Nintendo Switch is played by millions around the world. Between April 2024 and March 2025, it had roughly 128 million users. With so many players, issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con have become pretty common.
As a gamer, it can be really frustrating to deal with these problems while trying to enjoy your favorite games. In this article, we discuss those problems and reveal the best alternative for a much better experience.
Issues with Orignal Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
Even the most popular controllers can have flaws. The Joy-Con is no exception. Many players face repeated problems that affect gameplay and comfort.
Here are some of the most common issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con:
Joy-Con Drift
One of the most common problems is Joy-Con drift, where the thumbstick moves on its own even when not touched. This can make aiming or moving in games quite tricky and affect your overall gameplay. In the UK alone, it is reported that 2 in 5 Switch Joy-Cons are affected by drift.
The issue usually appears after several months of regular use and can worsen if ignored. Fixing drift means repair or replacement, which can be both time-consuming and costly for you.
Joy-Con Disconnecting
Another issue is the Joy-Con disconnecting, where the controller suddenly stops responding during play. When this happens, your game will pause automatically. It will become very hard to continue without reconnecting. The left or right Joy-Con can be affected. The problem sometimes happens in areas with other wireless signals.
The controller may drop connection for a few seconds or longer, causing interruptions in the middle of a game. This complaint is part of the many issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and usually requires troubleshooting to fix.
Right Joy-Con Resyncing Problems
Some users notice that the right Joy-Con needs to be reconnected many times. It can stop responding even though the controller is fully charged.
-
Happens after software updates
-
It can occur when switching between games
-
Interrupts gameplay unexpectedly
Reconnecting the controller is easy, but it takes a few moments and can break the flow of play. These resyncing problems are part of the common issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con and affect how well you enjoy your gaming sessions.
Thumbstick Noise
Some Joy-Cons make noticeable sounds when the thumbstick is moved. The clicking or grinding can be distracting during gameplay, especially in quiet moments. The noise mostly appears after a few months. It can get louder as time passes by. It does not always affect how the controller works, but it can feel irritating.
Cleaning the area around the stick sometimes helps, but in many cases, the sound continues. The issue is common and can bother you if you are a player who prefers a quieter gaming experience.
Uncomfortable Design
Issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con are not only about performance but also comfort. Many players find the controllers too small for long gaming sessions. Hands can feel cramped, and fingers may get sore after extended use.
The narrow shape makes it harder to hold for some people. Even short play sessions can feel tiring for those with larger hands. Improving your comfort with our Switch products would make your gaming experience much better and easier to enjoy.
Poor Durability
Some Joy-Cons do not last as long as expected. A few problems that you might have noticed include:
-
Buttons are getting stuck or not working properly
-
Plastic is wearing out or feeling loose
-
Issues appear faster during long gaming sessions
Even when the controller still works, these durability issues can be frustrating. Repairing or replacing parts takes extra time and money. A stronger and more solid build would let players enjoy their gaming without worrying about the controller breaking or failing too soon.
Battery Life Problems
Joy-Cons can run out of battery more quickly than expected. This can interrupt a game and force you to stop playing to recharge. Long gaming sessions can be cut short because the controller does not last long enough.
Reduced battery capacity can limit how much you can play before charging again. If you are a person who enjoys extended play, this issue can be annoying and affect your whole experience. This is why limited battery life is one of the most common issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.
Unstable Wireless and Wi-Fi Issues
Joy-Cons can lose connection or experience lag during gameplay. This can delay actions or stop the controller from responding correctly. A wireless issue can also occur when other signals are nearby or when the console is farther from the controller.
Wi-Fi problems can also affect online games, causing delays or sudden disconnections. These interruptions can spoil the gaming experience and make it harder to enjoy fast-paced games or compete online.
High Price for Replacement
Joy-Cons can be expensive, especially when buying replacements or extra controllers. The cost can feel high compared to other controllers on the market. For many players, this makes upgrading or replacing broken Joy-Cons a very tough choice.
While the controllers do offer unique qualities, the price is a huge barrier compared to the issues with original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. This is why many people prefer an alternative that offers many more features at a better price.
Why We Recommend the HandheldDIY J6
The HandheldDIY J6 is a good choice for anyone who wants a better controller than the original Joy-Cons. It fixes many problems that you might face with standard Joy-Cons, like drift and short battery life. The controller is easy to hold and feels comfortable for long gaming sessions.
It also adds fun features that make playing much more enjoyable. The main features of the HandheldDIY J6 are:
-
Joysticks that do not drift
-
Strong buttons and D-Pad
-
Colorful, customizable RGB lights
-
Long battery and strong special Turbo/Macro keys
With our J6, you will be able to enjoy your games without any interruption. With the best price range, this purchase is unlikely to disappoint, as hundreds of customers have already proven.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con has several problems that can make gaming less fun. Choosing a better controller can save time and stress.
Our HandheldDIY J6 fixes many of these issues. You should get one today to enjoy your games with better comfort and long-lasting performance.
