Joy-Con

Joy-Con[lower-alpha 1] are the primary game controllers for the Nintendo Switch video game console. They consist of two individual units, each containing an analog stick and an array of buttons. They can be used while attached to the main Nintendo Switch console unit, or detached and used wirelessly; when detached, a pair of Joy-Con can be used by a single player, or divided between two as individual controllers.

Joy-Con
Detached gray Joy-Con
DeveloperNintendo Platform Technology Development
ManufacturerNintendo
Product familyNintendo Switch
TypeVideo game controller
GenerationEighth generation
Release date
  • WW: March 3, 2017
Lifespan2017–present
Input
CameraInfrared depth sensor (R only)
Connectivity
PowerInternal 3.7 V, 525 mAh, 1.9 Wh lithium-ion polymer battery (non-removable)
Mass
  • Joy-Con L: 48 g (1.7 oz)
  • Joy-Con R: 51 g (1.8 oz)
Predecessor
Websitewww.nintendo.com/switch

Design
Illustration of left and right Joy-Con controllers, in neon blue and neon red

Joy-Con are distributed in pairs, designated as "Joy-Con L" and "Joy-Con R" respectively. They each measure 35.9 by 102 by 13.9 millimetres (1.41 in × 4.02 in × 0.55 in), and the Joy-Con L and R weigh 49 grams (1.7 oz) and 52.1 grams (1.84 oz), respectively. When measured from the top of the analog stick to the tip of the ZL/ZR trigger it has an extreme depth of 28.4 millimetres (1.12 in).[2][3]

Joy-Con can be attached to the sides of the Switch console via rails, or detached and used wirelessly—either as a pair (comparable to a Wii Remote and Nunchuk), or divided between two different players. Up to 8 Joy-Con can connect to a single Switch console at a time.[4][5] The Joy-Con can be optionally attached to a "Joy-Con Grip" accessory, with or without charging capabilities, that convert the controllers to a more traditional gamepad-like form factor.[6][7]

When detached from the console, both Joy-Con units operate autonomously of each other, and communicate with the console via Bluetooth.[8] Wrist strap attachments are provided, which are similarly installed by sliding them onto the controllers' rails. The strap attachments have a rounded shape and raised shoulder buttons to improve the ergonomics of the Joy-Con when used individually.[3][9][10]

Joy-Con contain non-removable 3.7 volt 525 mAh 1.9 watt hour lithium-ion polymer batteries; they are charged when attached to a Switch console that itself is charging. A separate "charging grip" accessory allows the controllers to be charged in a gamepad configuration via USB-C.[11][6] Nintendo released a Joy-Con AA battery pack attachment on June 16, 2017, which slide onto the Joy-Con similarly to the wrist strap attachments.[12]

Colors and variations

Joy-Con can be obtained in various colors, either with the purchase of the Switch console, or individually, both separately or as a pair. At launch, Joy-Con were available in slate gray, neon red R and neon blue L colors.[7] Black Joy-Con are also issued with Switch development kits.[13] In mid-2017, Nintendo introduced neon yellow Joy-Con, released alongside Arms[14] as well as neon green and neon pink Joy-Con which launched alongside Splatoon 2.[15] A pair of red Joy-Con were released as part of the Super Mario Odyssey bundle, except in Japan and Europe (My Nintendo Store Only) where they are available standalone, which was released in October 2017.[16] An exclusive Nintendo Labo Joy-Con design, light brown in color, was released in 2018. It was exclusively available to winners of the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest.[17][18] In July 2018, Hori, a video game peripheral company, released a dark blue left Joy-Con featuring a classic D-pad in lieu of directional buttons. The controller lacked features such as HD rumble, SL and SR buttons, gyroscope, and wireless connectivity standard to Nintendo-produced Joy-Con, forcing its users to be restricted to handheld mode.[19] This was notably the first officially licensed Joy-Con to be released by a third-party company. Two more officially licensed D-pad variants featuring The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey themes were later released by Hori in September 2018.[20] Joy-Con colors based on Eevee and Pikachu's color schemes were released alongside Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! on November 16, 2018, as part of Switch bundles for the games,[21] and Hori released a fourth D-pad Joy-Con variant featuring a Pikachu theme on the same day.[22] Gray Joy-Con variants featuring a silver Super Smash Bros. series cross logo became available for pre-order alongside Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on November 2, 2018, and were later released on December 7, 2018, as part of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Switch bundle.[23] In July 2019, Nintendo announced that the neon purple and neon orange Joy-Con would be released on October 4, 2019, as well as the blue and neon yellow Joy-Con.[24]

