The rumors came true when the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially presented on January 16, 2025: The Joy-Cons attach magnetically to the console. But this idea is not as new as you probably think.
Back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch development team led by Yoshiaki Koizumi came up with the idea of Joy-Cons that magnetically attach to the console. He said this in an interview that he also gave in 2017. However, there were some problems with the concept, which is why the Japanese company ultimately opted for the mechanical rail system. There was at least one advantage, after all, this is how the iconic clicking sound comes about, which Nintendo promptly used in marketing.
The magnets on the prototypes of the first Joy-Cons were far too weak to actually be able to carry the console. According to Yoshiaki Koizumi, the tablet kept falling into the laps of those testing it. This is of course an absolute no-go for a hybrid handheld console.
It's typical of Nintendo that an old idea isn't simply put aside, but is dug up again after a few years and improved. This information is also quite reassuring, because I personally was worried about the Switch 2 crashing if, for example, I only held it in one hand.
The stronger magnets are probably not the only improvements to the Nintendo Switch 2. We already know that the console is getting bigger. More power should also be clear, and rumors about Hall effect sticks in the Joy-Cons are also doing the rounds. This would largely eliminate the dreaded stick drift.
Nintendo itself is skilfully keeping a low profile with official information about the Switch 2. We'll really know about it by April 2, 2025 at the latest. On that day, a direct will be broadcast that goes into detail about the console.
