Tag: Joy-Con 2

  • Exclusive Game for Nintendo Switch 2 Available with One Condition

    Exclusive Game for Nintendo Switch 2 Available with One Condition

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a limited selection of exclusive games, with more titles being developed.
    2. Upcoming exclusive game “Donkey Kong Bananza” is set to launch on July 17 for the Nintendo Switch 2.
    3. Another exclusive title, “Drag x Drive,” a 3v3 wheelchair basketball game, will be available for early play in August.
    4. The Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a unique mouse mode that allows players to control the game by moving the controllers on a flat surface.
    5. A demo for “Drag x Drive” will be available for Online service subscribers on August 9-10, with specific playtimes scheduled.


    If you’re lucky enough to have a Nintendo Switch 2, there’s a chance to play a special game before anyone else. Yet, there’s a very particular requirement you’ll need to fulfill.

    Limited Exclusives for Nintendo Switch 2

    The Nintendo Switch 2 has been available for just over a month now, and it’s evident that the number of exclusive games for this console is quite low. The overall game selection is also not overwhelming. Nevertheless, the company from Japan is striving daily to bring out new titles, one of which is Donkey Kong Bananza, set to launch on July 17 for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Upcoming Exclusive Title

    But wait, there’s more! August will feature another exclusive game for this platform that you can play early. This title is called Drag x Drive, which was revealed during the introduction of the new console. If that name sounds unfamiliar, it’s a 3v3 wheelchair basketball game that lets you utilize a unique function of the Switch 2, allowing you to play with the Joy-Con 2 in mouse mode.

    Unique Joy-Con 2 Features

    To activate this mode, just lay your Joy-Con 2 controllers on a flat surface and ensure you have games that support it. Thanks to the gyroscope included in these devices, you can move them around like a mouse to choose what you want on the screen. For Drag x Drive, you can maneuver both Joy-Con controllers to steer the wheels of your wheelchair.

    Now, if you’re eager to be among the first to experience this game, there is a condition to keep in mind. The publisher has recently declared a special weekend when the Drag x Drive demo will be available for all Online service subscribers. Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 9-10.

    Demo Availability

    Just a heads up, there are specific times for playing. On August 9, the demo will be accessible in the morning from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. PT, and in the afternoon from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT. Finally, on Sunday, August 10, you can enjoy the game from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT.

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  • Joy-Con 2 Teardown Reveals Possible Stick Drift for Switch 2

    Joy-Con 2 Teardown Reveals Possible Stick Drift for Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 continues to use potentiometer joysticks instead of Hall effect or TMR joysticks, raising concerns about potential stick drift issues similar to the original Joy-Cons.
    2. Internal components of the Joy-Con 2 controllers are quite similar to the original Joy-Cons, which were known for durability problems.
    3. User experiences with stick drift remain a concern, as many original Switch users reported issues, though some found third-party solutions.
    4. Durability tests showed the Switch 2’s display is prone to scratches, and the LCD panel’s brightness and color contrast did not meet expectations.
    5. Performance improvements have been noted in the Switch 2, with faster load times and better game performance compared to the original model, despite higher repair costs.


    Day one assessments of the Nintendo Switch 2 have been released, revealing insights not only about its performance but also its construction quality. JerryRigEverything on YouTube conducted his typical tests on the handheld device, while a Reddit user took a deeper dive into the Joy-Con 2 controllers. They found many resemblances to the original Joy-Cons, which were infamous for their stick drift problems.

    Specifications and Concerns

    It’s a known fact that Nintendo opted not to use Hall effect or TMR joysticks for the Switch 2, instead choosing to continue with the potentiometer design. The company had previously claimed that the analogue sticks are larger and sturdier than those of the original Switch. However, the Reddit user discovered that the internal components are quite similar to those of the original Joy-Cons, raising doubts about the durability and whether stick drift could also be an issue for the Switch 2.

