Written by Giovanni
Edited on
13 October 2025
·
14:44
The differences between the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller
We'll compare the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and list the differences and similarities here. Both controllers have their own usage mode, so they're suitable for different situations. You use Joy-Cons in handheld mode, while the Pro is for the competitive gamer.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Set Red/Blue
- Some games like Mario Kart use a set of Joy-Cons for 2 players.
- These Joy-Cons support every function needed to control the Nintendo Switch.
- You can also link the Joy-Cons to the Nintendo Switch Lite.
- Due to the smaller size, the Joy-Cons are less suitable for larger hands.
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- The shape makes this controller more suitable for competitive gamers.
- The button layout of this controller makes it easy to press every button.
- Because this controller is wireless, you can play across the room from the couch without a wire.
- This controller isn't suitable to be controlled by 2 players at the same time.
€ 59,90
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Joy-Con and Pro controller comparison
| Joy Con | Pro controller | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld mode | Yes | No | |
| Wireless use | 20 hours | 40 hours | |
| Suitable for 2 players | Yes | No | |
| Competitive button layout | No | Yes |
Handheld gaming
Joy-Con: suitable for handheld
You can also use the Joy-Con in handheld mode, which allows you to control games through movements with the controller. Make a movement with your arm as if you're throwing a bowling ball to actually throw the bowling ball towards the pins in-game. That means you can only play a game like Ring Fit with Joy-Cons. You can't use the handheld mode in combination with the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Pro: handheld not possible
The Pro controller doesn't have motion sensors, so you can't use the controller in handheld mode. That means you can't play games with the Pro controller which you can only play by making movements with the controller.
Wireless
Joy-Con: 20 hours wireless
You can use a fully charged set of Joy-Cons wirelessly for up to 20 hours. After that, you need to charge the set for about 3 hours and 30 minutes before you can use them wirelessly again for the maximum duration.
Pro: 40 hours wireless
You can use the Nintendo Switch Pro controller for up to 40 hours wirelessly. After that, the controller has to charge for 6 hours until the battery is full again. That means you can game with this controller twice as long wirelessly as with the Joy-Cons.
Multiplayer gaming
Joy-Con: 2 players
Because the Joy-Cons are 2 separate controllers, you can also use 1 Joy-Con per player. This applies to several games, including Mario Kart. You then play together by holding the Joy-Con horizontally and turning it into a small but full-fledged controller.
Pro: 1 player
The Nintendo Switch Pro controller isn't suitable for 2 players. It's one controller which you can't split into two. That means it\s very difficult to press the buttons of this controller with 2 players. But you can play with 2 separate Pro controllers on 1 Nintendo Switch console.
Competitive gaming
Joy-Con: not for competitive
In competitive gaming, the player is going for the highest possible level and a set of Joy-Cons isn't suitable for that. Because of the button layout and the way you hold the 2 separate controllers, it's less easy to make quick button combinations. That means Joy-Cons are more suitable for hobby gaming.
Pro: suitable for competitive
The button layout, the grip coating on the grips, and the shape of the controller make the Pro suitable for competitive gaming. This is the ideal controller for playing Fortnite tournaments or want to become as good as possible in a game like Super Smash Bros. With this controller, you reach your maximum potential as a player.
Conclusion
For most Nintendo Switch gamers, a set of Joy-Cons is the better choice. Joy-Cons are more versatile and more suitable for the hobby gamer than the Pro controller. For serious gamers, we recommend the Pro controller. Would you rather have the highest level of gaming than an evening of family gaming? The Pro controller is the right choice for you.
Article by Giovanni
Gaming Expert.
