 A set of detached Grey Joy-Con used with the original Nintendo Switch | |
| Developer | Nintendo Platform Technology Development |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Motion controllers |
| Generation | Eighth/ninth |
| Release date |
|
| Lifespan | 2017–present |
| Input |
|
| Power | Internal3.7 V,525 mAh,1.9 Whlithium-ion polymer battery(non-removable) |
| Weight | Joy-Con L: 48 g (1.7 oz) Joy-Con R: 51 g (1.8 oz) |
| Predecessor | |
| Successor | Joy-Con 2 |
| Website | www |
Joy-Con[a] are the primary game controllers for theNintendo Switch, a hybridvideo game console developed byNintendo. A set of Joy-Con consists of two individual units, each containing ananalog stick and an array of buttons. They can be used while attached to the main Nintendo Switch console unit, or detached and used wirelessly. When detached, the pair can be used by a single player, or each Joy-Con can serve as an individual controller. An upgraded version, theJoy-Con 2, serve as the primary controllers for theNintendo Switch 2.
Joy-Con are distributed in pairs, designated as "Joy-Con L" and "Joy-Con R"[b] respectively. They each measure 35.9 by 102 by 13.9 millimetres (1.41 in × 4.02 in × 0.55 in), and the Joy-Con L and R weigh 49 grams (1.7 oz) and 52.1 grams (1.84 oz), respectively. When measured from the top of the analog stick to the tip of the ZL/ZR trigger it has an extreme depth of 28.4 millimetres (1.12 in).[2][3]
Joy-Con can be attached to the sides of the Switch console via rails, or detached and used wirelessly—either as a pair (comparable to aWii Remote and Nunchuk), or divided between two different players. Up to 8 Joy-Con can connect to a single Switch console at a time.[4][5] The Joy-Con can be optionally attached to a "Joy-Con Grip" accessory, with or without charging capabilities, that convert the controllers to a more traditionalgamepad-like form factor.[6][7]
When detached from the console, both Joy-Con units operate autonomously of each other, and communicate with the console viaBluetooth.[8] Wrist strap attachments are provided, which are similarly installed by sliding them onto the controllers' rails. The strap attachments have a rounded shape and raised shoulder buttons to improve the ergonomics of the Joy-Con when used individually.[3][9][10]
Joy-Con contain non-removable 3.7 volt 525 mAh 1.9 watt hourlithium-ion polymer batteries; they are charged when attached to a Switch console that itself is charging. A separate "charging grip" accessory allows the controllers to be charged in a gamepad configuration viaUSB-C.[11][6] Nintendo released a Joy-ConAA battery pack attachment on June 16, 2017, which slide onto the Joy-Con similarly to the wrist strap attachments.[12]
Joy-Con can be obtained in various colors, either with the purchase of the Switch console or individually, both separately or as a pair. At launch, Joy-Con were available in slate gray, neon red R and neon blue L colors.[7] Black Joy-Con are also issued with Switchdevelopment kits.[13] In mid-2017, Nintendo introduced neon yellow Joy-Con, released alongsideArms[14] as well as neon green and neon pink Joy-Con which launched alongsideSplatoon 2.[15] A pair of red Joy-Con were released as part of theSuper Mario Odyssey bundle, except in Japan and Europe (My Nintendo Store only) where they are available standalone, which was released in October 2017.[16] An exclusiveNintendo Labo Joy-Con design, light brown in color, was released in 2018. It was exclusively available to winners of the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest.[17][18]
In July 2018, Hori, a video game peripheral company, released a dark blue left Joy-Con featuring a classic D-pad in lieu of directional buttons. The controller lacked features such as HD rumble, SL and SR buttons, gyroscope, and wireless connectivity standard to Nintendo-produced Joy-Con, forcing its users to be restricted to handheld mode.[19] This was notably the first officially licensed Joy-Con to be released by a third-party company. Two more officially licensed D-pad variants featuringThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild andSuper Mario Odyssey themes were later released by Hori in September 2018.[20] Joy-Con colors based on Eevee and Pikachu's color schemes were released alongsidePokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! andLet's Go, Eevee! on November 16, 2018, as part of the Switch bundle for the games,[21] and Hori released a fourth D-pad Joy-Con variant featuring a Pikachu theme on the same day.[22] Gray Joy-Con variants featuring a silverSuper Smash Bros. series cross logo became available for pre-order alongsideSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate on November 2, 2018, and were later released on December 7, 2018, as part of theSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate Switch bundle.[23]
