Why are Joy-Cons out of stock everywhere?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in demand for Nintendo Switch consoles, resulting in Joy-Con stock shortages, as people seek entertainment options during lockdowns. Additionally, the release of popular games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons has further driven up the demand for Joy-Con controllers, making them hard to find in stock.

Understanding Joy-Con Shortages and Related Issues

The Joy-Con shortage can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, increased demand, and production limitations. To address the issue of Joy-Con drift, a common problem where the controller’s control stick thinks it’s moving even when it’s still, Nintendo has offered free repairs for affected controllers, even those out of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Inquiries

1. What is the issue with Joy-Con?: The issue with Joy-Con includes drifting, a problem where the controller’s control stick thinks it’s moving even when it’s still, which can be caused by software/hardware issues or buildup of dirt and grime.
2. Did Nintendo stop making Gray Joy-Cons?: Yes, Nintendo has discontinued the Gray Joy-Con color option, along with Neon Yellow and Red.
3. Why are Joy-Cons so expensive 2023?: Joy-Con controllers are expensive to manufacture, packing a lot of tech into a small space, although parts may have gotten cheaper over time.

Maintenance and Repair

4. How To FIX JoyCon NOT Detected by Nintendo Switch in Handheld Mode!: To fix the issue, ensure the Joy-Con has the latest controller firmware installed, remove any skins or covers, and calibrate the control sticks.
5. Is Nintendo still repairing Joy-Cons for free 2023?: Yes, Nintendo is still offering free repairs for drifting Joy-Con controllers, even those out of warranty.
6. How long do Joy-Con last?: The Joy-Con controllers take approximately three and a half hours to fully charge and can last around 20 hours when fully charged.

Technical Details

7. Why is it called Joy-Con?: The name Joy-Con comes from the joystick, albeit shrunken down and duplicated for more complex control input.
8. Why is one of my Joy-Cons loose?: It’s normal for Joy-Con controllers to be a little loose or wriggly, as they are designed to be detachable and are not attached with screws.
9. Are the OLED Joy-Cons better?: The OLED Joy-Cons are the same as the original Joy-Con controllers and work with older Nintendo Switch models.

Drift and Damage

10. Is Joy-Con drift still a problem 2023?: Yes, Joy-Con drift is still a problem in 2023, and Nintendo has acknowledged the issue and is offering free repairs.
11. How long do Joy-Cons last before drifting?: On average, Joy-Con controllers can last around a month before experiencing drift, although this can vary depending on usage.
12. Is Joy-Con drift on purpose?: No, Joy-Con drift is not intentional and is often caused by software/hardware issues or buildup of dirt and grime.

Purchasing and Authenticity

13. Are Amazon Joy-Cons worth it?: Yes, Amazon Joy-Cons are worth the investment, although they may not support amiibo functionality.
14. How can you tell if Joy-Cons are fake?: To identify fake Joy-Con controllers, check the rumble feature, which is often louder and more “rattly” on counterfeit controllers.
15. Do modern Joy-Cons still drift?: Yes, even the latest Joy-Con controllers can still experience drift, although Nintendo has made some improvements to reduce the issue.