Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On With Joy-Cons in Paris

The upcoming Nintendo console, the Switch 2, is set to be more family-friendly than ever before. The gaming giant is focusing on enhancing its multiplayer communication tool GameChat and introducing a new camera that complements games suitable for younger players like Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree.

One of the significant changes to make the Switch 2 more kid-friendly is the modifications made to the Joy-Cons. At the European launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in Paris, I had the opportunity to experience these changes firsthand. Unlike the original console where the controllers slide into place via rails, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons now attach magnetically, making it easier and more secure for young players to handle.

The redesigned Joy-Cons can be easily released by pressing a trigger at the back and reattach seamlessly when close to the main display. This simple yet effective solution prevents the controllers from getting jammed or attached incorrectly, a common issue with the original Switch. The developers at Nintendo had considered this design for the original Switch but opted against it due to concerns about the connection’s stability.

The new Joy-Cons have been redesigned for comfort and functionality. The buttons, triggers, and joysticks have been altered to provide a more comfortable fit, catering to players with smaller hands. This attention to detail ensures that players of all ages and hand sizes can enjoy the gaming experience without discomfort.

While the issue of Joy-Con drift, a common problem with the original Switch controllers, has not been directly addressed by Nintendo, the new Joy-Cons are said to have been designed with larger and smoother movements to potentially mitigate this issue. Only time will tell if this problem has been effectively resolved once the Switch 2 is released on June 5, 2025.

My trip to Paris for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch was hosted by Nintendo, with no preconditions on my evaluation of the device. This allowed me to have hands-on experience with the console and share my unbiased thoughts on its features and improvements.

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