Nintendo has kept fans guessing about the customization options for the Joy-Con 2 controllers of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. A recent listing on AliExpress revealed that players can swap out the side straps of the new controllers, allowing for a personalized look. This feature, similar to the interchangeable faceplates of the PlayStation 5, is already available for pre-order on the platform, with initial offerings in light blue and light red.
The discovery has sparked excitement among gamers eagerly awaiting the console’s launch on June 5, 2025. The customization option adds a unique selling point to the Switch 2, which promises significant upgrades in hardware and gameplay. Pre-orders for the console and accessories, including the Joy-Con 2, have begun at retailers like Walmart, Target, and GameStop, but the side strap feature caught many by surprise.
Why is this customization so appealing?
- Personalized aesthetics: Players can tailor controllers to their style.
- Easy swapping: Straps attach without complex tools.
- Potential for limited editions: Brands and developers could create exclusive designs.
Below, we dive into the details of this feature, pricing, consumer reactions, and what to expect from the Switch 2 in terms of accessories and personalization.
Pricing and availability on AliExpress
The AliExpress listing prices the Joy-Con 2 side straps at approximately $3 per pair, making them an affordable way to customize controllers. Currently, the straps match the standard Joy-Con 2 colors—light blue and light red—but the platform hints at more options post-launch.
Each strap is designed to fit seamlessly onto the controllers using a tool-free snap-on system. Product images show how the straps integrate with the Joy-Con 2, preserving ergonomics and button functionality. Pre-orders began in May 2025, with shipping aligned to the console’s official release.
However, some consumers are wary of the products’ legitimacy on AliExpress, a platform known for third-party items that may not always be licensed. Nintendo has yet to confirm whether these straps are official or if it plans to release its own versions.
Fan reactions to customization
The Joy-Con 2 customization news has generated both excitement and caution among fans. On platforms like X, gamers shared images of the AliExpress straps, praising the potential for creative designs. A Brazilian user noted that the feature “opens doors for unique controllers,” while another speculated about themed editions tied to games like The Legend of Zelda or Super Mario.
Conversely, some worry that swapping straps could damage the controllers or void warranties. Unlike the original Joy-Con, which required intricate disassembly for modifications, the new system appears user-friendly, but Nintendo’s silence fuels uncertainty.
- Aesthetic enthusiasm: Fans love the idea of personalized controllers.
- Durability concerns: Questions linger about strap resilience after repeated swaps.
- Demand for variety: Gamers want more colors and franchise tie-ins.
- Third-party skepticism: AliExpress products raise quality concerns.
Fans hope Nintendo will clarify its stance before the launch, confirming whether it endorses the customization and plans official accessories.
Technical details of Joy-Con 2
The Joy-Con 2 introduces several upgrades over the original Switch controllers. Beyond swappable side straps, the new controllers are larger, more ergonomic, and feature magnetic connectors for console attachment. Nintendo also added mouse-like controls for precision-heavy games and a dedicated “C” button for the GameChat feature.
The design addresses past issues, notably the “Joy-Con drift” problem. While not using Hall-effect sensors, Nintendo claims improved durability and smoother analog sticks. A pair of Joy-Con 2 retails for $95 in the U.S., with single controllers at $55.
In Brazil, prices are steeper. Pre-orders list a Joy-Con 2 pair at around 950 BRL, reflecting import taxes and costs. The customizable straps, while affordable on AliExpress, have no confirmed pricing from Brazilian retailers yet.
Comparison with other consoles
The Joy-Con 2 customization positions the Nintendo Switch 2 in a unique competitive space. The PlayStation 5 popularized console faceplates, but Nintendo’s focus on controller personalization aligns with the Switch’s hybrid appeal.
The Xbox Series X/S offers limited customization, with personalized controllers available only through the pricier Xbox Design Lab. Nintendo’s $3 straps make customization more accessible, appealing to budget-conscious gamers.
- PlayStation 5: Console faceplates cost $55–$70.
- Xbox Design Lab: Custom controllers start at $85.
- Nintendo Switch 2: $3 straps offer a budget-friendly option.
This approach underscores Nintendo’s knack for blending technical innovation with visual flair.
