Nintendo says the Switch 2 Joy-Cons don't have Hall effect thumbsticks for reducing stick drift

Engadget - Apr 8th, 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2's recent debut unveiled new hardware and games, but questions remain about its specifics. Notably, the Joy-Con 2 controllers will not feature Hall effect tech, which is known to reduce stick drift. Senior executives from Nintendo confirmed that the controllers have been redesigned for improved performance, though some popular tech choices have been omitted. The Switch 2 will offer enhanced graphics and features for existing games like 'Breath of the Wild' and 'Tears of the Kingdom,' with a $10 upgrade fee for non-subscribers.

Nintendo’s choice to omit Hall effect sensors, despite widespread adoption by third-party manufacturers, raises questions about its strategy to combat stick drift—a common issue in the original Switch. While the new console offers significant upgrades, including HDR support and faster loading times, Nintendo’s decision to charge for a Welcome Tour tech demo, unlike its competitors, underscores its unique approach to product value. The company’s pricing strategy reflects its perspective on consumer interest in technical details, as discussed in a recent interview with Nintendo of America's president.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy Con 2 Hall Effect Technology Gaming Hardware Product Pricing Nate Bihldorff Kouichi Kawamoto Bill Trinen

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Nintendo's announcements regarding the Switch 2, with a focus on the decision not to use Hall effect technology in the Joy-Con 2 controllers. It accurately presents the information with credible sources and quotes from Nintendo representatives. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including external viewpoints and more detailed explanations of the technical aspects. While the article is engaging and accessible, it could enhance transparency by disclosing more about its information-gathering process. Overall, it serves well the interests of the gaming community but could expand its impact and engagement through broader analysis and interactive elements.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Nintendo's decision not to include Hall effect technology in the Joy-Con 2 controllers, as confirmed by Nate Bihldorff. It correctly highlights the issues of stick drift in the original Switch, which led to free repairs in Europe. However, the article could provide more detail on why Nintendo chose not to adopt Hall effect technology, as the reasoning is not fully explained. The claims about the Switch 2's hardware using NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling tech are also accurate. Overall, the article's factual claims are well-supported by credible sources.

Balance

The article primarily presents Nintendo's perspective, focusing on their product decisions and statements from company representatives. While it mentions the growing popularity of Hall effect technology in third-party controllers, it lacks input from external experts or consumer advocates who might offer a different viewpoint on the implications of Nintendo's choices. Including these perspectives would provide a more balanced view of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to understand. It logically presents the information, starting with the main announcement and then delving into specific details about the Joy-Con 2 controllers and pricing information. The use of quotes from Nintendo executives adds clarity to the company's stance. However, the inclusion of more technical details about Hall effect technology could enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including statements from Nintendo executives and mentions of reputable outlets like Nintendo Life and IGN. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the topic, lending credibility to the information presented. However, the article could benefit from a wider range of sources, such as industry analysts or consumer reviews, to enhance the depth of the analysis.

Transparency

The article provides clear attribution for the statements made by Nintendo representatives, which enhances transparency. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methodology used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the reasons behind editorial decisions would strengthen the article's credibility.