Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con Leaks Explained

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As a seasoned Nintendo enthusiast who has been following the gaming giant since the days of the Game Boy Advance, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and skepticism as rumors swirl about the Nintendo Switch 2. While I’ve seen my fair share of leaks and speculation over the years, this latest one about magnetic Joy-Cons has me scratching my head.

With the year’s end drawing near, Nintendo enthusiasts are becoming increasingly impatient for updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, a device that was previously believed to be unveiled before 2025. While Nintendo has occasionally shared tidbits about the upcoming console, most of the chatter and conjecture surrounding the new device stems from various leaks and rumors, with some being more reliable than others.

Since Nintendo has revealed some details about the Switch 2, such as it being backwards compatible and maintaining its hybrid design, gamers are now focusing on practical aspects, particularly the device’s physical appearance. The unusual prospect of the Switch 2 being a direct successor to the original Switch is somewhat unconventional for modern Nintendo, which typically introduces revolutionary designs for its new consoles rather than incremental improvements. One popular rumor about the hardware suggests that the Joy-Cons on the Switch 2 will be magnetically attached to the console instead of held in place by hard plastic rails, as shown in a recent leak that appears to depict a prototype of the Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Could Have Magnetic Joy-Cons, Per a Recent Leak

The Implications of Magnetic Joy-Cons

A clip on BilliBilli, a Chinese video sharing platform, seems to reveal a potential upgrade to the Nintendo Switch. Instead of the usual Joy-Cons that slide up and out, these look and operate differently. In this video, it appears that the user removes the controllers by pulling them away from the console instead of sliding them, suggesting that the new Switch might have magnetic Joy-Con attachments. The video further displays what seems like an extra, trigger-like button on one or more of the controllers, possibly designed to detach them from the console.

Under the assumption that this leak is accurate, it’s challenging to pinpoint the reasons behind Nintendo’s decision to alter the new Joy-Cons. Given the existing Joy-Con models’ problems like weak connection during handheld play and inconsistent performance, a magnetic attachment might offer better reliability. This is because magnetic controllers would detach from the console in case of a fall or other impact, preventing potential damage to the system. Additionally, such a change could enhance user experience as magnetic attachments are generally easier and more gratifying than the current sliding mechanism.

This Joy-Con Leak Should Be Taken With a Particularly Heavy Dose of Salt

Though the BilliBilli video in question confirms previous Nintendo Switch 2 rumors, it’s far from credible. For one thing, the BilliBilli user doesn’t seem to have any credentials that would support their claims. Additionally, and more obviously, the video provided is excessively blurry and doesn’t show crucial elements of the device. It’s possible that the uploader simply has a low-quality camera, but this seems like an easy obstacle to overcome, especially for someone genuinely interested in sharing information about the Switch 2. Similarly, if the device in the video is indeed the Switch 2, it’s strange that more wasn’t shown. It could presumably get to some sort of boot screen, for instance, if it were representative of the final product.

Then again, the subject of the video appears legitimate. It’s nothing like previous “leaks” of the Nintendo Switch 2, which are obviously fake or 3D-printed. But the poor video quality and inexplicable lack of additional information definitely paints this leak in a suspicious light, so it should be taken with even more salt than usual, especially as this information spreads throughout the gaming community.

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2024-12-04 21:25