Latest news with #Joy-Cons
New York Post
01-07-2025
- New York Post
One of the Nintendo Switch's most frustrating problems finally gets fixed with this Switch 2 accessory
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Get a Charging Dock for your Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers on sale for $18.99. One of the most frustrating things about the original Nintendo Switch was the tiny batteries on the Joy-Cons. Keeping them charged required juggling which ones were attached to the console itself. That's why it's so nice that Switch 2 gamers can hit the ground running with access to a dedicated Charging Dock for new Joy-Con Controllers, and it's only $18.99 (reg. $29.99). This vertical dock is designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and can charge up to four Joy-Cons at once. It uses a magnetic alignment system for smooth, secure docking, and the weighted base keeps it stable so it won't tip over when you're swapping out controllers. The reversible connector makes docking easy too, so there's no wrong way to plug them in. To add a little flair to your gaming setup, the dock also includes nine RGB lighting modes. You can match your lights to your game or your mood and give your station a little visual upgrade. A built-in LED lets you know when each Joy-Con is charging or ready to go. It's also smart about safety. A built-in chip automatically cuts off power once charging is complete to protect against overcharging and overheating, helping to preserve battery life long-term. Charging takes about two hours, and the dock connects via USB-C. It's compact, durable, and blends into most gaming setups easily. Just note that it's only compatible with Switch 2 Joy-Cons, not earlier models. Joy-Cons not included. It's only $18.99 to get a Charging Dock for your Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers, but it won't stay that way. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Tom's Guide
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
After 3 weeks of daily use, these are the 4 things I love about my Nintendo Switch 2 — and the 3 things that bother me
With so many leaks preceding its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2's debut was, for me, the most eagerly awaited gaming event in years. Not only was the original Switch long overdue for a follow-up, the world of portable gaming had evolved significantly since its release back in 2017 — the arrival of handheld gaming PCs like Valve's Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally had raised the bar in a major way, creating a new level of expectation for gamers. That said, I've never been much of a PC gamer — having to deal with multiple launchers, driver updates, game optimizations and yearly hardware upgrades just doesn't appeal to me at all, and the idea of carrying that stuff over to the world of handhelds is exactly why I decided to hold out for the Switch 2 and its simpler approach to gaming. With the Nintendo Switch 2 now in hand, it largely fulfills my expectations, though I do have a few concerns. After three weeks of daily use, I've identified the four standout features I appreciate most, alongside three areas I hope to see improved. One thing we can probably all agree on about the original Switch is that Nintendo really nailed its form factor. Despite its hardware now being somewhat outdated, its sleek and lightweight design (only 398g / 14 ounces with Joy-Cons attached) ensured exceptional portability, which was impressive given its decently sized 6.2-inch display. Sure, it's Joy-Cons were a little puny for most adult hands, but the fact that they were detachable meant there were ways around that hurdle. Still, bigger Joy-Cons on a follow-up Switch seems like a no-brainer. Of course, I'm also the type who loves it when displays get bigger and better, whether it be on a smartphone or television, so my hope was always that we'd get a Switch successor with a larger, higher resolution display and that avoids the bulkiness of the Steam Deck. Thankfully, my hopes were answered with the Switch 2, which now has an epic 7.9-inch 1080p display, along with larger, more comfortable Joy-Cons. Best of all, Nintendo was able to increase the size of both of these things without increasing the console's thickness compared to the original model. For every step forward that Nintendo has taken on the hardware front, it seems stuck in the mud when it comes to the Switch 2's user interface. Simply put, it's barely evolved since the original Switch, offering a comparatively bland experience to the likes of Xbox, PlayStation or Steam OS. In other words, it doesn't accurately represent the giant leap forward in processing power that the Switch 2 offers over its predecessor. Why aren't there any home menu themes beyond 'light' or 'dark'? Even the Nintendo 3DS was offering stylish background themes as early as 2014, and yet the far more advanced Switch 2's personalization options are still practically non-existent in 2025. When you boot up a new console in 2025, the experience shouldn't feel identical to something from