The Nintendo Switch 2 started making news even before its official release, as Nintendo was quick to confirm that the console would include backwards compatibility with the original console’s games. While that’s a feature that fans always appreciate, other important details about the Nintendo Switch 2 haven’t been confirmed yet, and some fans are skeptical about what they’ve seen.

Nintendo fans have been abuzz lately over the finally revealed Nintendo Switch 2. After teasing the console throughout the last year, Nintendo finally officially announced the Switch 2 in a video showcasing an early look at some of the console’s features. Because of many leaks and rumors, some of the new innovations were expected, such as the larger kickstand on the back of the console. Even though the video only shows a glimpse at the next Nintendo console, fans have already been voicing both support and concern over various aspects of the reveal. So far, the general consensus is that the hardware for the console could be what makes or breaks its reputation.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Offers Improvements and Innovations

Even the most discerning of players can’t argue that Nintendo hasn’t improved over the original Switch in some ways when designing the Switch 2. At a glance, the console’s larger screen will be greatly appreciated by players who frequently play in handheld mode. The original Switch included a 6.2 inch screen, which was upped to 7 inches with the OLED model. At 8 inches, the Switch 2’s screen is the largest yet. For players who prefer their TV screen, the dock has received a redesign as well, adding rounded corners for a sleeker design. The console also has an additional USB-C port on the top to aid in charging. Some fans even spotted a possible microphone on the Switch 2 as well. The introduction of magnetic joy con controllers, though, has some fans divided.

The Switch 2 Joy Con Debate

At first, the prospect of joy cons that connect via magnets, rather than the current sliding system, sounds like a great innovation. It was so popular among the development team that the feature was even planned for the original Switch, but had to be dropped before release. The issue, though, is that part of the magnet system uses an extra connector that noticeably juts out from the console. Skeptical fans have pointed out potential issues with the joy con design, most frequently the fact that the new connector looks fragile, as if it might easily be snapped off by mistake. Add to that the issue that the original Switch’s magnetic capability was scrapped for not being strong enough, and some are worried about this new way of connecting the controllers.

Probably the biggest issue with joy cons in general, though, has been joy con drift. This issue has been present since the Switch’s earliest days, and has plagued players the whole time. Joy cons are particularly prone to getting dust or dirt particles trapped inside the hardware, as well as the wearing down of the thumb stick connections, leading the controllers to drift relentlessly. Nintendo is aware of the problem, and does offer a free service to fix drifting controllers via a mail-in system, but some fans have been upset at the lack of action in the design process. There hasn’t been any official news about how the Switch 2 joy cons might eliminate the drift issue, but rumors have surfaced about new magnetic connections for joy cons. The new controllers also appear to have a slightly altered connection to the thumb sticks, which may be how Nintendo has tried to solve the drift problem, but nothing has been said yet about their purpose.

As the main way that players interact with games on the Switch 2, the joy cons will possibly be the most important factor in how fans perceive it. It’s clear that Nintendo has tried to improve on the old design, even adding new functionality to the joy cons, believed to be similar to a mouse. It remains to be seen what other surprises might be in store for the Switch 2, but fans will find out on April 2 via a Nintendo Livestream.