Just recently, we reported on the newly announced Official Joy-Con Charging Stand for the Switch (which is totally to allow users to charge their Joy-Con when used as additional controllers with the 'Switch 2' - wait, where are our tinfoil hats?). Amid all the initial confusion, however, we happened to miss another little nugget that might be of interest.
Nintendo has announced that the Famicom controllers for Switch, which were previously exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members, are now available for general sale (thanks, Sora News). In other words, then, folks in Japan can purchase a set even if they're not a Switch Online member.
"The "Family Computer Controller" is now available for general sale. Starting today, it will be available for purchase by anyone, even if they are not Nintendo Switch Online subscribers."
It's worth noting that, as of the time of writing, the NES controllers are still exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members in regions like the UK and North America, but this move from Nintendo to open up sales to more customers in Japan might indicate some potential changes in other regions in the future.
The move not only coincides with the announcement of the Joy-Con Charging Stand, but also the recent release of Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, a game that is no doubt best played with a Famicom/NES controller. Over in Japan, customers could purchase a special edition that came with two Famicom controllers. We're not jealous at all. No.
Would you want Nintendo to open up sales of Switch Online controllers worldwide, or do you think it should remain limited to Switch Online members? Let your thoughts be known with a comment.
[source x.com, via soranews24.com]
Comments 17
Already have them myself thanks to the Japanese special edition of Nintendo World Championships but still, love to see them becoming available for general sale for those interested!
@JohnnyMind Oof, lovely!
I wouldn't mind these in the UK just for the uniqueness of the p2 controller!
Stock clearance alert.
They look awesome, I'd love to try em out some day some how. I have a SNES and a Genesis controller, I feel like they cover my bases pretty well for any retro switch needs.
These really are the only way to play World Championships enjoyably, so they really should be made available to the general public.
As someone who already has a NES pair, I’m hoping wider availability in Japan will lead to cheaper avenues for importing a Famicom set to the states.
I've got the 64 one but for snes and nes I bought 8bitdos equivalent
Concerning NSO controllers at retail: I'd say it should depend on how long the controller has been available. It makes sense to do NES now because it's the oldest and the novelty has mostly run its course, plus almost every subscriber either has one or has chosen an alternative. With SNES, it is one of said NES alternatives and itself has alternatives, it could go either way, so maybe next year. With SEGA Genesis, regardless of the contract, there's not much point either way given the Retro-Bit version exists. But with N64, the novelty remains as it's arguably still essential with few alternatives, so probably no retail release until 2026. In conclusion, personally this changes nothing as I still intend to import the Japanese version of Nintendo World Championships as it's more practical investment. Also: WHY IS THE JAPANESE NES EXCLUSIVES SECTION OF THE PAGE FOR EVERY NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE GAME AVAILABLE STILL NOT UPDATED WITH THE JULY 2024 RELEASES?!?
I am hoping and praying for a Switch GameCube controller and I would love Nintendo to sell all their controllers outside of Nintendo Switch Online.
it is nice to know that the Famicom controllers for the Nintendo Switch are now up for sale in Japan. now Nintendo just needs to make them available to buy in the U.S. having both the NES and Famicom controllers would be great.
and maybe soon after the Nintendo Switch 2 hits the shelves, we might just get a new variant of the GameCube controllers. or at least possibly a updated version of the GameCube controller adapter that lets the system recognize the controllers properly.
Anyone know if these have better dpads than the NES version? The NES version has the same issue as the Pro Controller and some of 8bitdo's controllers, where diagonal inputs are output when pushing cardinal directions. There is a fix where you can open them up and put tape over part of the contact, but then that leads to you having to press the dpad harder to activate.
So Westerners can’t buy these?
Got mine with NWC. Love them.
@Antraxx777 Japanese can’t buy the NES ones either.
Edit: Amazon Japan ships worldwide.
@Ryu_Niiyama @Antraxx777 You can buy pretty much anything with the internet.
@TerryTrowbridge I already have a set as I mentioned.
I just got myself these beauties. The corner are much rounder than the NES, so they are much more comfortable! The colors and design are also much better, in my opinion. A good purshase and now my way to play NES games, Fire Emblem 1 and Nintendo World Championship!
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