nearly a decade ago. Given that the Switch 2 is supposed to mark the start of a new generation, its UI makes it seem dated right from the get-go. I guess the thing that really bothers me about the lack of themes is that it would be the easiest change in the world to make — one that would provide a big difference with minimal effort, and that people have been asking for since last generation — and yet Nintendo hasn't bothered to fix it. While I appreciate that the eShop has improved significantly, everything else related to the UI is in desperate need of a refresh. After spending the better part of a decade stuck at 720p and 30 fps on the original Nintendo Switch, it feels incredible to play at higher resolutions and smoother frame rates on Switch 2. For starters, the new console's 1080p display is more than sharp enough for portable play, especially now that the console is capable of a rock-solid 60 fps for the majority of its games. I also appreciate the ability to play at 120 fps, even if I'm unlikely to opt for a lower resolution to achieve it. And then there's docked mode, which finally offers 4K output. Sure, the Switch 2 uses DLSS upscaling technology to reach that resolution, but to my eyes it looks fantastic—even when played on an 8K TV and especially after years of jaggy, low-res graphics. In truth, all I've ever wanted was a Switch successor powerful enough to run a modern Metroid Prime game without the need to sacrifice graphical fidelity or frame rate, and Nintendo has delivered just that with the Switch 2. As happy as I am with the Switch 2's 1080p LCD display, there's no denying that an OLED screen would have been superior. In fact, the main reason the Switch 2's display feels like such an upgrade to me is because I never owned the Nintendo Switch OLED that released in 2021. Sure, the Switch 2's screen is a huge step up from the screen on my 2017 launch Switch, but I'd surely be singing a different tune had I been forced to drop back to an LCD display after spending the last few years playing on an OLED screen. While it's clear Nintendo opted for an LCD to keep the new console's cost down, the omission of an OLED screen still stings. Not only would it have resulted in a superior HDR experience, enhanced contrast and extended battery life, it would have spared us the resentment of knowing that a model with a better screen will inevitably be released in a couple of years. If someone had told me ahead of the Switch 2's launch that I'd be this impressed with Nintendo's new GameChat feature, I'd have laughed in their face. However, now that I've had a chance to try the feature out in a few games of Mario Kart World, I've come to consider it the future of social gaming. I'm no stranger to chatting with friends while gaming online, having spent years playing cooperatively (and competitively) in the likes of Halo, Destiny and Call of Duty. But even though we were all playing together, we were always sitting alone, in the dark, talking through our individual headsets. GameChat, on the other hand, feels like the opposite of this. Thanks to the built-in microphones in the Switch 2's Joy-Cons (or the new Pro Controller), entire households to freely engage in the conversation during a game. That means your whole family can battle it out against another family, and everyone can join in on the trash talking. You can even see each other if you opt to use the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (or any other USB-C webcam). I honestly never expected GameChat to be as fun as it is — it's the most social I've ever felt while playing online. While I'm very excited to play upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Splatoon Raiders, the future of Switch 2 game releases still feels uncertain to me. For instance, there are numerous indie titles announced for release on Nintendo Switch, but very few outside of Hades II and Hollow Knight: Silksong specify a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Unlike on Xbox and PS5, it isn't a given that these games will play better on the new hardware. Sure, the Switch 2 will surely be able to play any new games released for the original Switch, but I don't want to have to settle for 720p / 30fps versions on my new console, especially when superior versions are available on other platforms for the same price. As Xbox moves away from exclusives and starts releasing its titles on competing platforms, and as PlayStation continues to release most of its exclusives on PC one year after release, it feels great to have a console with proper exclusives on it. I suppose I'm a bit old-fashioned, but if I'm going to own multiple consoles, I prefer them to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere. It's why I appreciate having a dedicated console for Mario Kart World and anticipate exclusive titles like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Raiders. When the next PlayStation or Xbox eventually rolls around, I'm going to find it extremely difficult to justify owning both of them. However, the Switch 2 was the easiest purchase decision I've made in years.
