Multiple reports of joycon connectivity issues in Switch previews

If it ends up being a hardware issue that can't be patched, how soon could we expect new switches to come bundled with fixed joycons?
 
Dr. Zoidberg said:
The symptoms in that video are exactly the same as when I first moved my PS4 into the next room (because it was so loud) and ran the cables through the wall. What I found was that if I held the controller down in my lap and raised my feet or otherwise blocked the signal with my body, the weakened signal couldn't reliably make it through the wall and inputs would "stick" just like in the video. I just stopped blocking it with my body and didn't have a problem after that. I should note that when I upgraded to a Pro I no longer had these weak signal issues.

As far as the Switch goes, I never had any intention of playing it with the joycons except when they were connected in handheld mode, so I'm not terribly concerned about this issue. I've got a Pro controller on order as well and I won't be blocking it with my body. But if I was concerned about this I would take a "wait and see" approach and maybe cancel next week if Nintendo doesn't address it.
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I've done this same thing but with using Remote Play on my phone in a different room while my DS4 is still connected to my PS4. Blocking the signal made me realize it wasn't a great solution to playing my PS4 away from the TV.
 
I mean, this doesn't look good at all but I have no idea how any of this stuff works so I'm just going to hope Nintendo can fix it.
 
Teletraan1 said:
Between this and the NES Classic Mini's laughably short controller cords you really have to wonder if Nintendo designs this stuff explicitly for use in a typical small Japanese apartment.
Click to expand...

Hmm, you may have hit on something.

Is it possible that Ninty's engineers live in those infamous coffin apartments, so they never design or test controls more than 3 feet from a TV? :o)
18ftvzoudbgo3jpg.jpg
 
daxy said:
Disconcerting to say the least. I really want to play BotW and was close on pulling the trigger on a pre-order, but I guess it'll be best to wait and see how this turns out. I don't feel like dropping another €70 for a pro controller because of a possible hardware flaw.

Are there videos of people trying to reproduce this and aren't able to?
Click to expand...
Here's Gamexplain recreating the issue.

And here's Blunty explaining why this is happening. (TLDW: The signal strength isn't quite strong enough, but can possibly be fixed via a firmware update if Nintendo has set up the system to do this)

I'd add these videos to the OP if possible.
 
MarkusRJR said:
The Wii remote's IR sensor is literally just a camera that picks up the lights in the sensor bar. When you cover it, it just doesn't pick up the lights and removes the cursor. All of the buttons, motion controls, and the analog stick work through bluetooh and don't have these issues.
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Thanks. Wasn't sure as it's been a while since I've used my Wii remote.
 
If this is simply how the joycons are and it's not fixable, it would completely break 1-2 Switch, the game intended to be played in big groups, around crowds, people moving around, getting between the console and the joycons etc.

I can't imagine they would sell a game like 1-2 Switch if this issue was going to carry over to retail units. An update will likely fix this.
 
Since the joycons still use BT while they are in hand held mode, and the switch can register when the joycons are snapped in (since the os will make a snapping noise when they are plugged in). Is it possible that there is a low power BT mode that the switch will turn on if it assumes the joycons are snapped into the console? Possibly with a bug that does not ramp up the BT power once the joy cons are removed from the switch?
 
2SeeKU said:
That can't be right. 4.0 touted low energy consumption and higher reliability.. Why would you use 3.0/3.1?
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Yeah it doesn't make sense at all. 3.0 came out in 2009, it's really old at this point and not as efficient. Don't know why they wouldn't use BTLE. Only thing I can think is they cheaped out on the BT chip in order to make the costs work for all the waggle controls.
 
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
 
OrbitalBeard said:
Yeah, I may do the same thing. I can't believe I'm actually considering cancelling this system pre-order, which I've been dying to get my hands on for well over a year at this point.

Considering how easily Andre from GameXplain was able to replicate the problem, there is absolutely zero chance Nintendo wasn't fully aware of this issue and that, quite frankly, pisses me off.
Click to expand...

I'm with you. I know that you're not a person to say that you're canceling lightly either. Really sucks as I even had my own little switch stash of cash tucked away for my preorder lol.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt for the next few days.
 
In my set up this should not affect me but this is a pretty crappy oversight by Nintendo. I don't think this will be fixed in the day one patch but I could see them having an additional high power mode for the joycon added in future updates. I think they will keep the standard mode so they don't have to change the advertised battery life.
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
Click to expand...


Distance. In the events you were very close to the switch console.
home is a different story, Not all people are within a few feet from the console
 
Gale007 said:
Since the joycons still use BT while they are in hand held mode, and the switch can register when the joycons are snapped in (since the os will make a snapping noise when they are plugged in). Is it possible that there is a low power BT mode that the switch will turn on if it assumes the joycons are snapped into the console? Possibly with a bug that does not ramp up the BT power once the joy cons are removed from the switch?
Click to expand...

