Roughly seven months after the debut of its latest handheld, Nintendo is finally diversifying the palette for its Joy-Con 2 peripherals. For a premium price of $99.99, gamers can now secure a set in Light Purple and Light Green. While these new variants aren’t scheduled to ship until February 12, enthusiasts should weigh the investment carefully before committing to a pre-order.
The primary deterrent isn’t just the steep cost, which may drive budget-conscious players back to their original Switch controllers. There is also a significant aesthetic shift to consider: unlike their predecessors, the Joy-Con 2 controllers only feature a burst of color on their interior edges. While this design choice lends the hardware a sophisticated, minimalist vibe, it introduces a functional irony for the Switch 2. When the controllers are actually attached to the console, the new shades are nearly invisible. Instead of a bold, colorful handheld, players are left with a hardware profile that merely whispers its colorway, hiding its personality behind the screen.
Admittedly, there are scenarios where the lavender and mint hues can shine. If you frequently engage in local multiplayer or prefer the ergonomic freedom of playing with the Joy-Cons detached while the screen is propped up, you’ll get a clear view of the new aesthetic. However, for the vast majority of players who keep their controllers permanently docked to the unit, the question remains: is it worth spending over $100—once sales tax is factored in—for a “suggestion” of color that you’ll rarely see?
This design philosophy has been in place since the summer of 2025, as the standard Red and Blue Joy-Con 2 also conceal their vibrancy during handheld play. Yet, the issue feels more pronounced now that more options are hitting the market. It marks a somber departure from the original Switch era, where Joy-Cons were treated as fashion statements and collectible accessories. The joy of mixing and matching neon yellows and deep reds has been replaced by a more sterile, standardized look. For those who loved the quirky, customizable spirit of the previous generation, this more subdued approach feels like a bit of a letdown.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a subtle touch of differentiation—or simply need a functional replacement for a malfunctioning unit—the Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con 2 set is available for pre-order now.
Source: Polygon