New York Post
26-06-2025
- New York Post
Get back in the game faster with this Joy-Con charging station, now 43% off
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Keep your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons powered up with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station, now for just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). Don't let a dead Joy-Con make you say 'game over.' Nintendo Switch fans can make sure they avoid the dreaded dead battery dilemma with some help from the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station. And now, just in time for summer, you can make sure your controllers are always powered up for just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). Got plans for the dog days of summer? If they involve sitting inside in the AC gaming, make sure you're always powered up with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station. Keep the fun going strong with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2, a fast and easy way to power up your Joy-Cons. This handy dock juices up to four controllers at once in just 3.5 hours — so you're always ready to jump back into the action. The HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 features battery status indicators on the base, allowing you to determine easily which controllers are ready to get back in the game. It's also weighted, so they all stay in place securely. The easy-glide docking feature makes attaching and detaching controllers a breeze, too Once your Joy-Cons are fully charged, it's game on. Dive back into epic Super Smash Bros battles or race your friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. No matter what you're playing, a full charge means you're ready for whatever adventure awaits. Power up smarter with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging Station, now just $16.99 (reg. $29.99). StackSocial prices subject to change.
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Forget Joy-Cons — this $20 accessory brings PS5/Xbox controller support to the Switch 2
A few years ago, with the release of Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch, I made the decision to finally stop using Joy-Cons. Because if I wasn't in handheld mode, Nintendo's half-palm-sized controllers just weren't performing well enough to get stuff done. Rather than buying an official Pro controller, or some other licensed gamepad, I opted for something a little different. 8BitDo's USB Wireless Adapter 2 lets Switch owners use just about any Bluetooth controller they like —including ones built for Xbox or PlayStation consoles. I'm happy to confirm that the adapter also works with the Nintendo Switch 2 — but you will need to do a little bit of tinkering to get it working. Thankfully, it takes less than 5 minutes to sort out. I've made no secret that I struggle with Joy-Cons. They hurt my hands over extended periods of time, and even the Switch 2's larger controllers haven't really fixed that problem. In fact, they seem to have made the whole thing worse. Get your non-Nintendo controllers running on the Switch 2 with 8BitDo's second generation USB Wireless Adapter. Normally costing just $20, but with 5% off if you tick the coupon box, it's the perfect way to get Xbox, PlayStation or other kinds of controllers running on your new console. The 8BitDo adapter meant that I was able to avoid this problem on the first Switch, at least when it was in TV mode. All you needed to do was plug it into the dock, pair it with a new console, and make sure one particular toggle was switched on in the settings. In my case, I had an Xbox controller paired to the adapter and was able to use it to play all my favorite Switch games. All with the comfort of a controller that was designed for actual human hands, and didn't feel like it was built with complete disregard for ergonomics. The only downside was that Nintendo and Microsoft reversed their lettered buttons. So hitting A on the Xbox button is actually telling the Switch you hit B — which can cause issues. I've been primarily playing with Xbox controllers for the better part of 24 years, and believe me that muscle memory is rather hard to override. Oh, and there's no home or capture buttons, because those are unique to Switch controllers. Unless you're using something like the Xbox Elite Controller or Dualsense Edge, there just aren't enough buttons to account for them. Still, I'll take the occasional mis-pressed button over cramping hands any day. So imagine my disappointment when I plugged the adapter into my Switch 2, and found that it didn't work. I wasn't keen on having to buy a new Switch 2-friendly adapter, or a different controller. But thankfully, the solution was much easier on my wallet. While there are plenty of Switch 1 accessories that work with Switch 2, it should be no surprise that not everything does. Fortunately, 8BitDo seems to have anticipated this, and released a new firmware update for the USB Wireless Adapter that upgraded the dongle with Switch 2 support. All it requires is 8BitDo's own upgrade tool (available on Windows and macOS). Download the tool, plug in the adapter and the software should automatically recognize it and check for updates. In my case the Windows tool picked up that my adapter was on version 1.04, and that v1.09 was available. Installing that update took about a minute, at which point the adapter was ready to go. The only thing you need to do on your Switch is head into the Controllers menu in Settings and activate Pro Controller Wired Communication. This means the Switch 2 recognizes the 8BitDo adapter as a wired controller, regardless of the fact it's connecting to a wireless controller. Plug the adapter into one of the Switch 2 dock's USB ports, and if your system is like mine it should recognize the new controller right away. Though checking the Change Grip/Order menu is worth doing to make sure it's set as the primary controller. 8BitDo has a huge list of controllers that are compatible with the 8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2. That includes all of 8BitDo's Bluetooth controllers, PlayStations 3 through 5, the Switch Pro Controllers, Wiimotes, the Wii U Pro, Xbox Series X|S and Bluetooth Xbox One controllers. The latter distinction is particularly important, because Xbox didn't add Bluetooth to any controller until the launch of the Xbox One S. So your launch-era Xbox One controller won't work here. The adapter also isn't exclusive to Switch consoles, and you can plug it into other devices as well, including Windows, Mac, the Steam Deck and Raspberry Pi devices. That way you can use whatever controller you like, not just the ones that are officially supported by the platform you're gaming on. So long Joy-Cons! We'll only be back if we need mouse controls or want to play in handheld mode.
