Finally, some good news for Switch players' neighbors: the Switch 2's Joy-Con 2s vibrate less loudly. It remains to be seen whether this will affect the gaming experience on Nintendo's next console.
Nintendo confirmed this on its backward compatibility page: the Switch 2's controllers will offer HD vibrations that are less audible than those of the original Switch. An evolution that will simplify nighttime sessions... but will complicate certain games, like Everybody 1-2-Switch!, where the noise of the controllers is a key element.
While the "HD Rumble" has always been appreciated for its immersion, its sometimes shrill buzzing in intense mode annoyed players, and those around them. With the Joy-Con 2, no more vibrations like an angry mosquito during a fight in Zelda. On the other hand, the Joy-Con Hide & Seek mini-game will become more difficult, since finding a hidden controller by following its buzzing will be less obvious.
Read also – I played the Nintendo Switch 2 in preview and this unexpected detail pleasantly surprised me
Silence, we're playing... or not?
This reduction in volume raises questions about certain creative uses of the HD Rumble. In Super Mario Bros Wonder, for example, vibrations are used to generate sound effects, such as musical notes when Mario jumps on special blocks. With more discreet Joy-Con 2s, these audio cues might go unnoticed.
Another detail: compatibility with accessories. Ring Fit Adventure's Ring-Con doesn't support the Joy-Con 2, which are too bulky. Players will have to dig out their old controllers to put on their virtual sports outfit. Another headache, but Nintendo is taking responsibility: the priority is clearly acoustic comfort.
It remains to be seen how developers will adapt. Between players happy to no longer disturb their roommate and those who will have to listen carefully during a game, Nintendo is aiming for a delicate balance. One thing is certain: the nights will be quieter... unless you lose a controller under the couch. What we would have liked to see is Nintendo fix the infamous Joy-Con Drift, which causes the analog sticks to drift. Unfortunately, based on the information we currently have, it seems that the Japanese company hasn't completely solved the problem yet.
0 Comments