Latest news with #JoyCons
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Five money-saving tips for the Nintendo Switch 2
Reuse those old controllers: Original Switch owners can use their old Joy Cons on the original system. — AP The Nintendo Switch 2's price will bring sticker shock to fans. With a starting price of US$449 (locally starts at RM2,488), it's one of the most expensive machines that the company has put up for sale. The barebones system won't come with any games, and it will have minimal accessories included with the box. If you're looking for ways to get the biggest bang for your buck, here are ways to get maximum value: 1. Buy a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription: This is the company's version of Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. For US$49.99 (RM210), users gain access to select NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games. It's a large library of games. It also opens up GameChat service so that players can use it beyond the March 31, 2026, free trial date. More importantly, it unlocks the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at no additional cost. If you need a game to show off what the new console can do, these modern classics are Nintendo at its best. 2. Reuse those old controllers: Original Switch owners can use their old Joy Cons on the original system. If you have friends over for a game of Mario Kart World , there's no need to buy additional Joy Con 2 controllers, which run at US$94.99 (locally RM258). Additionally, the original Pro Controller and third-party devices work with the Switch 2 as well. 3. Don't immediately buy a microSD Express Card: The Switch 2 has an expansion slot for those who want to add more storage to its built-in 256 GB of space. The device uses a microSD Express card, which is not compatible with the original Switch. The new format has faster speeds that are required for modern games. Right now, the top-end cards hold 1TB of data, but they sell for up to US$220 (RM927). It's better to wait for Black Friday sales or bide your time because these types of cards grow more affordable over time, and you can find better deals in the future. 4. Don't buy the official Nintendo Switch 2 camera if you already have a webcam: Because of President Donald Trump's tariffs, the Switch 2 price of accessories has gone up, including the official camera. Instead of paying US$54.99 (locally RM258), players can get by with a webcam they have it home. Of course, the device needs a USB-C plug to install into the top or users can plug it into the USB-A plug on the dock, and it will work fine. A list of compatible cameras has been compiled on the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit. 5. Save your battery life: Similar to the current iPhones, the Switch 2 had a battery setting that sets a charging cap at 90%. You can enable it via Settings and going to System option at the bottom of the menu. This will preserve the device's battery life, so a few years down the road, the battery can remain closer to its original capacity, and you won't have to replace it. – The Mercury News/Tribune News Service
CNET
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
The Switch 2 Pro Controller Makes a Comfortable Upgrade, but Still Falls a Bit Short
The Switch 2 Pro Controller is a standalone controller that pairs with the new Switch 2 and provides a more comfortable gaming experience than the standard Joy-Cons. While it might look similar to the old model, the second-gen controller has a number of new features to help it earn that "Pro" title. The 2 Pro retails for $85 -- a pretty significant jump over the original's $70. The good news is that, if you want to save some money, the Switch 1 Pro Controllers do work on the Switch 2. Since it's detached, it's really more useful when playing docked, connected to a TV. I really like the look and feel of it, but it's definitely an expensive, unnecessary accessory. Switch Pro Controller (left) next to Switch 2 Pro Controller (right) Sean Booker/CNET Both Pro controllers feel pretty similar, which is good since I always felt the original was very comfortable. They're the same size and shape, and the button layout is mostly the same, but the original has a subtle texture to its grip while the 2's is smooth. I actually find the new controller a bit more comfortable than the first. Just like the new Joy-Cons, there is a GameChat button near the bottom, a shortcut to screen-sharing gameplay and forming parties with your friends to video or voice chat together. Keep in mind that you can just pop back out to the Switch main menu and open GameChat manually without needing to hit the button. GR/GL back buttons Sean Booker/CNET Another new feature are back buttons on the underside of the handles, GL and GR. Back buttons -- programmable buttons that you can assign to act like other inputs -- are pretty standard on pro-style controllers but were absent on the first Switch Pro. For example, in shooters, players will often bind duck or jump so they can perform those actions without taking their thumb off the right stick. Mapping these buttons is super easy through the Switch 2's settings menu or by holding down the Home button and changing them there. These button maps are also saved on a per-game basis, which is great, allowing you to specify which actions you want available on different games instead of needing to adjust back and forth when you swap games. DualSense Edge (left), Switch 2 Pro Controller (middle), Xbox Elite 2 (right) Sean Booker/CNET The downside is that there are only two buttons, one on each side, like PlayStation's DualSense Edge pro controller. I would have liked more options, like the Xbox Elite controller's four programmable buttons. Both those controllers also allow you to swap the buttons' shapes. Nintendo doesn't. Another upgrade on the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a headphone jack on the bottom, which is useful if you're trying to play games quietly. Sean Booker/CNET Battery life remains the same as the first Pro Controller: Around 40 hours on a single charge, which is definitely on the higher side for controller batteries. In comparison, the DualSense Edge lasts only 5 to 6 hours. The new Pro Controller also charges faster. Nintendo says it takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge, whereas the original Pro Controller takes six hours. Now Playing: Review: The Switch 2 Pro Controller 04:26 The large face buttons and analog sticks feel the same, which is good since the original didn't need improvement. The D-pad, though, feels like it has more freedom of movement and accuracy. This makes hitting diagonal inputs easier to pull off, like in Street Fighter when a special move requires a quarter circle. I found it simply better for adjusting character movement in a 2D platformer, like Super Mario Wonder. One of my major complaints is that it still lacks analog triggers. This feature has been on Xbox and PlayStation controllers for years and allows games to sense when you partially press a trigger. It's important in racing games, for example, where pressing the trigger determines how much you'll accelerate. But nope, that's not a thing for the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Sean Booker/CNET Curiously, the new Pro Controller can't wirelessly connect it to a PC. Steam doesn't yet recognize it, though it took a while before the original was directly supported as well. While it's missing some key pro features compared to Xbox and PlayStation's offerings, those controllers also retail for around $200, so the price difference makes sense. The Switch 2 Pro Controller is best for someone who primarily games with the console connected to a TV. It's an overall improvement on the first one and brings Nintendo closer to what we expect from a pro-style design, but it becomes a harder sell if you already have the original Pro Controller. Many of the new features -- back buttons, a headphone jack, quick access to gamechat -- are pretty easy to live without, in my opinion.
WIRED
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- WIRED
These are 8 Best Switch 2 Accessories We've Tried
Skip to main content Looking to jazz up your portable gaming experience? Here are the best accessories we've tested for the Nintendo Switch 2. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. The Switch 2 isn't like other consoles. If you were meant to take your Xbox Series X (7/10, WIRED Review) to the park, you'd probably need a very strange-looking backpack. For the Switch 2, portability isn't just a feature, it's a key selling point. With that in mind, there are two paths you can take to outfit your console for adventure, based on how you play. If your Switch 2 will spend most of its life in the dock or in your hands on the couch, I'd recommend an attachable grip case. Like your phone case, these clamp onto the console and Joy-Cons, providing a minor shield for bumps and bruises. They often add extra features like ergonomic grips, while still allowing access to commonly used ports. On the other hand, if you're a world traveler planning to take your Switch 2 on every flight, train ride, or road trip, I'd opt for a classic carrying case. These hold your console and games and usually have extra room for cables or adapters. You can toss these into your bag while packing up for a trip and know your console will make it safely to your destination. AccordionItemContainerButton One of the recurring complaints about the original Switch, at least for me, is that the Joy-Cons are super slim and not very ergonomic. Especially for folks with bigger hands, the Pro Controller made for a much better option. For handheld play, extra attachments became increasingly common further into the console's life, adding extra bulk and more traditional rounded grips to the Joy-Cons. Because the Joy-Cons are still flat on the back, many manufacturers have gone ahead and built these into cases right from the jump. This is, to me, one of the main draws of adding a case to your Switch 2, especially if you plan on playing primarily in handheld mode. AccordionItemContainerButton Unfortunately, you need a screen protector for your Switch 2, thanks to the built-in plastic cover that will likely scratch and scuff over time. In general, I'd recommend buying one from the same brand that you get your case or grip from, if they sell one. You'll avoid any issues with sizing or compatibility, and almost every accessory maker on this list offers some kind of discount if you buy them as a bundle, not to mention saving on shipping. There are still a few factors to take into consideration. Some dedicated manufacturers offer different finishes for specific situations, and applicators are also becoming more common, which help make sure everything is smooth and lined up correctly. AccordionItemContainerButton One of the major upgrades Nintendo made for the Switch 2 is a new kickstand. It runs the width of the console, with two firm hinges, and it's a massive improvement for playing on the go. Unfortunately, none of the case makers could figure out what to do with it, which is understandable. There's no clear attachment point, so most cases included double-sided tape and a kickstand-shaped chunk of plastic you could just stick to the back. I'd be more worried about lining it up wrong or potentially breaking the kickstand if you tried to remove it for some reason than I would about a slight gap on the back of the case. Because I had to swap through a bunch of cases, I generally skipped this step, and in almost all cases, the extra piece is only cosmetic. Instead, I briefly tested the included strips of adhesive on a single spot on the back of my Switch, just to make sure they didn't leave any obvious residue. I've had a chance to check out a variety of grip cases and bumpers of various sizes and weights, and the dbrand Killswitch 2 is the one I'll be using on my console. The unique texture on the outside is almost sticky without being uncomfortable, and it makes me feel confident carrying my brand-new $450 console around the house. It's the same finish and material found on the dbrand Grip, our favorite Pixel 9 case, and it works here just as well. The Killswitch 2 builds chunky, comfortable Joy-Con grips right into the case, which makes the console instantly more comfortable to play in handheld mode. Every Killswitch 2 includes a dock adapter, which cleverly slots into the official dock so you don't have to take the case off. Because it won't fit into most cases with the extra bulk, you can also buy a sturdy plastic lid that clamps around the front and