The first alternate Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons have been revealed, but fans are torn for multiple reasons. First is the design itself, but second is the asking price.
Six months on from the release of the Switch 2 and we’ve already experienced a fair share of bangers ranging from Mario Kart World to the new Metroid. With the console selling quickly, Nintendo is now launching its first set of alternate controllers.
Much like how the original Switch received all manner of distinct color patterns and unique game-themed Joy-Cons over the years, the Switch 2 is set to follow suit. The first redesign was just unveiled, though it hasn’t gone down swimmingly across social media.
Fans have been taking issue not only with the design of the first new Joy-Cons, but also the cost.
New Switch 2 Joy-Cons revealed, but fans are torn
Announced on January 8, 2026, Switch 2 owners can now look forward to a set of Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con 2s. Bear in mind, this is one collective set featuring both colors. The left Joy-Con is Light Purple and the right Joy-Con is Light Green. You’re not able to get a full set of one particular color.
So, what’s actually different in the design? The connectors, where controllers snap onto the Switch itself, are now recolored, as is a bit of material underneath the analog sticks. Otherwise, they’re virtually identical.
This actually serves as an inverse from last-gen Joy-Con designs, where we saw full color swaps across the controllers, and just the connector strips remained the same black.
The first unique design is priced at $99.99 USD and will be available from February 12, 2026. Pre-orders are now live.
The announcement has been met with a mixed response online, however. Some have called out the limited recoloring, stating you won’t see the unique colors “95% of the time.”
“Cool that Nintendo is releasing new colors for the Joy-Con, but this is what most people will see… and they cost $100,” one post highlighted.
Of course, if you play party games, you’ll be seeing the purple and green colors plenty as you share the Joy-Cons around. But for those who mostly play docked, you won’t be seeing the colors a great deal.
“Honestly, it would probably be easier to buy colored wrist straps since that’s all you’d see,” one user argued.
“Considering you basically still see black and just a tinge of the color under the sticks, this kinda sucks. I want ACTUAL colors,” another Switch 2 fan chimed in.
Peripheral company Dbrand took the opportunity to jump on Nintendo too, launching their own Joy-Con skins in the exact same colors, but covering the entire devices. “Don’t worry, we fixed it,” the company said.
Not everyone is entirely opposed, however. Some are fans of the “subtle colors,” claiming “they look really sleek.”
Others are on board with the designs, praising the appearance, but struggling to look past the $99.99 price.
“These are beauties but I’ll be damned if I ever pay that price without my other ones being broken.”
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