Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers: Joy-Con 2 Skip Hall Effect Sticks, Addressing Drift Concerns

Nintendo has officially put to rest rumors swirling around the highly anticipated Switch 2’s controller design.

Despite early speculation that the new Joy-Con 2 controllers would incorporate Hall Effect sticks—a technology many enthusiasts hoped would eliminate the dreaded Joy-Con drift—the company has confirmed that these components will not be part of the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has experienced significant success, surpassing 125 million units sold worldwide.

However, one persistent issue that affected the original Joy-Con controllers was Joy-Con drift, a hardware flaw where joystick inputs would register even when untouched.

This frustration led to widespread calls from fans and the gaming press alike for hardware-level improvements in subsequent iterations. In a recent interview with Nintendo Life, Nate Bihldorff, Senior Director at Nintendo of America, clarified Nintendo’s approach to its next-generation gaming peripherals.

“The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been completely redesigned from the ground up,” Bihldorff explained.

Still, he confirmed that despite the extensive overhaul, Hall Effect sticks—which use magnetic fields instead of physical contact to enhance durability and accuracy—will not be included in the new design. The absence of Hall Effect technology does not necessarily mean drift will persist.

Nintendo has been actively working on hardware solutions, and Bihldorff emphasized that addressing controller reliability remains a top priority.

The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers aim to significantly mitigate, if not entirely eliminate, the drift issues seen in previous models, implementing enhanced manufacturing and design standards to ensure a better gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. Bihldorff also spoke candidly about his admiration for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

He noted that the Pro Controller quickly became a favorite due to its familiarity and comfort, likening it to the classic GameCube controller.

"From the moment I first held it, the Pro Controller felt instantly comfortable, reminiscent of my days playing on the GameCube," Bihldorff recalled.

He also praised how quiet the analog sticks are, highlighting the improvements made for players who value responsive, low-noise controls during intense gaming sessions, such as those found in competitive titles like Super Smash Bros. Nintendo continues to invest in research and development, aiming to deliver what it calls the "pinnacle of all controllers." The company’s ongoing dedication to improving the user experience can be seen not only in its hardware choices but also in its commitment to customer support when hardware issues arise. As anticipation builds for Switch 2 and its new line of controllers, Nintendo fans can expect a more robust, reliable, and comfortable control experience—albeit without Hall Effect technology.

The Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller are set to debut alongside the new hardware in the upcoming cycle, reinforcing Nintendo's reputation for innovative, player-focused design.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Nintendo Switch Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Switch 2 Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Nate Bihldorff Nintendo Life