Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Redesign: Improved Durability and Ergonomics Address Stick Drift Concerns

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Redesign: Improved Durability and Ergonomics Address Stick Drift Concerns Yesterday, Nintendo gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 during Ask the Developer Vol.

16.

The highly anticipated successor to the original Switch was the focus of an in-depth discussion, shedding light on key design changes and hardware improvements aimed at addressing community feedback and refining the user experience.

The session featured insights from the Switch 2’s lead designer and producer, Kouichi Kawamoto, particularly focusing on the complete redesign of the console's Joy-Con controllers, long the subject of criticism due to persistent stick drift issues. The Joy-Con controllers have been a defining feature for the Nintendo Switch family since the platform’s 2017 debut, but they haven’t been without fault.

Many users reported issues with stick drift, an unwanted movement or inaccuracy caused by wear and tear on the control sticks.

This technical headache has prompted class action lawsuits and widespread calls for improved hardware from Nintendo fans worldwide. In the developer Q&A, Kouichi Kawamoto confirmed that every aspect of the Joy-Con 2 has been redesigned from the ground up for the Nintendo Switch 2.

He explained, "We started afresh with the development of the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

The new model offers larger and more robust control sticks, delivering smoother performance and increased durability compared to the original design.

We also scaled up the Joy-Con 2 to align with the larger size of the Switch 2 console." Kawamoto elaborated on the ergonomic enhancements: "If we had simply elongated the original Joy-Con vertically, it would become uncomfortable to hold, with users unable to effectively reach the L and R buttons.

To ensure a comfortable gaming experience, we extended the L and R buttons, rounded the bottom corners, and meticulously fine-tuned the layout of every control, down to the last millimeter." While details about the potential implementation of Hall-effect control sticks—a highly requested, drift-resistant alternative—have yet to be officially confirmed, Kawamoto expressed high confidence in the new sticks’ performance.

He also highlighted enhancements to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, noting an even smoother and more consistent feel for its control sticks. Nintendo has not yet announced a specific release date for the Nintendo Switch 2, but these revelations underscore its commitment to solving one of the hardware’s most persistent issues.

As excitement builds for the new console and its accessories, both longtime Nintendo fans and industry analysts will be eager to evaluate whether these changes successfully eliminate stick drift once and for all.

More hands-on impressions are anticipated as launch approaches, and additional information is expected in future Nintendo Direct showcases and eShop updates. The full Ask the Developer Vol.

16 interview is available through Nintendo’s official channels, providing deeper insight into the innovations behind the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con and the company’s broader hardware philosophy.

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