    User Experiences

    Stick drift can affect any controller that uses potentiometers, and the original Joy-Cons were especially notorious for this flaw. Some users found third-party alternatives like GuliKit TMR replacement joysticks, while others managed to fix the issue by disassembling and cleaning their Joy-Cons. Nonetheless, this problem was widely reported among original Switch users. It’s still early to determine if the Switch 2 will face similar challenges, but we will monitor user feedback closely.

    Durability Tests

    In the durability tests performed by JerryRigEverything, it was noted that the display of the Switch 2 is highly susceptible to scratches. Additionally, it was revealed that the LCD panel’s brightness and color contrast did not meet expectations, resulting in a mediocre HDR experience. On a brighter note, repair costs have increased compared to the original Switch. However, the performance improvements in the Switch 2 have been positively received, as games that previously had trouble running smoothly are now performing well with quicker load times.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Manual: Screen Protector and Safety Tips Revealed

    Nintendo Switch 2 Manual: Screen Protector and Safety Tips Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a factory-installed screen protector designed to prevent glass shards from detaching if the screen breaks.
    2. It’s advisable to apply an additional screen protector since the factory one is plastic and not very scratch-resistant.
    3. The console’s battery and Joy-Con 2 should be charged at least once every six months to maintain battery health.
    4. The operational temperature range for the console is between 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s not suitable for high humidity or dusty environments.
    5. Users should clean dust from vents with a vacuum, wipe the chassis with a damp cloth, and use wrist straps for the Joy-Con 2 while being aware of surroundings when gaming.


    First units of the Nintendo Switch 2 will ship this Thursday. NintendoSoup has already found the official safety booklet, which reveals some intriguing information. Most importantly, the handheld console comes with a factory-installed screen protector that is meant to remain intact. This film is specifically made to keep glass shards from detaching if the screen glass were to break.

    Screen Protector Advice

    Since these protectors are typically plastic and not very good at resisting scratches, it’s still wise to apply an extra screen protector. The manual mentions that the console’s battery and the Joy-Con 2 need to be charged at least once every six months; neglecting this could reduce the battery’s lifespan. As per Nintendo, the console should be operated in temperatures ranging from 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2 is unsuitable for areas with very high humidity or excessive dust or smoke.

    Maintenance Tips

    If dust clogs the vents on the console or docking station, users should use a vacuum cleaner to clean it out. The chassis of the console should be wiped down with a damp cloth, but without any cleaning solutions. Furthermore, Nintendo suggests using a mouse pad when in mouse mode for the Joy-Con 2 to avoid scratching the table surface. Lastly, the manual reiterates the importance of using the wrist straps for the Joy-Con 2 and being mindful of your surroundings while gaming on the move.

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  • 100+ Games and Apps Not Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2

    100+ Games and Apps Not Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Several games, including Doom Eternal and NBA 2K 25, are now compatible with Switch 2 after a software update.
    2. Only Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit is incompatible with the Switch 2 due to size issues.
    3. Certain games require first-generation Joy-Con controllers to work on the Switch 2.
    4. 118 games are experiencing startup issues on the Switch 2, linked to the new Joy-Con 2’s limitations.
    5. Streaming apps like YouTube and Crunchyroll are not functional on the Switch 2, with no updates confirmed.


    After publishing a list of Switch games that weren’t compatible with the Switch 2 in early April, Nintendo made an update on Tuesday, May 27. The new information shows that the well-known gaming company from Japan has been making efforts to fix several game issues. The updated list now shows that titles like Doom Eternal, Everspace, Batman: The Enemy Within, NBA 2K 25, and World of Tanks Blitz will work properly on the Switch 2 after a software update.

    First-Party Title Limitations

    When it comes to Nintendo’s own games, only Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit is not compatible with the Switch 2. This incompatibility arises from the new console being larger, which means it cannot fit into the cardboard VR headset. A few games require the first-generation Joy-Con controllers to function with the Switch 2. These include 1-2-Switch, Everybody 1-2-Switch, Ring Fit Adventure, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Switch Sports, WarioWare: Move It!, along with Labo Toy-Con 01, 02, and 03 Kits.

