Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con Differences - How Do The New Controllers Compare?

The upcoming Switch 2 is an an iterative upgrade over the original console, maintaining many of the same features while adding a few new ones.

As such, the design of the device, including its new Joy-Con 2 controllers, may look pretty familiar if you already own a Switch, but there's still plenty of new information to dig into.

In this guide, we break down the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con, their new features, and how they compare to the original Switch controllers.

Switch 2 Joy-Con Guide

New Features

Although functionality remains largely the same for the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, there are a few new features.

What does the mysterious new button on the right Joy-Con do? And what about that optical sensor on the Joy-Con's magnetic rail?

Let's dive in and see exactly what these new controllers are all about.

Magnetic connection

Presenting a significant upgrade over the physical rail system of the original Switch, the Switch 2 uses magnets to hold the Joy-Con controllers in place.

Rather than lining the Joy-Con up and sliding them down into the console itself, they now simply snap in place from the side. The magnets are then powerful enough to keep the Joy-Con firmly in place.

Much like the previous console, buttons can be found on the rear of the Joy-Con that can be pressed to remove the controllers from the main body. These are much larger than before to account for the overall increase in the console's size. Pressing the button in causes a small pin to protrude from the side of the Joy-Con, pushing it away from the Switch and allowing for removal of the Joy-Con.

New C Button

The right Joy-Con now houses an additional C Button, and it's confirmed that this will effectively function as a 'GameChat' launcher. The Switch 2 will now feature in-game chat capabilities with multiple users at the same time. You can even share your screen and let other players view what you're doing in-game.

Not only that, but a new camera has been announced that will allow you to supeimpose your own face over your gameplay screen, removing the background around you; kinda like a filtered Zoom call.

The C Button on the Joy-Con 2 will bring up the chat menu, letting you answer calls and tinker with the chat options.

Optical Sensor

An optical sensor, much like the one you might find on the bottom of a PC mouse, has been added to both Joy-Con controllers, located just to the right of the 'SL' button when detached.

This means that the Joy-Con 2 can be placed upon a surface and used as a mouse. Yes, both of them. This will be required for the newly-announced Drag X Drive, and will be featured in games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Joy-Con 2 Specs

Here's the official rundown of the new controllers' features:

Switch 2 Joy-Con Comparison - Are Switch 2 Joy-Con bigger?

Why yes, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers are quite a bit bigger than the equivalent for the Switch.

Here are the dimensions for the original Switch's Joy-Con vs the new Joy-Con 2:

Switch / Switch OLED Model Joy-Con - 102 mm tall x 35.9 mm wide x 28.4 mm thick.

And here's a Switch 2 Joy-Con comparison with the original version:

Switch 2 Joy-Con FAQ

Here are a selection of common Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con questions that people also ask.

Do the Switch 2 Joy-Con drift like the old ones?

'Joy-Con drift' was a significant issue with the Switch 1's controllers. Nintendo has not officially confirmed whether the Joy-Con 2 will boast Hall Effect joysticks at the time of writing, though has stated that the new joysticks "have been redesigned and have improved in areas such as durability”. We've got our fingers crossed for Hall Effect, however, as this technology is instrumental in reducing the possibility of joystick drift.

Can I use my old Joy-Con with Switch 2?

Yes, you'll be able to use your original Joy-Con wirelessly with the Switch 2. However, you will not be able to attach them to the main Switch 2 unit.

In fact, wireless compatibility will be required for games such as Ring Fit Adventure, which will not be compatible with the new Joy-Con 2 controllers.

How do I remove the Joy-Con from the Switch 2?

Removing the Joy-Con from the new console will work in a similar way to your current Switch. Buttons located on the back of the Joy-Con can be pressed in, which will cause a small pin to protrude from the side of the Joy-Con.

This pin essentially pushes the Joy-Con away from the main body of the Switch 2, thus causing the magnetic connection to drop.

Will the new Joy-Con come with a grip and wrist straps?

Yes, wrist straps will be included with the Joy-Con 2 as standard.

In addition, much like the original Switch, a grip controller will also be provided with the console. The Joy-Con 2 simply snap onto the sides, and away you go. A charging grip will also be available as a separate purchase.

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful. If you're after more Nintendo Switch 2 advice, check out our Switch 2 guides for more useful info.