Nintendo is set to reveal more details about the highly anticipatedNintendo Switch 2during this week’s Direct Showcase, but some details might already be spoiling major features. While the original Nintendo Switch is a massive success, it’s missing out on some key concepts that could strengthen the hardware. One missing element is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack in the controller, and the Switch 2 could be fixing that.
According toVGC,Nintendo is finally bringing a headphone jack to the Switch 2 Pro Controller, something other consoles have been implementing for a while now. This detail comes from a Nintendo equipment filing with the FCC, which goes on to suggest that the Pro Controller will once again feature RFID and Bluetooth support. The filing was approved on March 31 and is simply described as a “Game Controller”. The filing also depicts a different battery voltage for the new controller, suggesting a potentially upgraded battery, although capacity and charging are still unclear.
The Switch 2 Is Poised To Have An Obvious And Standard Feature
Entering The Ring Swinging
Theheadphone jack and controller combo has become a staple for most gaming consoles today.Sony first introduced the headphone jack into its controllers with the DualShock 4 for PlayStation 4 back in 2013. It continued the trend with the DualSense for PlayStation 5 in 2020. Similarly, Microsoft began implementing the headphone jack with its Xbox One controller in 2013, which likewise continued into 2020 with the Xbox Series X|S controllers.
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Meanwhile,Nintendo hasn’t included a headphone jack in any first-party Switch controllers, a limitation that applies to both Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller. Based on the FCC filing, the Switch 2’s Pro Controller will consequently be a major change. However, it still doesn’t look like the standard Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch 2 will adopt a headphone jack. The main body of the Switch 2 features one, so wired headphones can be used on the go, but Joy-Cons on their own are more limiting.
The upcoming Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 should shed more light on the Pro Controller, assuming the new FCC filing points to an imminent reveal. It should also clear up therumors about the release date of pre-ordersthat have swirled since the beginning of the week. Plus, there will befocused livestreams later in the weekto show off all the Switch 2 has to offer.
A Switch 2 Pro Controller Is Hopefully A Big Improvement From The First
Learning From The Past
By the sounds of the filing, it seems thatthe Switch 2’s Pro Controller will be a significant improvement from its predecessor. Not only will it have a headphone jack, but it will likely feature the mysterious C button that has been all over Nintendo’s daily teasers this week. This little button, first uncovered in January’s Switch 2 reveal video, has made some waves with fans. While Nintendo did confirm the presence of this extra button on the Joy-Con, it did not specify its use.
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Over on aRedditthread concerning the Pro Controller filing, some users think it all leads back to that little C button. In one comment, thread creatorJoseki1000shared the rumor that this button is dedicated to voice and chat features for the Nintendo Switch 2 while noting that there aren’t reliable sources to back it up. If true, however, that would be a large improvement from the original Switch, which did not put a lot of focus on the voice or chat aspect of gaming.
The higher-voltage battery shown in the filing could also mitigate some ofthe complaints against the original Pro Controller. While the 40-hour battery life out-competes PlayStation and Xbox offerings, it didn’t match the heights of the Wii U Pro Controller. Button layout, size, and lack of USB-C charging also made the original Pro Controller a let-down for many. Hopefully, Nintendo learns from its mistakes, and a headphone jack in theNintendo Switch 2Pro Controller could be the perfect first step.
