Nintendo Switch Could Have Had Magnetic Joy-Cons Like Switch 2

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Instead of the original Nintendo Switch‘s Joy-Con controllers attaching magnetically as they do on the Switch 2, an early design had this feature, but it was abandoned during development upon presentation of a prototype to late Nintendo President Satoru Iwata.

Details about the origin of the concept behind the magnetically attached Joy-Con 2 controllers for the upcoming Switch 2 can be found in a four-part interview with developers on Nintendo’s official website, which offers insights into the development process of the new console. In the second part of this interview, Kouichi Kawamoto, a producer at Nintendo’s entertainment planning and development department, discussed why the magnetic Joy-Con idea was not feasible for the original Switch model.

According to Kawamoto, he shared the prototypes with Iwata-san, who was our company’s President at that time, for feedback. Unfortunately, there was an issue where the Joy-Con controllers would wobble when connected to the console using magnets due to a weak connection. Given our concerns about customer unease regarding the console, we ultimately decided to abandon this idea.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve always admired how Satoru Iwata played a pivotal role in shaping my gaming world. From the innovative Nintendo DS to the revolutionary Wii and eventually the groundbreaking Switch, Iwata was the driving force behind these iconic consoles. Unfortunately, he left us too soon in 2015, two years before the Switch made its grand entrance in 2017.

After considering Iwata’s suggestions, the team opted for the initial Nintendo Switch’s rail system, as it provided a more secure connection, according to Kawamoto. Yet, he expressed his desire to simplify the process of attaching and detaching the Joy-Cons in the future.

Tetsuya Sasaki, a manager from Nintendo’s tech development department, mentioned during an interview that they persisted with their investigation into the potential uses of magnets, despite abandoning the initial prototype. This was because the team wasn’t prepared to abandon the concept altogether.

The process resulted in the concept being revisited for the potential Switch 2 model. Kawamoto expressed that the objective was to simplify the attachment and detachment of the Joy-Cons, making it manageable even for children. Nintendo underwent numerous attempts and adjustments to perfect the function, ensuring it could be effortlessly executed with a single press of the Joy-Con 2’s release button.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 features enhanced Joy-Con controllers (version 2) as part of its new improvements. These controllers can mimic mouse functionality, boast larger joysticks, and include a dedicated GameChat button. During the Switch 2’s Nintendo Direct presentation, it was announced that the console will be compatible with High Dynamic Range (HDR), offer 4K resolution when connected to a TV, and run at 120 frames per second in select games.

Nintendo has unveiled its lineup of exclusive games scheduled for Switch 2, including Mario Kart World – a sequel to Kirby Air Ride, as well as enhanced versions of established titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The anticipated Switch 2 will hit shelves on June 5 at a price of $450. Preorders for the device begin April 9. Additionally, a Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle priced at $500 will also be available for those eager to get their hands on it.

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2025-04-03 00:09