Summary
- Switch 2 Pro Controller sticks are not soldered, making repairs much easier.
- Alps Alpine supplies custom analog sticks with a new low-friction design.
- The controller features a smaller battery and better ergonomics.
Switch 2 Pro Controller: A Smarter, Repair-Friendly Design
The Switch 2 Pro Controller teardown by GameTraderZero has revealed some great news for gamers who like to tinker. One big upgrade?
The analog sticks are not soldered to the board anymore. That means if something breaks, you won’t need to pull out a soldering iron. It’s now much easier to replace the sticks if they wear out or develop problems like drift.
Sticks Built for the Long Run
The teardown also confirmed that the sticks were made by Alps Alpine, a trusted name known for precision parts. But what really stands out is how the sticks glide around a hidden base ring. This base ring is built to be low-friction, resistant to wear, and even slightly elastic, which should keep the sticks moving smoothly and quietly over time.
More Upgrades Under the Hood
GameTraderZero also spotted other smart changes inside the controller. One of them is a unified part for face buttons and side triggers. This gives the controller better strength and feel during gameplay.
There’s also a smaller battery than the one in the original Pro Controller, which may slightly reduce battery life. But this trade-off seems to help improve the controller’s overall shape and handling.
Improved Shape, Better Feel
Players have been loving how the new Pro Controller feels. It’s more ergonomic, and includes extra features like an audio jack. Even with minor issues like a less-loved D-pad, the controller is winning fans with its thoughtful changes—especially the slick analog stick system.
So, while Nintendo hasn’t fixed stick drift forever, they’ve made it way easier to deal with—and maybe even avoided it with better design. This Switch 2 Pro Controller teardown shows that Nintendo really paid attention this time.
