Handheld and accessories brand abxylute has launched a new Kickstarter campaign to fund two new best Switch 2 controller contenders. Much like the CRKD Nitro Deck and the upcoming Nitro Deck 2, the N6 and N9C are deck-style controllers that hook up to the display of the handheld to offer up a more comfortable and ergonomic Joy-Con alternative.
The brand developed these new pads under the idea that "handheld gaming should feel natural in the hands" and they feature everything from built-in gyro motion controls, vibration feedback, hall effect sticks, and button customization for a more personalized experience. But I can't take my eyes off that N9C pad as it's glorious nostalgia-fueled GameCube-style form factor.
Abxylute states on its campaign page that the N9C is "built around a distinctive NGC-inspired visual design" and that's an understatement. The pad looks like an official GameCube pad has been sliced in half, albeit with some new buttons in the mix.
The purple pad utilizes a full-body, plug-in design, with a direct USB-C connection to eliminate the fiddly pairing process that can come with some deck-style controllers. The brand also boasts that it's equipped with mechanical micro-switch ABXY buttons, triggers paired with tactical shoulder buttons, and a responsive D-pad.
Its Nitro Deck rival does have a GameCube variant of its own, but its nowhere near as flashy as this upcoming pad. It just features a blue-purple colorway and colored buttons. Whereas the N9C has opted for an authentic button layout, including that big, juicy green A-button, which would be perfect for playing the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube game library - I spy a Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker replay. Yet, while it's the retro-stylings of the N9C that have caught my eye, the Kickstarter is mostly focused on the N6.
The N6 controller is available in both an all-black, slightly transparent shell and a GameCube-style variation. But instead of focusing on providing a nostalgic feel like the N9C, the N6 was designed for "long-session comfort and stability" with its full-sized ergonomic grip.
Unlike the actual Switch 2, the N6 features hall effect joysticks, which are integrated with anti-wear metal rings to keep controls "precise" and ready for future AAA games. The speaker also outputs forward, which Abxylute states helps add depth to Switch 2 games and a "10% stronger bass" with clearer voices, punchier effects, and more immersive power for game audio.
The buttons you'd expect to see on a Switch 2 pad are all there, but the N6 includes conductive rubber ABYX buttons and a d-pad, rear and front remappable buttons, tubro support, 9-xis motion controls, and adjustable vibration for all your rumble needs. Much like the N9C, it also hooks up to Ninty's handheld via a wired USB-C connection, and you'll still have a USB-C port spare to keep your console charged when you need it.
The Abxylute N6 is available to support right now on Kickstarter with a starting early bird pledge of HK $618 (rougly $89) before full retail availability. Meanwhile, any of you GameCube fans need to spend around $89 to secure your N9C controller. If you aren't quite sure which pad you'd prefer, don't fret as you have 41 days to decide until the campaign is over for good.
- View abxylute N96 and N9C campaign at Kickstarter
- abxylute controllers at Amazon
Check out our guides for the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers if you're on the hunt for some new gamepads.
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