During the Nintendo Switch Presentation we were given an extensive demonstration of the Joy-Con controllers, which deliver on some of the ambitious rumours and patents of recent months.
For starters, there will be two alternative colours to choose from early on, with Red and Blue variations confirmed. It seems like a potentially lucrative accessories market for the future.
Moving on to features, the controllers have a heavy emphasis on flexibility and technology. For example, turning the controller horizontal with still allow for L and R buttons, allowing for multiplayer gameplay with players taking one Joy-Con each.
The technology appears to support advanced motion controls, up to Wii Remote Plus level at least. Beyond that there's a sensor that can detect certain hand signals and gestures, something seen in patents previously. Rumours of advance haptic feedback also proved accurate, and it's called 'HD Rumble'. It mimics actions such as a glass with multiple ice cubes dropped in, or filling with water. The potential for minigames in particular is notable.
Overall the Joy-Con controllers seem to have plenty to offer. Let us know what you think in the comments.
Comments 31
Well done Nintendo!
I can see limited edition versions in the future, a marketing dream.
The amount of features they've crammed into those little things is excellent.
Nintendo seems like wizards for having 3d rumble and fitting so many features inside the Joycons. they're headlining new things that people could potentially use.
Did anyone else also like that Magician schtick he was doing...?
At least they went for something genuinely new and innovative even if I could've done without the seemingly requisite "LOL CRAZY NINTENDO GIMMIX" approach.
I like how he wiggled the amiibo around on the control stick. Was he doing it right?
@Plucky I did!
if its as good as they say it is, then great. but if it contributes to the 2.5hr battery life then it will be "switch-ed" off
SO many design possibilities with the Joy-Cons....These have the potential to become as customizable as the N3DS cover plates.
@PsylockeRules I expect te Joy-Con to have their own batteries and the 2,5 - 6 hour comment was aimed at the Switch console itself. So shouldn't have an impact on that.
The 3DS lasts 5hrs playing 3DS games. 3-6hrs for the Switch isn't amazing... but it's actually comparable to the 3DS if you don't just stare at the lowest number.
Very impressive technology.
@NickOfTime90 probably a bit off topic. but if he practices magic as a hobby, that'd be more admirable. he looks like he has good showmanship.
Don't forget you can feel not one ice cube, not two ice cubes, but three ice cubes! how pathetic Nintendo
Indeed, it was really smooth.
When I saw Baby Blue Joy Con appeared from his hands, I was speecless, surprised, excited, hyped so much with that beautiful color.
Those little things are beasts! Not what I was expecting and I'm pumped to try them out and feel what this HD Rumble is all about. I am wondering how much a replacement Joy Con will go for.
Really was impressed with this part of the presentation, even the translator seemed wide awake and excited.
Wow, was really surprised in the features in those little things. Really like the attachment that makes the small shoulder buttons bigger and more useful. The new feedback system needs to be in my hands now.
The joycons will be $80.00 USD for a double pack. $49.99 for one joycon. So maybe that's why they couldn't hit $250.00 or less....
One thing that really stands out about the HD Rumble, is the potential for VR applications. Think about it. If you can see the controller, you know you're not holding a glass with ice cubes, but if you're in VR, and all you can see in your hand is a glass with ice cubes, that's going to be oddly convincing.
@Dysnomia and if one isn't happy with those shoulder buttons, it looks like it will be real easy for a third party to make an adapter with even better should buttons.
Yay! Motion Control lives! Now I don't feel so silly having spent the past 3 years making a motion control game
@ChessboardMan Indeed, the potential of that HD rumble sounds really exciting; if they can nail it, it could be a compelling feature without being a gimmick.
Going to be a tricky selling point, though, since you'd really have to get it in a player's hands to have them appreciate it, and it'll live or die on if it's drop-dead simple enough to program for that third parties aren't discouraged from using it.
There's a lot of technical marvel in those controllers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_6rMa9_UvQ
I was hoping motion controls would've taken a hike, but I knew deep down, they'd be there... Hopefully they're not going to be crowbarred into everything like it's 2007 all over again, especially as that would rather impede the whole "on the go" aspect of the console.
This stuff is truly incredible, it makes you wonder how much R&D went into making the Joycons so little but with so many cutting edge inside.
Motion controls most likely won't be mandatory but will be there for those that want a different play style. Nice, at least.
And now for the mandatory trolling: how long before Sony and MS reverse engine the tech and apply it to their own controllers? I give it until E3.
These little GEMS are the Megaton of the Switch.
One lingering thing... I believe touch was confirmed a couple times -though kind of subtle mentions. is it multi-touch?
Yay a load of awesome looking features that'll never hardly be used, it'll be like the Wii U gamepad again.
It seems the Joy-com are more complex than they seems. Sounds like an interesting piece of technology.
I really want to try the Joy-cons now! I want to see how the HD Rumble feels.
There's quite some stuff in those joy-cons. Nice! As they said the Switch can do almost everything from past consoles, minus the 3D.
However, they do look really tiny. Wich probably means the screen isn't that big either (probably smaller then the Wii u one).
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