Switch 2 Pro Controller: Near-Silent Sticks, Mappable GL/GR Buttons, and a Headphone Jack

1 May 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
5 min.
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Switch 2 Pro Controller: Near-Silent Sticks, Mappable GL/GR Buttons, and a Headphone Jack

Summary:

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is already turning heads, not just because of its fresh design, but because of the quiet revolution it brings to your hands—literally. A newly shared video through the Nintendo Today app lets us hear, or rather *not* hear, just how silent the controller really is. From the barely audible analog sticks to the sneak peek at the new GL and GR buttons, this sneak preview teases some highly requested upgrades. But Nintendo isn’t stopping there. They’re introducing mappable buttons for custom gameplay and reintroducing a headphone jack for immersive sound directly from the controller. This isn’t just another iteration—it’s a statement. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, the Switch 2 Pro Controller looks set to redefine how we interact with Nintendo consoles in 2025.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Every console generation brings something new, but Nintendo’s latest innovation with the Switch 2 Pro Controller might just raise the bar across the board. What begins as a subtle evolution quickly turns into a game-changing enhancement. It’s not just about aesthetics or compatibility anymore—it’s about fine-tuned control, audio integration, and yes, silence. This new controller isn’t whispering for attention—it’s demanding it through design and function. And what’s got everyone buzzing? A quiet little video released through Nintendo’s own app.

First look via Nintendo Today

The buzz started when Nintendo quietly dropped a short but telling video via their Nintendo Today app. It’s not a flashy trailer or a dramatic reveal—it’s an intimate, hands-on look at the Switch 2 Pro Controller in action. The simplicity of it is almost poetic: a player rotating analog sticks, pushing buttons, and plugging in earphones. No voiceovers, no marketing spin. Just pure, undiluted hardware in action. And that authenticity spoke louder than words—ironically through its silence.

Analog sticks make barely a sound

One of the most noticeable changes—and the star of the video—is the sound, or lack thereof, from the analog sticks. You know that usual soft click or friction-based squeak you’d hear when maneuvering the sticks? That’s gone. Completely. Instead, there’s an almost eerie silence when the player moves them around. For those used to the original Switch Pro Controller, this is a welcome shift. The feedback still seems solid, but without the extra noise pollution. It’s the kind of tweak you don’t realize you wanted until you experience it.

Why silence matters during gameplay

Think about those late-night gaming sessions. Everyone’s asleep, lights are low, and you’re tiptoeing through a stealth mission. The last thing you want is the constant clicking of analog sticks breaking your immersion. Nintendo seems to understand that atmosphere plays a huge role in how we experience games. Less sound from the hardware means more focus on the game itself. It also means fewer distractions when recording gameplay or streaming—where even subtle controller noises can be picked up by microphones.

Closer look at the new GL and GR buttons

As the video continues, the camera lingers on the back of the controller—introducing something entirely new: the GL and GR buttons. Tucked in a place that’s easy to reach but hard to accidentally press, these buttons add new options for serious gamers and accessibility users alike. They aren’t just there for flair; they’re designed for function, flexibility, and personalization. Nintendo has clearly been listening to its community and bringing more competitive control schemes into their ecosystem.

Button mapping options and gameplay impact

These new buttons aren’t fixed in function. Instead, Nintendo allows them to be mapped to any other input. Whether you want to crouch, reload, or use an ability—all without shifting your fingers off the thumbsticks—these buttons have your back. Literally. This opens the door for smoother combos, fewer accidental inputs, and a level of control usually reserved for high-end third-party accessories. It’s a clever nod to pro-gaming sensibilities, packed into an official first-party controller.

Integration of a headphone jack

The final scene in the video might seem subtle, but it’s a big deal: a user plugging wired earphones into the controller. That’s right—the Switch 2 Pro Controller comes with a headphone jack. While some platforms have long included this feature, it’s a first for a Nintendo controller. It signals a shift toward more integrated experiences, where audio and control are centralized for convenience. For players who prefer wired headsets, or want private audio without fussing with console settings, this is a welcome addition.

Audio quality and privacy for players

Aside from comfort, a headphone jack on the controller means players can expect more consistent audio latency and potentially better in-game spatial awareness. It also grants better privacy, especially in shared spaces. No more broadcasting game audio through the room or disturbing others around you. Plus, it’s ideal for voice chat in online multiplayer scenarios, provided the controller supports microphone input. This small detail brings Nintendo in line with player expectations in 2025.

Design improvements over the original Pro Controller

The Pro Controller has always been well-received, but the Switch 2 version appears to refine everything that made the original great. The grips look slightly more contoured, the materials appear matte and less prone to fingerprint smudges, and the buttons seem snappier without being loud. It’s subtle, sure, but sometimes less is more. Nintendo is evolving their hardware in small but meaningful ways, without overwhelming long-time users with drastic overhauls. It’s a controller that feels familiar, yet distinctly new.

What this means for the future of Nintendo accessories

If this is the direction Nintendo’s heading with its hardware, then the future is bright—and surprisingly quiet. More personalization. More integration. More comfort. These upgrades aren’t just about keeping up with the competition; they’re about setting new standards for usability and player satisfaction. Expect to see more accessories adopt similar features, especially if player response is as positive as it seems so far.

Final thoughts before release

We’ve only seen a teaser, but it’s enough to get the community buzzing. The Switch 2 Pro Controller might just be Nintendo’s smartest, quietest move yet. And with features like mappable buttons and audio passthrough, it signals a company that’s finally blending innovation with player-first thinking. The countdown to the full reveal just got a whole lot more exciting.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s subtle reveal of the Switch 2 Pro Controller shows us a company in tune with its audience. By emphasizing silence, precision, and personalization, they’ve created a controller that doesn’t just play games—it enhances them. Whether it’s the nearly inaudible analog sticks, the cleverly placed GL and GR buttons, or the long-awaited headphone jack, this piece of tech is shaping up to be more than just an accessory. It’s a statement that every click, or lack thereof, matters.

FAQs
  • Does the Switch 2 Pro Controller support wired headphones?
    • Yes, it includes a headphone jack for wired earphones or headsets.
  • What are GL and GR buttons?
    • They’re new mappable buttons on the back of the controller, customizable to any input.
  • Is the analog stick noise really that different?
    • Yes, the video shows almost complete silence when the sticks are moved.
  • Can you map buttons without extra software?
    • Yes, the controller is expected to support native button mapping directly through settings.
  • When will the Switch 2 Pro Controller be available?
    • No official release date yet, but it’s expected to launch with or near the Switch 2 console.
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