Mastering Smash with a Single Joy-Con: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to dominate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with just one Joy-Con held sideways? It’s entirely possible, and with the right knowledge and practice, you can become a force to be reckoned with. The key is understanding the control scheme and leveraging its strengths.
To perform a smash attack on a sideways Joy-Con, you need to execute a quick, decisive flick of the analog stick in the direction you want to smash, immediately followed by pressing the attack button (usually “Y”) on the right side of the Joy-Con. The speed and direction of the stick movement are crucial for registering the smash attack. Think of it as a mini sprint in a particular direction. This might feel a little clunky at first, especially if you’re used to the precision of a Pro Controller, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Unlocking the Potential of the Horizontal Joy-Con
The horizontal Joy-Con configuration might seem limited, but it offers a surprisingly versatile control scheme once you get the hang of it. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size; it’s capable of delivering precise movements, powerful attacks, and strategic plays. Let’s dive into the specifics and address some common questions.
Understanding the Layout
When holding the Joy-Con horizontally, you’ll primarily use the analog stick for movement and the buttons on the right for attacks and specials. The SL and SR buttons on top act as shield/grab, depending on your control settings. Remember to familiarize yourself with the button mapping in the game’s options menu, as you can customize the controls to better suit your playstyle. Experimenting with different configurations is key to finding what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master playing Smash Bros. Ultimate with a single, sideways Joy-Con.
1. How do I perform tilt attacks with a single Joy-Con?
Tilt attacks are performed by gently pushing and holding the analog stick in the desired direction while pressing the attack button. The key is to avoid a quick, forceful flick, as that will result in a smash attack. Think of it as a more deliberate and controlled movement. Up-tilts, down-tilts, and side-tilts are all accessible with this method.
2. Can I still use special moves effectively?
Absolutely! The B Button is dedicated to special moves. You can modify the type of special move by pressing the B Button in conjunction with a direction on the analog stick (up, down, left, or right). This allows you to access a character’s full suite of special abilities.
3. How do I taunt my opponent?
To taunt on a single Joy-Con, press down on the analog stick (like crouching) while simultaneously pressing any of the face buttons (Y, X, A, or B). Each button will trigger a different taunt, depending on the character.
4. Are Joy-Cons legal in Smash tournaments?
The legality of Joy-Cons in Smash tournaments depends on the specific rules of the tournament. The text you provided mentions that players “must use district issued Nintendo Pro Controllers and joy-cons.” In many cases, organizers allow both Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons. Always check the tournament rules beforehand to avoid any surprises.
5. How many Joy-Cons can I connect to my Switch?
You can connect up to eight controllers (including Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers) to a single Nintendo Switch console. However, the number of players who can participate simultaneously depends on the game. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you can have up to eight players battling it out on one console.
6. What is the best way to avoid Joy-Con drift?
Joy-Con drift is a common issue caused by dust and wear under the joystick. While there’s no permanent solution, you can try a few things. Compressed air can dislodge debris. Resetting your controller might help. Nintendo offers repair services for drifting Joy-Cons; contact them for assistance. You can find resources related to game controllers and learning on sites like GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Why does Smash feel so slow sometimes?
Input lag can make Smash Bros. Ultimate feel sluggish. This delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen can be frustrating. Several factors contribute to this, including the game’s processing requirements and the response time of your TV. Playing in handheld mode or using a wired controller can sometimes reduce input lag.
8. What are the strongest spike attacks in the game?
The strength of a spike attack depends on various factors, including the character using it and the opponent’s damage percentage. Some notable spikes include Wolf’s Side-Special, King K. Rool’s B-Air, and Ganondorf’s D-Air. Experiment with different characters and attacks to find your preferred spike.
9. What exactly is a tilt attack?
A tilt attack is a ground attack performed by gently pushing and holding the control stick in a direction while pressing the attack button. It’s distinct from a smash attack, which requires a quick flick of the control stick. Tilt attacks are generally faster and safer to use than smash attacks, but they deal less damage.
10. What is an up tilt, and how do I perform it?
An up tilt is a specific type of tilt attack performed by gently pushing and holding the control stick upward while pressing the attack button. It’s a versatile attack that can be used for juggling opponents, anti-air, and setting up combos.
11. What is “FF” in the context of Smash?
In the context of Smash Bros., “FF” usually refers to content from the Final Fantasy universe, particularly characters like Cloud Strife.
12. Do I need two Joy-Cons per player?
No, you don’t need two Joy-Cons per player. You can play with one Joy-Con held sideways. While two Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller provide more precise control, a single Joy-Con is a perfectly viable option.
13. How do I change my controls with Joycons?
From the HOME Menu, select Controllers, then Change Grip/Order. Hold the Joy-Con horizontally and press the SL Button + SR Button. Solo horizontal grip will be confirmed on the bottom-left corner of the screen.
14. How do I perform a Final Smash with Joycon?
Once your character has a Final Smash, just press the B Button without any directional input.
15. How do I do a grab and throw with the Joycon?
Grabs and throws are available and you can still block using the top buttons (S buttons).
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering Smash Bros. Ultimate with a single Joy-Con takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first. Focus on practicing your movement, attack timing, and special move execution. Experiment with different characters and control configurations to find what suits your playstyle. With enough practice, you’ll be able to compete with the best players, even with the unconventional horizontal Joy-Con setup. Whether you’re gaming for fun or learning more about the educational applications of gaming, remember that resources are available, like those found at the Games Learning Society, which you can visit at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The organization is dedicated to learning and games.