Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked: Massive Controller Improvement Coming?

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Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons will reportedly incorporate Hall effect analog sticks.
  • This would make the controllers immune to stick drift, one of the most prevalent issues with the original Switch Joy-Cons.
  • More details about the upcoming console will be revealed on April 2, which is when the first Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct is scheduled to take place.

According to a recent leak, it’s expected that the Joy-Con controllers for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will incorporate Hall effect analog sticks, implying a significant upgrade over the controllers of its previous model.

It’s commonly acknowledged that drifting, a problem where Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers register phantom movements, has been a significant and frustrating issue with the 2017 console. This malfunction led to various legal disputes, some of which were resolved favorably.

According to online sources like Twitter and Reddit user NextHandled, who has previously leaked information about the Switch 2, Nintendo’s upcoming console is expected to solve the issue of joystick drift by integrating Hall effect sticks. In mid-January 2025, this same source shared on Reddit that the successor to the Switch is likely to include Hall effect analog sticks, based on unspecified teardowns. This would reportedly make the next generation of Joy-Cons resistant to drifting problems.

How Hall Effect Analog Sticks Work

The technology planned for Switch 2 controllers is based around a Hall effect sensor – a device that senses magnetic fields. This tool helps to reduce direct contact between the central parts of an analog stick and the components, instead using magnets to detect positional changes while minimizing wear and tear. As a result, these Hall effect sticks typically last longer compared to their more conventional counterparts.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Were Rumored to Feature Hall Effect Sticks for a While Now

For several weeks, NextHandheld has been stating that the Switch 2 controllers will likely include Hall effect sensors, and it appears that there have been earlier hints of this as well. In fact, back in September 2023, Nintendo obtained a patent for what essentially describes a Hall effect analog stick setup, sparking talk that this technology would be used in their next console. Previously, manufacturers who wanted to use this method might have had to pay royalties per unit sold because Hall effect controllers were patented in the U.S. However, it’s worth noting that the most recent patent related to this technology expired around 2016, excluding Nintendo’s exclusive IP.

The large gaming company from Japan won’t have any legal issues stopping them from selling Hall effect sensors soon. However, it remains uncertain if they will proceed with this plan. On April 2nd, they are planning to announce more details about their new Switch 2 console during a Nintendo Direct presentation. It might not be available for purchase until June 2025 at the latest.

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2025-01-19 18:24