Abxylute’s Switch 2 Controller Revives GameCube Nostalgia
▼ Summary
– Abxylute has announced two new controllers, the N6 and N9C, designed to replace the stock Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode.
– The N9C controller mimics the GameCube’s button layout and is targeted at nostalgic gamers or Super Smash Bros. fans, featuring mechanical switches and a swappable joystick gate for eight-directional movement.
– The N6 controller has a modern asymmetrical design with upgrades like drift-resistant Hall effect joysticks, thicker grips, and customizable back buttons for macros.
– Both controllers connect to and draw power from the Switch 2’s bottom USB-C port and will launch soon on Kickstarter, though pricing is currently unknown.
– The N6 also includes a resonance chamber that directs the console’s audio toward the user and claims to boost lower frequencies by about 10 percent.
For gamers eagerly anticipating the next generation of Nintendo hardware, the upcoming Switch 2 promises new adventures. Adding to that excitement, accessory maker Abxylute has unveiled two innovative controllers designed to replace the standard Joy-Cons in handheld mode. Both the N6 and the uniquely styled N9C are set to launch soon via Kickstarter, featuring a design where the console docks directly into the controllers, connecting and drawing power through the bottom USB-C port. This approach offers a potential upgrade to the handheld experience right out of the gate.
The more striking of the two is undoubtedly the N9C, which sports a design that directly channels the iconic Nintendo GameCube controller. It’s as if the classic purple pad was split down the middle and attached to either side of the console. This layout will primarily attract players with a strong sense of nostalgia, particularly those who enjoy the limited selection of GameCube titles on Nintendo Switch Online or competitive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fans who swear by the original’s feel. To cater to that fighting game community, the right joystick on the N9C includes a swappable gate that restricts movement to eight directions, allowing for more precise input of complex moves.
In terms of hardware, the N9C is equipped with capacitive joysticks, ABXY buttons, and triggers that utilize mechanical micro-switches for a tactile click. It also boasts a dedicated C button for quick access to voice chat functions. While pricing remains under wraps, this controller seems tailored for a specific, passionate segment of the gaming audience.
In contrast, the Abxylute N6 adopts a more modern and ergonomic asymmetrical design, though it will also be available in a special GameCube-inspired color scheme. It positions itself as a feature-rich upgrade, incorporating several advancements over its sibling. Most notably, it utilizes drift-resistant Hall effect joysticks, a significant selling point for players weary of analog stick issues. The grips are thicker than standard Joy-Cons for improved comfort, and it features digital triggers alongside ABXY buttons that use a rubber membrane for a softer, quieter press.
The N6 also adds functionality not found on the N9C, including a pair of customizable back buttons. These can be programmed with macros directly on the controller, offering a tactical advantage. Furthermore, Abxylute has integrated an acoustic feature beneath the docked console: a resonance chamber that directs the system’s speaker audio toward the user and reportedly boosts lower frequencies by approximately ten percent, aiming for a more immersive handheld soundscape.
Together, these controllers from Abxylute present intriguing alternatives for Switch 2 owners looking to personalize their portable play. Whether seeking a blast from the past with the N9C or a fully-featured modern grip with the N6, gamers will soon have new ways to connect with Nintendo’s next platform.
(Source: The Verge)
