The upcoming Switch 2 is an an iterative upgrade over the original console, maintaining many of the same features while adding a few new ones.
As such, the design of the device, including its new Joy-Con 2 controllers, may look pretty familiar if you already own a Switch, but there's still plenty of new information to dig into.
In this guide, we break down the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con, their new features, and how they compare to the original Switch controllers.
Switch 2 Joy-Con Guide
New Features
Although functionality remains largely the same for the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, there are a few new features.
What does the new button on the right Joy-Con do? And what about that optical sensor on the Joy-Con's magnetic rail?
Let's dive in and see exactly what these new controllers are all about.
Magnetic connection
Presenting a significant upgrade over the physical rail system of the original Switch, the Switch 2 uses magnets to hold the Joy-Con controllers in place.
Rather than lining the Joy-Con up and sliding them down into the console itself, they now simply snap in place from the side. The magnets are then powerful enough to keep the Joy-Con firmly where they should be.
Much like the previous console, buttons can be found on the rear of the Joy-Con that can be pressed to remove the controllers from the main body. These are much larger than before to account for the overall increase in the console's size. Pressing the button in causes a small pin to protrude from the side of the Joy-Con, pushing it away from the Switch and allowing for removal of the Joy-Con.
New C Button
The right Joy-Con now houses an additional C Button, and it's confirmed that this will effectively function as a 'GameChat' launcher. The Switch 2 will now feature in-game chat capabilities with multiple users at the same time. You can even share your screen and let other players view what you're doing in-game.
Not only that, but a new camera has been announced that will allow you to supeimpose your own face over your gameplay screen, removing the background around you; kinda like a filtered Zoom call.
The C Button on the Joy-Con 2 will bring up the chat menu, letting you answer calls and tinker with the chat options.
Optical Sensor
An optical sensor, much like the one you might find on the bottom of a PC mouse, has been added to both Joy-Con controllers, located just to the right of the 'SL' button when detached.
This means that the Joy-Con 2 can be placed upon a surface and used as a mouse. Yes, both of them. This will be required for the newly-announced Drag X Drive, and will be featured in games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
We've got a list of games that use Mouse Mode, so you can have a mess around for yourselves: