The original Switch changed how we look at handhelds, but the Joy-Cons? Honestly, they were kind of a mess. Between the notorious stick drift and the flimsy plastic rails, we’ve all spent way too much money replacing them over the last nine years. Now that we’re staring down the barrel of the Switch 2, everyone is asking the same thing: will my old controllers work, and what’s the deal with Switch 2 third party joycons?
Nintendo finally broke the silence recently, confirming that the "Successor to Nintendo Switch" will be backward compatible with original Switch software. That's huge. But the hardware side is where things get tricky. Reliable supply chain leaks from firms like Mobapad—who have a track record of being spot-on with Nintendo’s manufacturing shifts—suggest the physical connection is changing. Gone are the sliding rails. In their place? Magnets.
The magnetic shift and the death of the rail
It’s a bold move. If the rumors hold weight, the Switch 2 uses an electromagnetic suction system to snap controllers onto the tablet. This basically means your old Joy-Cons won't physically slide onto the new console. You can probably still use them via Bluetooth for docked play, but for handheld mode, you’re looking at a brand-new ecosystem.
This is where the third-party market is going to explode.
Companies like Hori, NYXI, and Mobapad aren't just sitting around. They are already reverse-engineering the magnetic attachment protocols. Why does this matter? Because Nintendo’s first-party controllers will likely be expensive. Expect a $80 or even $90 price tag if they include improved haptics and the rumored "SL" and "SR" button revisions.
Third-party alternatives have historically offered better ergonomics. If you’ve ever used the Hori Split Pad Pro, you know the relief of actually having a grip that fits a human hand. The challenge for Switch 2 third party joycons will be mimicking that magnetic strength. Nobody wants their controller to fly off during a heated session of the next Mario Kart.
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What we know about the new tech
Let’s talk specs. The Switch 2 is expected to be a beast compared to the OG model, likely running on a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 chip. This extra power means the controllers might need to do more than just input commands. There’s talk of high-fidelity haptics that actually rival the PS5’s DualSense.
Mobapad specifically mentioned that the new "Joy-Con 2" (as the internet is calling them) features a slightly different button layout on the side. They’re also rumored to be slightly larger. This makes the fit for current third-party shells impossible. You can't just slap a skin on it and call it a day.
- The Stick Drift Problem: Will third-party manufacturers finally make Hall Effect sensors the standard? Nintendo has been stubborn about using potentiometer-based sticks. Brands like Gulikit have already proven that Hall Effect (which uses magnets to track movement instead of physical contact) is the cure for drift. I’d bet my last gold point that the best Switch 2 third party joycons will market themselves primarily on "No-Drift" guarantees.
- The Analog Trigger Debate: For years, Nintendo fans have begged for analog triggers. We need them for racing games. Currently, Switch triggers are digital—they’re either "on" or "off." If the Switch 2 moves to analog, third-party makers will have to rethink their entire internal PCB design.
Why you should wait before buying replacements
I see people buying "pro" Joy-Cons right now for their current Switch, hoping they'll be "future-proof." Stop.
Don't do it.
Because of the magnetic connection, any controller you buy today that relies on the physical rail system will be obsolete for handheld play on the new system. It’s a hardware dead end. The only exception is the Pro Controller. Since that connects via Bluetooth and USB-C, it’s almost a 100% lock for compatibility. But for the modular stuff? Wait for the official Switch 2 reveal.
The third-party market usually takes about three to six months after a console launch to really hit its stride. The first wave of Switch 2 third party joycons will likely be cheap knockoffs that might have connectivity issues. You want to wait for the heavy hitters.
The ergonomics of the future
Nintendo designs for kids. That's fine, but my adult hands cramp after twenty minutes of Tears of the Kingdom. The beauty of the third-party scene is the variety. We’re likely to see "Pro" versions of these magnetic controllers with back buttons (mappable paddles), turbo functions, and chunky grips.
Digital Foundry has discussed the potential for "accessory pass-through" where the tablet could power more intensive peripherals. Imagine a third-party attachment that adds extra battery life or even improved cooling fans. The magnetic attachment makes these "backpack" style accessories much easier to design than the old rail system ever did.
There's also the question of the "Function" buttons. Some leaks suggest a new button under the Home and Capture buttons. Third-party manufacturers will likely use this for macro programming. If you’re into fighting games or complex RPGs, having a dedicated macro button on a third-party Joy-Con is a godsend.
Technical hurdles for manufacturers
It isn't all sunshine and rainbows for companies like Binbok or IINE. Magnets interfere with electronics. If the Switch 2 third party joycons use a magnetic attachment, they have to be shielded perfectly so they don't mess with the internal sensors or the screen.
Then there’s the "HD Rumble" problem. Nintendo’s proprietary haptic tech is hard to copy. Most third-party controllers just use standard "buzz" motors, which feel cheap. If the Switch 2 doubles down on haptics, the gap between official controllers and the $40 Amazon specials will feel wider than ever.
Honestly, some people don't care about haptics. They just want a controller that works and doesn't cost a hundred bucks. For those gamers, the third-party market will be their savior, provided Nintendo doesn't use a proprietary "handshake" chip to block non-licensed accessories. Nintendo has been relatively open in the past, but with the move to a more sophisticated attachment system, they might tighten the leash.
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The takeaway for gamers
We are entering a transitional period. The Switch 2 is real, it's coming soon, and it's changing the physical rules of the game.
If you’re a fan of handheld play, the shift to magnetic Joy-Cons is the most significant hardware change since the original console launched in 2017. It solves the "wiggle" that develops in the rails over time, but it kills your current collection of grips.
Actionable Steps for the Switch 2 Transition:
- Hold off on high-end Joy-Con purchases: Unless your current controllers are literally unusable, do not spend $80+ on new Joy-Cons right now. They won't fit the new console's handheld mode.
- Invest in a Pro Controller: If you need a new controller today, get the official Pro Controller or a high-end 8BitDo. These are the most likely to remain fully functional across generations.
- Watch the "Licensed" labels: When the Switch 2 drops, look for the "Official Nintendo Licensed" seal on third-party boxes. With a new magnetic connection, the risk of "cheap" magnets failing or damaging the console's finish is higher than with the old plastic rails.
- Prioritize Hall Effect: When the first wave of Switch 2 third party joycons hits the market, make Hall Effect sensors your non-negotiable requirement. There is no reason to deal with stick drift in 2026.
The hardware landscape is about to get a lot more interesting. Whether Nintendo's magnets are a stroke of genius or a proprietary headache remains to be seen, but the third-party manufacturers are already gearing up for the challenge. Stick to the brands that have supported the community with firmware updates in the past, and you'll be fine.