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Pleasure-Con 2: one-minute evaluation
The Pleasure-Con 2 controllers are what you’ll get packaged together with your Nintendo Switch 2 console. They differ significantly from the likes of the DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller in that the Pleasure-Con 2 are primarily two separate gamepads that can be utilized both mixed as one, or individually for native multiplayer.
From a design standpoint, that makes the Pleasure-Con 2 fairly intelligent, as was the case with the unique mannequin. For households and at social gatherings, they will make entry to multiplayer simpler – even when their small dimension doesn’t make for essentially the most comfy of play periods.
The Pleasure-Con 2 controllers do enhance issues on this entrance. They’re barely bigger than the 2017 mannequin and extra ergonomically sound. Utilizing them each for handheld play, or with the (included) Pleasure-Con 2 grip, the play expertise is serviceable. Whereas I a lot, a lot choose the general really feel of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, you gained’t be exhausting carried out by with the Pleasure-Con 2 because of its construct high quality enhancements, handy magnetic connectors, and respectable battery life.
That stated, for some Nintendo Swap 2 video games, you could be incentivized to go for the Pleasure-Con 2 over different controllers. That’s due to the standout new characteristic: mouse controls. Whereas not a ton of video games assist this at current, mouse controls work surprisingly effectively throughout quite a lot of surfaces.
Regardless of the general enhancements, the Pleasure-Con 2 hasn’t fairly managed to flee some design awkwardness of its predecessor. The asymmetrical stick format simply doesn’t sit proper with me right here, and whereas I do know it could show irksome for native multiplayer, I discovered myself wanting a symmetrical stick format like we see on units just like the Nitro Deck and Steam Deck OLED.
The analog sticks themselves additionally aren’t a lot of an enchancment. The sticks are nonetheless very shallow, and the concave design isn’t significantly comfy. They’re additionally not Corridor impact, as confirmed by Nintendo itself, so the opportunity of stick drift down the road nonetheless looms giant.
Pleasure-Con 2 evaluation: worth and availability
- $94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95
- Accessible at My Nintendo Retailer
- On the costly facet
A single pair of Pleasure-Con 2 controllers come packaged with Nintendo Swap 2 consoles. Nevertheless, they can be bought individually if you happen to want a spare otherwise you’re trying to get some massive multiplayer teams collectively.
They’re undoubtedly on the costly facet, although, costing $94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95.
That’s $10 pricier than the Swap 2 Professional Controller within the US, however within the UK, they arrive in on the similar £74.99 worth. In each areas, the Pleasure-Con 2 can be found to buy from the My Nintendo Retailer.
Pleasure-Con 2 evaluation: Specs
|
Value |
$94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95 |
|
Weight |
4.7oz / 133g (mixed) |
|
Dimensions |
4.6 x 1.2 x 0.6in / 116 x 31 x 14mm (every Pleasure-Con 2) |
|
Compatibility |
Nintendo Swap 2 |
|
Connection sort |
Wi-fi |
|
Battery life |
Round 20 hours |
Pleasure-Con 2 evaluation: design and options
Are the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers a greater product total than its 2017 predecessor? The brief reply is sure. Nintendo has largely caught to its weapons with the general idea, however has refined it for a decidedly extra polished expertise.
Construct high quality is a noticeable step-up. The Pleasure-Con 2 are barely bigger, and thus are a lot friendlier on bigger arms. It’s a wise redesign, contemplating that youngsters who performed with the unique Pleasure-Con controllers as early as 2017 are a superb deal older now.
It additionally signifies that adults could have a better time utilizing a single Pleasure-Con, although not by a lot. Wielding a single Pleasure-Con 2 horizontally remains to be a little bit of a squeeze. Although fortunately, the SL and SR buttons have been made bigger to compensate.
The Pleasure-Con 2 undoubtedly give off a much less toy-esque impression. The daring neon purple/blue coloration scheme that many authentic Swap homeowners had has been swapped out for a extra mundane black, although that purple and blue might be discovered beneath the analog sticks and on the sides the place the magnetic connector and SL/SR buttons are housed.
They do look slick, boasting barely rounder edges than its predecessor. In any other case, you’re getting a well-recognized Pleasure-Con expertise right here. Analog sticks, directional, and face buttons are all present in the identical place. The one massive distinction right here is the addition of the GameChat button for accessing the Swap 2’s bespoke voice chat app.
Not like the unique Pleasure-Con, there’s no rail system right here for connection functions. Mercifully, this has been swapped for far more elegant magnetic connectors, permitting the Pleasure-Con 2 to click on into the Swap 2 handheld or the Pleasure-Con 2 grip with ease.
