Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Input lag comparison
| # | Connection | Mode | LatencyAverage (ms) | Polling RateMedian (Hz) | Jitter | OSBuild ver. | FWTester ver. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latency P82 | ||||||||
1 | Cable | XInput | 7.97 13.1 | 248.45 | 1.29 3.67 | Win 11 10.0.26200 | --- 5.2.3.6 | |
Stick LatencyP82 ✓ Selected 8.33 ms 13.08 ms 21.42 ms 3.67 ms 248.45 Hz (see 📊) Polling Rate 1.97 ms 4.03 ms 7.96 ms 0.87 ms 248.45 Hz 246.55 Hz Note: This test are based on polling rate and do not represent actual input-lag. | ||||||||
| Button Latency P82 | ||||||||
2 | Cable | DInput | 7.37 | 249.94 | 1.09 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | --- 5.2.3.1 | |
3 | Cable | Switch | 19.4 | 62.86 | 9.46 | Win 11 10.0.26100 | --- 5.2.3.1 | |
Latency
Our visualization focuses on Average Latency, presented as vertical bars to make comparing performance across different connection modes (Wired, Bluetooth, Dongle) instant and intuitive.
The chart differentiates between:
- Button Latency: How quickly the game registers a physical button press.
- Stick Latency: The delay in registering joystick movement (tested at 99% deflection).
Visualizing Stability (Jitter)
You may notice that the top portion of some bars is semi-transparent or "faded". This represents Jitter (instability):
- Solid Bar: Represents the stable, consistent average latency.
- Faded Top: Indicates the variance. A larger transparent area means higher jitter, implying the controller's response time fluctuates. A solid bar with little to no fading indicates a highly stable connection.
Deep Dive: Click the arrow to reveal Probability Distribution Charts. These show the exact breakdown of every input tested, displaying Probability (%) on the Y-axis and Latency (ms) on the X-axis.
Polling Rate vs. Latency
It is crucial to understand that Polling Rate and Latency are measured using two entirely different methodologies on our site:
- Latency (ms) is measured by the Prometheus 82 hardware. It captures the physical movement of the stick or button via hardware interrupts with microsecond precision. This is the "real-world" delay.
- Polling Rate (Hz) is measured via a Software Tool. It shows how often the OS receives reports from the USB stack.
Common Myth: A higher polling rate (like 8000 Hz) does not automatically guarantee lower latency if the controller's internal processing is slow. Conversely, a high polling rate on a chart might show fluctuations (e.g., 7800Hz instead of 8000Hz) due to OS jitter or CPU scheduling, which does not necessarily impact the hardware latency measured by the P82.
To test your own gamepad's polling rate, you can use our tool: Download Polling Rate Tester.
Testing Methods
Gamepadla ensures data integrity by combining three distinct testing methodologies:
-
Prometheus 82 (P82): Our gold standard. A custom-built hardware device that physically actuates buttons and sticks. It uses high-speed hardware interrupts to capture events, making it independent of the controller's polling rate. It provides an error margin of only ±1ms for buttons and sticks. View on GitHub.
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GPDL Tester: An electrical monitoring tool for highly accurate button latency. While P82 simulates human-like mechanical movement, GPDL focuses on the electrical signal speed. View on GitHub.
-
Software Polling Test: A pure software diagnostic to check communication frequency. We use this to verify if a controller actually reaches its advertised specs (e.g., 1000Hz or 8000Hz) at the OS level. Download Software.
Note: By comparing hardware-level latency (P82) with software-level reports (Polling Test), we can identify if a controller has "fake" high polling rates or poorly optimized firmware.
Stick test of Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Stick test results for Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller gamepad • Cable connection • XInput mode • FW Box, by John Punch
Comment: Measuring asymmetry with special rings instead of brackets.
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.1 mm
- Asymmetry10.0 / 2.5%
- Circle Error5.2 / 4.6%
- Stick Bitness10.7 / 11.7 bit
- Stick Centering3.9 / 4.2%
- Polling Rate141 Hz
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has no Outer Dead Zone. The stick registers movement all the way to its physical limit, providing full range and responsiveness. This is ideal for games where maximum input is crucial, like racing or fighting games.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Stick Asymmetry is 10.0% for the left stick and 2.5% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Circle Error is 5.2% for the left stick and 4.6% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has a Stick Bitness of 10.7 bits for the left stick and 11.7 bits for the right stick. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
Note: This result was recorded with Stick Tracer version 2.5.2.8, before movement-based True Bitness was introduced. The values above represent digital bit depth only; metrics like Step Resolution are not available for this older test.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Stick Centering is 3.9% for the left joystick and 4.2% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller recorded a Polling Rate of 141 Hz in this test mode. This value helps describe report frequency, but it should not be treated as a direct substitute for real latency, since response time also depends on firmware, processing, and the wireless or wired stack.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: ) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick test results for Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller gamepad • Cable connection • XInput mode • FW Box, by John Punch
- Inner D.ZoneNone
- Outer D.Zone0.1 mm
- Asymmetry9.8 / 1.3%
- Circle Error5.7 / 5.6%
- Stick Bitness11.7 bit
- Stick Centering4.6 / 2.8%
- Polling Rate137.9 Hz
Inner Dead Zone
The Inner Dead Zone is the area around the center of the stick where small movements are not registered. This helps prevent stick drift or accidental inputs, but if the dead zone is too large, it can make aiming less precise, especially in games requiring fine control. We evaluate the Inner Dead Zone based on how much you need to move the stick before it responds—the less movement required, the better.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has no Inner Dead Zone. The stick responds immediately to even the slightest movement, which is excellent for aiming accuracy and micro-control. This makes it a great choice for precision-heavy games like first-person shooters (e.g., Valorant or Apex Legends).
For comparison, many budget gamepads often have a moderate to large Inner Dead Zone, while premium controllers typically aim for a slight or no dead zone for better precision.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Inner Dead Zone works.
Outer Dead Zone
The Outer Dead Zone is the area near the edge of the stick’s range where further movement isn’t registered. This can make the stick feel less responsive at full tilt, affecting actions like quick turns or maximum speed in games. We evaluate the Outer Dead Zone based on how much 'lost' range there is—the smaller the dead zone, the better, as it allows full use of the stick’s range for more precise control.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has no Outer Dead Zone. The stick registers movement all the way to its physical limit, providing full range and responsiveness. This is ideal for games where maximum input is crucial, like racing or fighting games.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have moderate to large Outer Dead Zones, while premium controllers strive for minimal or no dead zone to maximize control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how the Outer Dead Zone works.
Stick Asymmetry
Stick Asymmetry measures the consistency of the joystick's response across different directions. Ideally, if you physically deflect the stick by 80% from the center, the software should report an 80% deflection regardless of the direction. A high asymmetry score indicates a problem where for the same physical movement, the reported coordinates are inconsistent—for example, 60% in one direction and 90% in another. This creates an uneven, often 'egg-shaped,' response zone, which negatively impacts aiming and control predictability.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Stick Asymmetry is 9.8% for the left stick and 1.3% for the right stick. Higher values can lead to noticeable inconsistencies, potentially impacting aiming or movement in games.
Testing Methodology: It's crucial to note that this test is performed at partial stick deflection (~80%), using special physical limiters (clips). Testing at 100% deflection often hides asymmetries because the controller's output is clamped at the maximum value, artificially 'smoothing' the resulting shape. Our method reveals the true performance of the stick in the ranges most critical for gameplay. This precise approach was also utilized by Linus Tech Tips in their controller review.
For comparison, many budget gamepads show asymmetry levels above 30%, while high-end controllers typically stay below 10% for better uniformity.
Learn more about how different gamepads perform in the Stick Asymmetry test and how to conduct such a test in this article. You can learn how to test joystick asymmetry yourself from this video.
Circle Error
Circle Error evaluates how closely the stick’s movement follows a perfect circle. A high Circle Error means the path is more square-like, which can cause inconsistent speeds when moving diagonally—your character might move faster or slower than expected. The lower the percentage, the better, as it ensures smooth, uniform movement in all directions.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Circle Error is 5.7% for the left stick and 5.6% for the right stick. This is a good result, providing smooth diagonal movement similar to premium controllers.
For comparison, budget gamepads often have Circle Errors above 12%, resulting in 'square' feeling sticks, while high-quality ones aim for under 8% for better smoothness.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Circle Error impacts performance.
Stick Bitness
Stick Bitness measures the precision of the joystick’s analog input, similar to bit depth in audio. Higher bitness means more distinct positions the stick can register, leading to smoother and more accurate control. Lower bitness can result in 'stepping' or less fluid movement, especially noticeable in slow, precise actions like aiming.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has a Stick Bitness of 11.7 bits on both sticks. This is excellent precision, comparable to high-end controllers, ensuring smooth inputs in demanding games.
Note: This result was recorded with Stick Tracer version 2.5.2.8, before movement-based True Bitness was introduced. The values above represent digital bit depth only; metrics like Step Resolution are not available for this older test.
For comparison, many budget gamepads have around 8 bits, while premium ones often exceed 10 bits for superior accuracy.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Bitness affects control. It is important to note that the video specifies the resolution of the stick, not the bit depth; the higher the bit depth, the higher the resolution.
