Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, will come out on June 5 starting at $450. The console is largely the same in terms of form factor, but there have been a lot of improvements to the system as well as the controllers.
The Switch 2 will have new Joy-Cons and a new Pro Controller. Both will have new features, different sizing from the original Switch versions, and a hefty price tag.
Watch this: Live Video Chat Comes to the Nintendo Switch 2
Joy-Con 2
The Switch 2’s new controller, the Joy-Con 2, looks a lot like the original Joy-Con from the first Switch, but there are some subtle differences in appearance as well as one big new feature.
To start, the new Joy-Cons are magnetic instead of having a rail to slide them on and off the console. The magnet now lets the Joy-Con snap onto the sides. These are strong magnets, but there is a release button for quick detachment. There’s also an improvement to the rumble feature with HD Rumble 2. This feature will offer more complex rumble patterns for gaming.
The analog sticks are bigger, with more space for a player’s thumbs. The L and R buttons are longer, while the SL and SR buttons have increased in size.
Wrist straps will be available for the Joy-Con 2. The strap snaps onto the Joy-Con to keep it secured to your hand when motion controls are in use.
The Joy-Con 2 working like a mouse.
The big new feature of the Joy-Con 2 is the mouse controls. Each can be placed on its side on a flat surface to function like a computer mouse. While using the Joy-Con 2 as a mouse, it can still perform motion controls.
Switch 2 Pro Controller
The Pro Controller is sold separately and designed more traditionally, akin to controllers on the Xbox and PlayStation consoles. According to a Q&A from the team that created the Switch 2, the Pro Controller was built from scratch.
Some of the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s changes are subtle, such as the analog sticks being quieter and gliding smoothly, which the team called “smooth-gliding sticks.” The grip handles for the Pro are thinner to give your fingers more space.
One interesting change is the inclusion of an audio jack. Now, players can plug in a headset to avoid bothering others while playing.
Switch 2 Pro Controller’s audio jack.
The Switch 2 Pro Controller will also have two extra buttons not found on the Joy-Con 2. The new GL and GR buttons can be assigned to any button input the player wants, whether it’s an important game-play command or using one as a Capture button, so players don’t have to take their thumb off the analog stick.
The Joy-Cons 2 and Pro Controller will also have the new C button for GameChat. This lets up to 12 players communicate with each other, an upgrade from the original Switch, which didn’t have this option and required a phone app to do voice chat. GameChat also allows for screen sharing to the group, and a camera is sold separately for video chat.
The Switch 2 includes a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, but additional ones will be available for $90. The Switch 2 Pro Controller will be sold as an add-on and will cost $80. Both will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.
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