Since previews of and the launch of the Nintendo Switch, media outlets and fans have complained about issues with the system’s Joy-Cons, specifically the left Joy-Con’s tendency to de-sync itself when covered in games like 1-2-Switch.
Nintendo initially addressed these concerns by stating that the number of issues reported were insignificant, and that users should refer to an online consumer support site to help fix these issues. Recommended fixes include keeping the device away from wireless sources, including headsets and other controllers.
However, in a statement provided to IGN, Nintendo has now confirmed that in a small number of units a manufacturing variation caused wireless interference in the left Joy-Con. It states that there is not a design fault with the controllers, and that future units will be unaffected.
The statement reads:
“There is no design issue with the Joy-Con controllers, and no widespread proactive repair or replacement effort is underway. A manufacturing variation has resulted in wireless interference with a small number of the left Joy-Con. Moving forward this will not be an issue, as the manufacturing variation has been addressed and corrected at the factory level…
“There are other reasons consumers may be experiencing wireless interference. We are asking consumers to contact our customer support team so we can help them determine if a repair is necessary. If it is, consumers can send their controller directly to Nintendo for the adjustment, free of charge, with an anticipated quick return of less than a week. Repair timing may vary by region. For help with any hardware or software questions, please visit http://support.nintendo.com/.”
Additionally, a report by CNET shows that Nintendo’s fix adds a piece of foam into the controller. In any case, this is good news for Switch owners experiencing issues.
Nintendo also confirmed that they will be doubling Switch production to meet consumer demand, so it is all the more good that future units will be unaffected by this issue.
Have you been affected by the left Joy-Con desync issue? Was this holding you back from purchasing a Switch? Let us know in the comments.
It is amazing how simple this fix was, it’s weird with all the testing I’m sure they did that this never occured during the testing.
Especially considering how many reported cases turned up online. Although, it really is nothing compared to the amount they shipped
Oh absolutely, while I write a lot of articles on Nintendo screw up’s I’m not really considering this to be one.