Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 YouTube hack yanked days after players find a way to watch videos in a free battle royale game
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of the Nintendo Switch 2 sitting on a coffee table surrounded by accessories.
Hardware Nintendo reportedly pressured to raise Switch 2 price as $450 console is sold at a loss
A hand holds up the Lego Game Boy, with retro posters visible in the background
Toys & Collectibles Lego Nintendo Game Boy review
Photo of a pair of stylus pens sitting under a Nintendo Switch 2.
Accessories Hey Tomodachi Life players, don't invest in the pricey official Switch stylus and grab this alternative pack instead
A close up at the Steam Controller from its initial announcement video
Gaming Controllers If you thought $99 was bad, eBay resellers are already listing the Steam Controller for over $200
Photo of a pair of Switch 2 Joy-Con sitting next to a toy of a Star Fox Arwing.
Accessories Switch 2 Star Fox comes with a slick GameChat feature, but you'll want to avoid one of the most popular cameras for the best ride
Hand holding Retro Fighters StrikerDC Dreamcast controller next to Valve Steam Controller on screen in backdrop.
Retro The Steam Controller is all the rage, but I've been distracted by a modern Dreamcast controller that's more like Valve's original pad
Hand holding gray 8Bitdo N64 controller in front of Star Fox for Switch 2 official artwork with Fox and Peppy looking to the left.
Retro Star Fox on Switch 2 calls for a new N64 controller, and I've got the perfect gamepad for the job
Image of the Dbrand Joy-Lock Controller Holder with a pink GamesRadar+ background.
Accessories Dbrand has launched a Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con holder that's "more comfortable than a Pro controller" but far cheaper
Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of the Switch 2 sitting on a pile of Switch 2 cases.
Accessories The best Nintendo Switch 2 cases in 2026
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2026
Image of the Nintendo Switch OLED on a table with a headset and gaming earbuds siting around it, taken by writer Rosalie Newcombe.
Nintendo Switch The best Nintendo Switch accessories 2026: all the top gadgets for your consoles
Close up photo of the right Joy-Con 2 controller sitting on top of a Switch 2 case, with microSD Express card and gaming earbud case to its right.
Accessories The best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories 2026: my top gadgets for your every day carry
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games

Important PSA: how not to break your Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons in the first five minutes

News
By Leon Hurley published 23 February 2017

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

So all the Nintendo Switch stuff is happening right now, but among the talk of the console, games and other important bits and pieces, we've noticed a potentially tricky thing that could ruin the fun very quickly if you're not careful. 

While the Joy Con controllers can be used on their own, they come with an attachable strap that clicks on via a plastic saddle. 

That bit's (almost) easy. It just slides on and clicks into place, letting you wear the strap and prevent any controller flinging disasters. 

Latest Videos From
You may like
  • Image of the Nintendo Switch OLED on a table with a headset and gaming earbuds siting around it, taken by writer Rosalie Newcombe. The best Nintendo Switch accessories 2026: all the top gadgets for your consoles
  • Official product image of someone holding the Game Tech one-handed grip with one hand. This new Switch 2 accessory lets you play both Joy-Cons with one hand, and it's a win for accessibility
  • Image of the Dbrand Joy-Lock Controller Holder with a pink GamesRadar+ background. Dbrand has launched a Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con holder that's "more comfortable than a Pro controller" but far cheaper

The main problems start when you try to take these bits apart. It's surprisingly fiddly and several times they've separated with a horrible noise and the sense that we've done something permanent. 

There's a few issues if you're not careful: for example the strap can slide on either way, meaning if you don't match the + and - symbols correctly it'll click into place the wrong way around and not be flush with the controller. 

If you do get it right you'll still have to take care. The lock button is grey and hard to miss, but locks in the direction you push to remove the strap, which can cause problems - it's very easy to re-lock it accidentally. There's also the main release button you usually use to take the Joy-Con off the console - you'll need to push that at the same time to separate the two. 