In December 2018, Nintendo also released two Joy-Con variants with designs resembling classic Nintendo NES and Nintendo Famicom controllers, available exclusively to individuals with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The Famicom variants were only available to Nintendo Switch Online members in Japan. These variants were designed to be used specifically with the library of classic Nintendo titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, as well as with select modern Switch titles.[25][26] Both are notable for heavily deviating from the normal Joy-Con design, instead being taller and more rectangular in shape, having fewer buttons than standard Joy-Con, and, in the case of the Famicom variants, featuring a working microphone in the right controller.[27]

List of standard official Joy-Con colors
Name Color L R
Grey
Neon Red
Neon Blue
Neon Yellow
Neon Green[note 1]
Neon Pink[note 1]
Red[note 2]
Blue [note 3]
Neon Purple [note 3]
Neon Orange [note 3]
List of special edition official Joy-Con colors
Name Color L R
Labo Creators Contest
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Dragon Quest XI S
Disney Tsum Tsum
Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Notes

Not all colors or L/R variants are available in all regions.
  1. Initially released as a special edition color for Splatoon 2. Later released as standard color in all regions.
  2. Initially released as a special edition color for Super Mario Odyssey. Later released as standard color in Japan and Europe only.
  3. Only available in Japanese My Nintendo Store.

Features

The feature set of the Joy-Con was partially inspired by feedback from players using the Wii Remote, according to Nintendo's Shinya Takahashi. After releasing games that heavily used the Wii Remote with the Wii, such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit, players had asked for different design features, such as having a smaller form factor, or being able to be strapped to a part of the body. Nintendo envisioned what benefits towards innovative design and gameplay could come from a smaller form factor, which led to the idea of a console that could be portable, controlled through these smaller controllers. This became the fundamental principle of the Switch, and directly into the Joy-Con design.[28]

Both controllers contain a clickable analog stick, four face buttons, two top buttons, two side buttons accessible when detached (which become shoulder buttons when held horizontally) and designated as SL and SR, a + or - button, a sync button, and player indicator lights. Joy-Con L contains directional buttons, a - button, top buttons designated as L and ZL, and a screenshot button, which enables the player to upload screenshots to social media. In an update released on October 18, 2017, the screenshot button is also able to record up to 30 seconds of gameplay in select games when held down for a second. Joy-Con R contains A, B, X, and Y buttons, a + button, top buttons designated as R and ZR, and a Home button.[5]

Each Joy-Con contains an accelerometer and gyroscope, which can be used for motion tracking.[29] Games can support using the Joy-Con for pointing controls similar to the Wii Remote while detached without the need of a sensor bar.[30] Joy-Con R contains an infrared depth tracking sensor, which can read objects and motions held in front of it; as an example of its functionality, Nintendo stated that the sensor could distinguish between the hand shapes of rock–paper–scissors.[31][29] Joy-Con R also contains a near-field communication reader for use with Amiibo.[29][32]

The Joy-Con contain a haptic feedback engine known as "HD Rumble", which was developed in partnership with Immersion Corporation. Nintendo stated that the system could generate fine tactile feedback, such as the sensation of individual ice cubes and water in a glass.[33][34]

Other platforms

It was discovered shortly after public release that Joy-Con can connect to and be used with other Bluetooth-enabled personal computers and mobile devices.[8]

Reception

Technical issues

Prior to the public release of Nintendo Switch, various video gaming websites reported that the controllers—most commonly the Joy-Con L—were susceptible to connection losses when used wirelessly. It was initially unknown whether these problems were the result of an interference issue, or caused by the pre-launch software on review units.[35] A Nintendo spokesperson stated to Polygon that the company would "continue to monitor the performance of Nintendo Switch hardware and software, and make improvements when necessary". The company posted guidance on its support website for minimizing Bluetooth signal interference, including recommendations that the Switch console be placed away from other wireless-enabled devices.[36] On March 22, 2017, Nintendo confirmed that the interference issues were caused by a "manufacturing variant" in a small number of Joy-Con from early production runs, and that the company would allow owners to send in their affected Joy-Con for repairs free-of-charge.[37]

On launch, it was reported that the wrist strap attachments for the Joy-Con were hard to detach from the controllers. It was also reported that a wrist strap could easily be attached to the Joy-Con incorrectly and become difficult to remove.[38][9]

