Joy-Con alternatives generally offer many enhancements, but this prototype doesn’t. Abxylute, a gaming accessory company, has introduced a Kickstarter campaign for its upcoming N6 and GameCube-style N9C Switch 2 dock-style controllers. These aim to be viable alternatives for those dissatisfied with the ergonomics of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, particularly for people with medium-to-large hands.
The new controllers from Abxylute boast larger, more comfortable grips compared to Joy-Cons and feature longer-lasting Hall effect joysticks. After testing a working prototype of the N6, it offers many desired features enhancing the gaming experience: full-size sticks, vibration, motion controls, customizable back paddles, and turbo mode for command repetition.
The N6’s approach isn’t novel; CRKD initially introduced the slide-in form factor with the original Switch. This form factor adds thick grips for a console more like a Steam Deck. In addition to enhancing ergonomics, it also addressed Joy-Con drift issues with Hall effect sticks that don’t degrade. The N6 maintains this formula, featuring full-size Hall effect joysticks with a grippy, concave top, thick grips encircling the console’s back for finger expansion, and large triggers for better tactile feedback.
Despite these, the N6 prototype doesn’t seem to surpass the Joy-Cons like the Nitro Deck. The sticks’ positioning is too low for my medium-sized hands, making accessing the D-pad and buttons challenging. Those with larger hands might face more difficulties.
If you have small hands or play games not requiring quick reactions, you may not encounter issues. Although the N6 can handle swift reactions, I lacked confidence for precise twitch commands.
The ergonomics could improve if Abxylute made the controller’s sides taller and spaced out the sticks and buttons. This could help more users grasp the N6 without difficulty. Taller controls would also cover the top edges of the Switch 2, currently exposed by the N6’s design. I resorted to a precarious grip to play certain games.
Some of the N6’s features are still in progress, such as the strong, non-HD rumble, and the pronounced sound of its buttons and triggers, which could prove disruptive in quiet settings.
Abxylute has shared known issues it plans to address before the final release in April:
– Shoulder Buttons (L/R): Some might experience louder clicking or wobble. Component optimization is underway.
– ABXY Buttons: These might feel stiff or inconsistent on some units. A shift to a conductive silicone pad will ensure quiet, comfortable presses.
– Vibration/Haptics: The current motor is too aggressive, missing subtle vibrations. The driver is receiving tweaks.
– Cosmetics: The Blue model’s back silk-screen text is too dark.
– Build Tolerance: Slight inconsistencies in button feel or gaps on units. These will be corrected in production.
Additionally, the prototype currently receives firmware updates via a USB-C port, but mass production models will support wireless OTA updates from your smartphone.
Abxylute offers the N6 at an early backer price of HK$ 618, about $80, with limited availability. It’s in a similar price range to the $99.99 CRKD Nitro Deck 2, launching this Spring with extra features. Given the early N6 prototype experience, I’m skeptical of its value considering its exposed console design and ergonomic pitfalls.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge