Switch 2 Pro-Controller: Teardown Thoughts and Discoveries
After a meticulous disassembly of the new Switch 2 Pro-Controller, several key design choices and innovations have come to light. Nintendo has clearly aimed for a more integrated and sophisticated internal layout, though this does come with some implications for repairability.
One of the most striking observations is the unified button and trigger layout. Unlike previous iterations where individual buttons might have separate connections, the entire assembly for the face buttons and triggers appears to be a single, integrated printed component, similar to the design seen in the PlayStation 5 controller. This approach can lead to greater structural integrity.
In terms of innovation, Nintendo has made some bold moves. The battery is noticeably smaller than in its predecessor, by around 20%, which seems to mainly be a design choice to reduce overall weight.
However, this miniaturization, coupled with a more intricate internal design, makes the controller significantly harder to open. For the average user, attempting repairs will be a much greater challenge, ultimately leading to lower fixability scores.
A significant upgrade for gamers, and a welcome sight for repair enthusiasts, is the inclusion of new Alps Alpine analog sticks. What makes these particularly exciting is their replaceable design, eliminating the need for desoldering. This is a major improvement for longevity, as stick drift can often be a common issue with prolonged use. There's also a specific trick to removing the analog stick caps, which is something to note for anyone attempting this process.
Overall, the disassembly process is more complex and time-consuming than with the original Pro-Controller. It's certainly not for the faint of heart and requires patience and the right tools.
While Nintendo often presents itself as a family-friendly company, exemplified by the playfulness of the Joy-Cons and features like game sharing and local multiplayer, it's abundantly clear that the Switch 2 Pro-Controller was designed for serious gamers. This is demonstrated by the inclusion of better Alps Alpine analogs, the addition of back buttons, a dedicated audio jack, and superb ergonomics.
Holding the controller, it immediately feels comfortable and sturdy, and is noticeably lighter than the DualSense. The entire unit feels pleasant to the touch, with even the buttons sporting a pleasing matte coating.
While I can't definitively comment on whether Nintendo has fixed the D-pad issues that plagued previous controllers, I can confirm that the triggers are not variable pressure triggers like those found on Xbox controllers or the DualSense.
Other notable improvements for repairability include a replaceable audio jack and Amiibo antenna, a significant upgrade compared to the previous Pro-Controller where these components were often integrated into the main board.
Ultimately, the Switch 2 Pro-Controller takes everything that made the original so beloved, particularly its superb ergonomics, and elevates it with a new body and substantial internal upgrades. The only notable drawback for now is the increased difficulty of disassembly, which impacts its repairability.
One of the most significant and welcome discoveries in the Switch 2 Pro-Controller teardown is Nintendo's approach to the analogue sticks. Currently, among the major console manufacturers, Nintendo stands out as the only one offering an option for properly replaceable analogue sticks that don't require desoldering. This design choice is a monumental step forward, directly addressing the pervasive issue of stick drift. For consumers, it means no longer needing to discard an entire controller due to a faulty stick, leading to less e-waste and substantial cost savings over the controller's lifespan.
My overarching impression of the Pro-Controller's design philosophy is that it feels like a bigger, more intricate Joy-Con. While this might sound counterintuitive, it points to a consistent design approach from Nintendo. We see a strong emphasis on highly integrated components for certain functions, as evidenced by the unified button and trigger layout. Yet, in parallel, Nintendo has thoughtfully included modular and replaceable parts where it matters most, like the analogue sticks, audio jack, and Amiibo antenna. This blend of integration and modularity suggests a refined evolution of the design principles seen in the original Joy-Cons, now applied to a "Pro" device aimed at serious gamers.