In July 2019, Nintendo announced that the neon purple and neon orange Joy-Con would be released on October 4, 2019, as well as the blue and neon yellow Joy-Con.[24] Ultramarine blue Joy-Con launched alongsideDragon Quest XI S in Japan on September 27, 2019, as part of theDragon Quest XI S Loto Edition Switch bundle.[25] Pink and mulberryTsum Tsum Joy-Con launched alongsideDisney Tsum Tsum Festival in Japan on October 10, 2019, as part of theDisney Tsum Tsum Festival Switch bundle.[26] Gray Joy-Con variants with a thunderbolt symbol on the left and a Pikachu silhouette on the right were released in Japan on November 29, 2019, as part of theThunderbolt Project Switch bundle.[27]
Medium aquamarine and sky blue Joy-Con became available for pre-order alongsideAnimal Crossing: New Horizons on March 13, 2020, and were later released on March 20, 2020, as part of theAnimal Crossing: New Horizons Switch bundle.[28] Sunglow yellow and French blue Joy-Con were released as part of twoFortnite bundles; the sunglow yellow Joy-Con L and French blue Joy-Con R were released on October 6, 2020, in Europe and November 6, 2020, in Australia and New Zealand as part of theFortnite special edition Switch bundle,[29] and the French blue Joy-Con L and sunglow yellow Joy-Con R were released as part of theFortnite - Fleet Force bundle on June 4, 2021.[30]
RedMario Joy-Con launched on January 12, 2021, as part of theMario Red & Blue Edition-themed Switch bundle.[31] Gray Joy-Con variants featuring silver and goldMonster Hunter Rise artwork were released on March 26, 2021, as part of theMonster Hunter Rise Switch bundle.[32] A blue Joy-Con pair themed after the Master Sword and Hylian Shield fromThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD was released alongside the game on July 16, 2021.[33] White Joy-Con were released on October 8, 2021, as part of the white Nintendo Switch – OLED Model bundle.[34] Blue and neon yellow Joy-Con variants with artwork themed afterSplatoon 3 became available to pre-order alongsideSplatoon 3 on August 26, 2022, and were later released on September 9, 2022, as part of theSplatoon 3 Switch – OLED Model bundle.[35] Dark red and purple Joy-Con variants with artwork themed afterPokémon Scarlet andViolet were available to pre-order alongsidePokémon Scarlet andViolet on November 4, 2022, and were later released on November 18, 2022, as part of thePokémon Scarlet andViolet Switch – OLED Model bundle.[36]
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In December 2018, Nintendo also released two Joy-Con variants with designs resembling originalNintendo Entertainment System (NES) controllers, andFamily Computer (Famicom) controllers in Japan, available exclusively to users with an activeNintendo Switch Online subscription. The Famicom variants are only available to Nintendo Switch Online members in Japan and Hong Kong. These variants were specifically designed to be used with the Nintendo Classics library of NES titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, but can also be used with select Nintendo Switch titles.[37] Both are notable for heavily deviating from the normal Joy-Con design, instead being taller and more rectangular in shape, having fewer buttons than standard Joy-Con, and, in the case of the Famicom variants, featuring a working microphone in the right controller.[38]
| Name | Color | L | R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray |  | | |
| Neon Blue | | | |
| Neon Red | | | |
| Neon Yellow | | | |
| Neon Green[note 1] | | | |
| Neon Pink[note 1] | | | |
| Red[note 2] | | | |
| Blue | | [note 3] | |
| Neon Purple | | [note 3] | |
| Neon Orange | [note 3] | | |
| White[note 4] | | | |
| Pastel Pink | | | |
| Pastel Yellow | [note 3] | | |
| Pastel Purple | | [note 3] | |
| Pastel Green | [note 3] | |
| Name | Color | L | R | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labo Creators Contest | Fawn | | | |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Yellow |  | | |
| Bronze | | | ||
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Silver | | | |
| Monster Hunter Rise | | | ||
| Thunderbolt Project[39] | | | ||
| Dragon Quest XI S | Ultramarine blue | | | |
| Disney Tsum Tsum | Mulberry | | | |
| Pink | | | ||
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Mediumaquamarine | | | |
| Sky blue | | | ||
| Super Mario | Red | | | |
| Fortnite | Sunglow | | | |
| French blue | | | ||
| Fortnite - Fleet Force Bundle | Sunglow | | | |
| French blue | | | ||
| The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD | Brightnavy blue | | | |
| Violet-blue | | | ||
| Splatoon 3 | Blue | [note 5] | | |
| Yellow | | [note 5] | ||
| Pokémon Scarlet Pokémon Violet | Scarlet | [note 6] | | |
| Violet | | [note 6] | ||
