Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo has officially unveiled a new pair of Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers, with a Splatoon-themed color scheme and preorder-to-purchase timing that lines up with the release of Splatoon Raiders. If you’re deciding whether to wait for the new hardware or stick with what comes bundled, here’s what’s known—and what to watch for next.
What’s new with the Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 design
Nintendo’s latest hardware reveal is a fresh pair of Joy-Con controllers for the Switch 2, branded as Joy-Con 2. The controllers were redesigned at the start of the Switch 2 era, bringing improvements over the Joy-Cons that originally shipped with the previous Switch system.
In addition to the redesign era context, Nintendo is now highlighting a specific new color pattern. The Joy-Con 2 design takes inspiration from Deep Cut, the Splatoon series group featuring Shiver, Frye, and Big Man. The controllers keep the same black finish as the Joy-Cons bundled with the Switch 2 system, while the accents differ by side: blue around the thumb sticks and yellow on the right side, including the accents around the magnetic connection.
Nintendo previously offered a wide variety of Joy-Con designs during the original Switch’s lifespan, including themed options tied to well-known games. The new Switch 2 controllers continue that tradition of visually distinct Joy-Cons, now adapted to Nintendo’s newer controller baseline.
Who should care and how it affects your setup
The practical impact is straightforward: if you want additional controllers for co-op play, alternate aesthetics, or a colorway that matches your Splatoon taste, this new Joy-Con 2 option gives you a direct reason to plan for the purchase rather than rely solely on the system bundle.
Because Nintendo states the new pair matches the Switch 2’s bundled black finish, the design should fit seamlessly with the standard look of the console. The most noticeable differences are the left-right accent colors—blue on the left and yellow on the right—plus the thumb-stick and magnetic-connection detailing.
For players who already own Switch 2 hardware, this is essentially an upgrade in variety rather than a new functional claim. The source indicates the controllers are part of the Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 lineup, benefiting from the redesign improvements introduced at the start of the Switch 2 era, but it doesn’t detail further spec changes beyond the controller’s appearance and placement of color accents.
Release timing: what comes next after the Direct
Nintendo’s announcement arrives right after a Nintendo Direct wrapped, and the company also signaled that another presentation is on the way—meaning fans may not have to wait long for more details.
On the hardware side, Nintendo says the new Joy-Con 2 controllers will be available for purchase in July. The specific date aligns with a major release: Splatoon Raiders launches on July 23, and Nintendo states the new controllers will also be available that same day.
That pairing matters if you’re planning your summer gaming schedule. Instead of treating the controller purchase as a separate event, Nintendo is effectively bundling the moment with the launch window of a Splatoon-related title. If you’re already interested in Splatoon Raiders, this gives you a clear “buy day” to consider for anyone who wants themed controllers ready for launch.
What players should know
- Nintendo revealed a new pair of Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers with a Splatoon-inspired color pattern.
- The controllers keep the Switch 2 bundle’s black finish, with blue accents on the left and yellow accents on the right.
- They’re part of the Switch 2 era Joy-Con 2 redesign, which Nintendo says improves on the previous generation’s Joy-Cons.
- Availability is set for July, with the same day as Splatoon Raiders’ release on July 23.
| Item | Confirmed detail from Nintendo |
|---|---|
| New controllers | Joy-Con 2 pair for Nintendo Switch 2 with Splatoon-inspired colors |
| Color scheme | Black base; blue left thumb-stick accents; yellow right-side accents including magnetic connection |
| Availability | Purchase in July |
| Launch alignment | Available July 23, same day as Splatoon Raiders |
Expert View
Nintendo’s move is a smart, low-friction addition to the Switch 2 ecosystem: it offers a recognizable Splatoon aesthetic while staying consistent with the console’s bundled black look. The timing—matching Splatoon Raiders’ July 23 release—also gives fans a clear reason to plan purchases around a headline launch. Without new functional claims beyond the Switch 2-era redesign, the biggest value here is personalization and readiness for multiplayer, rather than a performance leap.
