In just under two months, Nintendo fans will finally be able to enjoy an updated console. The Direct broadcast on April 2nd clarified the final details regarding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Kyoto-based company's new machine will be available starting June 5th and will notably offer the chance to discover a rather ambitious Mario Kart World. With its larger screen capable of displaying 120 frames per second, its power already considered superior to that of the Steam Deck, and performance updates for Switch 1 games, the console has something to make more than one player dream.
But all these great promises already come with a few flaws. Even setting aside the quality of screen sharing and the camera in the new GameChat community mode, it's clear that the Switch 2 is already suffering on the hardware side. Nothing to report on the console's performance (for now): the concerns are primarily about the controllers.
The new Joy-Con are not protected against drift
When the first trailer showed the Switch 2 with a Switch 1 makeover, it wasn't just for show. The Joy-Con 2 are larger and more comfortable than their predecessors, but they resemble them in every way... Right down to the stick drift. After an entire generation of battling controllers whose joysticks do whatever they want, gamers are likely to experience the same problems. And yes, unfortunately, Nintendo hasn't learned from its mistakes.
In an interview with the specialist website Nintendo Life, Nate Bihldorff – vice president of product development and publishing for the manufacturer's American branch – confirmed that the new Joy-Con will not benefit from Hall effect technology. “Well, we designed the Joy-Con 2 controllers from A to Z. They’re not Hall effect controllers, but they’re very pleasant to use,” he simply stated.
Today, Hall effect is the most reliable technology to avoid control transmission issues, which cause the sticks to drift (hence the name “stick drift”). The choice not to include it seems counterproductive on Nintendo’s part, especially following the numerous legal battles in France and within the European Union concerning the drift of the first Joy-Con. Has the Kyoto firm found another way around the problem? Verdict in the coming months and years.
Old controllers work, but...
Regarding compatibility with previous-generation accessories, Nintendo has already confirmed that the Joy-Con and Pro Controller from the first Switch will work on the Switch 2. But compatibility isn't that simple. Each peripheral meets very (too) specific criteria that the manufacturer has taken care to list on its official website.
In the case of the Joy-Con (and NES controllers for Switch), for example, players will be able to pair them via a wireless connection, but will not be able to charge them on the console. You will need to have an old Switch or a charging stand available. As for controllers with a USB-C port (Pro Controller, Super Nintendo Controller, Nintendo 64 Controller and Mega Drive Controller), these can also be used via a wireless connection, as well as charged via the USB port on the Switch 2 dock.
However, all older controllers are unable to remotely start the Switch 2 by pressing the Home button. To do this, you will need to use dedicated Switch 2 controllers, or get up to press the console's Power button. Since the drawbacks are piling up, why bother using previous-generation accessories? Simply because they will be essential to maintain compatibility with certain Switch 1 games. This will be the case, for example, with Ring Fit Adventure or 1, 2, Switch, which both require the infrared sensor. The full list of affected titles can be found here.
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