The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 this year turned out to be a remarkable success, overcoming the skepticism that surrounded its delayed release. However, not all feedback has been positive, as the console faces scrutiny over certain design choices that have left some gamers yearning for improvements.
The Joy-Con Dilemma
Among the criticisms leveled against the Nintendo Switch 2 is the absence of a D-Pad on its Joy-Con controllers, a decision that has frustrated many, including the famed game designer Hideki Kamiya. Known for his work on titles such as Devil May Cry, Okami, and Bayonetta, Kamiya recently shared his personal experience with the console. After acquiring it earlier this year, he encountered the same issue many traditional gamers have faced: the lack of a proper D-Pad, which conflicted with his preferred gaming style.
Even after it finally came back to me, for some reason, in this age of diversity, the manufacturer itself has stubbornly refused to offer the option of a ‘Joy-Con with a D-pad’ since the Switch 1. This just didn’t fit into my gaming lifestyle, where I usually play while lying down, so I have no choice but to use the Joy-Con when playing games,” he remarked, emphasizing an enduring issue for fans of classic gaming.
Kamiya’s Creative Solution
Unwilling to compromise on his gaming experience, Kamiya took it upon himself to modify his setup. Continuing to enjoy classics like Tetris 99 on the original Switch with third-party peripherals, he engineered a solution for the Switch 2. He purchased the Cyber Gadget ‘mini grip with D-pad’ and, after some modifications to accommodate the different button layout, successfully crafted his own ‘D-pad Joy-Con 2.’ This allowed him to fully enjoy titles from ‘Arcade Archives 2’ on the new console.
As developers and players alike hope for more versatile controller options, the success of the Nintendo Switch 2 might eventually prompt Nintendo or third-party manufacturers to address these concerns. Providing a solid D-pad could enhance the gaming experience for those who cherish the feel of classic controllers.