Nintendo unveiled all the exciting details about the Switch 2 during its April Direct presentation, and we've been eagerly awaiting the start of preorders in the United States. The new console's price didn't come as a huge shock, but the announced cost of first-party Switch 2 games at launch certainly raised some eyebrows. Most notably, Mario Kart World will retail for $80 on its own when it releases. On top of that, Nintendo is introducing a new line of Switch 2 accessories that have seen similar price hikes compared to the original Switch. In fact, their prices have increased even further since the initial announcement.
The only Switch 2 accessory that concerned me was the new Switch 2 Pro Controller, now priced at a hefty $85. I already own several original Switch Pro controllers and would really prefer not to buy a new version. Fortunately, Nintendo confirmed in a 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
Note: This is not the Switch 2 version.
See it at Walmart
See it at Target
See it at Best Buy
While many people will choose to purchase the newer Switch 2 Pro controller, it won't be necessary for most games. If you already own a Switch Pro controller, you can comfortably keep using it and save that $85 for new games. If you don't have a Pro controller yet and are planning to buy a Switch 2, the standard Switch Pro Controller remains a more affordable option at $69.99.
It's possible that these older controllers may sell out before the Switch 2's arrival to make room for the updated model. Amazon already has significantly low stock and is primarily offering third-party alternatives. In addition to compatibility with the standard Switch Pro Controller, Nintendo has also confirmed that the original Joy-Con controllers will work with the Switch 2 – though we typically recommend the Switch Pro Controller over Joy-Cons for most gaming experiences.
When Will the Switch 2 Pro Controller Be Available?
If the only accessory you're really interested in is the new Switch 2 Pro Controller, you'll need to wait until the console itself launches. The new controller will be officially available starting June 5, alongside the Switch 2 release. Preorders for the new console are expected to begin on April 24, which is likely when the official accessories will also become available for preorder. Keep in mind that the Switch 2 Pro Controller will only be compatible with the Switch 2 and will not work with the standard Switch.
Listings for the Switch 2 Pro Controller have already appeared on Walmart and Best Buy's websites, though no specific preorder date is shown yet. Walmart also features listings for the Switch 2 games that will be available for preorder soon.
Preorder listing only
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
$79.00 at Walmart