One of the more common issues to be found with the Joy-Con is joystick drift. This issue only occurs when dust or other small particles come in contact with the internal sensors of the analog stick. The most commonly used remedies for this issue is compressed air or contact cleaner, which can be blasted underneath the rubber skirt of the joystick in hopes of removing any foreign particles that may be present in the mechanism.[39] Nintendo repairs this issue for free if under warranty, but the cost of repair for an out of warranty Joy-Con could be over $40 USD according to many reports on the topic. The high price of repair leads many to buy an entirely new Joy-Con as they only cost slightly more than a repair, a single being $49.99 and a set of two $79.99.[40] In response to increased complaints and potential legal action for the drift issue, Nintendo stated that they were aware of the frequent reports, but did not offer immediate advice outside of contacting their technical support lines.[41] On July 23, 2019, three days after the filing of a class action lawsuit, an internal Nintendo memo was leaked; the memo instructed the firm's customer service employees in North America to start offering repairs for drifting out-of-warranty Joy-Con controllers for free, regardless of warranty status.[42]

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa issued a public apology from the company for the drift problem as part of an investors' meeting in June 2020, stating "We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers regarding Joy-Con controllers. We are continuing to improve our products", but could not comment further due to ongoing legal cases related to the controllers.[43]

Patent challenge

In August 2017, Los Angeles-based tablet peripheral manufacturer Gamevice filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the design of the Joy-Con controllers conflicts with its patent on the design for the Wikipad, an Android-based gaming device that also features a tablet with a detachable controller. The lawsuit sought damages on existing Switch sales and banning further sales of the console.[44] The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by Gamevice on October 23, 2017.[45]

However, in March 2018, Gamevice initiated a second patent infringement lawsuit on Nintendo related to a different set of patents. Gamevice also sought action through the United States International Trade Commission related to patent infringement under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and was seeking to block imports of the Switch into the United States.[46][47][48]

Joy-Con drift lawsuits

Two class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in July 2019 and September 2019 over the Joy-Con drift issue. The first suit alleges that Nintendo is well aware of the defect but does not "disclose the defect and routinely refuses to repair the joysticks without charge";[49] the second suit alleges that the Joy-Con controllers are defective. It asserts claims for breach of warranty, fraud, and violations of numerous state consumer protection statutes.[50] The court refused to dismiss the suits, and as of October 2020, are currently under arbitrary hearings.[51]

Two additional class action lawsuits were filed in October and November 2020 in the United States, respectively in the Northern California District Court and in the Western Washington District Court. Both suits allege Nintendo of having defective manufacturing processes for the Joy-Con, even after the company apologized for the problem, as the primary clients in both cases has purchased multiple Joy-Con but found the drift occurred over time in each set purchased.[51][52]

The French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in September 2020 alleging that the Joy-Con were designed with planned obsolescence intended to fail or break due to the drift issue and other factors. The suit seeks to compel Nintendo to change its manufacturing process to improve the durability of the Joy-Con.[53]

A consortium of nine European consumer organizations requested consumers inform them on Joy-Con drift issues in December 2020 as they negotiated with Nintendo on how to resolve the matters in that region. The organizations stated that they would plan legal action if they could not come to an agreement with Nintendo.[54] The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), which represents 40 consumers groups in the region, also urged the European Commission to investigate the Joy-Con drift issue in January 2021 after the body received 25,000 complaints.[55]

Footnotes
  1. "Joy-Con" is both the singular and plural form of the controller name.[1]

