There are plenty of reasons to look forward to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. If the console's improvements over the original Switch weren't already made apparent during the initial reveal, the Switch 2 Direct in April will surely provide details on the hardware's newest features and software line-up. With this in mind, it's hard to see how anyone would be hesitant to purchase a Switch 2 as soon as possible.

Yet, I can't help but feel cautious about fully investing in a Switch 2. As intrigued as I am to see what Nintendo's latest console has to offer, there's one prevalent issue with the original Switch that affected my enjoyment of its games. It's a problem that I fear could be repeated with the Switch 2, and is something I need Nintendo to address directly before I can allow myself to be excited over the company's new console.

Joy-Con Drift Impedes My Enjoyment Of Certain Titles

Constant Disconnection Has Tested My Patience

As much as I adore my Switch, the persistent issues I experience with Joy-Con drift has caused my patience with the console to dwindle. Despite serving as the Switch's primary control method, every Joy-Con I've owned began to drift after just a few months of use, resulting in imprecise controls, alongside other problems like constant disconnection. Unfortunately, issues with Joy-Con drift are a common occurrence with many players, serving as one of the biggest criticisms surrounding the original Switch.

Nintendo faced multiple lawsuits over the years surrounding Joy-Con drift. However, efforts to sue Nintendo over the problem have failed, with two lawsuits being dismissed in 2024.

What makes the issues with Joy-Cons so frustrating is how it actively impedes my enjoyment of certain Switch titles. For example, games such as Nintendo Switch Sports and WarioWare: Move It! place heavy emphasis on using the Joy-Cons' motion controls in order to create more engaging and interactive experiences. However, as my Joy-Cons are constantly disconnecting in the middle of gameplay, I find myself being pulled out of the experience with no warning, causing me to become extremely agitated at the poor state of my controllers.

It's those constant interruptions and misinputs caused by Joy-Con drift that makes me worried about the Switch 2. If Nintendo fails to tackle the issue head-on, it could affect the quality of many Switch 2 titles that take advantage of the versatile playstyles that the Joy-Cons offer. The persistent issue of Joy-Con drift could have a detrimental effect on the appeal of the new console's own software line-up, which is preventing me from getting so excited over the Switch 2's release.

Joy-Cons Are A Costly Item

I'm Hesitant To Make That Kind Of Investment Again

Besides problems with gameplay, the issue of Joy-Con drift caused the original Switch to become a far more demanding investment. In order to get the most out of my library of games, I would buy new Joy-Cons for my Switch at a higher rate than I have for any other console I've owned in the past. I eventually found myself deferring to other control methods wherever possible as the endless pursuit of buying Joy-Cons became a pointless endeavor, since it would only be a few short months before I was in need of a replacement.

The huge costs that Joy-Con drift causes sends a concerning message surrounding the Switch's accessibility. The reasonable price of the Switch itself gives the perception that the console and its range of titles are readily available, further boosting the image of Nintendo as a company that works for all players. Yet, the hidden costs that are caused by constant Joy-Con drift contradict this message of accessibility, instead requiring you to make a larger investment to get the most enjoyment out of the console, which can be infuriating.

I'm struggling to find that eagerness to purchase the Switch 2 out of fear that I'll unknowingly sign up for a bigger commitment.

While the Switch 2 will certainly make improvements on its predecessor's shortcomings, the current lack of a resolution for Joy-Con drift makes me hesitant about investing in the new console. Nintendo's failure to address the issue with the Switch has not only resulted in frustrating gameplay experiences, but has resulted in me making more purchases for my console than I should have needed to. Without that guarantee from Nintendo, I'm struggling to find that eagerness to purchase the Switch 2 out of fear that I'll unknowingly sign up for a bigger commitment.

I Hope Nintendo Addresses Joy-Con Drift For Switch 2

An Announcement Could Be Made At The April Direct

With this in mind, I'm hoping that Nintendo does address the issue of Joy-Con drift with the Switch 2. Of course, resolving the problem will have a range of benefits, whether that be allowing for seamless and uninterrupted gameplay or a reduction in unnecessary costs. But more importantly, such a move will allow me to once again place my faith in Nintendo and its promise to deliver high-quality, accessible experiences.

Of course, there's no better time for Nintendo to address these concerns than during the Switch 2 Direct in April. The presentation serves as a crucial moment for the Switch 2 to prove itself as a worthy successor to the original Switch to ensure its success at launch. Addressing the issue of Joy-Con drift would serve as a huge boost to the Switch 2's overall appeal, showing how Nintendo is looking to tackle the problem while reaffirming its commitment to making its hardware and software accessible to all players.

Only time will tell whether the Switch 2 will tackle the many problems caused by Joy-Con drift. Until then, I'm remaining cautious about making an investment in Nintendo's new console. As exciting as the Nintendo Switch 2's enhanced features and line-up of major titles is going to be, I don't see myself being so eager to jump into Nintendo's new experiences if it fails to resolve the biggest issue that plagued my experience with its most recent console.