Nintendo readies colourful Joy-Con 2 preorders

Nintendo has opened preorders for a new Light Purple and Light Green Joy-Con 2 controller set priced at $100, expanding the accessory line-up for the forthcoming Switch 2 ahead of a February 12 release. The controllers are listed across major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and GameStop, signalling a coordinated retail push as Nintendo prepares the next phase of its hardware cycle.

The Light Purple/Green set mirrors the design language of the Joy-Con 2 controllers bundled with the Switch 2 console, retaining a black base accented by bold colour highlights. Each controller ships with a matching wrist strap, a familiar inclusion that supports motion-based play and can also be used for mouse-style input, a feature Nintendo has been keen to highlight as it broadens control options for both traditional console titles and PC-style interfaces.

Colour refresh underscores Nintendo’s Switch 2 push, reflecting a strategy that has long paired hardware updates with accessory variations to sustain momentum across the product lifecycle. While the colourway is new, the underlying hardware remains consistent with other Joy-Con 2 offerings, ensuring compatibility across the Switch 2 ecosystem and avoiding fragmentation for players who mix and match controllers.

The February 12 launch date aligns with the release of Mario Tennis Fever, a title that supports single Joy-Con motion controls for up to four players on one console. That timing is unlikely to be coincidental. Party-friendly sports games have historically driven accessory sales for Nintendo, and the ability to play with a single controller lowers the barrier for multiplayer sessions at home or on the move.

Nintendo’s approach contrasts with rivals that increasingly prioritise premium, feature-heavy controllers at higher price points. At $100 for a pair, the Joy-Con 2 set sits above the pricing of some third-party alternatives but remains below the cost of high-end pro controllers. The company appears to be banking on brand loyalty, colour customisation and seamless integration with first-party software to justify the premium.

The design choice to keep the controllers predominantly black with coloured accents also suggests a balance between durability and personalisation. Earlier generations of Joy-Con were offered in solid, bright colours that showed wear more readily over time. The updated aesthetic may appeal to players seeking a cleaner look while still allowing for visual distinction when multiple controllers are in use.

Retail availability across multiple chains indicates confidence in demand. By placing preorders simultaneously at large online and brick-and-mortar retailers, Nintendo reduces friction for consumers and ensures broad visibility beyond its own digital storefront. This distribution strategy has become standard for major console accessories, but its effectiveness depends on supply stability, an area Nintendo has faced scrutiny over during past hardware launches.

Beyond colour and availability, the Joy-Con 2 continues Nintendo’s emphasis on versatility. Motion controls remain a core differentiator, particularly in family-oriented titles, while mouse-style input opens possibilities for genres traditionally associated with PCs. Developers have been encouraged to explore these control schemes, and first-party releases tied to launch windows often serve as showcases for such features.

The broader context for the Joy-Con 2 rollout is a console market marked by incremental upgrades rather than radical shifts. Nintendo’s decision to iterate on a proven controller design, rather than replace it outright, reflects a cautious evolution aimed at preserving the Switch’s hybrid identity. Maintaining continuity also reassures existing Switch owners considering an upgrade that their play habits will translate smoothly to the new system.