For those feeling a bit hopeless because their Switch units are constantly having connectivity issues, fret no more. Not only is Nintendo offering a simple fix to get the affected controller in top shape again, it has also reassured that units moving forward will not hold the same woe.
Nintendo Switch Left Joy-Con Connectivity Issues
While it didn't admit that the Switch's Joy-Con has a core design flaw, Nintendo has acknowledged the connectivity problems and has confirmed that the issue stems from manufacturing variation, which caused a wireless interference in "a small number" of left Joy-con controllers. The company also says that the best way to get the erring Joy-Con fixed is to send it to them.
"There is no design issue with the Joy-Con controllers, and no widespread proactive repair or replacement effort is underway," said Nintendo, as Kotaku reports. Thankfully, it appears that the connectivity issue will be a thing of the past, as Nintendo has reassured that all Joy-Con to be produced and manufactured moving forward will have no such connectivity issues.
"We have determined a simple fix can be made to any affected Joy-Con to improve connectivity," said Nintendo.
Switch Left Joy-Con Fix
CNET first reported this relatively dead simple fix for the erring left Joy-Con. It sent a malfunctioning Joy-Con to Nintendo for repair, but not before taking a photo of its innards.
When the repaired Joy-Con was finally shipped, CNET took photos of its innards again, just to observe if there were any differences with the problematic Joy-Con. There was one, and it was odd. A tiny conductive foam had been placed at, it looks like, the top of the Joy-Con's antenna traces. Needless to say that the Joy-Con was now working perfectly, and it appears that the tiny, conductive foam's purpose is to shield incoming interference from nearby devices.
So unless you want to try your hand at cracking open your Switch's left Joy-Con and applying that tiny conductive foam inside, it's best just to send the unit to Nintendo for repair, as this way, you won't run the risk of voiding your warranty.
Other Nintendo Switch Problems
The Nintendo Switch is the company's latest hybrid console after the embattled Wii U. It was released on March 3, with a limited initial run of 2 million units, 1.5 million of which have already been sold as early as mid-March. The decision to push a limited run of Switch units probably helped Nintendo determine whether there were still problems with the system, whereupon it would iron out the kinks accordingly. The Joy-Con connectivity issue has been ironed out, but there are still other issues, such as the Switch dock scratching the screen. Whatever fix Nintendo has for that remains to be determined.
The Switch retails for $299. It was released alongside Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the system's first major first-party title.
Are you experiencing connectivity issues on your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers? It's probably best to contact Nintendo right away.
Are you glad Nintendo has found a fix, or do you wish it could have been more careful in the Switch's design stages? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
