CONTROLLERS
Nintendo Joy-Con product image

Blinlx Score

99/100

BuyNintendo

Nintendo Joy-Con

Nintendo's detachable controller system for the original Nintendo Switch family. A left and right Joy-Con can attach to compatible Switch consoles for handheld play, operate wirelessly together as one controller, or be used individually for supported local multiplayer games. Joy-Con include motion controls and HD Rumble, while the right controller also provides NFC support for compatible amiibo. Original Joy-Con can also be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2, although they cannot attach directly to the newer console.

  • Joy-Con are central to the Nintendo Switch's flexible handheld, tabletop and TV play design.
  • The left and right controllers can attach directly to compatible original Nintendo Switch consoles for handheld play.
  • Both controllers can be detached and used wirelessly.
  • A left and right Joy-Con can work together as a conventional two-stick controller.

Current price

£29

Fair price

£43

Lowest seen

£29

Today's price is £14 below our estimated fair price.

If it was our money

Original Joy-Con remain essential replacement or additional controllers for the original Nintendo Switch family, particularly for local multiplayer, motion-controlled games and titles built around detachable controller play. Existing owners upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2 can continue using their Joy-Con wirelessly, making them useful additional multiplayer controllers. However, they cannot physically attach to Switch 2 or charge directly from it, and they lack newer Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls and the C Button. New Switch 2 owners should therefore generally buy Joy-Con 2, while original Switch owners wanting a more comfortable controller for long conventional gaming sessions should compare the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

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Blinlx Verified

Trusted buying recommendation

This product passed the Blinlx buying verification process before receiving its recommendation.

Verification ID

BLX-39A2-1656

Verified

Current analysis

Last checked

Latest available data

Verification report

What Blinlx checked

6 of 6 checks completed

Check 1

Product

Check 2

Specifications

Check 3

Pricing

Check 4

Retailers

Check 5

Reviews

Check 6

Alternatives

Verification completed

100%

Recommendation confidence

1%

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We'd rather lose a commission than recommend a poor purchase.

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Blinlx Buying DecisionStrong recommendation

Should you buy it?

YES

💚 If it was our money...

Original Joy-Con remain essential replacement or additional controllers for the original Nintendo Switch family, particularly for local multiplayer, motion-controlled games and titles built around detachable controller play. Existing owners upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2 can continue using their Joy-Con wirelessly, making them useful additional multiplayer controllers. However, they cannot physically attach to Switch 2 or charge directly from it, and they lack newer Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls and the C Button. New Switch 2 owners should therefore generally buy Joy-Con 2, while original Switch owners wanting a more comfortable controller for long conventional gaming sessions should compare the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Recommended action

BUY TODAY

Why we recommend it

  • Joy-Con are central to the Nintendo Switch's flexible handheld, tabletop and TV play design.
  • The left and right controllers can attach directly to compatible original Nintendo Switch consoles for handheld play.
  • Both controllers can be detached and used wirelessly.
  • A left and right Joy-Con can work together as a conventional two-stick controller.
  • Each Joy-Con can also function as an individual controller in compatible games.

★ Blinlx Score

99/100

AI confidence 0.87%

£ Today's Price

£29

Current tracked price

↗ Fair Price

£43

£14 below fair value

● Current Deal

Buy

Price status unavailable

✓ Confidence

99%

Based on available product and pricing data

↘ Lowest Seen

£29

Lowest tracked price

Blinlx Intelligence
0/100
Intelligence Score

Exceptional Buy

An outstanding buying opportunity

Analysis confidence0%

Based on the quantity and quality of evidence available during analysis.

Price Intelligence

Is today's price worth paying?

Blinlx compares today's price with our fair value estimate and the lowest verified price we've seen.

Current Price

£29

Fair Price

£43

Lowest Seen

£29

Potential Saving

£14

Price Status

Analysed

Blinlx AI

Today's price is approximately £14 below our estimated fair market value, making it one of the stronger buying opportunities we've analysed.

Product overview

What is the Nintendo Joy-Con?