    Issues with Joy-Con 2

    The problems with certain games may be linked to the Joy-Con 2 not having an infrared camera or not being able to fit in accessories such as the Ring-Con. In total, there are 118 games experiencing startup issues on the Switch 2. Among these are well-known titles like Darksiders Genesis, Dead by Daylight, Final Fantasy, Little Nightmares Complete Edition, NieR: Automata, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. Nintendo has stated that they are still looking into these issues.

    Streaming Apps Not Functional

    In addition, YouTube and Crunchyroll are not currently functional on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it is still uncertain if new versions of these apps will be developed for the new console. Around 50 games can be played on the Switch 2, but they come with various problems. Some of these notable titles include Alan Wake Remastered, Alien: Isolation, Factorio, Harvestella, Port Royale 4, and the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection.


  • Nintendo Switch 2 USB Mouse Support: Video Demonstrates Features

    Nintendo Switch 2 USB Mouse Support: Video Demonstrates Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Joy-Con 2 features a mouse mode that allows it to function like a mouse in certain compatible games.
    2. Major titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and Metroid Prime 4 will support the mouse mode at launch.
    3. Players can connect a USB mouse to the Nintendo Switch 2, which will be recognized and can be used immediately in games.
    4. Players can use a Joy-Con in one hand and a mouse in the other for improved comfort and control during gameplay.
    5. Customization options include adjusting mouse sensitivity and enabling a left-handed mode, though more information on compatible mouse models is still pending.


    One of the exciting additions to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the mouse mode for the Joy-Con 2. When you move the Joy-Con 2 across a flat surface, it acts similarly to a mouse, but this feature is only available in games that support it.

    Games That Support Mouse Mode

    At launch, several major titles will support this feature, including Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, and Civilization VII. Interestingly, players can also connect a USB mouse to the Nintendo Switch 2 as an alternative to using the Joy-Con in mouse mode. Koei Tecmo highlights Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening to show how USB mice function with the console.

    Using a Mouse with the Switch 2

    Once you plug in the mouse, a message pops up in the upper left corner of the screen indicating that the device has been detected. You can then use it right away in the game. When you move the mouse, the familiar cursor appears, making it easier to select items. However, if you switch back to the Joy-Con, the cursor will revert to the selection tool designed for controllers.

    Comfort and Customization Options

    You can also use a Joy-Con in your left hand while controlling the game with the mouse in your right hand, which can enhance comfort. It’s uncertain if Nintendo will introduce a universal left-handed mode, but players can enable a left-handed option in the game settings and tweak mouse sensitivity. Further information about compatible mouse models is still awaited, such as if a wireless mouse with a USB dongle will work.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Leak: Joy-Cons Could Be More Customizable

    Nintendo Switch 2 Leak: Joy-Cons Could Be More Customizable

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Switch 2 features a mainly black color design, contrasting with the original’s bright neon colors.
    2. New colored Joy-Con 2 strips are being offered by retailers, allowing some customization with orange and blue attachments.
    3. Customization options for the Switch 2 controllers are limited, primarily keeping a standard black appearance with some color hints.
    4. The Switch 2’s performance may rival or exceed that of the Steam Deck, but its design is still a point of contention among fans.
    5. Nintendo may introduce additional color options for Switch 2 Joy-Cons, but first-generation controllers will have compatibility limitations.


    While the specifications of the Switch 2 show clear improvements compared to the earlier handheld, there are gamers who wish it was more vibrant. The new console is set to debut with a mainly black color design. In contrast, the original model came with bright neon blue and red Joy-Cons at its release. Nintendo eventually broadened the variety of styles available for the Switch controllers. Thankfully, a recent leak suggests that the Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 might feature customizable side panels to inject some color.

    New Accessories for Joy-Cons

    Centro Leaks shared on social media that certain retailers have started offering colored Joy-Con 2 strips. The listings display orange and blue plastic attachments that fit onto the sides of the controllers. There’s also a tool included that could simplify the process of changing these panels.

