Complete Guide to Buying Joy Con

Your Guide to buying the best Joy Con

Overview

The Joy-Con is a unique gaming accessory for the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to enjoy gaming both in single or multiplayer modes. Joy-Cons open up a world of new gaming possibilities, making it an ideal choice for players looking to add extra control options to their gaming experience. With a wide range of colors, styles, and special features, picking the right Joy-Con can be daunting. This buying guide will provide an overview of the Joy-Con and its features, as well as a few tips and tricks for choosing the perfect Joy-Con for your gaming needs.

Key features

  1. Compatibility: Check to make sure the Joy Con is compatible with your Nintendo Switch console model.
  2. Design: Consider the colors and shapes of the Joy Con available, and find the one that best suits your style.
  3. Functionality: Look into the extra features of the Joy Con, such as the motion control, IR motion camera, HD rumble, and other add-ons.
  4. Battery Life: Look into the battery life of the Joy Con to ensure that it lasts long enough for your gaming sessions.
  5. Price: Finally, compare prices between different Joy Con models to get the best value for your money.

See the most popular Joy Con on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Compatibility - Joy Con are designed to be compatible with the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to enjoy the Switch's library of games with the added convenience of being able to take your gaming on the go.
  • Motion Controls - Joy Con feature motion controls, allowing you to interact with your games in a more natural, intuitive way.
  • Ergonomic Design - Joy Con are designed with ergonomics in mind, allowing you to play for extended periods of time without discomfort or fatigue.
  • HD Rumble - Joy Con feature HD Rumble technology, allowing you to experience physical feedback during certain game actions.
  • Multiple Color Options - Joy Con are available in multiple colors, allowing you to customize the look of your Nintendo Switch system.

Cons

  • Initial Cost - Joy Con controllers can be expensive when purchased initially, in addition to the cost of the console.
  • Durability - Although Joy Con controllers are generally reliable, they can suffer from technical problems, such as drift or connection issues.
  • Features - The Joy Con controllers are limited in features, with no support for motion controls or vibration.
  • Compatibility - Joy Con controllers are not compatible with all Nintendo Switch games.

Best alternatives

  1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - This is a traditional-style controller designed for the Nintendo Switch, offering a more traditional gaming experience than the Joy Con.
  2. Xbox One Wireless Controller - The Xbox One Wireless Controller offers a comfortable, wireless gaming experience on PC and Xbox One for those not using the Joy Con.
  3. PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Controller - The DualShock 4 controller is designed for use with the PlayStation 4 for a more responsive and comfortable gaming experience than the Joy Con.
  4. Steam Controller - The Steam Controller is designed to offer an enhanced gaming experience on Steam PCs, with a more intuitive control scheme than the Joy Con.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Joy-Con Grip - A controller grip with ergonomic design and handles to help provide a more comfortable gaming experience. Joy-Con Straps - Lightweight straps for the Joy-Con controllers that can be used to protect them while playing. Joy-Con Charging Grip - This grip allows you to charge your Joy-Con controllers while playing. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - A wireless controller that can be connected to the Switch console and used to play games with. Joy-Con Wheel - A steering wheel shaped controller accessory that can be used to play racing games. Nintendo Switch Dock - A docking station for your Nintendo Switch console, allowing you to connect it to a TV or monitor. Joy-Con AA Battery Pack - A battery pack that can be attached to the Joy-Con controllers to extend their battery life.

Common questions

  1. What is a Joy Con? A Joy Con is a controller for the Nintendo Switch console. It allows for a two-player experience with one controller being used to control each side.
  2. What games are compatible with Joy Con? Joy Con is compatible with all games released for the Nintendo Switch, including Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and many more.
  3. What colors does Joy Con come in? Joy Con is available in a range of colors, including Neon Red, Neon Blue, Neon Orange, Gray, and Splatoon 2 Edition.
  4. How do I connect a Joy Con to my Switch? Plug the Joy Con grip into the top of the Switch console and press the L and R shoulder buttons to pair it. You can also hold down the sync button on the back of the Joy Con for a few seconds until the lights start flashing.
  5. What is included in the Joy Con package? The Joy Con package typically includes two Joy Con controllers, a Joy Con grip, and two wrist straps.
  6. What is the Joy Con grip? The Joy Con grip is an accessory that holds the Joy Con controllers together and allows them to be used as one controller. It also provides added stability during gameplay.
  7. Do the Joy Con controllers have motion controls? Yes, the Joy Con controllers feature motion controls, which allow you to control the game using motion gestures.
  8. Do the Joy Con controllers have HD Rumble? Yes, the Joy Con controllers feature HD Rumble, which provides realistic rumble feedback during gameplay.
  9. What is the battery life of the Joy Con controllers? The Joy Con controllers have a battery life of approximately 20 hours when fully charged. This can vary based on usage and settings.
  10. Does the Joy Con package include the Joy Con charging grip? No, the Joy Con charging grip is sold separately and is not included in the Joy Con package.

Trivia

In a move that surprised many gamers, Nintendo announced in 2018 that they had developed a new version of the Joy-Con controller that could be used to control a bike. The new Bike Controller is said to enable players to control a virtual bike as if they were actually riding it, bringing a unique gaming experience to the Switch. The Bike Controller also has the ability to detect how much pressure the user is putting on the pedals, providing an even more realistic feel. The new controller was unveiled at E3 2018 and was met with a great deal of praise from the gaming community. Source: Polygon.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.