protects the screen, while also holding up to 10 cartridges. I don't think I'd pack it in a suitcase like that, but I'll toss it in my backpack with other junk and go for a bike ride without worrying about it. Belkin Gaming Charger Case for Nintendo Switch 2 For a more traditional option, I'd go with Belkin's Charging Case. As the name implies, there's a battery pack that slides into its own compartment in the bottom of the case, with a short right-angle cable that fits perfectly into the console's lower charging port. I really appreciate the thoughtful design here, with little touches like a hidden Airtag compartment, and a kickstand groove so you can play in tabletop mode while still charging. The inside feels soft and cozy, and the outside is rigid enough that I'd feel comfortable packing it up in my carry-on. There's room for games, extra cables, and there was even enough extra space inside that some of the smaller joy-con grips, like the Spigen Nano Pop, can stay on. The bonus compartment has room for my headphone pick, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. This is the kit I'd pack up for flying or a road trip, where I might be away from outlets and navigating busy areas, but usually parked in one spot while I actually play. While you could certainly opt for any number of bulky over-ear gaming headsets, I think the Switch 2's portable nature pairs perfectly with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The slim adapter plugs right into the console's USB-C port for low-latency 2.4GHz audio, and the SteelSeries app has equalizer profiles for Switch games that help improve the already impressive sound quality. I also found they fit right into the extra compartment on the Belkin Charging Case, which helps turn that compact carrying case into a fully-equipped portable gaming station. These are way easier to carry around than any over-ear option, super comfortable, and a natural companion for making sure you hear that blue shell coming, even on a full flight. For an attachable grip case that's a bit slimmer than our primary pick, Spigen's Nano Pop case provides light protection from bumps and scratches. It also includes Joy-Con grips which add just a little bit of extra bulk to the controllers, making them more comfortable for handheld play without limiting your other case options as much. They come in a variety of fun colors too, which adds a little pop to the Switch 2's more serious face. It technically fits into the official dock, but it's a tight squeeze, and you'll need to carefully situate everything to get it seated, although it fits in the Belkin Charging Case just fine. I think these are a great option for someone who rarely plays docked, but still wants some extra ergonomic benefits and a shell for minor scratches. My only minor complaint here is that quite a few pieces of double-sided tape were involved in the installation. It's generally worth buying a screen protector from the same manufacturer where you get your case. Most of the brands mentioned above will offer a discount or bundle if you buy them together, and you'll avoid any fit or compatibility issues. I didn't find any of the options compelling enough over the others to warrant going out of my way to find it. That said, the Spigen EZ Fit had an easy application process and went on perfectly straight, and after that I forgot it was there. I appreciate the inclusion of a proper cleaning wipe, which I find does a better job preventing dust or particles from getting stuck underneath than just a basic microfiber. You get a two pack for $25, so you can share with a friend, or keep one on ice in case the unthinkable happens. The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, but games are getting bigger in a hurry, so it's likely you'll need to add more before you know it. The MicroSD card from your old Switch won't work, however, so you'll need to pick up a new MicroSD Express card. I wrote up a guide explaining the new standard and its benefits, and in a quick game transfer, the SanDisk was slightly faster. I recommend at least 256GB, since you only have one slot. Our favorite gaming TV, the Samsung S90D QD-OLED (9/10, WIRED Recommends), has a great feature set that takes advantage of the Switch 2's improved video capabilities. It supports resolutions up to 4K and up to 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR, so there's plenty of headroom over the console's primary settings. QD-OLED panels are my favorite for gaming, with incredible colors and black levels that video games are naturally equipped to utilize. Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set At the moment, if you need an extra dock, you'll have to go with the official Nintendo option. I've tried a few USB-C hubs, and while some charged the system, none of them were able to output video. The good news is that the official dock from Nintendo is noticeably wider and less tippable than the Switch 1 version, and it's easier to get plugged in. The bad news is that the only place to buy a replacement or additional dock is currently directly from Nintendo, and you'll likely need to log in to your qualified Nintendo account. It costs $120, which feels pretty steep for a charger, HDMI cable, and chunk of plastic. Spigen Rugged Armor ($30): This molded grip case has heavy bumpers and thick Joy-Con grips, but it was tough to remove, which you'll have to do a lot because it won't fit in the dock with the case on, and you can't separate the Joy-Cons either. This would be a good case if you're buying the console for a younger kid who you don't trust to treat it gently. Belkin TemperedGlass Screen Protector with Blue Light Filter ($30): While I liked the look of this screen protector, and the blue light filter is great for late night gaming sessions, the lackluster applicator frame isn't quite as nice as the other options. It's also a bit expensive, at $30 for just one. dbrand Prism 2.0 ($35): I liked the Prism 2.0 screen protectors and their application process as much as the Spigen option. Unfortunately they're slightly more expensive and only available directly from dbrand, so if you buy them on their own you'll have to pay shipping. If you're buying anything else, like a case or a skin, you'll get a discount and likely qualify for free shipping, making these well worth it.