    Customization Limitations

    The ability to customize the Switch 2 controllers might not satisfy the pickiest of gamers. Much of the accessories’ outer shell remains a standard black with hints of blue and orange. Users won’t be able to change the console’s appearance, unlike the PS5’s cover plates. Nevertheless, these side panels could be sufficient for distinguishing separate controllers in a household with multiple consoles.

    Performance and Design Comparison

    With its enhanced specifications, the Switch 2 is capable of matching, if not surpassing, the performance level of the Steam Deck. Its design also bears more resemblance to the Linux-based handheld than the original Switch. Still, some fans of Nintendo are hoping the new device would have a look that’s closer to the first console. Others argue that the colored Joy-Cons might make the $450 system appear too much like a toy.

    If the option to replace side panels seems restrictive, it’s likely that Nintendo will soon introduce Switch 2 Joy-Cons in additional colors. The first-generation Switch controllers will be compatible with some limitations, but they won’t attach magnetically. There are also third-party alternatives to consider, although accessory manufacturers are feeling anxious following Nintendo’s lawsuit against Genki.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Won’t Feature Hall Effect Sticks

    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Won’t Feature Hall Effect Sticks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 has notable improvements but comes with a high price of $450, which many consider excessive.
    2. There are concerns about the durability of Joy-Cons, with a likelihood of needing replacements over time.
    3. New Joy-Con 2 sticks do not utilize Hall Effect technology but are designed to enhance user experience.
    4. Speculation exists about potential issues with joystick drift in the upcoming Switch 2 Pro controller.
    5. Third-party manufacturers may offer better joystick options at lower prices for docked gamers.


    While the Nintendo Switch 2 brings some clear improvements compared to the original Switch, many people believe that the $450 price tag is too high. Additionally, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll end up replacing several Joy-Cons during the life of the console due to their tendency to wear out.

    Joy-Con Concerns

    This small yet crucial piece of information was shared by Nate Bihldorff, a high-ranking official at Nintendo of America. In a conversation with Nintendo Life, Nate explicitly mentioned that the new Joy-Con 2 sticks do not use Hall Effect technology. However, they are reportedly designed “from the ground up” to provide the “best possible experience.”

    Future Controller Speculation

    Although it wasn’t directly stated, this likely refers to the Switch 2 Pro controller too. Since the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t be released for another two months, it may be premature to make any judgments. Still, it’s only a matter of time before potentiometer-based joysticks start to drift from continuous use. One can only wish that the Joy-Con 2s perform better than their previous generation, which were well-known for being fragile.

    If you mostly game while docked, there are many third-party manufacturers that provide Hall Effect sticks at reasonable prices. We should have more information on these options once the Switch 2 has been available for a few weeks.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Design Insights Revealed in Developer Interview

    Nintendo Switch 2 Design Insights Revealed in Developer Interview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upgraded Hardware: The Switch 2 features enhanced hardware, including 256 GB of internal storage and faster microSD Express card support, aiming to satisfy developers and gamers alike.

    2. Improved Display and Performance: The device includes a larger 7.9-inch, 1080p LCD display that can operate at 120 fps, providing a smoother gaming experience for various users.

    3. Enhanced Joy-Con 2 Controllers: The new Joy-Con 2 controllers boast improved rumble motors, durable analog sticks, and magnetic attachment, offering better comfort and functionality, including mouse-like capabilities.

    4. New Communication Features: The Switch 2 introduces GameChat for voice communication and an optional external camera for video chats, enhancing social interaction during gameplay.

    5. Backward Compatibility Solutions: The Switch 2 employs dynamic recompilation to achieve backward compatibility with Switch 1 games, allowing for improved performance and the potential for enhanced resolutions and frame rates.


    Nintendo has shared important insights regarding the design choices and considerations for the Switch 2 in an interview with leading developers featured in the 16th edition of Ask the Developer.

    Key Development Team

    The article consists of interviews with Producer Kouichi Kawamoto from the Entertainment Planning & Development Department, Director Takuhiro Dohta, and Technical Director Tetsuya Sasaki from the Technology Development Division. These three began their work on the Switch 2 project around 2019, with research and development already in progress.

