Examples of Damage Control in Gaming: The Joy-Con Switch Connection Problem
We’ve learned quite a bit about the Nintendo Switch in the interim between its unveil and launch arriving in six days, outside some minor information. But now, that info is making its way out not only through leaks from someone who obtained a system early (though tragically at his own peril), but through multiple press outlets that finally broke their silence. Thankfully for anyone purchasing one next week or in the near future, impressions on the hardware are mostly positive.
They’ve also had an opportunity to play with by far the most anticipated game releasing at launch: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. That’s good, given how Nintendo has discussed its enormous length for a good while, so they’ll will need to clear out multiple days so they can venture through the game and have it reviewed by next Friday. They’ll presumably have impressions on other software releasing at launch early next week, despite its lineup being barren even by console launch standards.
However, there’s one well-publicized problem in the way: The Joy-Cons’ bluetooth connection to the system. The left and right Joy-Cons can be unattached from the Switch and played with separately for anyone who wants to play games in its stand mode or as a console, particularly if it’s being used for Wii-style motion-control games; they can also create a traditional controller while connected to a grip included with the system. The multiple control methods and flexibility are one of the key selling points of the system, and these are features those who purchase the system on day-one will be eager to try out to help justify their early purchase.
But that could be an issue if everything isn’t in working order. Multiple press members playing BotW reported that the left Joy-Con has serious desynchronization issues while in use, meaning it’s widespread among systems already available. It’s bad enough that Kotaku’s Jason Schreier had to use the Switch Pro Controller to continue playing instead, an accessory the press was fortunate to also have at their disposal. Polygon’s Arthur Gies also reported that it desynchronized during several key moments during his BotW playthrough, which caused Link to die several times. Though not everyone’s experiencing the issues, several others have pitched in for their previews and on Twitter.
A good question is why this is happening. GameXplain explained (ha ha) that this is due to the Bluetooth signals in both Joy-Cons being lower than many other devices, likely done to prevent its battery from depleting too fast. This means it can happen to anyone who’s standing too far away from the device, and might happen if their hands are covering the signal while using it. That would explain why this didn’t happen at numerous press events, as players never went too far with the unit. It’s tough to believe Nintendo didn’t realize this was an issue if many press members discovered it on their first day.
While this won’t affect anyone who wants to play the Switch with the Joy-Cons connected to the sides of the system, or would rather use the Pro controller, this will be bad for games that require them. Take 1-2 Switch, which has numerous minigames where the player uses only one segment of the Joy-Con, and others where two players can each use a segment. The package already has a worse reputation than it deserves, evinced through the number of “thumbs down” votes on many YouTube videos, but it will be dead on arrival if this problem still exists come launch day.
Just Dance for Switch also relies on the Joy-Cons, and is also a launch title. Ubisoft probably isn’t counting on it selling much, but again, it will be good if this problem is fixed by then.
The big question is why Nintendo’s been so silent on the issue thus far. Numerous press members have informed them of it, but they’ve only replied by saying they’re looking into it. If all goes well, they could have a fix included with the mandatory day-one update, as Bluetooth signals can be boosted through firmware. If not, Switch will have a rocky start with those who don’t prefer playing with the Joy-Cons attached to the system, can’t find a Pro controller, or want the two aforementioned titles that require them.
Nintendo should be working on a statement to assure fans this will be fixed on or prior to, say, Tuesday, before too many potential customers get concerned and cancel their preorders. Excitement for the system is already subdued compared to many previous hardware launches, due to the expensive (though justifiably so) hardware and lack of launch and launch window software. They don’t need anything else going wrong and neither does their fanbase, so hopefully that fix is as easy as flipping a switch.
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Geoff
News Editor | Geoff is some nerd who writes for a blog and thinks he's knowledgeable. He write a lot about video games, but is capable of writing about other subjects, too. Twitter
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Looking into it a week before launch is a bit of a problem for an issue that renders half the launch lineup unplayable.
Tell me about it. Their statement next week better be good, unless the Joy-Cons in the launch units are fine.