Nintendo switch, the Japanese gaming giant’s latest hybrid console, might’ve become the fastest selling console in America but it has been facing sync issues with its wireless Joy-con controllers — especially the left one. This had been causing interruptions in the game experience and Nintendo earlier cited interference from electronic devices as the probable cause. But, the company has today finally acknowledged that a hardware defect is a primary reason for joy-con sync issues.
This problem with the left joy-con controller was first discovered back when Nintendo had sent out review units to game publications and tech reviewers. While some were having a gala time playing the new Zelda game, other were bubbling with anger over their avatar dying due to desync issues. But, we finally know the exact cause and the company has sorted out defects in the manufacturing process. And it would be better if we clarify that it isn’t a design defect but only a variation in the manufacturing of the controller.
Also, the company further continues to add that it has come up with a simple fix for existing Nintendo Switch owners whose joy-con controllers are affected by similar sync issues. And CNET reports that Nintendo is planning to attach a very tiny piece of conducting foam in the left controller to improve upon its wireless connectivity. It also adds that joy-cons may be experiencing interference due to other issues, which will be sorted by their customer support team.
Here’s the complete statement released by Nintendo with regards to the same:
There is no design issue with the Joy-Con controllers, and no widespread proactive repair or replacement effort is underway. A manufacturing variation has resulted in wireless interference with a small number of the left Joy-Con. Moving forward this will not be an issue, as the manufacturing variation has been addressed and corrected at the factory level.
We have determined a simple fix can be made to any affected Joy-Con to improve connectivity.
There are other reasons consumers may be experiencing wireless interference. We are asking consumers to contact our customer support team so we can help them determine if a repair is necessary. If it is, consumers can send their controller directly to Nintendo for the adjustment, free of charge, with an anticipated quick return of less than a week. Repair timing may vary by region. For help with any hardware or software questions, please visit http://support.nintendo.com.
While Nintendo may have worked out a solution for the joy-con controllers, the Switch still isn’t completely free from problems (or more precisely vulnerabilities). If you’re a Nintendo Switch owner, you should be aware that it has already been hacked using an old iOS Webkit exploit. And this has exposed the hidden browser, which is expected to make an official appearance in the near future.
