Joy-Con
Joy-Con-Paar in Grau
Publisher Nintendo

Joy-Con are the primary controllers of the Nintendo Switch video game console. They consist of two individual units, each containing an analog stick and an array of buttons. They can be used while attached to the main Nintendo Switch console unit, or detached and used wirelessly; when detached, a pair of Joy-Con can be used by a single player, or divided between two as individual controllers.

Design Bearbeiten

 
Illustration of left and right Joy-Con controllers, in neon red and neon blue

Joy-Con are distributed in pairs, designated as "Joy-Con L" and "Joy-Con R" respectively. They each measure Vorlage:Convert, and the Joy-Con L and R weigh Vorlage:Convert and Vorlage:Convert, respectively. When measured from the top of the analog stick to the tip of the ZL/ZR trigger it has an extreme depth of Vorlage:Convert.[1][2]

Joy-Con can be attached to the sides of the Switch console via rails, or detached and used wirelessly—either as a pair (comparable to a Wii Remote and Nunchuk), or divided between two different players. Up to 8 Joy-Con can connect to a single Switch Console at a time.[3][4] The Joy-Con can be optionally attached to a "Joy-Con Grip" accessory, with or without charging capabilities, that convert the controllers to a more traditional gamepad-like form factor.[5][6]

When detached from the console, both Joy-Con units operate autonomously of each other, and communicate with the console via Bluetooth.[7] Wrist strap attachments are provided, which are similarly installed by sliding them onto the controllers' rails. The strap attachments have a rounded shape and raised shoulder buttons to improve the ergonomics of the Joy-Con when used individually.[2][8][9]

Joy-Con contain non-removable 3.7 volt 525 mAh 1.9 watt hour lithium-ion polymer batteries; they are charged when attached to a Switch Console that itself is charging. A separate "charging grip" accessory allows the controllers to be charged in a gamepad configuration via USB-C.[10][5] Nintendo released a Joy-Con AA battery pack attachment on June 16, 2017, with it sliding onto the Joy-Con similarly to the wrist strap attachments.[11]

Colors and variations Bearbeiten

Joy-Con can be obtained in various colors, either with the purchase of the Switch console, or individually, both separately or as a pair. At launch, Joy-Con were available in slate gray, neon red and neon blue colors.[6] Black Joy-Con are also issued with Switch development kits.[12] In mid-2017, Nintendo introduced neon yellow Joy-Con, releasing alongside Arms[13] as well as neon green and neon pink Joy-Con which launched alongside Splatoon 2.[14] A pair of red Joy-Con were released as part of the Super Mario Odyssey bundle, except in Japan where they are available standalone, which was released in October 2017.[15] An exclusive Nintendo Labo Joy-Con design, light brown in color, was released in 2018. It is exclusively available to winners of the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest.[16][17] Joy-Con based on Eevee's color scheme and Pikachu's color scheme were released alongside Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! on November 16, 2018, as part of the Pokémon: Let’s Go! Switch bundle.[18]

Features Bearbeiten

The feature set of the Joy-Con was partially inspired by feedback from players using the Wii Remote, according to Nintendo's Shinya Takahashi. After releasing games that heavily used the Wii Remote with the Wii, such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit, players had asked for different design features, such as having a smaller form factor, or being able to be strapped to a part of the body. Nintendo envisioned what benefits towards innovative design and gameplay could come from a smaller form factor, which led to the idea of a console that could be portable, controlled through these smaller controllers. This became the fundamental principle of the Switch, and directly into the Joy-Con design.[19]

Both controllers contain a clickable analog stick, four face buttons, two top buttons, two side buttons accessible when detached (which become shoulder buttons when held horizontally) and designated as Vorlage:Key press and Vorlage:Key press, a Vorlage:Key press or Vorlage:Key press button, a sync button, and player indicator lights. Joy-Con L contains directional buttons, a Vorlage:Key press button, top buttons designated as Vorlage:Key press and Vorlage:Key press, and a screenshot button, which enables the player to upload screenshots to social media. In an update released in October, 18th, 2017, the screenshot button is also able to record up to 30 seconds of gameplay in select games. Joy-Con R contains Vorlage:Key press, Vorlage:Key press, Vorlage:Key press, and Vorlage:Key press buttons, a Vorlage:Key press button, top buttons designated as Vorlage:Key press and Vorlage:Key press, and a Home button.[4]

