The issue of stick drift with the original Switch’s Joy-Cons continues to plague Nintendo fans. For those hoping that the new Switch 2 would resolve this problem, the latest news may be disheartening. A Nintendo of America executive has confirmed that the $90 Joy-Con 2 controllers will not utilize Hall effect sticks, which are known for their durability and longevity. Instead, the company claims that the new Joy-Cons will be “durable,” although the specifics of their design remain unclear.

Nintendo Switch owners, including this writer, have long struggled with issues related to their original Joy-Con controllers. Despite initial hopes that the company had learned from its mistakes, it appears that the Switch 2 will not address the stick drift problem. In an interview with Nintendo Life, Nintendo of America VP of product development and publishing Nate Bihldorff stated that the Joy-Con 2 controllers do not feature Hall effect sticks. Hall effect joysticks rely on electrical conduction technology, which reduces friction and extends the lifespan of the joystick. This technology is used by some high-end controller manufacturers, such as SCUF, to provide precise controls over an extended period.

The decision not to use Hall effect sticks in the Joy-Con 2 controllers is surprising, given the increased price of the console and controllers. However, Nintendo maintains that the new controllers will provide the best possible experience for consumers, with a focus on durability. Bihldorff emphasized that the company designed the controllers from the ground up to meet this goal, considering factors such as the immediate effect of the Joy-Cons, their interaction with games, and their overall durability.

Although Nintendo has not officially disclosed the technology used in its controllers, a representative from GuliKit, a company that produces Hall effect stick module upgrades for the Switch, believes that the Switch 2 likely employs carbon film potentiometer joysticks. This technology is commonly used in stock controllers but can lead to degraded accuracy over time. In Gizmodo’s hands-on experience with the Switch 2, the sticks felt better than those on the original Switch, without the sponginess often found in cheaper devices. However, it remains to be seen how they will perform after extended use.

The issue of stick drift has been a long-standing problem for Nintendo Switch owners. A 2022 study by the UK consumer group Which? found that wear on the contact points between the circuit board and joysticks, as well as dirt buildup on components, were primary causes of stick drift. Despite an apology from Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa and promises of free fixes, the company has rarely provided insight into the problem or offered a permanent solution. Some annoyed Switch owners have attempted to repair their controllers at home or have taken the company to court, but these efforts have largely been unsuccessful.

For those willing to modify their Joy-Cons, there may still be hope for Hall effect technology on the Switch 2. GuliKit is working on Hall joystick conversions for the Joy-Con 2 controllers, similar to its $20 hall effect retrofit sticks for the original Switch. The company has confirmed that its older controllers, such as the KK3, and new controllers to be released soon will be compatible with the $450 Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5. However, the preorder date remains uncertain.

While some may consider avoiding Joy-Cons altogether, this would mean missing out on the new mouse controls that will be a key feature in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Civilization VII. To access these features, players will need to pay extra, as the new Joy-Cons 2 cost $90, compared to $80 for the original Switch. Given the higher price point, it is reasonable to expect that the controllers will last for an extended period, ideally until the release of Nintendo’s next console.