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch 2 — 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
We went from anxiously waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch this month to the console now being out for over a week. While Nintendo Switch 2 restocks haven't exactly been hard to come by, 3.5 million units have already been sold. The console is a hit, and like those millions of people, I've been spending time with Nintendo's latest system. Thanks to the Switch 2's stronger specs, games look fantastic and run smoother. The Switch 2 isn't comparable to a PS5 Slim or Xbox Series X performance-wise, but Nintendo's system can run graphically demanding games that its predecessor couldn't. And though Switch 2 isn't a complete redesign of the previous console, quality-of-life changes such as bigger Joy-Cons and a stronger kickstand make a big difference. I wouldn't consider myself the biggest Nintendo fan, but it's hard to deny that the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the best handheld gaming consoles out there. And while I think the system is great at what it does, it's not perfect. It's certainly not ideal for everyone, even if it's a must-have for certain folks. So which camp will you fall in? Here are 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2 takes what worked about its best-selling predecessor and makes impactful upgrades across the board. From the excellent, and noticeably larger, 7.9-inch display to the more powerful internal specs, the Switch 2 is a full leap forward and the best hybrid console you can buy. Note that the system is currently sold out, so keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 restock page for updates! The Switch 2 hasn't received a huge design overhaul. At a glance, you might even mistake it for the original Nintendo Switch. However, the differences become hard to ignore the instant you pick up the device. The 7.9-inch display appears huge next to the original Switch's 6.2-inch panel. The smaller bezels also help in this regard. Despite being an LCD, games look bright and colorful on the 1080p panel and run smoothly thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. I primarily play in docked mode, but I don't mind occasionally playing in handheld mode. That's because the Switch 2 is larger and heavier than its predecessor. That might be a con for some, but for me, it makes the system feel as premium as a Steam Deck OLED or an Asus ROG Ally X. It's a joy simply holding this system. I'm still not the biggest fan of Joy-Cons, but the controllers are much easier to use since they're larger than the original versions. I like how they magnetically snap on and off with a simple press of a button, instead of the annoying rail system the previous Joy-Cons utilized. The Switch 2's design makes it feel less like a toy and more like a serious piece of tech. That said, the console still retains that classic Nintendo charm that even non-Nintendo fans like me appreciate. One of the main reasons I eventually stopped playing the original Switch was because of its disappointing gaming performance. I regularly play games at 60 frames per second or much higher, so being forced to play at 30 fps wasn't fun. Thankfully, the Switch 2 games I've played so far run like a dream. The system features a custom Nvidia chip that has the company's DLSS upscaling technology. Though Nintendo hasn't disclosed this chip's core count or what generation it belongs to, it's powerful enough to run graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6 without the system exploding. Generally speaking, the Switch 2 has power comparable to a PS4 or Xbox One. In docked mode, the Switch 2 can hit up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at 60 frames per second. It also supports 120 fps when 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 resolutions are selected. The system supports HDR10 and a 1920x1080 resolution in tabletop mode and handheld mode. Original Switch games look atrocious on my 55-inch 4K OLED TV, but it's a different story with Switch 2. Sure, games like Yakuza 0 and Cyberpunk 2077 look a tad fuzzier compared to their PS5 counterparts since they're being upscaled from 1080p instead of 1800p, but they're not a complete eyesore. Switch 2-enhanced games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom also look phenomenal, which is something I can't say about the original Switch 1 version of that title. For the best performance and resolution, docked mode is the best way to go. But whether it's docked or in your hands, games look and run fantastically on Nintendo's new system. Nintendo is late to the party when it comes