During Nintendo’s highly anticipated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025, a major highlight that captured global attention was the unveiling of the innovative magnetic Joy-Con controllers. These new controllers are positioned as a key feature for the upcoming Switch 2 console, promising improved connectivity and durability compared to previous designs.
However, what came as a surprise to many fans watching the reveal was the depth of the technology’s history. It turns out this seemingly groundbreaking design was not a sudden innovation developed specifically for the Switch 2. A recent developer interview, published on Nintendo’s official website shortly after the Direct, shed fascinating light on this.
The interview revealed that the core technology behind these magnetic Joy-Cons had actually been in development for a considerable period, tracing back as early as seven years ago from the perspective of the 2025 reveal. This timeframe suggests the concept was being explored even before the original Nintendo Switch first launched in 2017.
This revelation offers a compelling glimpse into Nintendo’s long-term research and development process and hints at the extensive planning that goes into their hardware design. It demonstrates that ideas and technologies are often explored years in advance, even if they don’t make it into the initial release of a console. It highlights a commitment to refining user experience and exploring innovative solutions for portable gaming interfaces.
Koichi Kawamoto, a producer from Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development Division, disclosed: “We experimented with magnetic solutions during the first-gen Switch’s development phase. Magnetic connections allow for quick attach-and-detach functionality, ideal for multiplayer gaming.” However, back then, there was a critical flaw—the magnets weren’t strong enough, leading to noticeable wobbling once attached. The then-president Satoru Iwata scrapped this idea over concerns about player experience after testing it.
We eventually opted for a more stable rail system but never stopped chasing an easy attach-and-detach solution,” admitted Kawamoto. Tetsuya Sasaki from Technology Development added: “The hardware team initially laughed at what seemed like an ‘impossible task,’ but after years of trial and error, they finally developed a single-button release magnetic system that even kids can easily use.” 7 8Key breakthroughs in this technology include: 9 10· Utilizing new rare earth magnets to boost adhesion 11 12· Developing an innovative “single-button dual-lock” mechanical system 13 14· Conducting ergonomic tests to ensure ease of use across all age groups
Interestingly enough, developers also considered naming Switch2 as “Super Nintendo Switch,” but dropped it to avoid confusion with SNES.
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