Nintendo's detachable controller system for the original Nintendo Switch family. A left and right Joy-Con can attach to compatible Switch consoles for handheld play, operate wirelessly together as one controller, or be used individually for supported local multiplayer games. Joy-Con include motion controls and HD Rumble, while the right controller also provides NFC support for compatible amiibo. Original Joy-Con can also be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2, although they cannot attach directly to the newer console.

NintendoCONTROLLERSModel Joy-Con

Why people consider it

Joy-Con are central to the Nintendo Switch's flexible handheld, tabletop and TV play design.

The left and right controllers can attach directly to compatible original Nintendo Switch consoles for handheld play.

Both controllers can be detached and used wirelessly.

A left and right Joy-Con can work together as a conventional two-stick controller.

Blinlx quick take

This overview is based on the exact product variant analysed by Blinlx, including its model, available specifications and current market position.

Blinlx AI verdict

Should you buy the Nintendo Joy-Con?

Buy

AI confidence

1%

Confidence in the recommendation for this exact product variant.

Blinlx conclusion

Nintendo's detachable controller system for the original Nintendo Switch family. A left and right Joy-Con can attach to compatible Switch consoles for handheld play, operate wirelessly together as one controller, or be used individually for supported local multiplayer games. Joy-Con include motion controls and HD Rumble, while the right controller also provides NFC support for compatible amiibo. Original Joy-Con can also be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2, although they cannot attach directly to the newer console.

Why Blinlx likes it

Joy-Con are central to the Nintendo Switch's flexible handheld, tabletop and TV play design.

The left and right controllers can attach directly to compatible original Nintendo Switch consoles for handheld play.

Both controllers can be detached and used wirelessly.

A left and right Joy-Con can work together as a conventional two-stick controller.

!

Things to consider

Joy-Con are considerably smaller than conventional full-size controllers.

Players with larger hands may find them uncomfortable during long sessions.

The analogue sticks are much smaller than those on the Switch Pro Controller.

Small sticks provide less physical travel and leverage for precise aiming.

If it was our money...

Original Joy-Con remain essential replacement or additional controllers for the original Nintendo Switch family, particularly for local multiplayer, motion-controlled games and titles built around detachable controller play. Existing owners upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2 can continue using their Joy-Con wirelessly, making them useful additional multiplayer controllers. However, they cannot physically attach to Switch 2 or charge directly from it, and they lack newer Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls and the C Button. New Switch 2 owners should therefore generally buy Joy-Con 2, while original Switch owners wanting a more comfortable controller for long conventional gaming sessions should compare the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Score breakdown

Why Blinlx scored it 99

Each part of the score considers a different area of the buying decision, from the current price to retailer reliability and after-sales protection.

Confidence
1%
Price Value
0

How competitive the current price appears.

Needs attention
Customer Reviews
99

The strength and consistency of buyer feedback.

Excellent
Retailer Trust
0

The quality and reliability of the seller.

Needs attention
Warranty Support
0

The level of protection included with the purchase.

Needs attention
Product Value
99

Overall quality and usefulness for the money.

Excellent
Blinlx explanation

This score currently reflects the confidence and completeness of Blinlx canonical product knowledge. Live price, retailer and offer evidence will strengthen the assessment as it becomes available.

Product details

Specifications

The key specifications Blinlx identified for this exact product variant.

Brand
Nintendo
Model
Joy-Con
Product type
STANDARD_CONTROLLER
Amiibo Nfc
Yes
Battery Life Hours
20
Category
CONTROLLERS
Charging Time Hours
3.5
Controller Count
2
Detachable
Yes
Hd Rumble
Yes
Individual Controller Use
Yes
Motion Controls
Yes
Primary Platform
Nintendo Switch
Rechargeable
Yes
Release Year
2017
SKU
NINTENDO-JOY-CON
Status
CURRENT
Switch2Wireless Compatible
Yes
Wireless
Yes

Specifications are based on the product information available when this Blinlx report was generated. Always confirm important details with the retailer before purchasing.

Buying guidance

Who should buy Nintendo Joy-Con?

A straightforward look at who this product may suit and where you should pause before spending your money.

A good fit

Consider this product if...

  • Joy-Con are central to the Nintendo Switch's flexible handheld, tabletop and TV play design.
  • The left and right controllers can attach directly to compatible original Nintendo Switch consoles for handheld play.
  • Both controllers can be detached and used wirelessly.
  • A left and right Joy-Con can work together as a conventional two-stick controller.
  • Each Joy-Con can also function as an individual controller in compatible games.
!

Check before buying

Think twice if...

  • Joy-Con are considerably smaller than conventional full-size controllers.
  • Players with larger hands may find them uncomfortable during long sessions.
  • The analogue sticks are much smaller than those on the Switch Pro Controller.
  • Small sticks provide less physical travel and leverage for precise aiming.
  • Individual horizontal Joy-Con use is particularly cramped for many adult players.
B

If it was our money

Original Joy-Con remain essential replacement or additional controllers for the original Nintendo Switch family, particularly for local multiplayer, motion-controlled games and titles built around detachable controller play. Existing owners upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2 can continue using their Joy-Con wirelessly, making them useful additional multiplayer controllers. However, they cannot physically attach to Switch 2 or charge directly from it, and they lack newer Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls and the C Button. New Switch 2 owners should therefore generally buy Joy-Con 2, while original Switch owners wanting a more comfortable controller for long conventional gaming sessions should compare the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Verified retailer offers

Compare prices for Nintendo Joy-Con

Blinlx compares verified offers for the exact product variant and places the lowest available price first.

1 offer found
Best price
For Nintendo Switch Joy Con Controller Left & Right Wireless Pair Gamepad Joypad at eBay

eBay

Cheapest verified

For Nintendo Switch Joy Con Controller Left & Right Wireless Pair Gamepad Joypad

Exact variant checkedRetailer link verified

Price

£28.99

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Other options

Alternatives to Nintendo Joy-Con

These products may be worth considering if you want a different price, feature set or overall balance.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

nintendo

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

99/100

Switch Pro Controller provides a much more comfortable full-size design, larger analogue sticks, a traditional D-pad and substantially longer battery life for conventional gaming.

Typical price

Check current price

View Blinlx report
Nintendo Joy-Con 2

nintendo

Nintendo Joy-Con 2

99/100

Joy-Con 2 are the newer detachable controllers designed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, adding magnetic attachment, mouse controls, HD Rumble 2 and newer Switch 2 functionality.

Typical price

Check current price

View Blinlx report

Alternative recommendations are based on the product information available when this report was generated. Compare the exact specifications and condition before buying.

Product comparisons

Compare before you buy

See how this product compares with closely related alternatives from the Blinlx Product Brain.

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Buyer questions

Frequently asked questions

Straightforward answers to common questions about Nintendo Joy-Con, based on the current Blinlx analysis.

Is the Nintendo Joy-Con worth buying?

Original Joy-Con remain essential replacement or additional controllers for the original Nintendo Switch family, particularly for local multiplayer, motion-controlled games and titles built around detachable controller play. Existing owners upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2 can continue using their Joy-Con wirelessly, making them useful additional multiplayer controllers. However, they cannot physically attach to Switch 2 or charge directly from it, and they lack newer Joy-Con 2 features such as mouse controls and the C Button. New Switch 2 owners should therefore generally buy Joy-Con 2, while original Switch owners wanting a more comfortable controller for long conventional gaming sessions should compare the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Who is the Nintendo Joy-Con best for?

Original Nintendo Switch owners. Nintendo Switch OLED owners. Nintendo Switch Lite owners wanting additional wireless controllers.

What are the main weaknesses of the Nintendo Joy-Con?

Joy-Con are considerably smaller than conventional full-size controllers. Players with larger hands may find them uncomfortable during long sessions.

What are the best alternatives to the Nintendo Joy-Con?

The main alternatives currently identified by Blinlx are Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, Nintendo Joy-Con 2. The best choice depends on your budget, priorities and intended use.

Answers are based on the product data and retailer information available when this report was generated. Check important details with the retailer before purchasing.

Blinlx Intelligence

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