Hollow Knight: Silksong takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, offering players an unusually immersive experience through haptic feedback and hardware integration. Team Cherry has gone beyond simple vibration effects, with players noting how the controller reflects the game’s atmosphere in subtle and surprising ways.
One of the most discussed features is the way the Pro Controller mimics the sensation of rainfall. When it rains in Silksong, the controller not only delivers fine-tuned HD Rumble that feels like water hitting the ground but also produces a faint sound effect resembling raindrops. Players describe this as an example of “natural feedback,” where the immersion is so seamless that it only becomes noticeable once absent. This degree of polish has led many to claim that the Pro Controller 2 provides the most authentic way to experience the game compared to third-party options lacking advanced rumble.
The hardware’s performance features also shine with Silksong. The Switch 2 runs the title at 120 frames per second in handheld mode at 1080p, with docked play reaching 4K at 60 frames per second and support for Variable Refresh Rate. The controller’s back button mapping has also proven useful for complex platforming, allowing players to assign directional inputs to rear buttons for smoother execution of demanding moves such as down-diagonal strikes.
Not every impression has been positive, however. The controller’s D-pad has faced criticism from users who found it imprecise and prone to misinputs, a significant drawback for a game reliant on accurate 2D platforming. Others have noted issues with analog stick snapback and buttons described as “mushy,” leading some to prefer Joy-Con 2 inputs or alternative brands like 8BitDo for more precision.
Despite these complaints, the consensus is that the Switch 2 Pro Controller excels at delivering an immersive atmosphere in Silksong. The combination of high-performance gameplay and finely tuned haptics makes it a showcase for Nintendo’s latest hardware, even if its physical inputs leave room for improvement.
