When you first unboxed your brand new Nintendo Switch, you probably found a pair of plastic stick things in addition to the console and controllers. These were the Joy-Con Straps, reminiscent of the Wiimote straps from the Wii era. While they seemed simple enough to use, many of us ended up struggling with them at first, attaching them the wrong way round and then finding it difficult to remove them without causing damage.
Now, with the potential release of the Switch 2 and leaked images suggesting a magnetic attachment system for the new Joy-Cons, it raises the question of how many users actually use these peripherals. These straps harken back to the Wii days when motion controls were all the rage, and users were constantly warned about the dangers of not using them properly. Reflecting on the past, it’s interesting to think about whether the inclusion of the Joy-Con Straps with every Switch sold was really worth it, especially considering the low usage rate among players.
While it may not have cost Nintendo a significant amount to produce these accessories, the environmental impact of the wasted plastic and the financial resources could have been redirected to other projects. Perhaps instead of bundling the Joy-Con Straps, Nintendo could have focused on developing new games like Rhythm Heaven for the Switch.
Share your thoughts on the Joy-Con Straps usage and what Nintendo could have done differently with that extra plastic in the comments below!
