Stick drift is one of the most annoying problems when playing with a controller. The Switch’s Joy-Cons are particularly affected by this issue. However, Nintendo has now stated that the new Switch 2 will not have Hall-effect sticks.
What kind of error is this? Most users of a Switch are likely familiar with the problem: You play with your controller and feel like you’re always drifting to the left, even though you just want to move straight ahead. This is the dreaded Joy-Con drift. The problems are so widespread, that you can exchange broken Joy-Cons for free at Nintendo.
There have been calls for a long time to improve the Joy-Cons or at least equip the new Joy-Cons with better components.
Nintendo has now confirmed to the English magazine NintendoLife that no Hall-effect sticks are installed in the Joy-Cons of the Switch 2. Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Publishing at Nintendo of America, explained:
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been completely redesigned. They are not Hall-effect sticks, but they feel really good.
Using Potentiometers, Hall-effect sticks are considered the better solution
Why are there problems? This is mainly due to the potentiometer used in the Joy-Cons, which regulates electrical resistance. However, these parts need to make physical contact. With every movement of the joystick, the part wears down, eventually leading to stick drift.
What is the alternative? Players and manufacturers often mention Hall-effect sticks as an alternative. The advantage of Hall-effect joysticks is that this component uses magnets and electrical conductors. No physical contact is made. Therefore, Hall-effect joysticks do not wear out as quickly and are often marketed as more durable. This generally makes controllers a bit more expensive, but they last longer.
What other alternatives are there? The so-called TMR sticks, which use tunnel magnetic resistance. Here, changes are measured using a magnetic field. This also avoids physical friction. However, TMR sticks are considerably more expensive than sticks that use Hall-effect technology.
What technology do the Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 use? Nintendo has not provided further details about the technology used. It is unknown whether Nintendo continues to rely on the controversial potentiometers or has switched to modern TMR sticks. Many hope that Nintendo will finally address the notorious joystick drift issues with the Switch 2.
Nintendo has presented various information regarding the Switch 2 during the Nintendo Direct. The specifications and performance data of the Switch 2 have now also been officially shown by Nintendo. MeinMMO summarizes the information and compares the data with the Switch 1: Nintendo Switch 2: These are the official specifications
