Nintendo has officially announced that the upcoming Switch 2 will not feature Hall Effect sensors in its Joy-Con controllers, which leaves the issue of stick drift still unresolved. Instead, the console will incorporate redesigned analog-style sticks that aim to tackle one of the most significant complaints surrounding the original Nintendo Switch.
Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Publishing at Nintendo of America, shared insights about the new console in an interview with Nintendo Life. He stated, “The Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been meticulously designed from the ground up. While they aren’t using Hall Effect technology, they offer a really satisfying feel.”
For context, Hall Effect sticks function through magnetic fields, eliminating the physical wear that traditional potentiometers encounter, making them less prone to issues like stick drift. As the potentiometer ages, it starts providing inaccurate readings, leading to problems such as delayed input and drift.
Bihldorff emphasized the commitment Nintendo has to quality in their hardware. “Every time we release new hardware or accessories, we focus on delivering the best possible experience for our users. This includes not only how the Joy-Cons feel during gameplay but also their longevity. We take what we’ve learned and improve the design.”
He also noted that the Switch 2’s Pro Controller has a distinct feel, inspired by the classic GameCube controller. Bihldorff mentioned, “I loved the GameCube controller. Its comfort was familiar, especially the analog stick. I made it a priority to keep it quiet during intense gameplay. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever used.”
While many specifics about the new Joy-Con technology remain undisclosed, representatives from Nintendo have reassured fans that more attention has been paid to the performance of the control sticks this time. In a recent developer Q&A, Nintendo producer Kouichi Kawamoto explained, “We started from scratch with Joy-Con 2. The control sticks are designed to be larger, more durable, and smoother in movement.”
The company hopes that the enhanced durability will address the stick drift issue. It’s important to note that Nintendo isn’t the only brand that has faced concerns over faulty analog sticks; rival products like the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller have also received complaints. Nevertheless, the Switch 2 is hopeful to learn from its predecessor’s shortcomings, aiming to provide gamers with a seamless control experience.