    Upgraded Hardware for Gamers

    The team meticulously considered what game developers aimed to accomplish with the original Switch but could not, leading to enhancements in the Switch 2. This upgrade includes hardware that they believe will satisfy software developers throughout the console’s lifespan, as the first Switch was launched in 2017. Their initial aim was to provide early prototypes during development for game programmers to start working on.

    Nintendo has always prioritized system memory, so the internal storage has been boosted to 256 GB, with quicker read/write speeds. Additionally, the card expansion slot now requires a faster microSD Express card, utilizing a PCIe Gen 3-NVMe interface for read/write speeds that typically surpass 400 MB/s.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience

    This results in a handheld device that caters to a diverse array of gamers, as both the games and the eShop function more smoothly on the larger 7.9-inch, 1080p LCD display that operates at 120 fps. Interestingly, during the Switch 2’s development, there was a discussion about eliminating the touchscreen feature due to its perceived unnecessity in TV mode. However, this idea was ultimately dismissed, as Iwata believed that some games would still benefit from it.

    The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been improved with more powerful rumble motors, larger, more durable analog sticks, and extended shoulder buttons. These modifications enhance the comfort for players with both big and small hands. Now, the controllers attach magnetically to the Switch 2 and can be released with a button press.

    Innovative Features for Joy-Con 2

    The Joy-Con 2 can also function like a computer mouse when used with the Switch 2. This concept had been on the mind of the Technology Development team for a while, and Kawamoto discovered this when he pitched the same idea.

    The Switch 2 Pro Controller has been redesigned with “seamless grips” that resemble those of the GameCube controller, allowing more space for the fingers and a better feel. Two new customizable buttons, GL and GR, have been added to the back of the grips, while the joysticks are now smoother and quieter than they were.

    New Communication Options

    Players can now communicate using the new GameChat feature, which is activated by pressing the newly added C button on the Switch 2 Pro controller. An optional external camera can enable video chats as well.

    Voices are captured through the microphone positioned at the upper edge of the Switch 2, and players also have the option to use a headset via the audio jack in the Pro controller. A powerful audio processing chip minimizes background noise, ensuring clear communication even when a vacuum cleaner is running nearby.

    Backward Compatibility Challenges

    Achieving backward compatibility was more difficult, as the Switch 2 does not share any hardware components with the Switch 1, unlike the DS/3DS or Wii/Wii U. This limitation forced designers to decide between fully emulating the Switch 1 through software or employing dynamic recompilation to convert its code into Switch 2 code in real-time, with the latter option ultimately chosen.

    The main advantage of this method is prolonged runtime. However, to counterbalance the higher power demands of the enhanced hardware, the Switch 2 had to be equipped with a battery 1.2 times larger than that of its predecessor.

    Compatibility Testing and Improvements

    The company assessed over 10,000 Switch 1 games to identify any compatibility issues and potential fixes, discovering that the Switch 2 boasts high compatibility. The faster hardware might even enhance older games by allowing them to run at higher resolutions and frame rates, and Nintendo is contemplating updates for older titles with these improvements.

    You can find a list of compatible and incompatible games here, and game compatibility is expected to improve as Nintendo addresses emulation challenges.

    Data Transfer and New Features

    Nintendo plans to enable Switch 2 owners to log in with their Nintendo Accounts to transfer data from their original Switch units. Furthermore, games can be rapidly swapped between older and newer Switch devices using the Virtual Game Card feature, similar to swapping physical game cartridges.

    The GameShare feature lets users stream and share parts of a game between several Switch 1 and Switch 2 consoles, although at a reduced image quality. This feature works with locally connected consoles or through GameChat with Switch 2 units.

    Final Thoughts on the Switch 2

    Despite the team facing difficulties in deciding on a name for their new console, they ultimately chose Switch 2, as it is a fitting sequel to the original console, with backward compatibility being a key factor. The Super NES lacked backward compatibility, making the naming of that console sensible.

    Interested readers can register to purchase the Switch 2 at My Nintendo Store when it launches on June 5. Other retailers, such as the Nintendo store on Amazon, will likely have limited quantities available.

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