Recent updates regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal noteworthy changes to the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, particularly concerning their HD Rumble functionality. A recent announcement indicates that the force feedback vibrations in the Joy-Con 2 have been toned down when compared to their predecessors.
Changes to HD Rumble Feature
The modifications were highlighted on Nintendo’s official backwards compatibility page, which lists the games from the original Switch that will also work on the Switch 2. Among the details shared, it was mentioned that the quieter HD Rumble might affect gameplay experiences in some titles.
For example, in the party game Everybody 1-2-Switch!, the reduced vibration intensity could complicate certain mini-games, specifically in tasks like finding hidden controllers in “Joy-Con Hide & Seek.” The lower volume of the vibrations could lead to a more challenging experience for players familiar with the previous controller model.
“The volume of the Joy-Con 2 controllers’ force feedback vibrations has been reduced compared to the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, so it may be more difficult to find hidden Joy-Con 2 in the minigame Joy-Con Hide & Seek.”
Impact on Gameplay
The decision to dampen the HD Rumble feature raises questions about the balance between realism in gaming feedback and gameplay enjoyment. While some players may appreciate the quieter response, others may find it detracts from the immersion and tactile feedback that many have come to expect from Nintendo’s flagship console.