The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to introduce new Joy-Con color variants for the first time since its launch, featuring a ‘Light Purple’ and ‘Light Green’ design. However, the initial response from fans has been overwhelmingly negative. The new color accents are only visible underneath the thumbsticks when the Joy-Cons are attached to the console, which has left many gamers feeling disappointed and frustrated with the design choices.
Critics have dubbed the new Joy-Cons as “extremely underwhelming” and accused Nintendo of being lazy in their approach. The primary concern among gamers is the limited visibility of the new colors, which are largely overshadowed by the predominantly dark grey shell of the controllers. The consensus echoes a common question: “Why didn’t they color the entire Joy-Con?” This sentiment resonates especially in handheld mode, where the lack of visibility diminishes any aesthetic appeal.
The new Joy-Con controllers are available for preorder at a price of $99.99, equivalent to the standard grey Joy-Cons, and they are slated to ship starting February 12. Each pair includes wrist straps, but the anticipation surrounding these new color options appears to be muted. Many fans are questioning whether there is enough incentive to purchase these controllers given their minimal design changes.
On social media platforms like X, users have taken to mocking up their own designs for what they believe the Joy-Cons should have looked like. Meanwhile, the company dbrand has stepped in to offer color-matched Joy-Con skins for $19.95, effectively addressing the demand for a more vibrant aesthetic. Dbrand’s slogan, “does what Nintendon’t,” encapsulates the frustration felt by many in the gaming community.
Further discussions on Reddit suggest that even simple modifications, such as colored text and arrows on the buttons, could have enhanced the overall design. Some commentators also expressed concern that the visible red and blue connection points on the console itself might disrupt an otherwise cohesive color scheme, adding to the discontent surrounding the new Joy-Con options.
While the new color variants may look appealing to some, it appears unlikely that they will prompt a rush of purchases given the minimal enhancements. Many players are encouraged to explore alternative Joy-Con options that offer a more comprehensive color range. The muted response to these new products raises questions about Nintendo’s strategy in differentiating the Joy-Con 2 from its predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch.
As the gaming community processes these latest developments, some speculate that a future OLED model for the Switch 2 might introduce more vibrant shell colors. Until then, the reception of the Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con variants serves as a reminder of the high expectations gamers hold for Nintendo’s hardware design. Would you consider purchasing these new color variants? The ongoing discourse in the gaming community suggests that many will be waiting for more significant updates before making a decision.