Stick Centering
Stick Centering measures how accurately the joystick returns to its neutral (center) position after you release it. A good Stick Centering value prevents stick drift—a common issue where your character or camera moves slightly in a game, even when you're not touching the stick. The lower the percentage, the better the centering, and the less likely you are to experience drift.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Stick Centering is 4.6% for the left joystick and 2.8% for the right stick. Values above 2% may lead to noticeable drift in some scenarios, which can affect precision in games.
This test methodology intentionally employs a more rigorous approach by implementing small-angle deflection and release, which produces the most challenging conditions for stick re-centering. This technique differs from the conventional maximum-deflection method where the stick is pulled to its full range and released, as small-angle deflection better simulates the micro-adjustments typically executed during actual gameplay scenarios, providing more representative data on potential stick drift occurrence during normal use.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Centering works.
Axis Magnet
Axis Magnet is a form of stick processing where movement tends to 'snap' or cling to the X or Y axis when the stick passes close to it within a certain part of its travel. This can make pure horizontal or vertical movement feel cleaner, but it also alters the real stick path and can distort diagonal or subtle player input.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shows no Axis Magnet. That means the stick does not artificially cling to the horizontal or vertical axes, so your real movement path is preserved more accurately. This is the preferable behavior for consistent aiming and natural analog control.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Axis Magnet affects stick behavior.
Polling Rate
Polling Rate describes how often the controller sends stick data to the system, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher values mean the controller reports its position more frequently, which can reduce the time between updates and make input feel more responsive.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller recorded a Polling Rate of 137.9 Hz in this test mode. This value helps describe report frequency, but it should not be treated as a direct substitute for real latency, since response time also depends on firmware, processing, and the wireless or wired stack.
Polling Rate is measured separately from latency, so it is best used as supporting information rather than a standalone quality verdict. In addition, this reading is approximate: Stick Tracer is not a specialized tool for precise polling-rate measurement, so some margin of error is expected.
Center Skip
Center Skip, also known as Stick Skipping, is a rare behavior where the joystick does not begin moving smoothly from its neutral position. Instead of a gradual response, it suddenly jumps to a noticeable deflection as soon as movement starts, which makes fine control much harder.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller shows no Center Skip. That means the stick begins moving gradually from neutral, which is the expected and desirable behavior for precise aiming, camera control, and micro-adjustments.
Want to learn more? Check out our video explanation of how Stick Skipping affects performance.
Disclaimer
We tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller gamepad using a single unit, so keep in mind that other units of this model might perform slightly better or worse. In most cases, these differences are minor and shouldn’t affect your experience significantly. The results were obtained with the Stick Tracer program, and some values might vary if you use different software or testing methods.
Testing conditions, such as the gamepad’s firmware version (FW: ) or connection type, can also influence the results. If you have this gamepad, we’d love for you to share your own test results! This will help us build a more comprehensive picture of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s performance across different units.
Full test results can be viewed on the test page.
Stick Movement Linearity Test
Reviews of Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
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User comments
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller has a nice feel, but the lack of analog triggers is a drawback. Additionally, the D-pad is quite unreliable, leading some users to resort to tape for better precision inputs.
These new Pro Controllers still seem underwhelming. Unless you’re only comparing to other Nintendo options, they don’t feel that “pro.” If you're looking for true performance, Xbox Elite Series 2 is the way to go.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller feels solid, but I can't believe they still haven't made a split pad version. It's like they’re missing an obvious option for handheld gamers who want that comfort without the bulk.
random question but anyone know what battery this thing uses i remember the original switch pro used 3ds batteries which was super convenient nintendo still had a steady supply
it uses a different battery than the original switch pro, but i couldn't find the exact specs. be warned, this one's not as easy to tinker with as the previous model was lol
I really like the controller's feel but I think it's a bit pricey for the standard features it offers.
You can get a lot more for your cash with the 8bitdo pro. I mean, they've got the fancy stuff you're missing out on, plus charging dock. It's a whole different ball game.
I understand the price concern, but I've found that cheaper third-party controllers feel cheap and break quickly. Nintendo's controllers have consistently lasted much longer, making them worth the investment in the long run.
Valve just added Switch 2 controller support over USB in a new Steam Beta firmware
Yes, and I've already started testing it.
@John Punch im assuming that this adds support for linux as steam is tightly supporting steam deck so they will make sure the beta works on linux. am I correct?
@Oarin Yeah so I got the controller and tested it and it works on linux. reads 250 hz so it is not falling back to switch 1 polling rate.
I decided to wait for a full-fledged driver that will allow me to test the gamepad both via cable and Bluetooth, so for now the test is posted.
Thank you for this awesome website and testing itself! Would it be possible to test how it performs on Switch 2? Or it should be more or less the same as the results on PC.
@Andrei Borisov Unfortunately, it is not possible to test the latency on consoles at this time, only on PCs. And no, it cannot be assumed that they will perform identically.