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Gold | [note 7] | [note 7] | |
Notes
The feature set of the Joy-Con was partially inspired by feedback from players using theWii Remote, according to Nintendo'sShinya Takahashi. After releasing games that heavily used the Wii Remote with the Wii, such asWii Sports andWii Fit, players had asked for different design features, such as having a smaller form factor, or being able to be strapped to a part of the body. Nintendo envisioned what benefits towards innovative design and gameplay could come from a smaller form factor, which led to the idea of a console that could be portable, controlled through these smaller controllers. This became the fundamental principle of the Switch, and directly into the Joy-Con design.[40]
Each controller contains a clickable analog stick, four face buttons, two top buttons, two side buttons accessible when detached (which become shoulder buttons when held horizontally) and designated asSL andSR, a+ or- button, a SYNC button, and player indicator LEDs. Joy-Con L contains directional buttons, a- button, top buttons designated asL andZL, and a capture button, which enables the player to upload screenshots to social media. In an update released on October 18, 2017, the capture button is also able to record up to 30 seconds of gameplay when held down for a second. Joy-Con R containsA,B,X, andY buttons, a+ button, top buttons designated asR andZR, and a HOME button.[5]
Each Joy-Con contains anaccelerometer andgyroscope, which can be used formotion tracking.[41] Games can support using the Joy-Con for pointing controls similar to the Wii Remote while detached without the need of a sensor bar.[42] Joy-Con R contains aninfrared depth tracking sensor, which can read objects and motions held in front of it; as an example of its functionality, Nintendo stated that the sensor could distinguish between the hand shapes ofrock paper scissors.[43][41] Joy-Con R also contains anear-field communication reader for use withAmiibo.[41][44]
The Joy-Con contain ahaptic feedback engine known as "HD Rumble", which was developed in partnership withImmersion Corporation. Nintendo stated that the system could generate fine tactile feedback, such as the sensation of individual ice cubes and water in a glass.[45][46]
It was discovered shortly after public release that Joy-Con can connect to and be used with other Bluetooth-enabled personal computers and mobile devices.[8] Official Joy-Con support was also added toiPhones andiPads as part of theiOS 16 andiPadOS 16 updates.[47]
 | |
| Developer | Nintendo Platform Technology Development |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
| Type | Motion controllers |
| Release date | June 5, 2025 |
| Input |
|
| Weight | Joy-Con L: 65 g (2.3 oz) Joy-Con R: 68 g (2.4 oz) |
| Predecessor | Joy-Con |
With the announcement of theNintendo Switch 2 on January 16, 2025, a second generation Joy-Con was revealed. The Joy-Con 2 controllers feature a larger size, buttons that are easier to push, and a new color palette. A notable new feature is the ability to snap in the Joy-Con 2 usingmagnets, eliminating the need to slide them in.[48]
Besides being larger to match the larger console body, Joy-Con 2 attach magnetically by snapping to the sides rather than using a rail system. They can be removed from the main Switch 2 unit using a small button on the back on the Joy-Con 2 that causes a cylinder inside it to extend and push off from the main unit.[49] Nintendo stated that theiranalog sticks would be larger, smoother, and more durable;[49] early reports indicated that they would usehall effect sensors, which would address the drift issues that the original models had due to dust collecting within the analog system.[50] However, these reports were later proven false in April 2025, confirming that the analog sticks of the Joy-Con 2 would not use hall effect sensors.[51]
The SL and SR buttons have been enlarged, and a "C" button is present on the right-side Joy-Con 2 R controller to activate the GameChat feature.[49] The Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used like acomputer mouse in supported games by sliding them on their connector side on any surface.[49] Both Joy-Con 2 controllers have a 500mAh battery that is estimated to last 20 hours. The controllers are recharged when connected to the console or by using a third-party charging dock or grip.[52] Theinfrared sensor from the original Joy-Con R controller was not included in the Joy-Con 2 R controller.[49]
The original Joy-Con controllers are largely compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, and the Joy-Con R controller in particular may still be required for certain game play functions when playing original Nintendo Switch titles that support the infrared sensor on the console.
