Earlier this year IGN reported on a patent filed by Nintendo for what the publication believed to be new joycon design for Switch 2.
It’s a fascinating new design that will possibly fix the drift issue faced by many Nintendo Switch users.
Previously we only got a look at the bottom half of the new design, but Nintendo has updated its design patent, and it gives us a look at the top half as well; so basically, we have the complete look now.
The original Switch joystick is a compact, all-in-one unit. If any part (like the potentiometers) wears out, the entire module must be replaced.
This new design splits the components, which could allow easier repair or replacement of individual parts (e.g., the joystick or sensor mechanism).
The idea seems to be an easy replacement of the Jaycon stick.
The larger housing size compared to the circuit board opening increases structural integrity, reducing strain on the components inside. This is not present in the original Switch design, where the housing is small and self-contained.
If this is the new design, we can expect it to ship with Nintendo Switch 2 next year. According to a report by Insider Gaming, the Switch 2 is scheduled to be revealed in January and released in March of 2025.
Another bit news was reported by me earlier this month about a separate Nintendo patent which is a tech that turns smartphones into second screens for other players; the patent is possibly related to Switch 2.
