The Switch 2 Won’t Have Drift-Free Hall Effect Joysticks, But There’s Hope

Nintendo fans’ waking days are still haunted by the stick drift issues with the original Switch’s Joy-Cons. Those hoping for drift-less Switch 2 sticks may want to keep hold of their third-party controllers for now. A Nintendo of America exec confirmed the Switch 2 $90 Joy-Con 2 controllers won’t use longer-lasting Hall effect sticks, but that the new Joy-Cons will still be “durable.” Nintendo Switch owners (this writer included) still find issues with their original Joy-Con controllers, and we hoped Nintendo learned its lesson for the sequel Switch. In an interview with Nintendo Life, Nintendo of America VP of product development and publishing Nate Bihldorff said the Joy-Con 2 are “not Hall effect sticks.” Hall effect joysticks rely on an electrical conduction technology that allows them to remain out of contact with other components. This leads to less friction and lengthens the lifespan of the joystick. Some high-end controller makers like SCUF are moving toward Hall effect and it ... Read full article.