to basic game chat features that the PS5 and Xbox Series X have had since 2020. But I won't give Nintendo too much grief about this since it's better to get a feature late than not at all. And for what it offers, the company's GameChat is pretty darn good. As its name suggests, GameChat lets you talk with friends while playing games. This feature enables voice chat, screen sharing, and even video chat via a compatible USB camera. You can have up to 12 players in a voice chat session, and up to four can share their screens or participate in video calls. I used the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for GameChat, and this peripheral works nicely for the feature. Within GameChat's options, you can choose between showing everything the camera captures or just your head. It does the latter with reasonably accurate face tracking. If there are multiple people in the room with you, it'll track everyone's face, which can be beneficial for local multiplayer sessions. For your background, you can show what's on your game screen, which is good if you're playing a different game than others in the chat. I don't like that the game's fps is sub-30, but your in-camera frames per second does at least stay at a steady 30. The only drawback for GameChat is that it's locked behind a Nintendo Switch Online account. However, being subscribed gives you access to game libraries from the NES and SNES for the standard tier ($19 per year) and GameCube and Sega Genesis for the Expansion Pack ($49 per year). I probably won't use GameChat all that often, but having access to classics like Super Mario World and Killer Instinct will keep me subscribing. GameChat can basically be a nice bonus. I'm not too concerned about the Switch 2's battery life since I almost exclusively play in docked mode. However, if you mostly play in handheld or tabletop mode, you're going to be disappointed with the Switch 2's battery life. We couldn't perform our standard battery life test on the Switch 2. Because of that, the testing we performed is purely anecdotal and our results might differ from what you experience. That said, many of us at Tom's Guide have the system and we're all seeing relatively similar results. On average, the Switch 2 lasts about 2.5 hours when playing demanding games. That's far less than the 5 hours of play time we got on the Switch OLED, but a little better than the 2 hours I got from the Steam Deck OLED. Given the Switch 2's short battery life, I suggest bringing your Switch 2's AC adapter if you're on the road. Mario Kart World is a bona fide system seller since it packs so much content. It's a good thing that this game can potentially keep you occupied for months because right now, it's one of two true Switch 2 exclusives. For the most part, Switch 2 launch games consist of third-party games like some of the ones I mentioned above. That's not necessarily bad, but when you consider many of these titles have been available for years on other platforms and might be cheaper, these games might not be must-haves. There are some enhanced first-party games, such as Switch 2 editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These games look and run better than ever, but you might not want to replay them if you're looking for brand-new experiences. The Switch 2 exclusive Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on July 17, and Metroid Prime 4 will surely be the best on the new system when it launches later this year. But for the moment, you might want to wait on buying the new system until Switch 2 has a more robust library of exclusives. The last reason you might want to skip the Nintendo Switch 2 is because of its asking price. Right now, the Switch 2 costs $449 for the base system or $499 for the Mario Kart World bundle. That's not exactly cheap, especially when you consider that the entry-level Steam Deck costs $399 and has access to a wider library of games. And as I said, there aren't many Switch 2 exclusives available at the moment. While the Switch 2's cost is arguably justifiable since it's the only system that can (legally) play first-party Nintendo games, its asking price is hard to swallow. The Nintendo Switch 2 isn't revolutionary, but it's a welcome upgrade over its predecessor. Whether in docked or handheld mode, it delivers rock-solid gaming performance for both first- and third-party games. It's an impressive piece of tech that's worth considering. As great as Switch 2 is, though, its upgrades might not be compelling for all current Switch users. The system is also rather expensive, especially when compared to an entry-level Steam Deck. Because of that, you might want to hold off on buying one for now.
