What do we expect from the Nintendo Switch 2? Kouichi Kawamoto tells us at the April 2nd Direct Event: Why the Switch 2 is coming
The previous version of the Pro Controller was $10 more expensive. It is almost certain that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch alongside the new game on June 5th.
As Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto describes in a new “Ask the Developer” interview published today, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons have “larger and more durable” analog sticks “with smoother movement.” On its site, the company says that the Joy-Con 2s are quieter, too. Smoother and quieter makes sense if Nintendo is using Hall effect sensors this time around, as previously rumored. The L and R buttons curve down the side for easy reach, according to Kawamoto.
In its April 2nd Direct event, Nintendo revealed a lot of the Switch 2 details we’ve been waiting for, including the console’s price ($449.99 in the US), its June 5th release date, and a slew of new games coming to it, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. The video and details the company published after the event also helped create a more complete picture of what we should expect from the second-generation Joy-Cons that come with the system.
Nintendo did away with the IR sensor found on the right-hand first-generation Joy-Con, which I will miss for no reason other than that I love when gadgets have IR sensors. In every other way, the updated Joy-Cons sound like an improvement over their predecessors, with intriguing new features and Nintendo’s promise of better comfort and improved rumble. Now, we just have to wait to see if Nintendo managed to solve the stick drift problem of the first Joy-Cons.
The HD Rumble 2 feature, which was added to Joy-Con, was updated to allow for a wider variety of vibrations. They’ll also be stronger, he said, and have “quicker response times.” The controllers will last for about 20 hours between charges, and 3.5 hours, which is similar to the original Joy-Cons.
As for accessories, apart from the included wrist straps, Nintendo has also announced a $19.99 set of two wheels you can attach the Joy-Con 2s to for games like Mario Kart World. The charging grip will cost $34.99, while the console will come with a standard non-charging grip.
