With just hours remaining before the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, excitement is building as Nintendo prepares to unveil its plans for the next generation of its iconic console. An intriguing development has emerged that might give us a sneak peek at what's to come, particularly regarding the controller lineup for the Switch 2. A recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on March 31, under the product code "BEE-008," has caught the attention of the gaming community. This filing, as reported on Famiboards and discussed by Nintendo-focused outlets like GoNintendo, appears to be for a new game controller, speculated by some to be the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
It's important to note that this is all speculation at this point, as Nintendo has not yet confirmed the existence of a Switch 2 Pro Controller. However, the filing's mention of features such as Bluetooth and NFC capability lends credence to the theory that this could indeed be a Pro Controller. One particularly noteworthy detail in the filing is the potential inclusion of a headphone jack, a feature absent from the original Switch Pro Controller but present in competitors like the DualSense and Xbox Series controllers. If true, this would represent a significant quality-of-life improvement for gamers.
Historically, Nintendo's FCC filings have occasionally foreshadowed upcoming product announcements, adding some weight to the speculation surrounding this controller. However, without official confirmation, we'll have to wait until the Switch 2 Direct to see if these rumors hold any water. The Direct is scheduled to air tomorrow at 6am PT / 9am ET on Nintendo's channels, promising a "closer look" at the Switch 2 following its initial reveal earlier this year. Fans are eagerly anticipating detailed information, including a potential release date.
Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 Direct will last for an hour, and has also scheduled two Nintendo Treehouse: Live | Nintendo Switch 2 presentations for hands-on gameplay on April 3 and April 4, starting at 7am PT each day. As the countdown to the Direct continues, the gaming world watches with bated breath for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Nintendo Switch.