Hollow Knight: Silksong Fully Utilizes Switch 2 Pro Controller Features

Hollow Knight: Silksong makes full use of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, delivering an extraordinary immersive experience through haptic feedback and hardware integration. Team Cherry did not settle for simple vibration effects—players have found that the controller responds to the game’s atmosphere in subtle and surprising ways.

One of the most talked-about features is the Pro Controller’s simulation of rainfall. When rain appears in Silksong, the controller not only produces delicate HD Rumble vibrations to mimic raindrops hitting the ground but also emits faint sounds similar to rainfall. Players have described this as the epitome of “natural feedback”—so seamless and natural that its absence is only noticed once it’s gone. This meticulous design has led many to believe that compared with third-party controllers lacking advanced haptic features, the Switch 2 Pro Controller offers the most faithful way to experience the game.

The hardware’s performance characteristics also shine in Silksong. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 runs the game at 1080p resolution with 120 frames per second; in docked mode, it reaches 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with variable refresh rate support. The controller’s rear button mapping function has also proven useful for complex platforming—players can assign directional actions to the back buttons, making it easier to pull off challenging moves such as downward diagonal attacks.

However, not all feedback has been positive. The D-pad has faced criticism from some users for lacking precision and being prone to accidental inputs—a significant drawback for a game that relies heavily on precise 2D platforming controls. Other users noted issues with joystick recentering and described the button feel as “soft and mushy,” leading some to prefer the Switch 2 Joy-Cons or third-party controllers such as 8BitDo for more accurate input.

Despite these complaints, players generally agree that the Switch 2 Pro Controller excels at creating an immersive atmosphere in Silksong. Combined with the game’s high-performance visuals and finely tuned haptics, the controller serves as an excellent showcase of Nintendo’s latest hardware, even if its physical button design still has room for improvement.