Hollow Knight: Silksong Turns Switch 2 Pro Controller Into an Instant Must-Have
One player reported that switching from the Switch 2’s Joy-Con shell to the official Switch 2 Pro Controller shortly after starting Hollow Knight: Silksong produced noticeable differences in controls, ergonomics, and tactile feedback.
- Controller improvements the player experienced
- How Silksong uses HD Rumble on Switch 2
- Compatibility and other games that benefit
- Practical considerations and the player’s recommendation
Controller improvements the player experienced
The player said they bought a Switch 2 Pro Controller after less than an hour of playing Silksong with the console’s Joy-Con shell. According to their report, a few concrete changes followed the switch.
First, the player reported that the Pro Controller’s D-pad made certain moves and inputs easier to perform. For example, they said a boss named Hunter’s March became easier to defeat once they used the D-pad instead of the Joy-Con buttons. They also stated that Hornet’s downward-slanted attack felt more manageable with the Pro Controller’s inputs.
Second, the player noted improved ergonomics. They reported less immediate hand discomfort while playing, and that the physical shape of the Pro Controller felt more comfortable during longer sessions. However, they also mentioned experiencing thumb inflammation after extended play starting on September 4.
How Silksong uses HD Rumble on Switch 2
The player confirmed that the Switch 2 version of Silksong makes use of the system’s HD Rumble. They described feeling environmental details, such as rain, and specific in-game sounds like the metallic pang when opening a bench, through the controller’s tactile feedback.
Consequently, the player preferred the official Pro Controller partly because it preserves that HD Rumble experience, which may not be present on some third-party controllers.
Compatibility and other games that benefit
The player also mentioned that the Switch 2 Pro Controller benefits a range of titles thanks to Switch 2’s backward compatibility. They listed examples including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, stating those games are improved with the Pro Controller’s controls.
In short, the controller’s features — notably the D-pad and HD Rumble — were cited as useful across both new Switch 2 releases and older compatible games.
Practical considerations and the player’s recommendation
The player reported initial attempts to play Silksong using the Joy-Con shell involved “tapping away” at the smaller buttons and worrying about button durability and stick drift. They said that after switching to the Pro Controller, gameplay felt smoother and some previously difficult encounters were overcome more quickly.
Therefore, the player recommended that others who have the means and do not already own a Switch 2 Pro Controller consider purchasing one if they plan to play Silksong. This recommendation was presented as the player’s personal conclusion based on their experience with control precision, ergonomics, and HD Rumble.
