Nintendo has unveiled a new pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Switch 2, set to launch alongside Splatoon Raiders on July 23. The design draws from the Deep Cut characters in the Splatoon series—Shiver, Frye, and Big Man—with blue accents on the left controller and yellow on the right, set against the standard black shell of the bundled Joy-Cons. While the update continues Nintendo’s pattern of tying accessories to major releases, it highlights ongoing debates about variety and usability in the Switch 2’s controller lineup.
The Switch 2 Joy-Cons received meaningful upgrades at launch, including better ergonomics and magnetic attachments compared to the original model’s drift-prone originals. Yet the color options have remained limited so far. Earlier Mario Tennis Fever variants offered some choice, but the Splatoon Raiders pair sticks to that familiar black base. In handheld mode, the magnetic rails disappear from view, leaving only the thumbstick accents visible. This marks a noticeable shift from the original Switch, which flooded the market with vibrant, game-specific designs that let players customize their setups freely, from Zelda-themed pairs to bold third-party alternatives. Many users expected more of that energy with the new hardware, and the restrained approach has drawn quiet frustration.
Splatoon games have long come with dedicated controllers, from special Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons on the original Switch to these latest variants. The July 23 release also brings new amiibo figures, adding to the collector’s burden for dedicated fans. It underscores the series’ solid international following, even as other franchises receive less merchandise support. Still, the bundle can feel pricey for anyone already invested in the ecosystem, especially with multiple high-profile Switch 2 titles arriving throughout 2026.
Critics point out that the uniform black shells limit personal expression, a step back from the playful flexibility that helped define the original Switch experience. Visibility issues in handheld play only amplify that sense of missed opportunity. Nintendo has historically timed controller refreshes with big games, and several candidates loom on the horizon. A Nintendo Switch Sports Resort announcement and the upcoming Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake both seem like natural fits for fresh designs, given the franchise’s history of themed accessories. Whether those materialize remains uncertain, but the pattern suggests more options could arrive before year’s end.
For players weighing the Splatoon Raiders Joy-Con purchase, the decision comes down to priorities: supporting a favorite series versus waiting for potentially broader variety. The Switch 2’s controller story reflects a broader tension in Nintendo’s strategy—delivering reliable hardware while navigating fan expectations around fun and affordability. As more titles drop, the accessory ecosystem will likely expand, but early adopters may feel the current lineup lacks the visual spark that once made Joy-Cons stand out on shelves and in hands.
