Since the launch of Nintendo’s versatile console in 2017, theNintendo Switchhas quickly become one of the top-selling consoles of all time. TheSwitch has already overtaken the Xbox 360in sales, and is nearing 100 million units sold. Due in-part to the mobility of the device, as well as a big catalogue of games, the Nintendo Switch has carved out a space for itself in the new generation of consoles. With the Switch’s detachable Joy-Con controllers, players are able to experience games in numerous ways.
When the Nintendo Switch was first revealed, the launch models only had two variations of Joy-Con colors. Those that wanted a more sleek Switch could chose the gray Joy-Cons to match the rest of the device, while those that wanted a pop of color could choose a Neon Red and Neon Blue option. Over the years, the offerings for Joy-Cons have added multiple color combinations and special editions for players to choose from.
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Standard Joy-Con Color Combinations
Nintendo clearly likes to make “Neon” color variations for its Joy-Cons, which is mostly a way to create different Joy-Cons with colors in different hues. While there are plenty of color combinations to choose from, players still experiencethe constant problem that is Joy-Con drift. Hopefully, as Nintendo continues to experiment with new Joy-Con options, the likelihood of drift will continue to decrease.
Many fans have also criticized Nintendo for how it controls thetypes of Joy-Consconsumers can get at a time. For example, Neon Pink and Neon Green Joy-Cons come in a single pack. If a player wanted to get the Neon Pink Left Joy-Con and the Neon Orange Right Joy-Con, they would have to buy two separate Joy-Con pairs. Further, players don’t have the flexibility in getting certain colors on certain Joy-Cons, as some colors are restricted to either the Left or Right Joy-Con. While this isn’t the most troublesome issue with Joy-Cons, many players are disappointed in the lack of flexibility in this regard.
Japan-Exclusive Joy-Cons
As the gaming giant based in Japan, it is no surprise that Nintendo will occasionally release both hardware and software locally, so there are a few Joy-Con designs that have only been sold in Japan. There was a special Nintendo SwitchDragon Quest 11 SEdition that featured two blue Joy-Cons withprominentDragon Questslimeson the front. A special pair of Joy-Cons also launched withDisney Tsum TsumFestivaland featured pink and purple Joy-Cons, with tiny playing card symbols across the front of each controller.
Through a partnership with The Pokemon Company, legendary Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara helped design a pair of limited edition Joy-Cons. This Joy-Con pair, which was titled the “Thunderbolt Project by FRGMT X Pokemon,” features a small Pikachu icon on the Right Joy-Con and the Thunderbolt Project logo on the Left Joy-Con.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Joy-Cons
Nintendo is known for releasing special editions of controllers or consoles for major video game releases from its big franchises, andSuper Smash Bros. gets the same treatment. Released ahead of the launch ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatein 2018, these sleek gray Joy-Cons feature the iconicSmashcross transposed across both controllers.
Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee Joy-Cons
A special version of the Nintendo Switch was created forthe release ofPokemon: Let’s Go! EeveeandPokemon: Let’s Go! Pikachu. The bundle features a specially-designed Switch dock, a Pikachu-yellow Right Joy-Con, and an Eevee-brown Left Joy-Con. The two controllers also have differently colored Joy-Con straps, with the Eevee-colored controller having an off-white strap, while the Pikachu-colored one has a more brown-colored strap.
NES Joy-Con Controllers
In the second half of 2018, Nintendo launchednew Joy-Con controllers inspired by the NES, its original home console. These are special controllers replicating the iconic controller design from the NES, launched in-part to capitalize on the Nintendo Switch Online service allowing players to access a catalogue of NES games. While they can’t be utilized as true Joy-Con replacements, they can be attached to the Switch to recharge.
Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons-Edition Joy-Cons
With the launch ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonslast year, Nintendo came out with another uniquely-designed console bundle. This featuredaNew HorizonsSwitch dockand a Switch device with a specially designed back plate. The Joy-Con controllers, adored by many fans, were colored a Pastel Green and Pastel Blue.
Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue Edition Joy-Cons
At the beginning of this year, Nintendo announced a newSuper Mario-themed Switch consoleto celebrated the series' 35th anniversary. The border of the Switch device, the dock, and both Joy-Con controllers are a solid red. The Joy-Con grip in the bundle and Joy-Con wrist straps are all solid blue.
Monster Hunter Rise Joy-Cons
Much like others mentioned on this list, Capcom’sMonster Hunter Risereceived a bona fide design for a Nintendo Switch console. While the Switch dock features a design ofthe fearsome monster known as Magnamalo, the entire bundle combines black and gold accents onto a base-gray Switch. TheMonster Hunter RiseJoy-Cons feature directional accents around the joysticks, plus aMonster Hunteremblem on each controller.
Fortnite Wildcat and Fleet Force Bundle Joy-Cons
The colossal battle royale that isFortnitehas received two version of Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch. Both feature a yellow and blue controller, albeit switched between the different versions. The full Nintendo Switch Wildcat bundle has a yellow Left Joy-Con, and a blue Right Joy-Con with an icon of the battle bus. Meanwhile, the standalone Joy-Con Fleet Force bundle combines a blue Left Joy-Con and a yellow Right Joy-Con, featuring imagery of theFortnitecharacter Peely. Both bundles containing theFortnite-inspired Joy-Cons come paired with in-game itemsand free V-bucks.
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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Edition Joy-Cons
Rounding out the collection is a pair of Joy-Cons designed with iconography from Nintendo’sThe Legend of Zeldaseries. A Nintendo Direct toward the beginning of 2021 revealed that specialJoy-Con controllers would accompanySkyward Sword HD, which finally released this month. This standalone pair contains a blue Left Joy-Con with gold accents around the joystick and D-pad, plus the common emblem of the Hyrule royale family. The purple Right Joy-Con also has gold accents around the joystick and buttons, but has a design of the Triforce at the bottom.
Collectors certainly have their hands full, and their wallets empty, if they attempt to collect all the variations of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons. Theupcoming release of the Nintendo Switch OLED modelwill also introduce a pair of white Joy-Cons into the mix. Additionally, there is no doubt that once the OLED model has launched, there may be new designs for theNintendo Switchand Joy-Cons launching alongside huge games likeBreath of the Wild 2,Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and evenMetroid Prime 4. For those, Nintendo fans will just have to eagerly await more news.
