Nintendo Switch Joy-Con With A Real D-Pad Coming, But It's Not Perfect
But, no word on a US release yet.
Nintendo's official Joy-Con controller for the Switch lacks a proper D-pad, instead using face-buttons so that it can be turned on its side for select games. If you've been itching for a proper cross-style D-pad, though, third-party manufacturer Hori has announced a solution.
A tweet from Hori Japan promotes the alternative left Joy-Con, displayed in a navy blue with the D-pad front and center. It says that the product is coming in July to Japan, though no release date has been announced for the west. This would be Hori's fourth Switch controller accessory, having produced a Pro-like controller, a Pokken Tournament pro pad, and an arcade fight-stick.
【7月発売予定】「携帯モード専用 十字コン(L)for Nintendo Switch」が今年7月に発売予定です!従来の当社製ボタンより小型化しつつ、正確な入力を可能にする十字ボタンが搭載されており、レトロゲームや格闘ゲームにオススメです!https://t.co/xPIzbdGAbs pic.twitter.com/v9YImLCUwt
— HORI /ゲーム周辺機器のホリ (@HORI__OFFICIAL) March 22, 2018
There are some drawbacks to this--namely, the lack of support for HD rumble, gyro controls, and vibration. It also only works in handheld mode; other modes of play will force you to pick up a different controller or the standard Joy-Con to play.
The lack of a D-pad has been too much of a burden on Nintendo's latest system. It recently had the best first year of any console, and has announced plenty of software for its second year, including a new Smash Bros. The success is allowing Nintendo to explore its experimental side as well with upcoming projects like Nintendo Labo.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation