Why can you rely on techradar
We review every product or service, we review, so you can make sure you are buying the best. Get more information about how we test.
Joy-Con 2: One-minute review
Joy-con 2 controllers are those that will be packed with your nintendo switch 2 console. They vary greatly from the choice of dualsense or Xbox wireless controller, with Joy-C2 essentially two different gamepads that can be used either as either one, or individually for local multiplayers.
From a design point of view, which makes Joy-C2 quite clever, as with the original model. In families and social ceremonies, they can make access to multiplayer easier – even if they are not for the most comfortable of sports sessions.
Joy-Con 2 controller improves things on this front. They are slightly larger than the 2017 model and more ergonomically sound. Using both of them for handheld plays, or (involved) with Joy-C2 grip, game experience is serviceable. While I am more, excess Priority to the overall experience of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, you will not be hard work with Joy-C2 for the improvement of its construction quality, convenient magnetic connectors and decent battery life.
He said, for some nintendo switch 2 games, you may be encouraged to choose the option of Joy-K2 on other controllers. This standout is due to new feature: mouse control. While currently a ton game does not support it, the mouse control works surprisingly well on a variety of surfaces.
Despite the overall reforms, the Joy-C2 2 is not quite successful in avoiding some of its preceding designs. The odd stick layout simply doesn’t sit right with me, and when I know it will prove to be irksome for local multiplayer, I found that I want myself a symmetric stick layout like we look at devices such as nitro deck and steam deck OLED.
Analog sticks themselves are also not making much improvement. The rods are still very shallow, and the concave design is not particularly comfortable. They are also not hall effects, as confirmed by the nintendo itself, so the possibility of a stick flow under the line still grows up.
Joy-Con 2 Review: Price and Availability
- $ 94.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 139.95
- Available at my nintendo store
- On expensive side
A single pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers is packed with Nintendo Switch 2 console. However, if you need an additional or you are looking to get some large multiplayer groups together, they can be purchased separately.
They are certainly on the expensive side, however, cost $ 94.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 139.95.
It is a $ 10 pricier compared to the switch 2 Pro Controller in the US, but in the UK, they come at the same price £ 74.99. In both regions, Joy-Con 2 Mai is available for purchasing from Nintendo Store.
Joy-Con 2 Review: Glasses
price |
$ 94.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 139.95 |
weight |
4.7oz / 133G (joint) |
Dimensions |
4.6 x 1.2 x 0.6in / 116 x 31 x 14 mm (each joy-con 2) |
Adaptability |
Nintendo switch 2 |
connection type |
Wireless |
battery life |
About 20 hours |
Joy-Con 2 Review: Design and Features
Are the Joy-C2 2 controller a better product than their 2017 predecessor? The short answer is yes. Nintendo is largely stuck to its guns with a overall concept, but has certainly refined to a more polished experience.
Build quality is a noticeable step. Joy-con 2 is slightly larger, and thus there are very friendly on big hands. This is a smart redesign, given that children who play with the original Joy-C-con controllers are now a good deal in early 2017.
This also means that adults will have an easy time using single joy-con, although not much. A single joy-con had 2 horizontally still a bit of a squeeze. However, thankfully, SL and SR button have been made large to compensate.
The Joy-C2 definitely leaves a low toy-esk imprint. The bold neon red/blue color scheme that was swapped to many original switch owners for more worldly black color, although that red and blue can be found under the analog stick and on the sides where magnetic connectors and SL/SR buttons are placed.
They look clever, proud of the slightly round edges compared to their predecessor. Otherwise, you are getting a familiar joy-con experience here. Analog sticks, directional and face buttons are all found in one place. The only major difference here is in addition to the gameChat button to reach the Besk Voice Chat app of Switch 2.
Unlike the original Joy-Con, there is no railway system here for connection purposes. Compassionately, it is swapped to a very elegant magnetic connectors, allowing Joy-C2 to easily click in switch 2 handheld or joy-con 2 grip.
A button next to the trigger also pushes the Joy-C2 2 back. It remains to be seen whether these connectors wearing over time become a big issue, especially when the magnetic bridge is quite strong. But for now, this is something that I first like on Joy-Con’s strange rail system.
Joy-Con 2 Review: Performance
The most notable addition to Joy-C22 is their mouse control. By separating one (or both), they can be converted sideways with the SL/SR button and can be used as a mouse. Some games were heavyly advertised with this facility, including Cyberpank 2077, Nobunaga’s ambition: Awakening full version, And Sid Mier’s Civilization 7,
The mouse control works well, and can also be used in some games as well as home dashboard and nintendo of switch 2. A scroll wheel deficiency certainly damages navigation and general purpose, but overall sensitivity seems to be fine, and if you prefer rapid or slow -cursor movement then it can also be adjusted in system settings.
The sensor is enough decent that you can use mouse control on many surfaces including your own trousers. However, for the best results, I stick to a flat surface like a desk or table.
For more traditional gameplays, Joy-Con 2 is servicable, although it is not more jumping from the original Joy-Con Controllers. I still find analog stick uncomfortable shallow, and their slippery concave cap design can make it difficult to find a more busy or purchase while playing an action-centric title.
I also mourn the return of a personal button for D-Pad. I understand the decision here – selecting for the button makes them more multiplayer -friendly – but I prefer too much traditional D -Pads like we see on Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Otherwise, all the bucks from the original Joy-Con are also here. This includes Gyro Aiming Support – like the best used with sports Splatoon 3 And The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition , And near-near areas of communication (NFC) Support for the scanning of Amiibo data and cards.
The battery life lives with decency, as well. I used to manage about 20 hours at a full fee – give or take a couple. It line up with the official estimates of the nintendo, but note that your mileage will vary here. Each joy-con 2 has its own battery, as well, so it is completely possible that it can get out of the juice before each other.
Should I buy Joy-Con 2?
Buy it if …
Do not buy it if …
Joy-Con 2 Review: Consider also
If you are looking for a switch 2-compatible controller, consider these two options that provide something different.
Row 0 – SAIL 0 |
Joy-con 2 |
Switch 2 Pro Controller |
Gamesir Nova Light |
price |
$ 94.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 139.95 |
$ 84.99 / £ 74.99 / AU $ 119.95 |
$ 24.99 / £ 19.99 / AU $ 39 |
weight |
4.7oz / 133G (joint) |
8.3oz / 235g |
7.2oz / 205g |
Dimensions |
4.6 x 1.2 x 0.6in / 116 x 31 x 14 mm (per joy-con 2) |
5.8 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 148 x 105 x 60 mm |
6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61 mm |
Adaptability |
Nintendo switch 2 |
Nintendo switch 2 |
Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC |
connection type |
Wireless |
Wireless, Wired (USB Type-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Type-C) |
battery life |
About 20 hours |
About 40 hours |
10-15 hours |
How did I test Joy-C2 2
- Tested for more than a month
- Both were played in handheld mode and with Joy-C2 Grip
- Compared to the original Joy-C and Switch 2 Pro Controller
I have regularly tested Joy-K2 after receiving my switch 2 console at Launch Day (June 5, 2025). I have mainly used them in handheld mode when traveling or as part of a bed before bed session. However, I have also used them as a more traditional controller, slotting them in Joy-C2 Grip.
While I think Joy-Con 2 is a perfectly fine controller, I found myself like Switch 2 Pro Controller for long gaming sessions, especially in docted mode. The Pro Controller is what I just finds more comfortable, and its long -lasting battery life cannot be taken. Nevertheless, in the local multiplayer environment, Joy-K2 thanked the two controllers working as individual institutions, reducing the need to dig the other gamepad.
First July 2025 reviewed
Read more about how we test