How low is the bar or how high is our desperation to just be allowed to give them money to play Zelda at launch?
Well if the issue is not addressed, I guess that will be the question, eh?
Oh, Nintendo.
How low is the bar or how high is our desperation to just be allowed to give them money to play Zelda at launch?
Narratives are created super easily.
If they continue to stay silent on it, it will be a lot worse for them than if they said anything.
Unless, of course, they have nothing to say and this caught them off-guard, too. Which is the worst case scenario, because it speaks to a level of incompetence, and a diminished faith that it can be fixed before release, that would get even the most hardcore Nintendo fans currently shaking their fists at my twitter to think twice.
...This is why I think it's a failure to transition between usage modes. With all the complicated configurations and setups and being able to switch at any time this seems like a classic bug that doesn't get discovered until it's in mass usage. It only happens one in 1,000 transitions but now you have hundreds of people using it and transitioning modes...
...Something happens with BT radios either way [even accounting for the fact that the joycon have wired communication with the Switch when attached]. Do they [the radios] disable in docked mode? As I said earlier, unlikely. They need to be on and ready [perhaps in a lower power usage mode] for Joycon removal at any moment, otherwise you'd get a pairing delay that would not sit well with the whole 'instantly' Switch theme the entire console has...
...Boosting the output power through a firmware update could likely require re-certification unless they already certified it with a higher output power. It seems strange that they would lock the chip into a low power mode though, as most modern chipsets offer dynamic power control even for Class 2 devices where it is technically not required. This means that lowering the output power actually doesn't save you much power (though people often assume it does) because the device will only increase the power when needed...
Switch controller range test:
https://youtu.be/HmRtEdA5OKI
There is big different between joy-con only / put in joy-con [charging] grip
Rangero control (25 steps) >joy-con grip (22 steps) >joy-con only (15steps)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmRtEdA5OKI
The charging grip does make a difference if you use the joycon separately you had like 15 steps range, when you use the charging grip you had 22 steps range [compared to] 25 steps [with the Pro controller]...
ok this virtually confirms there are different transmission levels in effect for the BT radio in the Joycons...
...When the Joycons are connected to the charging grip, they yield a range that is 46% better than when by themselves. This indicates when they're by themselves, they're transmitting at a far lower power level...
...Though it could just be that when they are in the grip, the hand position is less blocking. When you have them separated, it seems like you are more likely to wrap your hands around them.
...The other reports from Kotaku, Polygon etc indicate that using them in the standard grip makes no difference, connection problems persist. But you are right, to control for variables testing using the standard grip vs the charging grip should be done, however I'm fairly confident this is merely an issue of transmit power, and that while undocked it is dialed way down, or a bug is preventing it from dialing up when required.
Since I have nothing better to do I tried to look into any FCC filings for the Joy-Cons. If HAC-015 (https://fccid.io/BKEHAC015) is the left Joy-Con, which seems likely, then we already have some information about the maximum output power.
![]()
This suggests the output power is around 3-4 dBm, which is in-line with what you would expect from a Bluetooth Class2 device (maximum output power of 4dBm). While Bluetooth technically allows up to 20dBm output power for Class1 devices, most chips today will allow up to 10dBm output power. This is informally known as Class1.5 and is common since FCC does not require SAR testing for any devices with an output power below 10dBm.
The good news is then that Nintendo will most likely be able to increase the output power by around 6dB, which should in theory give around twice the current range. This will also not negatively affect the Battery life significantly, as the chip will dynamically change the output power as required. So the additional power will only be used when it otherwise would lose the connection.
The bad news is that the Joy-Cons will have to be re-certified, which means that Nintendo will likely not be able to have this done as a day-one firmware update unless they already caught this issue ahead of time and are in the process of fixing it already. (They will also likely have to measure SAR as well even if they are below the 10dBm limit, since Canada recently lowered the limit where you do not have to measure SAR to 6dBm).
