by William D’Angelo , posted 1 day ago / 960 Views
Nintendo Technology Development Division General Manager Toru Yamashita during the latest Ask the Developer was asked about improvements made to Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller’s analogue sticks to try to combat drift.
“Joy-Con controllers have lots of different features, so we’ve been continuing to make improvements that may not always be visible,” Yamashita said. “Among others, the analogue stick parts have continuously been improved since launch, and we are still working on improvements.
“The analogue stick at first release cleared the Nintendo reliability test using the method of rotating the stick while continually applying a load to it, with the same criteria as the Wii U GamePad’s analogue stick. As we have always been trying to improve it as well, we have investigated the Joy-Con controllers used by the customers and repeatedly improved the wear resistance and durability.”
Yamashita added that the parks in the Joy-Con analogue sticks can’t be purchased off the shelf and have to be specially designed. Nintendo has spent time to improve the reliability test itself and make changes to improve the durability.
“The parts of the Joy-Con analogue sticks are not something that can be bought off the shelf but are specially designed, so we have undergone a lot of considerations to improve them,” said Yamashita. “In addition, we improved the reliability test itself, and we have continued to make changes to improve durability and clear this new test.
“When the effects of our improvements were confirmed, we promptly incorporated them into the Joy-Con controllers that are included with the console, Nintendo Switch Lite, and the ones sold individually, that were manufactured at that time.
“This involves the internal components of the Joy-Con, so you can’t tell the improvements from the outside, but we use the new versions of the parts when we repair them. Also, similar continual improvements have been made for the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as well.”
General Manager Ko Shiota said the wear is something unavoidable and Nintendo is working to improve the durabilty.
“Yes, for example car tires wear out as the car moves, as they are in constant friction with the ground to rotate,” said Shiota. “So with that same premise, we asked ourselves how we can improve durability, and not only that, but how can both operability and durability coexist? It’s something we are continuously tackling.”
Yamashita added, “The degree of wear depends on factors like the combination of the materials and forms, so we continue to make improvements by researching which combinations are less likely to wear. We mentioned that the Joy-Con controller specifications hadn’t changed in the sense that we didn’t add new features such as new buttons, but the analog sticks in the Joy-Con controllers included with Nintendo Switch – OLED Model are the latest version with all the improvements.
“Needless to say, so are the analog sticks included in Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, separately sold Joy-Con controllers, and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that are currently being shipped.”
A life-long and avid gamer, William D’Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let’s Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.
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