Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
A traditional-style controller for the Nintendo Switch console.
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The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (model HAC-013) is an alternative to the Joy-Con, designed for the Nintendo Switch hybrid console. It uses a staggered analog stick layout similar to the GameCube controller and Xbox controllers, with a button arrangement like the Wii's Classic Controller Pro. Announced alongside the Switch on October 20, 2016, it launched on March 3, 2017. A revised version with minor component changes and an updated UPC (from 104889D to 104889E) began appearing in stores around October 14, 2019; by 2024, the revision had reached 104889G.
Design and features
The controller includes near-field communication (NFC) for Amiibo toys, HD Rumble, and motion controls. Its internal battery (CTR-003, the same model used in the Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, and Wii U Pro Controller) takes about six hours to charge fully and lasts roughly 40 hours. Charging is done via a USB-C port using an included USB-C to USB Type-A cable, which connects to the USB-A 2.0 ports on the Switch dock. Up to eight Pro Controllers can connect to a single console simultaneously.
A hidden message reading "THX2ALLGAMEFANS!" is etched into the motherboard, visible through the translucent plastic around the right analog stick socket. Japanese Twitter user Geo Stream first reported this on March 4, 2017, one day after the console's launch.
PC and phone support
The controller works with personal computers for compatible games; Steam added official configuration support via a beta client update on May 9, 2018. Apple introduced native support on iPhone and iPad with the iOS 16 update. It also connects to the Nintendo Switch 2 wirelessly or via a wired connection to the Switch 2 dock, charging directly from the dock using a standard USB-A to USB-C cable. However, it cannot wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode.
Special editions
The standard model is only available in black, but several special editions have been released: Splatoon 2 (green left grip, pink right grip, ink splat pattern), Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (pink grips, Pyra-inspired design), Super Smash Bros.
Lore & Background
Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller alongside the console on October 20, 2016, and released it on March 3, 2017. Retailers began stocking a revised version around October 14, 2019, featuring minor component changes and an updated Universal Product Code from 104889D to 104889E. As of 2024, the revision is up to 104889G.
The controller features a button layout similar to the Wii's Classic Controller Pro, but uses a staggered analog stick layout. It includes near-field communication (NFC) for use with Amiibo toys, HD Rumble, and motion controls. The internal battery (CTR-003) is the same model used in the Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, and Wii U Pro Controller. A USB-C port handles charging via an included USB-C to USB Type-A cable, which connects to the USB-A 2.0 ports on the Switch dock.
The controller's motherboard features a hidden message reading "THX2ALLGAMEFANS!", visible through the translucent plastic surrounding the right analog stick socket. Japanese Twitter user Geo Stream first reported the message on March 4, 2017, one day after the console's launch.
Reader's Guide
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller pairs with personal computers for compatible video games; Steam added official configuration support via a beta client update on May 9, 2018. Apple similarly introduced native support for the controller on iPhone and iPad hardware as part of the iOS 16 update. The controller links to the Nintendo Switch 2 console wirelessly or via a wired connection to the Switch 2 dock, and charges directly from the dock using a standard USB-A to USB-C cable. However, it lacks the hardware capability to wake the Switch 2 console from sleep mode.
While the standard controller is available only in black, Nintendo produced several special variations themed around major software releases, including Splatoon 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, Splatoon 3, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom editions. Special editions have also served as prizes for esports competitions, such as customized Splatoon 2 variants with golden handles awarded at PAX East 2019 Inkling Open, and variants displaying the franchise logo awarded to winners of the PAX East 2019 Super Smash Bros. tournament and to Shuto Moriya, winner of the EVO Japan 2020 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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