Summary (tl;dr)

Nintendo has announced the upcoming release of new "Light Purple" and "Light Green" Joy-Con 2 controllers for its Nintendo Switch 2 console, which are now available for pre-order and will launch on February 12, 2026.

Essential Background

The Nintendo Switch 2 console was released in June 2025. Its detachable controllers, known as Joy-Cons, are a signature feature of the system. Joy-Cons have previously been a point of contention for users of the original Nintendo Switch due to widespread "Joy-Con drift" issues, which caused unintended input without physical interaction, leading to multiple class-action lawsuits globally. In August 2025, Nintendo increased the price of a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers to $99.99 in the US, up from $94.99, alongside other hardware price hikes.

The Full Story

Nintendo officially unveiled new "Light Purple" and "Light Green" Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first new color variants for the console since its launch. These new controllers are priced at $99.99 and are slated for release on February 12, 2026, coinciding with the launch of the game Mario Tennis Fever. While offering new aesthetic choices, the design features subtle pastel accents primarily on the thumbstick rings and inner rails, with the main body remaining dark, a design choice that has received mixed reactions from fans. The updated Joy-Cons also incorporate new features such as the C Button for GameChat and mouse-style controls in compatible games. Pre-orders are currently live on Nintendo's official website.

Why It Matters

The trending interest in these new Joy-Cons stems from consumers' desire for customization options for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the ongoing discussion surrounding Nintendo's pricing strategy for its hardware and accessories. With the controllers maintaining a price point of $99.99, coupled with the subdued nature of the new color scheme, some fans have expressed disappointment. The historical context of "Joy-Con drift" also means that consumers are closely scrutinizing new controller releases for potential improvements in durability and design, though these new variants do not appear to offer functional revisions beyond the new features mentioned.

Geographic Location

• Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (Nintendo's global headquarters, likely where product decisions are made)
• Redmond, King County, Washington, United States (Nintendo of America headquarters, where the announcement was made on social media and pre-orders are handled)