Joy-Con 2 Controllers

The Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are set to release on June 5, 2025, alongside the console itself.

The Joy-Con 2 controllers are larger than the originals, improving ergonomics for adult hands, with a magnetic snap-on system replacing the rail mechanism for a solid, satisfying click when attaching or detaching. A release button makes removal smooth, though some noted it feels less intuitive in frantic multiplayer settings.

The standout feature is the mouse-like functionality, allowing the controllers to glide on a surface for cursor control in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Super Mario Party Jamboree. This works well for precision tasks (e.g., aiming Samus’s arm cannon or navigating Civilization VII’s menus) but feels awkward for extended use due to the thin shoulder buttons doubling as mouse clicks, which can strain fingers. Games like Mario Party show its potential with fun, gyro-enabled mini-games, but it’s divisive—some call it innovative, others a gimmick.

The new “C” button enables GameChat, a voice and screen-sharing feature, which testers found intuitive for quick online communication, though its real-world reliability awaits broader testing. HD Rumble 2 offers sharper, more nuanced vibrations, enhancing immersion in demos like Mario Kart World, but it’s less pronounced than the original’s rumble in some cases. Motion controls remain responsive, supporting twists and flicks for actions like shooting in sports titles. The 500mAh battery lasts about 20 hours, matching expectations, with a 3.5-hour recharge time.

A major concern is the lack of Hall Effect joysticks, confirmed by Nintendo’s Nate Bihldorff, raising fears of stick drift despite claims of “redesigned, durable” analog sticks. Hands-on reports praise the sticks’ smoother, larger feel compared to the original Joy-Con, but without long-term use, durability is unproven. Testers like Polygon noted better grip in handheld mode, reducing hand cramps, but the controllers’ thin profile still feels cramped for prolonged solo play compared to bulkier options like the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Multiplayer sessions (e.g., Mario Kart World with a single Joy-Con 2 tilted sideways) are improved due to larger buttons and better spacing, though it’s not as comfortable as a dedicated gamepad.

The Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch June 5, 2025, features:

• Magnetic Attachment: Connect to the console magnetically with a release button for detachment.
• Larger Design: Bigger size for improved ergonomics and comfort.
  New “C” Button: On the right controller, opens GameChat for voice and screen sharing, similar to Discord.
• Mouse-like Functionality: Glide on a surface for cursor control in supported games (e.g., Metroid
• Prime 4: Beyond, Super Mario Party Jamboree).
• HD Rumble 2: Enhanced vibration for more immersive feedback.
• Motion Controls: Supports gyroscopic and accelerometer-based inputs.
• Battery Life: 500mAh battery, ~20 hours of use, recharges in ~3.5 hours.
• No Hall Effect Joysticks: Uses traditional analog sticks, with Nintendo claiming improved durability to reduce stick drift.

Overall, the Joy-Con 2 impresses with versatility—magnetic attachment, mouse mode, and GameChat—but the absence of drift-proof sticks and ergonomic trade-offs for multifunctionality spark skepticism. At $90 for a pair, they’re pricier than the original’s $80, which stings if drift persists. More comprehensive reviews will emerge post-launch once durability and real-world performance are tested.

A pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers costs $90, and accessories like a $34.99 charging grip or $19.99 wheel set are sold separately.