Do I Need Two Joy-Cons? A Deep Dive into Nintendo Switch Controllers
The short answer? It depends. While the Nintendo Switch is designed to be played with two Joy-Cons, either attached to the console in handheld mode, or used separately, many games offer flexibility. You don’t always need two Joy-Cons. The need hinges entirely on the specific game, the desired playstyle, and the number of players involved.
Understanding the Joy-Con Ecosystem
The Joy-Cons are Nintendo’s innovative controllers that come standard with the Switch console. They are notable for their versatility. They can be attached to the sides of the Switch for handheld gaming, connected to the Joy-Con Grip for a traditional controller experience, or used individually as separate controllers for multiplayer games. This flexibility makes the Switch a great console for both solo and social gaming.
Single Joy-Con Play: A Viable Option
Many Nintendo Switch games are designed to be playable with a single Joy-Con. In these cases, one Joy-Con acts as a mini-controller, often held horizontally. To enable this mode, you’ll typically need to press the SL and SR buttons on the top of the Joy-Con. The game will then recognize it as a single, independent controller.
Games That Shine with Single Joy-Cons
Certain titles are particularly well-suited for single Joy-Con play. These often include party games, casual titles, or games designed with simplified control schemes. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, for instance, allows players to use a single Joy-Con, making it easy to jump into a quick race with a friend. GamesLearningSociety.org appreciates how such accessibility in gaming fosters engagement and inclusivity.
When Two Joy-Cons (or More) Are Necessary
While single Joy-Con play is an option, some games demand the precision and control offered by two Joy-Cons or a dedicated controller like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Games with complex controls, such as action-adventure titles or first-person shooters, generally benefit from a more comprehensive control setup. Additionally, games designed for more than two players inherently require additional controllers.
Alternative Controller Options
The Joy-Cons, while versatile, aren’t the only way to play on the Nintendo Switch. The Pro Controller offers a more traditional gamepad experience. Many third-party controllers also provide viable alternatives, sometimes at a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Joy-Cons
1. Do I need two Joy-Cons to play Nintendo Switch Sports?
The answer depends on the sport. Nintendo Switch Sports supports paired Joy-Con controllers, single Joy-Con controllers, and Joy-Con + Leg Strap, depending on the sport. Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers are not compatible, and the game doesn’t support handheld mode.
2. Can you play 2-player games with one Joy-Con?
Yes, you can! By opening the “Controller” settings in the HOME menu and pressing both the SL and SR buttons on each Joy-Con, you can register them as “horizontally held” controllers. This allows two players to use a single set of Joy-Cons.
3. How many Joy-Cons can one Switch console connect to?
A single Nintendo Switch console can connect up to eight controllers simultaneously, regardless of type (Joy-Con, Pro Controller, etc.). However, the number of players that can actually play at any one time depends on the game itself and the game mode being used.
4. Can I play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with one Joy-Con?
Absolutely! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allows each player to choose between a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, or even a GameCube controller (with an adapter). For single Joy-Con play, hold the controller horizontally and press the SL and SR buttons.
5. Can you play Super Mario 3D World with one Joy-Con?
Yes, you can play Super Mario 3D World on the Switch with one half of a Joy-Con pair.
6. How many Joy-Cons do I need for 2 players in Nintendo Switch Sports?
For most sports in Nintendo Switch Sports, a single Joy-Con per player is sufficient. Therefore, one pair of Joy-Cons would be enough for two players, and two pairs would accommodate up to four players.
7. How many Joy-Cons do I need for ARMS?
You don’t have to use the thumbs-up grip. You can play ARMS with the Joy-Con grip, a single Joy-Con, the Pro Controller, and even in tablet mode. The Games Learning Society appreciates the variety of control options this game offers.
8. How many Joy-Cons do I need for 4 people?
If each player is using individual Joy-Cons, you’ll need four Joy-Cons (two pairs), one for each person. The right and left Joy-Cons each connect as individual controllers, so a pair counts as two controllers.
9. What can I use instead of Joy-Cons?
Several alternatives to Joy-Cons exist, including third-party controllers like the YCCTeam Wireless Joypad, the Hori Split Pad Pro, FUNLAB Cons, Nyko Dualies, and the Hori D-Pad Controller. These offer different features and price points.
10. Do Joy-Cons need charging?
Yes, Joy-Cons need to be charged. They charge when attached to the Switch console while it’s docked or plugged in. You can also purchase a separate Joy-Con charging dock.
11. Do I need both Joy-Cons for Super Mario Odyssey?
You can play Super Mario Odyssey with a single Joy-Con per player in co-op mode. One player controls Mario, and the other controls Cappy. Each player can use a single Joy-Con, a pair of Joy-Cons, or a Pro Controller.
12. Can you play Switch without any controllers attached?
Yes, you can! The Joy-Cons are an extra way to connect to the console, but you do not need them at all.
13. What games can you play with only one Joy-Con?
Several games are compatible with single Joy-Con play, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime.
14. How long do Joy-Cons last on a single charge?
Joy-Cons typically last for up to 20 hours of continuous use on a full charge. This can vary depending on the specific game and the intensity of controller use.
15. Why are Joy-Cons so expensive?
Joy-Cons are relatively expensive due to the complex technology packed into a small space, including motion sensors, HD rumble, and wireless connectivity.