Android Authority
09-06-2025
- Android Authority
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons have a serious pinching problem
TL;DR Nintendo Switch 2 users are reporting pinched fingers from Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons. The magnets are strong enough to cause minor injuries, especially in children. Nintendo was aware of this and included a warning in the Joy-Con 2 instruction manual. Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons might not have Hall Effect sticks, but the magnetic attachments are generally considered a highlight of the new design. However, users are reporting that the magnets are so strong that they're pinching fingers, causing minor injuries. Most of the reports are coming from Japan (via Automaton), but several users on Reddit have suffered the same fate. Essentially, holding the Joy-Cons with your finger overlapping the edge risks getting pinched between the Joy-Con and the console. The same is true when attaching the Joy Cons to the controller accessory, which also features magnets. The Switch 2 Joy-Cons magnets are very strong and designed to be difficult to remove. Unlike the original Joy-Cons, they have no mechanical component and are held onto the console exclusively by magnets. A small lever on the back separates the Joy-Con for removal, but if your grip wraps around the Joy-Cons and onto the console itself, it's very easy to pinch your fingers. Watch the video above and feel the pain second-hand. Nintendo is apparently aware of the issue and included a short warning in the Joy-Con instructions. It reads, 'Keep the area between the Joy-Con 2 and the console clear, careful not to get your fingers or other body parts pinched.' Nintendo is aware of Joy-Con pinching, and includes a warning in the instructions. It appears that this is simply an unintended side effect of the new Joy-Con design, so the only remedy is to take extra care when attaching Joy-Con 2 controllers. Those who have children should be extra careful. Have you had your fingers pinched in your Nintendo Switch 2? Drop a comment below to share your experience. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Do Switch 1 controllers work on the Nintendo Switch 2?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If you're a long-time Nintendo Switch owner who's eyeing up a Switch 2, or (like many on the T3 team) you've just taken delivery of the newer console, you might be looking at your collection of old controllers and wondering if they're now obsolete. Good news – I've been researching and testing, and working out whether you can keep hold of those controllers for use on the Switch 2, and the outlook is pretty positive. Nintendo indicated before the console's launch that many controllers would continue to work, and it looks like that's the case. I'll go category-by-category for the sake of simplicity, though. This is the big one – every Switch 1 owner has at least one pair of Joy-Cons that they might be hoping to use as multiplayer controllers on the Switch 2, and for the most part, that should work fine. Old Joy-Cons can connect wirelessly to the Switch 2, and work just like you'd hope they would – although there's no way to dock them with the Switch for charging. They'll also work when slotted into a grip, so you should be good to go. You can use them in Switch 1 or Switch 2 games, as well, but there's one big exception – mouse controls. These have been added to both new Joy-Cons, and if you use Switch 1 versions, you therefore won't be able to use the mode. It's not impossible that we'll see some Switch 2 games launch without compatibility with old Joy-Cons down the line. Nintendo has released a few controllers for the Switch 1 over the years, from the Pro Controller to NES, SNES and N64 wireless controllers for use with its back catalogue of retro games. The good news is that all of these will again work without any issues on the Switch 2 – although, like the older Joy-Cons, some of them will lose the ability to dock with the console. Even the Nintendo GameCube Controller adapter will work when plugged into the new dock. The Pro Controller is really similar to the new version for the Switch 2, in fact, basically only missing out on higher-fidelity rumble capabilities and the new C button for GameChat. This is probably the biggest category of controller out there, since many third-party options from the likes of PowerA and 8BitDo undercut the official Nintendo controllers handily. Again, it's good news for some people. If you use a controller wirelessly on the Nintendo Switch 1, there's a good chance that your controller will work the same on Switch 2 – although in some cases it may require a firmware update to do so. 8BitDo has confirmed that some of its controllers can be updated now to work as intended, so it basically boils down to a case-by-case situation.