Each Joy-Con contains an accelerometer and gyroscope, which can be used for motion tracking.[20] Games can support using the Joy-Con for pointing controls similar to the Wii Remote while detached without the need of a sensor bar.[21] Joy-Con R contains an infrared depth tracking sensor, which can read objects and motions held in front of it; as an example of its functionality, Nintendo stated that the sensor could distinguish between the hand shapes of rock–paper–scissors.[22][20] Joy-Con R also contains a near-field communication reader for use with Amiibo.[20][23]

The Joy-Con contain a haptic feedback engine known as "HD Rumble", which was developed in partnership with Immersion Corporation. Nintendo stated that the system could generate fine tactile feedback, such as the sensation of individual ice cubes and water in a glass.[24][25]

Third-party development Bearbeiten

It was discovered shortly after public release that Joy-Con can connect to and be used with other Bluetooth-enabled personal computers and mobile devices.[7]

Reception Bearbeiten

Technical issues Bearbeiten

Prior to the public release of Nintendo Switch, various video gaming websites reported that the controllers—most commonly the Joy-Con L—were susceptible to connection losses when used wirelessly. It was initially unknown whether these problems were the result of an interference issue, or caused by the pre-launch software on review units.[26] A Nintendo spokesperson stated to Polygon that the company would "continue to monitor the performance of Nintendo Switch hardware and software, and make improvements when necessary". The company posted guidance on its support website for minimizing Bluetooth signal interference, including recommendations that the Switch console be placed away from other wireless-enabled devices.[27] On March 22, 2017, Nintendo confirmed that the interference issues were caused by a "manufacturing variant" in a small number of Joy-Con from early production runs, and that the company would allow owners to send in their affected Joy-Con for repairs free-of-charge.[28]

On launch, it was reported that the wrist strap attachments for the Joy-Con were hard to detach from the controllers. It was also reported that a wrist strap could easily be attached to the Joy-Con incorrectly and become difficult to remove.[29][8]

Legal issues Bearbeiten

In August 2017, Los Angeles-based tablet peripheral manufacturer Gamevice filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that the design of the Joy-Con controllers conflicts with its patent on the design for the Wikipad, an Android-based gaming device that also features a tablet with a detachable controller. The lawsuit sought damages on existing Switch sales and banning further sales of the console.[30] The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by Gamevice on October 23, 2017.[31]

However, in March 2018, Gamevice initiated a second patent infringement lawsuit on Nintendo related to a different set of patents. Gamevice also sought action through the United States International Trade Commission related to patent infringement under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and was seeking to block imports of the Switch into the United States.[32][33][34]

See also Bearbeiten

Portal: Nintendo – Video games

References Bearbeiten

Vorlage:Reflist

Vorlage:Nintendo Switch Vorlage:Nintendo hardware

Kategorie:Nintendo controllers Kategorie:Nintendo Switch Kategorie:Video game controllers

