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How to Make Your Joy-Cons More Comfortable: A Gamer’s Guide

The Nintendo Switch is a marvel of modern gaming, seamlessly transitioning from handheld to docked console. But let’s be honest, the Joy-Cons, while innovative, aren’t always the most comfortable things to hold for extended periods. Fear not, fellow gamer! Achieving Joy-Con comfort is entirely possible with a few strategic tweaks and accessory choices. The key lies in understanding your grip style, hand size, and the types of games you play. You can improve your gaming experience by: Using a comfort grip, recalibrating, and getting new Joy-Cons.

Mastering Joy-Con Comfort: A Step-by-Step Approach

Making your Joy-Cons more comfortable is not an impossible mission. There are several steps that you can take to significantly enhance your gaming experience, depending on your needs and playing style.

1. Invest in a Comfort Grip

This is the single most impactful change you can make. Comfort grips come in various shapes and sizes, essentially creating a larger, more ergonomic controller out of the two Joy-Cons. Think of them as transforming your tiny Joy-Cons into a proper gamepad.

Ergonomic Design: Look for grips with contoured shapes and textured surfaces. This provides a better grip and reduces strain on your hands and fingers. Many grips are designed with a more substantial form factor, filling your palms and preventing cramping.
Material Matters: Rubberized grips are excellent for preventing slippage, especially during intense gaming sessions. Hard plastic grips are generally more durable.
Charging Capabilities: Some grips offer the added benefit of charging your Joy-Cons while you play. This is a huge bonus for marathon gaming sessions and eliminates the worry of running out of battery.

2. Consider Third-Party Joy-Cons

If you’re consistently finding the stock Joy-Cons uncomfortable, exploring third-party options is a worthwhile investment.

Ergonomic Alternatives: Several companies offer Joy-Con replacements with enhanced ergonomics, often featuring larger buttons, improved stick placement, and more comfortable grips built-in.
HORI Split Pad Pro: This is a popular choice for handheld mode, offering a substantial increase in size and comfort. However, keep in mind that the Split Pad Pro is only compatible with handheld mode and lacks features like HD Rumble and NFC.
ECHTPower Wireless Joy-Cons: The ECHTPower Wireless Joy-Cons have an ergonomic grip, and even the frame is made to offer the most comfortable grip. It also features a dedicated macros button, as well as a turbo button.

3. Adjust Your Grip Style

Sometimes, comfort issues stem from simply holding the Joy-Cons incorrectly. Experiment with different grip styles to find what works best for you.

The Standard Grip: This involves holding each Joy-Con in each hand, with your thumbs on the sticks and fingers on the shoulder buttons. Ensure you’re not gripping too tightly, which can lead to hand fatigue.
The “Pro Controller” Grip: Utilizing a comfort grip, you can simulate the feel of a Pro Controller. This generally involves a wider grip and more support for your palms.
Experiment and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to try different hand positions until you find one that feels natural and comfortable.

4. Recalibrate Your Control Sticks

While not directly related to physical comfort, Joy-Con drift (when the control sticks move on their own) can lead to frustration and awkward hand movements as you compensate. Recalibrating your control sticks can often resolve minor drift issues.

System Settings: Navigate to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts: The Switch will guide you through the recalibration process. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Repeat as Needed: You may need to recalibrate your sticks periodically to maintain accuracy.

5. Clean Your Joy-Cons Regularly

Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate around the control sticks and buttons, causing stickiness and discomfort. Regularly cleaning your Joy-Cons can improve their feel and responsiveness.

Use a Soft Cloth: Gently wipe down the surface of the Joy-Cons with a soft, dry cloth.
Compressed Air: Use compressed air to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas around the control sticks and buttons.
Isopropyl Alcohol: For stubborn grime, dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and gently clean the affected areas. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the Joy-Cons.

6. Consider Wrist Straps

The Joy-Con wrist straps aren’t just for preventing accidental drops during motion-controlled games. They can also provide a more secure and comfortable grip, especially when using the Joy-Cons separately.

