The Nintendo Switch 2 Accessory Soak-Up: A Closer Look
Nintendo Implementing Restrictions on Compatibility for Economy-Priced Nintendo Switch 2 Peripherals
In the recent Nintendo Switch 2 preorder frenzy, both stateside and internationally, one thing's clear: the new handheld console is set to be a hot commodity at its June 5 launch. And it seems consumers are prepared to fork over around $450 for the privilege of getting their hands on the Switch 2 successor.
But with great power comes great expense. If luck favors you and you manage to snag a device, brace yourself for an additional bit of sticker shock: $70-$80 games, plus nearly $100 for Nintendo's first-party controllers. Third-party accessories might seem like a cheaper alternative, but the licensed and niche peripherals planned for the Switch 2 seem to lack the polish of Nintendo's official gear in some aspects.
Take, for instance, the reintroduction of the GameCube controller, which, at first glance, appeared to be a win for gamers. However, Nintendo threw a curveball by announcing that the controller would only work with GameCube titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. To make matters more confusing, Nintendo Life confirmed that you can indeed use the GameCube controller to play other Switch 2 games—as long as they can account for the absence of a left bumper button and a right analog stick resembling a nipple. The new GameCube controller, when retrofitted for the Switch 2, won't work with any other console.
As for the pricing, while it remains unconfirmed whether the GameCube controller will retail for $65, it's cheaper than the new $85 Pro controller and $95 Joy-Con 2. Both feel great in the hand, but the premium price just adds to the cost of an already pricy Switch 2.
The Switch 2 GameCube controller isn't the only accessory potentially disappointing consumers due to its limited functionality. During the April 2 Switch 2 Direct, it was suggested that gamers might encounter latency and jagged images when streaming to friends using Nintendo's $55 1080p-resolution Switch 2 camera.
Hori, known for its licensed Nintendo products, is selling a Piranha Plant camera priced at $60. Given its cost, one might expect the resolution to be better than the official Switch 2 camera, but it's actually worse: only 480p resolution, far from standard HD. Truth be told, Hori's Piranha camera is adorable, but the subpar resolution means less lag and negligible image quality on the Switch 2's screen.
Hori has another, less charming camera compatible with the Switch 2, which can be found on Amazon's Japan webpage, but it too features a resolution of 480p. It costs approximately $28 in the U.S., though we can only assume the prices will trend higher at home due to tariffs. On a positive note, both Hori cameras can be connected directly to the Switch 2's USB-C port while handheld, a feature the official camera doesn't offer.
Until we've tested these cameras ourselves, it's hard to say how they compare to Nintendo's. It's possible that the lower resolution in Hori's cameras could result in less lag, and the difference in image quality on the Switch 2's screen may be negligible.
One question looms: why didn't Nintendo take the opportunity to modernize the GameCube controller and make it more akin to a modern gamepad? The same goes for Hori, which appears to have cut corners on the resolution of its cameras. I wish I had the answers. So, retail consumers, beware: before you rush to purchase any Switch 2 accessories, make sure you fully understand their capabilities to avoid any nasty shocks down the line.
- Gizmodo's investigation reveals that not all third-party accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2 match the quality of the official Nintendo gear, with Hori's Piranha Plant camera offering a lower resolution of 480p compared to the official Switch 2 camera's 1080p.
- As technology moves forward, it is essential to evaluate the future implications of our tech purchases, including smart-home devices, gadgets, and tech accessories such as the GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, whose functionality is limited to specific games and doesn't work with other consoles.
- In the tech-driven future of smart-home devices and gaming gadgets, it is crucial for consumers to fully comprehend the capabilities of their purchases, such as the Hori cameras for the Nintendo Switch 2, which may offer lower resolutions but fewer lag issues compared to the official Switch 2 camera.
