Nintendo used its June Direct to quietly introduce two new Joy‑Con 2 finishes — a deeper blue and a pale yellow — styled after Splatoon’s in‑game band, Deep Cut. The reveal matters now because the controllers are already up for preorder and their muted execution signals a subtler design direction for the new console era.
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The new controllers echo the blue and yellow worn by the Splatoon trio, but the change is modest: the blue is only a shade darker than the light blue bundled with the Switch 2, and much of the controller remains black. For players who expected the bright, full‑body colors Nintendo has offered in the past, the result may feel restrained.
Beyond color, the Joy‑Con 2 hardware follows the upgrades Nintendo outlined for the new controllers: a larger chassis, more substantial triggers, improved motion sensors and included wrist straps. Functionally, these controllers match the pair that ship with the Switch 2.
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Nintendo lists the new pair for preorder at $99, with a target release date of July 23. That makes them immediately relevant for anyone deciding whether to accessorize or wait for third‑party alternatives.
- Price: $99 (preorder)
- Release date: July 23
- Design cue: Inspired by Deep Cut from Splatoon
- Hardware notes: Larger form factor, bigger triggers, improved motion controls, wrist straps included
Nintendo’s aesthetic choice matters because it affects how buyers personalize their systems. The original Switch and the Switch Lite offered bold, whole‑body color options that encouraged mixing Joy‑Cons; the Switch 2’s approach places color mostly in thin accents that disappear once the controllers are docked.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Color options revealed | Blue and light yellow (Splatoon: Deep Cut inspired) |
| Price | $99 (preorder) |
| Availability | Preorders open on Nintendo store; shipping from July 23 |
| Key hardware changes | Larger body, improved triggers, enhanced motion controls, wrist straps |
Industry pressures — from component shortages to tariff shifts — have pushed many hardware makers to balance cost, performance and styling. Nintendo’s move toward more muted controller accents could reflect that calculus, or a deliberate shift toward a cleaner, less toy‑like look for the Switch 2 lineup.
For consumers wanting brighter options, third‑party makers are already promoting more colorful alternatives. That market response could satisfy players who prefer vivid whole‑body finishes rather than subtle accent colors.
Ultimately, the new Joy‑Con 2 colorways are notable because they are available now and because they reveal how Nintendo is thinking about the Switch 2’s public image: functional and refined, with only small nods to the franchise playfulness that has long defined its accessories.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.