Nintendo’s New Switch 2 Joy-Con Colors Leave Fans Underwhelmed

Whenever a major first-party game drops, it’s common to see themed accessories hit the market, like consoles adorned with decals or fresh controller colors. The upcoming single-player shooter, Splatoon Raiders, is no different, introducing a new blue and yellow color scheme for the Switch 2’s Joy-Con. While this refined look may appeal to many, it might not resonate with Joy-Con collectors or die-hard Splatoon fans.

The original Switch stood out for its playful design, a vibe that stemmed from Nintendo’s quirky, experimental game library. However, a significant part of that whimsical charm came from the unique Joy-Con controllers. The original Switch bundle featured red and blue Joy-Cons, which have become iconic, despite the fact that red and blue aren’t complementary colors. Instead, the Switch’s signature aesthetic is all about bold contrast, a vibe not easily found in official PlayStation or Xbox controller colorways, even with custom options.

As time went on, the original Switch saw a variety of colorways, many of which were more subdued. Yet, it was the vibrant Joy-Con colors that truly defined the console: neon yellow, pink and green, pink and yellow, yellow and purple. And who could forget the Splatoon watermelon colorway, a striking mix of neon pink and bright green? These colors not only made the console visually striking but also captured the essence of the lively and fashionable series.

With this in mind, the new Joy-Con colors evoke a sense of disappointment. They feel rather… ordinary. While the color scheme may align with Splatoon Raiders, a game that embraces mainstream shooter aesthetics, and is inspired by Deep Cut, the band from Splatoon 3, I can’t help but wish the official Splatoon controller for the Switch 2 felt like a natural evolution of the classic pink and green combo rather than a step back.

But there’s always the option of third-party controllers, Joy-Con shells, or even existing pastel color schemes that might better match my taste. Plus, when the controllers are attached to the console or docked, the colors are completely hidden anyway!