Enhanced Grip: The straps allow you to loosen your grip on the Joy-Cons slightly, reducing hand fatigue.
Button Accessibility: The straps make it easier to reach the SL and SR buttons, which can be awkward to press otherwise.
Added Security: Knowing your Joy-Cons are securely attached to your wrists can provide peace of mind during active gameplay.

7. Address Joy-Con Drift Professionally

If recalibration doesn’t fix your drift issues, consider sending your Joy-Cons to Nintendo for repair. Nintendo offers free Joy-Con repairs for drift issues, even if your warranty has expired. This can save you the cost of replacing your Joy-Cons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Joy-Con comfort, providing you with even more insights and solutions:

What is Joy-Con drift and why does it happen? Joy-Con drift is when the control sticks move on their own, even when you’re not touching them. This can be caused by wear and tear, dust and debris buildup, or hardware defects.
Are new Joy-Cons more durable and less prone to drift? Nintendo claims to have made “improvements” to the Joy-Cons in the new OLED model. However, drift is still an issue, even with the updated Joy-Cons.
Can I fix Joy-Con drift myself? There are DIY repair kits available online, but using them can void your warranty. If you’re not comfortable with electronics repair, it’s best to send your Joy-Cons to Nintendo.
Do comfort grips work for all hand sizes? Comfort grips come in various sizes. If you have smaller hands, look for grips specifically designed for smaller hands. Larger grips are generally better for larger hands.
Are there any comfort grips that allow me to use the original Joy-Cons as a single controller? Yes, numerous grips exist that effectively combine both Joy-Cons into a single, more traditional controller form factor. The standard grip that comes with the Switch is a basic example of this.
How long do Joy-Cons last on a single charge? Joy-Cons typically last around 20 hours on a full charge, but this can vary depending on usage and the game being played.
Can I overcharge my Joy-Cons? Modern Joy-Con charging grips and the Switch console itself have built-in protection to prevent overcharging. Once the Joy-Cons are fully charged, the charging process will stop.
Is it normal for Joy-Cons to feel a little loose when attached to the Switch? It’s normal for them to be a little loose or wriggly, they’re never gonna be 100% secure unless you attach them with screws.
Can I recalibrate my Joy-Cons multiple times? Yes, you can recalibrate your Joy-Cons as many times as needed. This can be helpful if you notice drift or inaccurate stick movements.
Is the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller more comfortable than the Joy-Cons? For many gamers, the Pro Controller is significantly more comfortable than the Joy-Cons, especially for long gaming sessions. Its ergonomic design and larger size provide a more natural grip.
Does Nintendo offer free Joy-Con repairs for drift issues, even if the warranty has expired? Yes, Nintendo offers free Joy-Con repairs for drift issues, regardless of the warranty status.
How many Joy-Cons can I connect to a single Nintendo Switch console? You can connect up to eight controllers, including Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, to a single Nintendo Switch console.
Are there any third-party Joy-Cons that offer additional features like turbo buttons or macros? Yes, several third-party Joy-Cons offer features like turbo buttons, programmable macros, and customizable buttons.
Do Joy-Con wrist straps improve comfort? Yes, Joy-Con wrist straps can provide a more secure and comfortable grip, especially when using the Joy-Cons separately.
Why are Joy-Cons so expensive? Joy-Cons pack a lot of technology into a small space, including motion sensors, HD Rumble, and wireless communication capabilities. This contributes to their higher manufacturing cost.

Joy-Con comfort is achievable with the right accessories, adjustments, and maintenance. By investing in a comfort grip, recalibrating your control sticks, and exploring third-party options, you can transform your Nintendo Switch gaming experience and enjoy hours of comfortable gameplay. Remember to adjust your grip style, clean your Joy-Cons regularly, and address any drift issues promptly. Enjoying your gaming experience is a must so don’t forget to explore Games Learning Society for all things gaming!

How do I make my Joy-Con more comfortable?