A button nestled subsequent to the triggers additionally pushes the Pleasure-Con 2 again out. It stays to be seen if these connectors sporting down over time turns into a much bigger challenge, particularly because the magnetic pull is sort of sturdy. However for now, it’s one thing I a lot choose over the awkward rail system of the primary Pleasure-Con.
Pleasure-Con 2 evaluation: Efficiency
Probably the most notable addition to the Pleasure-Con 2 needs to be their mouse controls. By detaching one (or each), they are often turned sideways with the SL/SR buttons dealing with down and used as a mouse. Some video games have been closely marketed with this characteristic, together with Cyberpunk 2077, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, and Sid Meier’s Civilization 7.
Mouse controls work relatively effectively, and can be utilized in sure video games in addition to the Swap 2’s Residence dashboard and Nintendo eShop. The dearth of a scroll wheel undoubtedly hurts navigation and common usability, however total sensitivity feels fantastic, and this may even be adjusted within the system settings if you happen to’d choose quicker or slower cursor motion.
The sensor is respectable sufficient that you should utilize mouse controls on many floor varieties, together with your personal trousers. Although for finest outcomes, I’d stick with a flat floor like a desk or desk.
For extra conventional gameplay, the Pleasure-Con 2 are serviceable, although it’s not a lot of a soar from the unique Pleasure-Con controllers. I nonetheless discover the analog sticks to be uncomfortably shallow, and their slippery concave cap design could make it exhausting to seek out buy whereas enjoying extra hectic or action-focused titles.
I additionally lament the return of particular person buttons for the d-pad. I perceive the choice right here – choosing buttons makes them extra multiplayer-friendly – however I a lot choose a extra conventional d-pad like we see on the Swap 2 Professional Controller.
In any other case, all of the gubbins from the unique Pleasure-Con are right here, too. That features gyro aiming assist – finest used with video games like Splatoon 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – and near-field communication (NFC) assist for the scanning of amiibo figures and playing cards.
Battery life holds up decently, as effectively. I managed roughly 20 hours on a full cost – give or take a pair. This does line up with Nintendo’s official projections, however do notice that your mileage will differ right here. Every Pleasure-Con 2 has its personal battery, as effectively, so it’s totally attainable that one may run out of juice earlier than the opposite.
Ought to I purchase the Pleasure-Con 2?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Pleasure-Con 2 evaluation: Additionally take into account
Contemplate these two options if you happen to’re on the lookout for a Swap 2-compatible controller that gives one thing totally different.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Pleasure-Con 2 |
Swap 2 Professional Controller |
GameSir Nova Lite |
|
Value |
$94.99 / £74.99 / AU$139.95 |
$84.99 / £74.99 / AU$119.95 |
$24.99 / £19.99 / AU$39 |
|
Weight |
4.7oz / 133g (mixed) |
8.3oz / 235g |
7.2oz / 205g |
|
Dimensions |
4.6 x 1.2 x 0.6in / 116 x 31 x 14mm (per Pleasure-Con 2) |
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60mm |
6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61mm |
|
Compatibility |
Nintendo Swap 2 |
Nintendo Swap 2 |
Nintendo Swap, Nintendo Swap 2, PC |
|
Connection sort |
Wi-fi |
Wi-fi (Bluetooth), Wired (USB Kind-C) |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Kind-C) |
|
Battery life |
Round 20 hours |
Round 40 hours |
10-15 hours |
How I examined the Pleasure-Con 2
- Examined for over a month
- Performed in each handheld mode and with the Pleasure-Con 2 grip
- In comparison with the unique Pleasure-Con and the Swap 2 Professional Controller
I’ve examined the Pleasure-Con 2 commonly since getting my Swap 2 console on launch day (June 5, 2025). I’ve primarily used them in handheld mode when touring or as a part of a cheeky before-bed session. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally used them whereas slotted into the Pleasure-Con 2 grip, as a extra conventional controller.
Whereas I feel the Pleasure-Con 2 are completely fantastic controllers, I discovered myself preferring the Swap 2 Professional Controller for longer gaming periods, particularly in docked mode. The Professional Controller is one I simply discover to be extra comfy, and its long-lasting battery life can’t be taken as a right. Nonetheless, in native multiplayer environments, the Pleasure-Con 2 shone because of the 2 controllers appearing as separate entities, minimizing the necessity to dig out different gamepads.
First reviewed July 2025