Nintendo unveiled all the exciting details about the Switch 2 during its April Direct, and since then, fans in the U.S. have been eagerly waiting for preorders to open. The price of the new console wasn't much of a shock, but the announcement of the cost for first-party Switch 2 games at launch certainly raised some eyebrows. The standout revelation was that Mario Kart World will be priced at a hefty $80 at launch. Additionally, Nintendo is rolling out a new line of Switch 2 accessories, which have seen significant price increases over their original Switch counterparts, and these prices have even gone up since the initial announcement.

The only Switch 2 accessory that piqued my interest was the new Switch 2 Pro controller, which is now priced at an astonishing $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 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 newer Switch 2 Pro controller, it's not necessary for most games. If you already own a Switch Pro controller, you can stick with it and save $80 for new games. For those planning to buy the Switch 2 but don't yet have a Pro controller, the standard Switch Pro controller remains a more affordable option at $69.99.

It's worth noting that these older controllers might sell out before the Switch 2 hits the market to make way for the new version. Amazon is already experiencing significant stock shortages and is mainly offering third-party alternatives. Alongside the compatibility of the regular Switch Pro controller, Nintendo has confirmed that the original Joy-Con controllers will also work with the Switch 2 – though we generally recommend the Switch Pro controller for most games due to its superior comfort and performance.

When Will the Switch 2 Pro Controller Be Available?

If the Switch 2 Pro controller is the only accessory you're eager to get your hands on, you'll need to wait until the console launches. The new controller will be available on June 5, coinciding with the Switch 2 release. Preorders for the new console, and likely the official accessories, will begin on April 24. Keep in mind, the Switch 2 Pro controller is exclusively compatible with the Switch 2 and cannot be used with the standard Switch.

Listings for the Switch 2 Pro controller are already appearing at Walmart and Best Buy, although no preorder dates have been specified yet. Walmart also features listings for upcoming Switch 2 game preorders.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Preorder listing only

$79.00 at Walmart