  1. Specifications — Nintendo Switch — Nintendo. Abgerufen am 27. Februar 2018.
  2. a b Samit Sarkar: Nintendo Switch has 32 GB storage, 720p touchscreen. In: Polygon. 13. Januar 2017, abgerufen am 23. Januar 2017.
  3. Nintendo Switch uses detachable 'Joy-Con' controllers. In: Polygon. Vox Media, abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  4. a b Michael McWhertor: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller does some amazing things. In: Polygon. 13. Januar 2017, abgerufen am 13. Januar 2017.
  5. a b Nintendo Switch’s included Joy-Con Grip is not the same as $30 Charging Grip. In: Polygon. Vox Media, abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  6. a b Wesley Yin-Poole: A pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-con controllers costs £75. In: Eurogamer. 13. Januar 2017, abgerufen am 13. Januar 2017.
  7. a b Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers also work with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. In: The Verge. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  8. a b Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con wrist straps have an annoying issue, but you can fix it. In: Polygon. Vox Media, abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  9. Allegra Frank: Everything we know about Nintendo Switch. In: Polygon. 13. Januar 2017, abgerufen am 13. Januar 2017.
  10. Here’s how to charge the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller. In: Polygon. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  11. Nintendo introduces new neon yellow Joy-Con color and controller battery pack. In: The Verge. 12. April 2017, abgerufen am 14. April 2017.
  12. Developer reveals black Nintendo Switch, and it looks awesome - NintendoToday In: NintendoToday, 31. Januar 2017. Abgerufen am 14. September 2018 (amerikanisches Englisch). 
  13. Nick Statt: Nintendo introduces new neon yellow Joy-Con color and controller battery pack. In: The Verge. 12. April 2017, abgerufen am 12. April 2017.
  14. Andrew Webster: Nintendo is releasing neon pink-and-green Switch controllers for Splatoon 2. In: The Verge. 18. Mai 2017, abgerufen am 18. Mai 2017.
  15. Brett Makedonski: There's a Super Mario Odyssey Switch bundle that comes with two red Joy-Con. In: Destructoid. 13. September 2017, abgerufen am 16. September 2017.
  16. My Nintendo - Nintendo Labo Creators Contest – Nintendo Labo Official Site. In: Nintendo.
  17. Just look at Nintendo's official cardboard-themed Nintendo Switch In: Eurogamer.net. Abgerufen am 30. Oktober 2018 (englisch). 
  18. Pokémon: Let’s Go! receives adorable special-edition Switch In: Polygon. Abgerufen am 10. Oktober 2018 
  19. Alissa McAloon: The Nintendo Switch, Joy-Cons, and even Labo are the result of Wii-era feedback. In: Gamasutra. 9. Februar 2018, abgerufen am 9. Februar 2018.
  20. a b c Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers are insane. In: CNET. CBS Interactive, abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  21. Ben Kuchera: Nintendo Switch’s World of Goo shows off system’s Wii-style pointer controls. In: Polygon. 16. März 2017, abgerufen am 16. März 2017.
  22. Nintendo’s Joy Con controller contains motion tracking camera, other tricks. In: Ars Technica. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  23. Rad, Chloi: Nintendo Confirms Amiibo Support for Nintendo Switch, Clarifies Additional Features In: IGN, October 20, 2016 
  24. Meet the minds behind Nintendo Switch's HD Rumble tech. In: Techradar. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  25. Nintendo's HD Rumble will be the best unused Switch feature of 2017. In: Engadget. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  26. Nintendo Switch Joy-Con connection issue sparks concern ahead of launch. In: Eurogamer. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  27. Nintendo suggests Switch Joy-Con issues caused by interference (update). In: Polygon. Abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  28. Nintendo: Left Joy-Con issue has been fixed on future Switch consoles. In: Polygon. Abgerufen am 23. März 2017.
  29. Nintendo Switch is safer without its safety straps. In: CNET. CBS Interactive, abgerufen am 7. März 2017.
  30. Jon Fingas: Nintendo faces lawsuit over the Switch's detachable controllers. In: Engadget. 11. August 2017, archiviert vom Original am 11. August 2017; abgerufen am 11. August 2017.
  31. Gamevice, Inc. v. Nintendo Co., Ltd. et al. RPX Corporation, archiviert vom Original am 19. September 2017; abgerufen am 25. Januar 2018.
  32. Jessica Conduit: Nintendo faces Switch patent infringement investigation in the US. In: Engadget. 1. Mai 2018, abgerufen am 1. Mai 2018.
  33. Owen Good: Nintendo sued by peripheral maker alleging Switch design infringes patents. In: Polygon. 6. Mai 2018, abgerufen am 6. Mai 2018.
  34. USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Portable Gaming Console Systems with Attachable Handheld Controllers and Components Thereof | USITC. In: www.usitc.gov. Abgerufen am 1. September 2018 (englisch).