Nintendo has clarified details about its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2. In an interview with press, the company revealed that the new Joy-Con controllers do not use Hall effect technology, which is commonly found in third-party gamepads to reduce stick drift.
According to Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Publishing at Nintendo of America, “The Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall effect sticks, but they feel really good.” Kouichi Kawamoto, Switch 2 producer, added that the new joysticks are “quieter and don’t make noise, even when they’re moved quickly to the edge,” referring to them as “smooth-gliding sticks.”
This technology is used in many third-party gamepads to reduce stick drift, a common issue with the original Switch’s Joy-Cons. Nintendo offered free repairs for this problem in Europe. The company has not explained why it opted out of using Hall effect sensors in its new joysticks.
On the other hand, US pricing for some Switch 2 experiences was confirmed by Nintendo. Upgrades to two Legend of Zelda games – Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom – will cost $10 each for those who already own either game. However, subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will get access to these upgrades at no extra cost.
Additionally, the company revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a tech demo showcasing the console’s features, will also cost $10. According to Bill Trinen, Vice President of Product and Player Experience at Nintendo of America, this price is justified due to the amount of care and work put into creating the tour, which will be valuable for those interested in the technical specifications of the system.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-says-the-switch-2-joy-con-controllers-dont-have-hall-effect-thumbsticks-145541771.html