Nintendo Limits Compatibility of Economy Switch 2 Peripherals
The preorder rush for Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console has shed light on its anticipated popularity, as consumers are willing to invest up to $450 for the device, which launches on June 5. However, potential buyers should be aware of the high costs associated with accessories, including games priced at $70 to $80, and additional controllers retailing at around $100 for Nintendo's first-party accessories.
While third-party accessories tend to be cheaper, the quality and functionality of these peripherals appear to be inferior compared to Nintendo's official gear. For instance, the return of the GameCube controller engendered initial excitement among gamers. However, it was later clarified that this controller would only work with GameCube titles available via a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Although it can be used with other Switch 2 games, the new GameCube controller will not work with any other console but the Switch 2.
Nintendo Life confirmed that the GameCube controller can be utilized to play other Switch 2 games, so long as they account for the lack of a left bumper button and a right analog stick shaped like a nipple. Despite these limitations, the new GameCube controller remains exclusive to the Switch 2.
Nintendo recently updated its GameCube controller listing on its website, initially suggesting a price of $65, but now only stating it will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Only those who go through Nintendo's priority sale on the My Nintendo Store may have the option to buy it first, between May 8 and May 12. Gizmodo reached out to Nintendo to confirm a final retail price, and we will update this post if we find more information.
Even if the controller ends up retailing for $65, it is cheaper than the new $85 Pro controller and $95 Joy-Con 2. Both of these first-party controllers offer a premium feel in hand, but their high prices only add to the already pricey Switch 2.
Similarly, Hori, a manufacturer of licensed Nintendo products, is selling a Piranha Plant camera that retails for $60. One might expect the higher price to be offset by better resolution, but it actually features worse resolution (480p) compared to the official Switch 2 camera. Although adorable, the Piranha camera's resolution is not even standard HD.
Hori has another less-cute camera compatible with the Switch 2, but it too is limited to 480p resolution. This camera can be found on Amazon's Japan webpage, although prices may be higher at home due to tariffs. On the upside, both of Hori's cameras can plug directly into the Switch 2's USB-C port while handheld, which is a feature Nintendo's official camera does not possess.
Nintendo's store page mentions that "any compatible USB-C camera" can be used with the Switch 2, which suggests that third-party webcams may be compatible as well. However, Nintendo has yet to confirm this.
Moreover, latency and jagged images may be potential issues when streaming to friends using Nintendo's $55 1080p-resolution Switch 2 camera. While the company aims to improve its streaming capabilities, buyers should exercise caution when choosing accessories to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
- The preorder rush for Nintendo's Switch 2 console has highlighted its anticipated popularity, with consumers willing to spend up to $450 for the device, launching on June 5.
- However, potential buyers should be mindful of the high costs associated with accessories, such as games priced between $70 and $80, and additional controllers retailing at around $100 for Nintendo's first-party accessories.
- Although third-party accessories tend to be cheaper, their quality and functionality appear inferior to Nintendo's official gear, as exemplified by the clarity that the return of the GameCube controller initially sparked among gamers, which later revealed that it would only work with certain titles and not on other consoles.
- Nintendo's website initially suggested a price of $65 for the GameCube controller but now only states it will launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, with priority access available via Nintendo's My Nintendo Store between May 8 and May 12.
- Although the GameCube controller may retail for $65, it is cheaper than the new $85 Pro controller and $95 Joy-Con 2, both of which offer a premium feel but have high prices, contributing to the already pricey Switch 2.
- Hori, a manufacturer of licensed Nintendo products, is selling a Piranha Plant camera that retails for $60, but it features worse resolution (480p) compared to the official Switch 2 camera, raising concerns about its value despite its adorable design.
- Potential issues such as latency and jagged images may arise when streaming to friends using Nintendo's Switch 2 camera, and buyers should choose accessories carefully to ensure compatibility and optimal performance, as third-party webcams may potentially be compatible according to Nintendo's store page.
