Surprising Switch 2 feature means you should probably hold off on getting rid of your Switch 1 Joy-Cons just yet

Nintendo Switch 2 users who are looking to save some money on extra peripherals are discovering their old Joy-Con controllers for the original Switch can still pair with the new console. While the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons hold a lot of advantages over the original system’s, those who own both may want to think twice before getting rid of their old controllers.

Upgrades to Joy-Cons are among the best new features on the Nintendo Switch 2. They’re considerably larger than the older models, with many players stating that they fit into their hands much more nicely. They also offer easier connection and disconnection from the console, aided by their magnetic capabilities, and they sport a couple of extra features that the old controllers lacked, like the GameChat button. Each new Switch 2 console comes packaged with one pair of Joy-Cons, which is adequate for single-player titles, but some players may be needing more.

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Nintendo Fans Have a Big Concern About the Switch 2 Design

Some Nintendo fans share their concerns about one aspect of the Switch 2 design, worrying it could turn into a headache for users.

Fortunately, some players are just discovering that their old Joy-Cons are still able to sync with the Nintendo Switch 2 even if they can’t physically connect to the console. Reddit user iOvercompensate has shared an image of their screen, which shows the result of accidentally pairing a new right Joy-Con for the Switch 2 and an older left Joy-Con for the original Switch. While admittedly an odd feature, this player reported that playing with a mismatched pair of older and newer model Joy-Cons will work.

Old Switch Joy-Cons Still Work with the Switch 2

Several players have been wracking their brains in response to the post, trying to figure out why anyone would want to pair the two different models of Joy-Con, with multiple fans comparing it to wearing a shoe on one foot and a boot on the other. But a few specific scenarios have been brought up in which such a pairing could be beneficial. Addressing the mouse controls on the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons, one player suggested that this configuration could be beneficial for players with smaller hands who also want to take advantage of the Switch 2 Joy-Cons’ mouse-like features.

But probably the biggest reasons players may want to hang on to their old Joy-Cons is as backup devices and for local multiplayer games. Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers are priced at about $90, with the Pro Controller available for about $10 less. Coupling that with the Switch 2’s recent release price tag of $450, a lot of players may be trying to save some extra cash, and the console’s ability to pair with up to eight controllers at a time means that old Joy-Cons could still be used for a lot better purposes than just collecting dust.

Brand

Nintendo

Operating System

Proprietary

Storage

256GB internal / MicroSD

Resolution

1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)

App Store

Nintendo eShop

Wi-Fi

Yes