iFixit has harshly criticised the repairability of the Switch 2 Pro Controller

The new $85 Switch 2 Pro controller has caused quite a stir - and not because of gameplay. As iFixit's disassembly showed, in terms of repairability, the device evokes a persistent sense of deja vu: Nintendo is making a "disposable Pro" again.

What iFixit criticises is not so much the stick design, but the engineering complication of accessing the parts that wear out first.

Key takeaway

The joysticks and battery aren't soldered - they're connected via connectors, which technically makes replacement possible. But! To get to these components, you'll have to completely disassemble the controller: remove the glued front panel, unscrew the layers of plastic, detach the bumpers, and only then carefully pull out the parts you need. In reality, this makes a simple stick replacement almost impractical for the average user.

Against this background, iFixit rightly points out that competitors have everything simpler: in the Xbox or DualSense Edge controllers, the battery and modules are easily replaced, while the Switch 2 Pro requires a set of tools and the patience of a surgeon.

Yes, the controller itself feels solid and comfortable to use, but its internal architecture shows again: Nintendo is still relying on buying new rather than repairing. This looks particularly sad against the backdrop of the long-running Joy-Con drift scandal, when thousands of users complained about the wear and tear of the analogue.

Unlike the current approaches of its competitors, Nintendo's controller is clearly designed for "repeat purchase" rather than long life.

Source: iFixit