The thing that surprises me however is that 4dBm should absolutely be enough power for the type of environments shown in the video above. Deliberately covering the entire device with both hands will probably always be a problem. The antenna is probably quite narrowband so doing that will likely detune it as well causing even more losses than what you get anyway from the absorption in the hands. But simply placing the device behind the back and breaking line-of-sight? When you are indoors and only a few meters away from the main console, this should absolutely not be a problem. So unless there is something really strange going on with their antennas (like if they didn't account for the detuning that might happen when you hold the device normally) then it might actually be possible that the real Joy-Cons are using lower power than they are certified for, either due to a firmware bug or because someone though it would increase battery life (it really shouldn't). In that case, it would be fairly simple to issue a new firmware to increase the power.
Very illuminating read, thanks! I would hope they caught the issue on time (seems quite doable in my eyes) and are capable of amplifying the system at launch. I don't think a limit on connections over more than a few meters is an issue, but the current distances that work flawlessly are simply too limited.Since I have nothing better to do I tried to look into any FCC filings for the Joy-Cons. If HAC-015 (https://fccid.io/BKEHAC015) is the left Joy-Con, which seems likely, then we already have some information about the maximum output power.
![]()
This suggests the output power is around 3-4 dBm, which is in-line with what you would expect from a Bluetooth Class2 device (maximum output power of 4dBm). While Bluetooth technically allows up to 20dBm output power for Class1 devices, most chips today will allow up to 10dBm output power. This is informally known as Class1.5 and is common since FCC does not require SAR testing for any devices with an output power below 10dBm.
The good news is then that Nintendo will most likely be able to increase the output power by around 6dB, which should in theory give around twice the current range. This will also not negatively affect the Battery life significantly, as the chip will dynamically change the output power as required. So the additional power will only be used when it otherwise would lose the connection.
The bad news is that the Joy-Cons will have to be re-certified, which means that Nintendo will likely not be able to have this done as a day-one firmware update unless they already caught this issue ahead of time and are in the process of fixing it already. (They will also likely have to measure SAR as well even if they are below the 10dBm limit, since Canada recently lowered the limit where you do not have to measure SAR to 6dBm).
The thing that surprises me however is that 4dBm should absolutely be enough power for the type of environments shown in the video above. Deliberately covering the entire device with both hands will probably always be a problem. The antenna is probably quite narrowband so doing that will likely detune it as well causing even more losses than what you get anyway from the absorption in the hands. But simply placing the device behind the back and breaking line-of-sight? When you are indoors and only a few meters away from the main console, this should absolutely not be a problem. So unless there is something really strange going on with their antennas (like if they didn't account for the detuning that might happen when you hold the device normally) then it might actually be possible that the real Joy-Cons are using lower power than they are certified for, either due to a firmware bug or because someone though it would increase battery life (it really shouldn't). In that case, it would be fairly simple to issue a new firmware to increase the power.
I believe they're just preparing the message they want to deliver. Nintendo isn't known for super fast communication.
They aren't known for good communication in general unfortunately.
But they can't let this just float in the air. The Gamexplain video will gain a lot of traction and Nintendo needs to be called out on this issue. They will have to respond in some way.
Here are the four scenarios I predict as possible:
1) We're aware of the issue and are attempting to fix it with a day one patch. Players who bring home a Switch on launch day will not have to worry.
2) We're aware of the issue and are preparing a post-launch patch to rectify it. (Post-launch patch can take anywhere from 1-6 months.)
3) We're aware of the issue and have included a graphic here showing the correct way to hold a joycon, as well as the correct distance from the TV.
4) We are not aware of any such issues. The Nintendo Switch will be available March 3rd with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Imma go with option 1, seeing as enridu described it to be a relatively simple fix that only would need recertification. This means that it would either be day one or quickly after that.Place your bets!
Very illuminating read, thanks! I would hope they caught the issue on time (seems quite doable in my eyes) and are capable of amplifying the system at launch. I don't think a limit on connections over more than a few meters is an issue, but the current distances that work flawlessly are simply too limited.
