Nintendo unveiled all the exciting details about the Switch 2 during its April Direct, and fans have been eagerly awaiting preorders to go live in the U.S. While the price of the new console wasn't a shock, the cost of first-party Switch 2 games at launch certainly turned heads. Notably, *Mario Kart World* will retail at a hefty $80 upon release. Additionally, Nintendo is rolling out a new line of Switch 2 accessories, which have seen price increases compared to their original Switch counterparts, and these have become even more expensive since the initial announcement.
The one accessory that caught my attention was the new Switch 2 Pro controller, now priced at a staggering $85. As someone who already owns multiple Switch Pro controllers, I was relieved to learn from Nintendo's developer interview that the original Switch Pro controller will be fully compatible with the Switch 2.
Where You Can Still Buy 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 gamers might opt for the new Switch 2 Pro controller, it's not essential for most games. If you already own a Switch Pro controller, you can comfortably stick with it and save $80 for new games. If you're in the market for a Pro controller and planning to purchase the Switch 2, the standard Switch Pro controller remains a more budget-friendly option at $69.99.
There's a possibility that these older controllers might sell out before the Switch 2 hits the shelves, making way for the new model. Amazon is already facing significant stock shortages and is only offering third-party alternatives. Alongside compatibility for the regular Switch Pro controller, Nintendo confirmed that the original Joy-Con controllers will also work with the Switch 2—although we generally recommend the Switch Pro controller over Joy-Con for most games.
When Will the Switch 2 Pro Controller Be Available?
If you're only interested in getting the new Switch 2 Pro controller, you'll need to wait until the console launches. The new controller will be available on June 5, coinciding with the Switch 2's release. You can start preordering the new console on April 24, which is likely when the official accessories, including the Switch 2 Pro controller, will also be available for preorder. Keep in mind that the Switch 2 Pro controller is exclusive to the Switch 2 and won't work with the original Switch.
Listings for the Switch 2 Pro controller are already popping up at Walmart and Best Buy, though without a specific preorder date. Walmart also features listings for upcoming Switch 2 games available for preorder soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Preorder listing only
$79.00 at Walmart