Even if you do get all that right it still seems fiddly to disengage the two sections without any trouble. We passed it around the office and almost everyone had to work at it a bit. It does look like things loosen up with use, but just be careful to start with, okay? 

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!

Leon Hurley
Leon Hurley
Social Links Navigation
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.

Read more
Image of the Nintendo Switch OLED on a table with a headset and gaming earbuds siting around it, taken by writer Rosalie Newcombe.
Nintendo Switch The best Nintendo Switch accessories 2026: all the top gadgets for your consoles
 
 
Official product image of someone holding the Game Tech one-handed grip with one hand.
Accessories This new Switch 2 accessory lets you play both Joy-Cons with one hand, and it's a win for accessibility
 
 
Image of the Dbrand Joy-Lock Controller Holder with a pink GamesRadar+ background.
Accessories Dbrand has launched a Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con holder that's "more comfortable than a Pro controller" but far cheaper
 
 
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2026
 
 
Image of a pair of Sonic and Shadow Switch 2 Joy-Cons by CptnAlexDesigns, with the image of them blurred in the background.
Gaming Controllers I found the Sonic the Hedgehog Switch 2 Joy-Cons of my dreams, and I'm willing to learn how to mod to make them mine
 
 
Photo of a human finger pointing towards Hello, Yoshi! running on a Switch 2 screen.
Accessories Before you download the free Hello Yoshi app for your kids, please grab a Switch 2 screen protector
 
 
Latest in Games
Star Fox Key Art showing the main characters
Action Games OG Star Fox designer says the Switch 2 game designs are "exactly the visuals" he had in mind for the Nintendo 64 classic
 
 
Pickmos screenshot shows a player facing a large bear-like monster.
Survival Games Pokemon and Palworld clone Pickmos returns to Steam after promising "controversy-free experience"
 
 
LEGO Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight screenshot showing batman grabbing joker
Adventure Games Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has leaked on Xbox early, with some players able to access the full game
 
 
Crimson Desert
Open World Games Crimson Desert update nails fan request as lions, tigers, bears, and more can now be special mounts
 
 
Lost Odyssey screenshot
RPGs If you loved Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, find a way to play one of the Xbox 360's best-kept secrets
 
 
Link faces Midna in a screenshot from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD
The Legend of Zelda The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess finally gets a fanmade PC port
 
 
Latest in News
Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray in Star Wars: Starfighter
Star Wars Movies Star Wars: Starfighter reveals new synopsis teasing a mission that "may alter the future of the Force itself"
 
 
Star Fox Key Art showing the main characters
Action Games OG Star Fox designer says the Switch 2 game designs are "exactly the visuals" he had in mind for the Nintendo 64 classic
 
 
Fantastic Four First Steps ending
Marvel Movies Fantastic Four star says his Avengers: Doomsday script didn't have "an ending" and it changed "quite a bit"
 
 
Pickmos screenshot shows a player facing a large bear-like monster.
Survival Games Pokemon and Palworld clone Pickmos returns to Steam after promising "controversy-free experience"
 
 
Sebastian Stan as Bucky in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
DC Movies Harvey Dent might be ripped in The Batman 2 as new video of Sebastian Stan training for his DC role hits the internet
 
 
LEGO Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight screenshot showing batman grabbing joker
Adventure Games Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has leaked on Xbox early, with some players able to access the full game
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Star Fox Key Art showing the main characters
    1
    OG Star Fox designer says the Switch 2 game designs are "exactly the visuals" he had in mind for the Nintendo 64 classic
  2. 2
    Fantastic Four star says his Avengers: Doomsday script didn't have "an ending" and it changed "quite a bit"
  3. 3
    Star Wars: Starfighter reveals new synopsis teasing a mission that "may alter the future of the Force itself"
  4. 4
    Pokemon and Palworld clone Pickmos returns to Steam after promising "controversy-free experience"
  5. 5
    Crimson Desert update nails fan request as lions, tigers, bears, and more can now be special mounts

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...