References
  1. Hamilton, Kirk (January 13, 2017). "Everything We Know About Nintendo Switch". Kotaku. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  2. "Specifications — Nintendo Switch — Nintendo". Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  3. Sarkar, Samit (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch has 32 GB storage, 720p touchscreen". Polygon. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  4. "Nintendo Switch uses detachable 'Joy-Con' controllers". Polygon. Vox Media. October 20, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  5. McWhertor, Michael (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller does some amazing things". Polygon. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  6. "Nintendo Switch's included Joy-Con Grip is not the same as $30 Charging Grip". Polygon. Vox Media. January 16, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  7. Yin-Poole, Wesley (January 13, 2017). "A pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-con controllers costs £75". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  8. "Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers also work with Windows, Mac, and Android devices". The Verge. March 6, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  9. "Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con wrist straps have an annoying issue, but you can fix it". Polygon. Vox Media. February 27, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  10. Frank, Allegra (January 13, 2017). "Everything we know about Nintendo Switch". Polygon. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  11. "Here's how to charge the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller". Polygon. January 13, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  12. "Nintendo introduces new neon yellow Joy-Con color and controller battery pack". The Verge. April 12, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  13. "Developer reveals black Nintendo Switch, and it looks awesome - NintendoToday". NintendoToday. January 31, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  14. Statt, Nick (April 12, 2017). "Nintendo introduces new neon yellow Joy-Con color and controller battery pack". The Verge. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  15. Webster, Andrew (May 18, 2017). "Nintendo is releasing neon pink-and-green Switch controllers for Splatoon 2". The Verge. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  16. Makedonski, Brett (September 13, 2017). "There's a Super Mario Odyssey Switch bundle that comes with two red Joy-Con". Destructoid. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  17. "My Nintendo - Nintendo Labo Creators Contest – Nintendo Labo Official Site". Nintendo.
  18. "Just look at Nintendo's official cardboard-themed Nintendo Switch". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  19. "Hori is making a left Joy-Con with a D-pad — with several catches". Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  20. "Hori's Mario And Zelda Themed D-Pad Joy-Con Limited To Handheld Mode Arrives Locally This September". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  21. "Pokémon: Let's Go! receives adorable special-edition Switch". Polygon. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  22. "Hori Releasing Pikachu Themed D-Pad Joy-Con On 16th November". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  23. "New bundle approaching! This upcoming bundle will include a #NintendoSwitch system, Super #SmashBrosUltimate branded Joy-Con controllers and dock, as well as a download code for the game. Available 11/2". Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  24. "Customize your #NintendoSwitch even more with these new Joy-Con colors – Blue/Neon Yellow and Neon Purple/Neon Orange. Available beginning 10/4 for $79.99. #MyWayToPlay". Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  25. "Nintendo Switch NES JoyCons: Release Date, Price for Nintendo Switch Online EXCLUSIVE". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  26. "OFFICIAL FAMICOM SWITCH CONTROLLERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  27. "Nintendo Hardware". Retrieved February 20, 2019.
  28. McAloon, Alissa (February 9, 2018). "The Nintendo Switch, Joy-Cons, and even Labo are the result of Wii-era feedback". Gamasutra. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
  29. "Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers are insane". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  30. Kuchera, Ben (March 16, 2017). "Nintendo Switch's World of Goo shows off system's Wii-style pointer controls". Polygon. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
  31. "Nintendo's Joy Con controller contains motion tracking camera, other tricks". Ars Technica. January 13, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  32. Rad, Chloi (October 20, 2016). "Nintendo Confirms Amiibo Support for Nintendo Switch, Clarifies Additional Features". IGN. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  33. "Meet the minds behind Nintendo Switch's HD Rumble tech". Techradar. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  34. "Nintendo's HD Rumble will be the best unused Switch feature of 2017". Engadget. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  35. "Nintendo Switch Joy-Con connection issue sparks concern ahead of launch". Eurogamer. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  36. "Nintendo suggests Switch Joy-Con issues caused by interference (update)". Polygon. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  37. "Nintendo: Left Joy-Con issue has been fixed on future Switch consoles". Polygon. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  38. "Nintendo Switch is safer without its safety straps". CNET. CBS Interactive. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  39. "How to fix controller drift on your Joy-Cons". iMore. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  40. "The pricing on Nintendo Switch accessories is a bad, bad joke". Polygon. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  41. Jackson, Gita (July 22, 2019). "Nintendo Responds To Sufferers Of Joy-Con Drift". Kotaku. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
  42. Klepek, Patrick (July 23, 2019). "Internal Nintendo Memo Instructs Customer Service to Fix 'Joy-Con Drift' for Free". Vice Games. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  43. Robinson, Andy (June 30, 2020). "Nintendo's president issues first Joy-Con drift apology". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  44. Fingas, Jon (August 11, 2017). "Nintendo faces lawsuit over the Switch's detachable controllers". Engadget. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  45. "Gamevice, Inc. v. Nintendo Co., Ltd. et al". RPX Corporation. Archived from the original on September 19, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  46. Conduit, Jessica (May 1, 2018). "Nintendo faces Switch patent infringement investigation in the US". Engadget. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  47. Good, Owen (May 6, 2018). "Nintendo sued by peripheral maker alleging Switch design infringes patents". Polygon. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  48. "USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Portable Gaming Console Systems with Attachable Handheld Controllers and Components Thereof | USITC". www.usitc.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  49. Robinson, Andy (July 20, 2019). "Nintendo faces lawsuit over 'drifting' Switch Joy-Cons". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  50. "Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP Appointed Interim Co-Lead Counsel, Files Amended Complaint in Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Litigation". September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  51. D'anastasio, Cecilia (October 5, 2020). "A Literal Child and His Mom Sue Nintendo Over 'Joy-Con Drift'". Wired. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  52. Carpenter, Nicole (November 17, 2020). "Another Joy-Con drift class action lawsuit filed against Nintendo". Polygon. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  53. Ivan (September 23, 2020). "Tom". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  54. Ivan, Tom (December 7, 2020). "European consumer groups join forces to investigate Switch Joy-Con drift". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  55. Phillips, Tom (January 27, 2021). "After 25k complaints, EU calls for investigation into Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 27, 2021.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.