers, the idea of having to buy a brand-new version isn't exactly appealing. Fortunately, Nintendo confirmed in a recent developer interview that the original Switch Pro controller will remain fully compatible with the Switch 2.
Where to Still Find and Purchase Original Switch Pro Controllers
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Not the Switch 2 version.
[See it at Walmart]
[See it at Target]
[See it at Best Buy]
While many may be tempted by the features of the new Switch 2 Pro controller, it’s not essential for most gameplay experiences. If you already own a Switch Pro controller, you’ll be just fine holding onto it—which also saves you $80 to spend on new games. For those who don’t yet own a Pro controller but plan to purchase the Switch 2, the standard Switch Pro controller remains a more budget-friendly option currently priced at $69.99.
It’s possible, however, that older models could sell out before the Switch 2 launches, as retailers make room for the new model. Amazon, for example, is already experiencing low stock and mostly offering third-party alternatives. In addition to confirming compatibility for the standard Switch Pro controller, Nintendo also clarified that the original Joy-Con controllers will still work with the Switch 2—though we generally recommend the Switch Pro controller over Joy-Cons for most titles.
When Will the Switch 2 Pro Controller Be Available?
If you're specifically looking to get your hands on the new Switch 2 Pro controller, you'll need to be patient—it won’t be available until the console officially launches. The new controller is set to release alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Preorders for the console are expected to begin on April 24, and that’s likely when official accessory preorders, including the Switch 2 Pro controller, will also open. Keep in mind, this new controller will only work with the Switch 2 and is not backward compatible with the original Switch.
Preorder listings for the Switch 2 Pro controller have already started appearing at major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, though no official preorder date has been set yet. Walmart has also posted listings for upcoming Switch 2 games that should soon be available for preorder.
Preorder listing only
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
$79.00 at Walmart
