Joy-Con Review: Clever, Versatile and Prone to Drift
7/10 — Nintendo Joy-Con
Works with: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 (Switch games), PC (with limited support)
Pros
- Incredibly versatile: handheld, split or combined
- HD Rumble and motion controls
- Instant two-player multiplayer
- IR camera on the right Joy-Con
Cons
- Stick drift is very common
- Small and cramped when used sideways
- No proper D-pad on the left Joy-Con
The Joy-Con are at the heart of the Switch’s design. They slide onto the side of the console for handheld play, combine into a single controller with a grip, or split into two mini controllers for instant multiplayer.
Design and features
Each Joy-Con has a stick, face buttons, shoulder buttons and motion sensors. HD Rumble offers subtle, detailed vibration, and the right Joy-Con includes an NFC reader for amiibo and an IR camera. Used sideways as a single controller, they’re cramped but serviceable for party games.
Stick drift
Their biggest problem is drift. Many owners have found their Joy-Con sticks registering movement on their own, and Nintendo has offered repairs in many regions. The left Joy-Con also uses four separate buttons instead of a proper D-pad, which isn’t ideal for 2D games.
Verdict
The Joy-Con are wonderfully versatile and central to what makes the Switch special, but drift and cramped ergonomics hold them back. Most Switch owners will want a Pro Controller for longer sessions.
