The separated directional buttons found on the Nintendo Switch's left Joy-Con have been something of talking point ever since the console launched in 2017 - some people like them, some really don't like them, and some simply put up with them because single Joy-Con multiplayer would be impossible without them.
The 'really don't like them' camp has definitely been the most vocal over the past couple of years, though, and demand for an official Joy-Con with added D-Pad is pretty high (although you can pick up third-party alternatives). Hopping on that demand is accessory maker, Nyko, which has now released its 'Dockable Protective Case with D-pad Cover for Nintendo Switch', first revealed back in January.
It's pretty obvious how it works from the images, so we'll let those do the talking:
You can get your own for $12.99 at the time of writing, although the singular review found on the product's store listing was less than happy with the product they received.
An interesting idea, or not worth it in your eyes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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Comments 41
Cool for those who still got the original Switch but my Switch Lite already got this cover for me.
I've also found the left joycon skin with a D-Pad overlay works brilliantly. Although it can't be used with the joycon grip.
Nope, not bothered at all with the default buttons when playing handheld.
N is leaving money on the table.
Just release a left con with the regular dpad and everyone is happy. I'd switch mine up.
The reason they haven't is yet another Nintendo oversight. Head wedged firmly in rectum.
That case looks like it would actually make the controls less responsive, not more.
Reminds me of an old Game Boy Advance grip I had. It would cover the d-pad with an analogue stick. Of course it was still digital d-pad inputs, but you were making them with an analogue stick by pressing it in those directions.
@Ralizah Mind sharing what you got for this?
Fans: We want an actual D-Pad!
Nintendo: Silence unbelievers!
Fans: But you can make money! $$ =
Nintendo: NO! We want your souls!
Fans: Gasp!
@Kalmaro Look up "Collective Minds D-Grip Directional Pad & Silicone Cover" online. I got mine from Amazon. You get skins for both joycons but, personally, I only felt the need to use the one for the L-joycon with the D-Pad cover. I was skeptical, as I figured it wouldn't work very well, but, shockingly, it works almost as well for me as a traditional D-Pad would. Actually, I think it might be a little better than the one on the Lite, because diagonals are easier to trigger. I was also afraid it'd trigger incorrect inputs, but, when I tested it, the problem didn't crop up.
@sword_9mm The Hori d-pad controller is basically their solution so in a way they are getting money from it.
I love my MUMBA heavy duty rubber protector $15.99(U.S). It turns your Switch into a tank. All you need to do is add a screen protector. Some would also say it weights like a tank too doubling the weight but i love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Mumba-Nintendo-Switch-Rubberized-release/dp/B077FFBTVJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=10U7C31X6R7I6&keywords=mumba+nintendo+switch+case&qid=1572974721&sprefix=mumba%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-5
Eh, It's stil basically a stop gap measure.
@BarefootBowser
Cause he dared to criticize the mighty big N.
And the fannyboys can't have that now can they ?
Nintendo is unfaillable !!11 or something.
@BarefootBowser
It's the internet. Fans of things are very tribal so I write that N leaves money on the table and they've failed to really work on the Switch (which is true, UI, Network, joycons, a lot o' things) and people get all hissy about it. Like what N does affects them or puts them in a bad light or something.
It's a human failing.
@retro_player_22 Cool for those who still got the original Switch but my Switch Lite already got this cover for me.
Now you just need a TV-out add on. LOL
Anyone tried this? I would like to know if it works good?
@The-Chosen-one
Honestly I like the game storage more more.
@Crono1973 I guess it's not important to some people. I play a lot of couch co-op so I can honestly say I will never buy one. However I understand if you bought one for your kid or just arent into multiplayer games.
I really don't like these plastic condoms for handhelds, it ruins the texture and feel of the console and the Switch and Switch Lite are both very tough handhelds that you shouldn't need to worry about breaking so easily. I always figure a screen protector and a travel case is all I really need. That and I can't imagine this would be good for the ventilation considering how the Switch is kind of a hot running handheld.
My Switch (lite) has a d-pad.
Hmm...that’s an interesting way to tackle the problem. At only $13 I may just pick one up.
Nope. I can’t say that I’m fed up at all.
Clever design idea
I thought for sure that Nintendo would release a set of joycon with NES gamepad styling... with a d-pad on the left... a lot of people would spend another $80 on that.
Maybe they are waiting for slower sales of existing hardware...
@Xylnox This made me laugh!
Looks real bulky
@Gravitron Ah but can you understand the 'I got a D-Pad and you are stuck with all those other features that I don't have' people?
I'll stick with my Hori DPAD joycon.
@sword_9mm you must not get out much
https://www.amazon.com/HORI-D-Pad-Controller-Zelda-Officially-Licensed/dp/B01AJRN4CE
@Supadav03 yeah hori dpad is better
@Crono1973 I mean if you mainly play on TV and you can afford it I assume you have at least one Pro Controller. Or it doesnt bother you enough to care
Unpopular opinion: I prefer directional buttons to a D-pad.
@KitsuneNight Wow, dude. You are taking this waaaayyyy too seriously. And that's the ultimate problem here. The point is that this is a site for fans of a particular video game company, so don't act surprised that people here really like that video game company.
But more importantly, you're severely overestimating the significance/value of "dissent" on a video game website, and most of the resistance to it seems to be all in your head. People are here to have fun. You're acting like it's life or death. It kind of defeats the entire point of a site like this. You're not a hero for crapping on the subject of a fan site, you're just going out of your way to be annoying.
This is easier but I question how comfortable it is.
I replaced the shell on my joycons. Not only can you pick almost any color you could want, but you can set in a D-pad. Nothing needed beyond a tri-wing screw driver and a pair of tweezers.
I still want an official (or at least top notch third-party) left Joycon with a d-pad that also has an internal battery (so I can use it with that connector thingy I keep forgetting the name of) and vibration, but apparently that's too much to ask. I might have to go with the GameCube joycons even though I'd probably never use the right one.
You could just use extremerate joycons shells and have a dpad built in your joycon.
👉HORI Switch Split Pad Pro👈
Best investment I have done since launch day. And I do not even care about the D-Pad.
Second the hori switch pad pro. That thing is awesome. And the full size sticks are the best.
Another vote for the Hori Split Pad Pro.
No more hand cramps (I was still getting them occasionally even with the grip case I was using), and another vote on the full sized sticks! (Massively improves accuracy).
It's not perfect, but, for me, it's still the best option for handheld on the Switch that I've tried.
Oh. And the D-Pad on it is pretty reasonable too.
@sword_9mm but in all reality, they aren't, if Joycons had D-Pads, less people would feel the need to buy pro-controllers and the NES/SNES controllers, those same people that won't look at 3rd party options and want a D-pad are the ones fueling the flames
@GAMER1984dude
No third party controller is as good as the first party stuff.
Either way N again makes poor decisions. News at 11.
@Ralizah Thank you for posting the name of this Dpad Ralizah 😊
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