Switch 2 launch and accessories
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally on June 5, 2025, priced at $449.99 in the U.S. and 4,499.90 BRL in Brazil. A bundle with Mario Kart World costs $499.99 or 4,799.90 BRL. Pre-orders, which started on April 24, sold out quickly at retailers like Walmart and Target, though Nintendo promises restocks before launch.
Beyond Joy-Con 2, accessories include the Pro Controller ($85), a GameChat camera ($55), and a 4K-compatible dock ($119.99). All accessories saw a $5 price hike from initial estimates due to market adjustments.
The Joy-Con 2 customization is just one highlight. The Switch 2 supports most original Switch games, though some require updates for compatibility. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Party Jamboree will receive enhanced versions with improved graphics and performance.
Future design possibilities
Swappable Joy-Con 2 side straps open a world of possibilities for Nintendo and third-party manufacturers. Fans speculate about limited-edition straps themed around franchises like Pokémon or Animal Crossing, building on the success of the original Switch’s themed controllers.
AliExpress currently offers limited options, but the platform suggests more colors and designs may follow the launch. Third-party vendors could introduce straps with metallic finishes, transparent looks, or custom engravings.
The tool-free strap system indicates Nintendo planned customization early in the Joy-Con 2’s development, which began in 2019. This foresight suggests a commitment to meeting players’ demands for creative freedom.
Pre-order experience in Brazil
Brazil’s pre-order process for the Nintendo Switch 2 faced hurdles. Major retailers like Amazon Brazil, KaBuM!, and Mercado Livre opened reservations in April, but high demand overwhelmed their systems. Consumers reported issues like carts freezing or stock vanishing within minutes.
High prices also drew criticism. The standalone console at 4,499.90 BRL is pricier than the original Switch at launch, even adjusted for inflation. The Mario Kart World bundle at 4,799.90 BRL was popular due to the standalone game’s 499.90 BRL price.
- Amazon Brazil: Offered free shipping for Prime members.
- KaBuM!: Stock lasted just 10 minutes.
- Mercado Livre: Prices varied across sellers.
- Physical stores: Retailers like Magazine Luiza plan May reservations.
Importing straps via AliExpress is an option, but delivery times exceeding a month deter some buyers.
Switch 2 hardware advancements
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts significant upgrades. Its 7.9-inch 1080p display with a 120 Hz refresh rate delivers sharper, smoother visuals. When docked, it supports 4K at 60 fps or 1080p at 120 fps, meeting demands for console-grade performance.
The 256 GB internal storage is a leap from the original’s 32 GB, though expansion requires costly microSD Express cards. Nintendo partnered with Samsung for 256 GB Mario-themed cards, priced at around $80.
Built-in speakers now support 3D audio, and a noise-canceling microphone enhances GameChat. These features, paired with Joy-Con 2 customization, make the Switch 2 a versatile gaming platform.
Launch titles and customization tie-ins
The Switch 2 launch includes exclusive titles and optimized versions of existing games. Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders are key releases, priced at $79.99, $69.99, and $59.99, respectively. Updates for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild range from $9.99 to $19.99.
Joy-Con 2 customization could enhance gaming experiences. Mario Kart World supports Joy-Con 2 Wheels, steering accessories priced at $29.99. Fans speculate about character-themed straps, boosting immersion.
- Mario Kart World: Features new tracks and GameChat support.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: July 2025 release with exploration focus.
- Kirby Air Riders: Revives a GameCube classic with mouse controls.
- Zelda optimized: Offers sharper graphics and faster load times.
The Switch 2 is backward compatible with most original Switch games, though titles like Nintendo Labo VR Kit are incompatible due to physical limitations.
Global demand and market strategy
The Switch 2’s pre-order phase saw overwhelming demand. In the U.S., Best Buy and GameStop reported virtual queues with thousands of users, while Japan analysts predict the console could be Nintendo’s biggest launch ever.
In Brazil, Nintendo’s partnerships with local retailers aim to ensure availability, but high prices limit accessibility. Affordable Joy-Con 2 straps on AliExpress could appeal to cost-conscious buyers seeking personalization.
Nintendo plans to sustain Switch 2 production through fall 2025, with potential limited-edition consoles and accessories. GameChat will be free until March 2026, encouraging adoption and camera purchases.
