Nintendo’s new Switch 2 Pro Controller has been criticized by iFixit for its poor repairability, labeling it a “piss-poor excuse for a controller.” The difficulty in fixing it stems from several design choices: the faceplate is glued shut, requiring prying to access screws and internal components; the battery is deeply embedded beneath the mainboard and bumpers, unlike the easily swappable battery in an Xbox controller; and while the potentiometer joystick modules (known for stick drift) are replaceable, accessing them involves destroying adhesive that then needs full replacement.
Reddit users have expressed similar frustrations, with comments like, “Feels like Switch 2 is shaping up to be their least ‘preservable’ generation yet,” and “Nintendo is making it super hard on purpose… We need to go back to that type of design.” This trend extends beyond the controller, as iFixit gave the entire Switch 2 console a 3/10 repairability score, a decrease from the original Switch’s 4/10. Reasons cited include glued-in batteries, soldered-in parts, tamper stickers, tri-point screws, and the continued use of potentiometer Joy-Cons.
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Despite the repairability issues, reviewers have praised the controller’s quality, noting its comfortable grip, long-lasting battery (approximately 40–45 hours), and useful extras such as rear remappable buttons, a headphone jack, and GameChat support. However, with the use of potentiometer sticks, future stick drift is anticipated.
For those of you who are unwilling to tolerate Nintendo’s sealed design, alternatives like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Gulikit Elves 2 Pro offer promising solutions. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is compact, features Hall-effect sticks, allows for easy repairs, and supports GameChat webcams. The Gulikit Elves 2 Pro is an affordable third-party option with TMR/Hall sticks and a modular design. Both alternatives claim better long-term durability, enabling users to swap sticks or batteries without damaging adhesive seals.
Check out iFixit’s video below –
