Joy-Con
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TheJoy-Con is acontroller for use with theNintendo Switch console. Like theWii U GamePad, the Joy-Con havenear field communication functionality, specifically the right Joy-Con, allowing the use ofamiibo with games. Additionally, the Joy-Con are equipped with "HD Rumble", a more advanced form ofhaptic feedback to replicate the feel of in-game activities.
The Joy-Con are unique in that they can be used as controllers regardless of whether or not they are physically connected to the Nintendo Switch. They can be connected to the Nintendo Switch itself when in handheld mode, forming something similar to the Wii U GamePad. With the exception of the handheld-only Switch Lite, they can also be disconnected from the standard or OLED model Switch in handheld or docked mode, functioning as wireless motion controllers; they can also be optionally be placed in the Joy-Con grip, emulating the feel of a game controller. The left and right Joy-Con function as a pair in all of the aforementioned modes, but one can also use a single Joy-Con as a controller by holding it sideways.
The Joy-Con cameo in-game via theRobot KitMii Costume, referencing their usage in theNintendo Labo games.
Compatibility[edit]
Joy-Con are officially compatible with theNintendo Switch and connect toNintendo Switch 2 via bluetooth, circumventing compatibility issues with certain games. Said bluetooth connectivity also allows them to connect to other devices and unofficially be used as controllers for compatible games, though additional drivers may need to be installed for a smooth experience.
InUltimate, the buttons on the Joy-Con can be remapped in theControls menu to perform other functions in both singular and dual format. As of Nintendo Switch hardware version 10.0.0, every button on the Joy-Con can be remapped via the system's settings, further diversifying its customizability.
Standard controls[edit]
Single Joy-Con (Left)[edit]
Note: From the perspective of the Joy-Con on its side
 | Move |
 | Standard attacks |
 | Special moves |
  | Jump |
 | Grab |
 | Shield |
click + | Taunt |
 | Pause |
 | Screenshot |
  | Nothing |
Single Joy-Con (Right)[edit]
Note: From the perspective of the Joy-Con on its side
| Move |
 | Standard attacks |
 | Special moves |
  | Jump |
| Grab |
| Shield |
| click + | Taunt |
 | Pause |
 | Home Menu |
  | Nothing |
Dual Joy-Con[edit]
| L | Move |
| Standard attacks |
| Special moves |
| R | Stick-smash |
| Jump |
| Grab |
| Shield |
| Taunt |
| Pause |
| Home Menu |
| Screenshot |
| // | Nothing |
Technical data[edit]
 | This article or section is incomplete. You can help SmashWiki byexpanding or finishing it. The editor who added this tag elaborates:Needs more information on the hardware like theGameCube controller article |
Input lag[edit]
Each of the Joy-Con have similar latency to theSwitch Pro Controller, experiencing lows of 93.7ms (5.6 frames) and highs of 112.86ms (6.8 frames). On average, however, it reaches around 103.33ms (6.3 frames), which is overall better than what the Switch Pro Controller can offer. However, its button size, potential for joystick drift due to wear, and restrictions on being used together in8-Player Smash (because each Joy-Con registers as one controller even when docked, while a Switch can only support eight controllers at a time) makes its competitive viability questionable.
Near field communication[edit]
Within theControl stick of the right Joy-Con is a special chip that can send and receive data from other compatible chips from a distance of up to 4 centimeters. With relevance to the Smash series, this includes all compatible amiibo figures and their corresponding features within the game.
Licensed Variants[edit]
Hori D-Pad Joy-Con[edit]
Released in 2018 by Hori. Ergonomically identical to the standard Joy-Con, except the directional buttons are replaced with aDirectional pad, mimicking the Switch Lite model.
Hori Split Pad Pro[edit]
The Hori Split Pad Pro is an alternative to standard Joy-Con, released in 2018. These Joy-Con have a completely different design, being larger and more ergonomic, resulting in an appearance close to aNintendo Switch Pro Controller. Like the licensed D-Pad Joy-Con, the Split Pad Pro features a standardDirectional pad; it additionally features two additional, freely-mappable buttons on the back of the controller handles, more conventionalStart andSelect buttons, as well as turbo and "assign" buttons. However, they are handheld mode-only, have no NFC foramiibo use, and no rumble, gyroscope, or infrared communication.
While incompatible with the usual Joy-Con attachment set to function as a normal controller, a custom version is available, thereby making the Split Pad Pro function as a standard Pro Controller; it also comes with a headphone jack.
In competitive play[edit]
The single Joy-Con is generally considered the worst official control scheme forUltimate. Its small size and layout designed to be ergonomic when held upright with one hand makes it unintuitive to be held on its side with both hands, especially for people with large hands. The shoulder buttons, unused when held upright, are also difficult to press without an add-on that doubles as a wrist strap.
Joy-Con used as a pair have a much more positive reception. They include just as many buttons as other options, meaning everySmash input can be used without context sensitivity like controls in previous games. The ability to be used in tandem without a connecting wire like theWii Remote andNunchuk means the player can be in whatever position they want while playing, leading to a much more comfortable experience. While their small size is still an issue for some, these complaints are less prevalent due to the Joy-Con being designed to be held in this fashion.
Gallery[edit]
The Joy-Con controllers in the Joy-Con Grip.
The Joy-Con controllers attached to the Nintendo Switch.
TheSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate-themed Joy-Con controllers in the Joy-Con Grip.
Trivia[edit]
- Single Joy-Con/Joy-Con 2 is the only controller layout where clicking on thecontrol stick serves an in-game function; in this case, activating taunt in conjunction with a directional button. Outside of gameplay, a stick click in this layout can access theDashboard, access theMove List in Training Mode, and cycle throughalternate costumes on the character selection screen (same as pressing theSR button).
- Despite this, stick clicking cannot be configured as a button press on the Controls menu inUltimate.