Yeah, I personally likely won't be bothered by it since I am close to my system (like 6 feet) but it should definitely work for people who are 10-12 feet out as well, so Nintendo should fix this. It's not a system-breaking issue in my opinion, but it is a problem that should be fixed (relatively) soon.Again, I do believe this is an issue that needs to be corrected, I just think the distances where it works flawlessly are more typical than those with issues. Also, if this is just a signal thing, it can be easily fixed on day 1.
Doubt it. People tried it for hours during hands-on event and it never happened.
Here are the four scenarios I predict as possible:
1) We're aware of the issue and are attempting to fix it with a day one patch. Players who bring home a Switch on launch day will not have to worry.
2) We're aware of the issue and are preparing a post-launch patch to rectify it. (Post-launch patch can take anywhere from 1-6 months.)
3) We're aware of the issue and have included a graphic here showing the correct way to hold a joycon, as well as the correct distance from the TV.
4) We are not aware of any such issues. The Nintendo Switch will be available March 3rd with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
'Problem doesn't occur in controlled environment. Nothing to see here'
Even a 1% failure rate is pretty bad by todays standards (~20k people if they really sell 2 million at launch).
Here are the four scenarios I predict as possible:
1) We're aware of the issue and are attempting to fix it with a day one patch. Players who bring home a Switch on launch day will not have to worry.
2) We're aware of the issue and are preparing a post-launch patch to rectify it. (Post-launch patch can take anywhere from 1-6 months.)
3) We're aware of the issue and have included a graphic here showing the correct way to hold a joycon, as well as the correct distance from the TV.
4) We are not aware of any such issues. The Nintendo Switch will be available March 3rd with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Since I have nothing better to do I tried to look into any FCC filings for the Joy-Cons. If HAC-015 (https://fccid.io/BKEHAC015) is the left Joy-Con, which seems likely, then we already have some information about the maximum output power.
![]()
This suggests the output power is around 3-4 dBm, which is in-line with what you would expect from a Bluetooth Class2 device (maximum output power of 4dBm). While Bluetooth technically allows up to 20dBm output power for Class1 devices, most chips today will allow up to 10dBm output power. This is informally known as Class1.5 and is common since FCC does not require SAR testing for any devices with an output power below 10dBm.
The good news is then that Nintendo will most likely be able to increase the output power by around 6dB, which should in theory give around twice the current range. This will also not negatively affect the Battery life significantly, as the chip will dynamically change the output power as required. So the additional power will only be used when it otherwise would lose the connection.
The bad news is that the Joy-Cons will have to be re-certified, which means that Nintendo will likely not be able to have this done as a day-one firmware update unless they already caught this issue ahead of time and are in the process of fixing it already. (They will also likely have to measure SAR as well even if they are below the 10dBm limit, since Canada recently lowered the limit where you do not have to measure SAR to 6dBm).
The thing that surprises me however is that 4dBm should absolutely be enough power for the type of environments shown in the video above. Deliberately covering the entire device with both hands will probably always be a problem. The antenna is probably quite narrowband so doing that will likely detune it as well causing even more losses than what you get anyway from the absorption in the hands. But simply placing the device behind the back and breaking line-of-sight? When you are indoors and only a few meters away from the main console, this should absolutely not be a problem. So unless there is something really strange going on with their antennas (like if they didn't account for the detuning that might happen when you hold the device normally) then it might actually be possible that the real Joy-Cons are using lower power than they are certified for, either due to a firmware bug or because someone though it would increase battery life (it really shouldn't). In that case, it would be fairly simple to issue a new firmware to increase the power.
Place your bets!
Pro Controller pre-orders sold out everywhere. Can't believe I slept on this.
Might have to go to a midnight launch now just for a controller? Insane.
I think Nintendo has to be competent enough to have been aware of this problem prior to sending out the units to reviewers... it's bizarre and a little worrisome. They SHOULD be openly communicating that they're working on the issue.
IMOIt's even more bizarre what people will give Nintendo a pass for just because it's Nintendo.
Yup that's correct, HAC-015 is left and HAC-016 is right JoyCon.Since I have nothing better to do I tried to look into any FCC filings for the Joy-Cons. If HAC-015 (https://fccid.io/BKEHAC015) is the left Joy-Con, which seems likely, then we already have some information about the maximum output power.
