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Nintendo Joy-Con (Single)

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description Nintendo Joy-Con (Single) Overview

Purchasing a single Joy-Con is useful only if you need a replacement for one side of a pair or if you are using it for a very specific, single-player, low-intensity game. It offers the core functionality of the pair but lacks the convenience and balance of using the full set. It's a highly situational purchase.

help Nintendo Joy-Con (Single) FAQ

Can I buy just one Joy-Con to replace a drifting controller instead of a full pair?

Yes, Nintendo sells the left and right Joy-Con individually in colors like Neon Red and Neon Blue, typically for around $50 each versus roughly $80 for a pair. It's also worth knowing that after a 2019 U.S. class-action lawsuit over Joy-Con drift, Nintendo offered free drift repairs in North America.

Which single Joy-Con should I buy, the left or the right one?

It matters: the right Joy-Con carries the NFC reader for Amiibo figures and the IR motion camera, while the left has the screenshot capture button and the SL/SR shoulder buttons. Get whichever side you lost, since both include motion controls and HD rumble.

Can two single Joy-Cons be used as two separate controllers for multiplayer?

Yes, each Joy-Con can be turned sideways to act as a mini controller, which is how games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe support multiplayer from a single pair. The trade-off is a cramped layout with only one stick per player when held sideways.

Do single Joy-Cons work with the Switch OLED or other devices besides the original Switch?

They pair with the original Switch, the Switch OLED, and the Switch Lite, and can even connect to PCs and Android phones over Bluetooth. A single Joy-Con holds roughly 20 hours of charge per its rated battery life.

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