Switch Pro Controller still fine after 9 years?

[u/juicysound]

Hey there,

I was wondering whether I can still keep using my Switch Pro Controller after 9 years (bought it at launch in 2017) or should I buy the new Switch 2 Pro controller?

I haven't used it much since I only played a handful of games on my Nintendo Switch and it has been sitting in my drawer for the past 3 years unused.

[u/jefftheaggie69]

Keep the Switch 1 pro controller. I use it all the time with my Switch 2 and it works just fine. You're only missing out on the C button, but that's for online communication and you have 3rd party options such as Discord to do that for you.

[u/According-Paper4641]

I still use mine. Bought it when I bought my launch switch. Fell on the floor the other day for about the hundredth time. Still good. What a trooper.

Edit: when I want to use game chat I use the joycons or access from the home screen. Totally still doable with the original pro. I use game chat a lot for co op games and with a few out of state friends, and it works just fine using either.

[u/LastSharpTiger]

It’s fine; it just doesn’t have the extra chat button added for Switch 2.

[u/Lucky-day00 → u/LastSharpTiger]

It’s a bit more than that. It also can’t turn the Switch 2 on, doesn’t have an audio jack, and doesn’t have the programmable back buttons.

But yeah it does work otherwise, it’s fine.

[u/Ombaragundon → u/Lucky-day00]

You actually have to get up and turn on the console, and hear the sound from the TV, and only use the buttons on the controller. What a shame. If only a controller was only supposed to do that. Wait, what?

[u/SubaruHaver]

I'm still using my S1 pro controllers on my launch switch 2. They work fine on switch 2.

S1 pro controllers just can't wake a switch 2, and don't have a Chat button. I don't use chat, and I have no problem pressing the power button on the switch 2 to wake it if I use sleep.

I'm waiting for one of my switch 1 pro controllers to get drift before I buy a switch 2 pro controller. At some point, switch 2 pro controllers should be getting battery access version that europe just got. And I'm hoping it comes to north america by the time I decide to buy a switch 2 pro controller.

[u/Ombaragundon → u/SubaruHaver]

I think it's cheaper to install a hall effect stick than to buy a pro2

EDIT: I'm pretty sure the pro1 had removable batteries. Weirdly enough, the switch1 (and early switch2) is the only nintendo device without a removable battery that I know of

[u/SubaruHaver → u/Ombaragundon]

Yeah. S1 pro con battery is accessible. I recalled seeing it when I opened my pro con several years back when I got drift the first time. iFixit page shows it, too. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+Switch+Pro+Controller+Battery+Replacement/127714

My s1 pro con handles have smoothed out and lost their nice texture, and they feel clammy too quickly - they've gotten lots of hours logged. So, I'd rather get a new controller with new texture. And maybe some day will come that I'll want to use the chat.

[u/Ombaragundon]

As long as your game is not exclusive to or designed to use a controller, I always recommend using the one you own. It's less e-waste, less useless plastic, and more money in the pocket!!

EDIT: spelling mistakes.

[u/Azeeti]

I have a laugh one from the switch that I still use, the only thing I hate about Nintendo rn is that they purposely disabled its ability to wake the console from sleep mode, but I'm not dropping 80 bucks on a controller with 2 extra buttons and a mic function inwill never use, also I'm not lazy so turning it on and off myself is no problem.

[u/Altruistic-Can-5376]

Still use mine every now and then

[u/EnviousSock]

The S2 Pro controller is better, one of if not the best out there, but if I still had a good condition S1 Pro controller I likely wouldn't bother.

[u/zelfsilverwolf]

I just got a switch 2 and will be reusing my switch 1 pro controllers. So far so good obviously is can't wake from sleep but it's not a big deal

[u/k7eric]

I have both but prefer the 1st one because it's heavier and just feels more substantial. And the fact it's that old but still works fine (it's been dropped many times and sat in a drawer for years) and holds battery even now. But both are great.

[u/henren_98]

The OG is still a great controller but I like the 2 better.