Prior to the public release of Nintendo Switch, various video gaming websites reported that the controllers—most commonly the Joy-Con L—were susceptible to connection losses when used wirelessly. It was initially unknown whether these problems were the result of an interference issue, or caused by the pre-launch software on review units.[53] A Nintendo spokesperson stated toPolygon that the company would "continue to monitor the performance of Nintendo Switch hardware and software, and make improvements when necessary". The company posted guidance on its support website for minimizing Bluetooth signal interference, including recommendations that the Switch console be placed away from other wireless-enabled devices.[54] On March 22, 2017, Nintendo confirmed that the interference issues were caused by a "manufacturing variant" in a small number of Joy-Con from early production runs, and that the company would allow owners to send in their affected Joy-Con for repairs free-of-charge.[55]
On launch, it was reported that the wrist strap attachments for the Joy-Con were hard to detach from the controllers. It was also reported that a wrist strap could easily be attached to the Joy-Con incorrectly and become difficult to remove.[56][9]
One of the more common issues to be found with the Joy-Con is joystick drift. This issue occurs when dust or other small particles come in contact with the internal sensors of the analog stick. A common remedy for this issue is to apply compressed air or contact cleaner under the rubber skirt of the joystick.[57] Nintendo repairs this issue for free if under warranty, but the cost of repair for an out of warranty Joy-Con could be over US$40, according to many reports on the topic. The high price of repair leads many to buy an entirely new Joy-Con as they only cost slightly more than a repair, a single being $49.99 and a set of two $79.99.[58] In response to increased complaints and potential legal action for the drift issue, Nintendo stated that they were aware of the frequent reports, but did not offer immediate advice outside of contacting their technical support lines.[59] On July 23, 2019, three days after the filing of a class action lawsuit, an internal Nintendo memo was leaked; the memo instructed the firm's customer service employees in North America to start offering repairs for drifting Joy-Con controllers for free, regardless of warranty status.[60]
Nintendo presidentShuntaro Furukawa issued a public apology from the company for the drift problem as part of an investors' meeting in June 2020, stating "We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers regarding Joy-Con controllers. We are continuing to improve our products", but could not comment further due to ongoing legal cases related to the controllers.[61]
With the release of the OLED revision of the Switch in October 2021, Nintendo said that the new Joy-Con design should reduce the drift problem but they did not expect that they could ever eliminate the drift as it is an issue related to wear from long-term usage. The new design of the joysticks in the OLED Joy-Con were made to reduce how much wear occurs to make them more durable but the company still anticipates drifting could still occur.[62]
In August 2017, Los Angeles-based tablet peripheral manufacturerGamevice filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in theUnited States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the design of the Joy-Con controllers conflicts with its patent on the design for theWikipad, anAndroid-based gaming device that also features a tablet with a detachable controller. The lawsuit sought damages on existing Switch sales and banning further sales of the console.[63] The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by Gamevice on October 23, 2017.[64]
However, in March 2018, Gamevice initiated a second patent infringement lawsuit on Nintendo related to a different set of patents. Gamevice also sought action through theUnited States International Trade Commission related to patent infringement under Section 337 of theTariff Act of 1930, and was seeking to block imports of the Switch into the United States.[65][66][67]
Twoclass action lawsuits were filed in theUnited States District Court for the Western District of Washington in July 2019 and September 2019 over the Joy-Con drift issue. The first suit alleges that Nintendo is well aware of the defect but does not "disclose the defect and routinely refuses to repair the joysticks without charge";[68] the second suit alleges that the Joy-Con controllers are defective. It asserts claims for breach of warranty, fraud, and violations of numerous state consumer protection statutes.[69] The court refused to dismiss the suits, and as of October 2020, are currently underarbitration hearings.[70]
Two additional class action lawsuits were filed in October and November 2020 in the United States, respectively in theNorthern California District Court and in theWestern Washington District Court. Both suits allege Nintendo of having defective manufacturing processes for the Joy-Con, even after the company apologized for the problem, as the primary clients in both cases has purchased multiple Joy-Con but found the drift occurred over time in each set purchased.[70][71] At least one of the lawsuits was dismissed in February 2023, as the judge ruled that theEULA for the Nintendo Switch required users to go through arbitration instead of lawsuits to resolve matters.[72]
The French consumer groupUFC-Que Choisir filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in September 2020 alleging that the Joy-Con were designed withplanned obsolescence intended to fail or break due to the drift issue and other factors. The suit seeks to compel Nintendo to change its manufacturing process to improve the durability of the Joy-Con.[73]
A consortium of nine European consumer organizations requested consumers inform them on Joy-Con drift issues in December 2020 as they negotiated with Nintendo on how to resolve the matters in that region. The organizations stated that they would plan legal action if they could not come to an agreement with Nintendo.[74] TheEuropean Consumer Organisation (BEUC), which represents 40 consumers groups in the region, also urged theEuropean Commission to investigate the Joy-Con drift issue in January 2021 after the body received 25,000 complaints.[75]
Well, the Joy-Con 2's controllers have been designed from the ground up. They're not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good.