IMOIt's even more bizarre what people will give Nintendo a pass for just because it's Nintendo.
"Look, I know video games. Some of my most fond memories are playing them alongside my siblings, pressed up against the TV. That's the kind of atmosphere we wanted to re-create with the Nintendo Switch, when playing in Joy-Con mode. The experience of besting your rival in whatever you do, or cooperating with them, with the TV and Nintendo Switch console in close proximity.Probably waiting for reggie to come up with some of his incredible pr spin.
This is bad news, sure hope they can fix it but releasing a piece of hardware with this flaw is pretty rubbish. Not great if a potential fix reduces battery life per charge as already lots of people that believe the battery life to be short (that includes myself.)
I have been on the fence whether to purchase at launch or wait and see how things go, think this helps make my decision easier, not sure I want to be a hardware beta tester.
Pro Controller pre-orders sold out everywhere. Can't believe I slept on this.
Might have to go to a midnight launch now just for a controller? Insane.
Well, I for one am not giving them a pass. I'm not just going into full panic mode yet, like many on GAF prefer. It's entirely possible this will be fixed with the Day One update. But why be calm and rational until we know for sure, when you can scream at Nintendo for not issuing a statement within <20 hours.
This is bad news, sure hope they can fix it but releasing a piece of hardware with this flaw is pretty rubbish. Not great if a potential fix reduces battery life per charge as already lots of people that believe the battery life to be short (that includes myself.)
I have been on the fence whether to purchase at launch or wait and see how things go, think this helps make my decision easier, not sure I want to be a hardware beta tester.
I think Nintendo has to be competent enough to have been aware of this problem prior to sending out the units to reviewers... it's bizarre and a little worrisome. They SHOULD be openly communicating that they're working on the issue.
IMOIt's even more bizarre what people will give Nintendo a pass for just because it's Nintendo.
That is extremely unlikely. Bluetooth is very robust when it comes to interference from other devices, especially other Bluetooth devices. A smartwatch should not be a big issue.If the problem is presenting more on the left JoyCon, I wonder could it maybe be interference from smartwatches or other bluetooth devices causing the connection to be weaker?
It looks like the guy in the video is wearing an Apple Watch.
Who's giving them a pass?
Uhm... maybe the "oh yeah... well, glad I bought the pro controller" crowd?
Doubt it. People tried it for hours during hands-on event and it never happened.
Depends. If Nintendo have purposefully programmed a weaker signal for battery life, then potentially they can just lift their signal strength cap.
If the hardware has an inherently weak signal, then yet, no software fix.
I attended the Nintendo Switch Preview Event in Munich in January and couldn't notice any of this, but in the video it's clearly shown that there is a issue.
Still can't imagine how it's affecting during normal play because usually you don't cover the Joy-Con with both hands or hold it behind your back. Also (at least I don't) who sit's 10 feet away from it's TV/console?
This could be the sign of a bug. The Joy-Cons maybe don't go into a "free mode", which enables a stronger signal, and stay in a "Grip-Mode", which sends out a weaker signal and uses the design of the grip to save battery-life. This would explain the wired difference.I guess this explains why it doesn't happen when you have the joycons in the grip.
I attended the Nintendo Switch Preview Event in Munich in January and couldn't notice any of this, but in the video it's clearly shown that there is a issue.
Still can't imagine how this is causing issues during normal play because usually you don't cover the Joy-Con with both hands or hold it behind your back. Also (at least I don't) who sit's 10 feet away from it's TV/console?
That is extremely unlikely. Bluetooth is very robust when it comes to interference from other devices, especially other Bluetooth devices. A smartwatch should not be a big issue.
I attended the Nintendo Switch Preview Event in Munich in January and couldn't notice any of this, but in the video it's clearly shown that there is a issue.
Still can't imagine how this is causing issues during normal play because usually you don't cover the Joy-Con with both hands or hold it behind your back. Also (at least I don't) who sit's 10 feet away from it's TV/console?