That actually makes a lot of sense.
 
tsumineko said:
Of course an update will be able to fix those issues. It's great the problems are being reported, but panicking about it is crazy.
Click to expand...

How exactly do they do that if there isn't a way of boosting the signal strength without hardware revisions?

Just when you think Nintendo have all their ducks in a row for a great launch... sigh.
 
Fuck me, what an absolute balls up this is. I don't understand how this could have passed inspection or is it an inherit flaw that they thought people would be fine with?
 
UncleSporky said:
If this is simply how the joycons are and it's not fixable, it would completely break 1-2 Switch, the game intended to be played in big groups, around crowds, people moving around, getting between the console and the joycons etc.

I can't imagine they would sell a game like 1-2 Switch if this issue was going to carry over to retail units. An update will likely fix this.
Click to expand...

1-2-Switch is advertised to always stand close to the TV (and thus the console) when you play.
 
OrbitalBeard said:
Ok, this isn't true.

Jose Otero noticed the issue three times in 20 hours of Zelda playtime.

Andre noticed the issue when he played 10 feet away from the Switch in his living room. In his office (where he plays closer to the TV), it never happened.

So yeah...it's a major issue, but it doesn't cause Zelda to become unplayable.
Click to expand...

This is bad but if it's widespread:
A. You can still play in portable mode fine
B. Nintendo is at fault and they'll issue some form of rebate or exchange program.

It's not a game breaker. It's no RROD.
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
Click to expand...
At events you use the joycons right by the console, and when people have issues with pre-release hardware/software at preview events you typically assume they'll be ironed out by release or were isolated incidents.

Also, LinusTechTips had a video talking about the controller not working when far away. Also, I listened to a podcast/video (Easy Allies I think) where they're mentioned a controller stopped working and a Nintendo rep had to replace them. Once again, journalists probably don't make a big issue about it because it's a preview event where issues like that are probably not uncommon.
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)
Click to expand...

Nah, there were multiple reports of connectivity issues at events, but it was always chalked up to being in congested signal areas. Which may have been the case, or it may have been the first signs this issue was present.
 
fabricated backlash said:
And you're going to play from there?
Click to expand...

Just stating some facts. If the rumour is true and you get interference at 6ft or more than that is poor QA from Nintendo.

btrboyev said:
I take my Xbox controller to the bathroom which is maybe 10 feet away from my Xbox and I lose signal.
Click to expand...

I guess we'll have varied results but for me, I managed to get around 18 feet before noticing drops here and there. 2 walls inbetween me too.
 
Eek, here's hoping it can somehow be patched, but doubtful. Looks like I'll be an "Ambassador" waiting for free redesigned joycons, then.
 
ggx2ac said:
Holy fucking overreactions...

Read my post people or go back to school and learn physics.

There is nothing unusual about reducing signal strength by blocking the signal.
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There is no doubt at all that this is concerning. However some rationality is needed.
This reminds me of every new iPhone release.
The naysayers find one thing to focus on hoping it will be the new 'gate' scandal. None of these have ever resulted in long-term outrage or defects.

Nintendo could have an issue on its hands if when these go on sale to the public lots of people report the same issue. It could be an anomaly or it could be simply fixed in the day one patch.

I swear, some people on here are sure that these companies are full of literal idiots and/or in a conspiracy against them. Paradoxical for sure.
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
Click to expand...

At the preview event i went to the joycon were never more than 4 feet away from the system.
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
Click to expand...

I think the most logical explanation is different firmware updates on the cons. That and maybe close proximity of the demos.
 
Gale007 said:
Since the joycons still use BT while they are in hand held mode, and the switch can register when the joycons are snapped in (since the os will make a snapping noise when they are plugged in). Is it possible that there is a low power BT mode that the switch will turn on if it assumes the joycons are snapped into the console? Possibly with a bug that does not ramp up the BT power once the joy cons are removed from the switch?
Click to expand...
Hoping to God it's something like this.
 
On android and iOS the API doesn't allow boosting BT and BLE signal.
Is there any Bluetooth system that allow increase of signal?
 
theonerayman said:
Clearly there is an issue here. But how is it JUST now coming up. I mean sure it's now that press and such are getting these things in their hands at home but we had tons of people here on gaf playing switches at the preview events. We have had every major gaming news site/blog/personality play it at some press event and not ONE single word on this. How is that even possible. Especially with how easy it apparently is to create (the video showing the guy covering the con with his hand was interesting to say the least)

Are the retail joycon different from the ones they were using at these events. Is it something to do with a wireless signal that is more prevalent in people's homes than on convention hall floors. I find it almost impossible to believe that with all the people playing the witch in both tablet and TV mode that someone didn't cover the side of the con. Something stinks here and I really hope nintendo is on top of it.
Click to expand...

The signal is affected by distance as well as occlusion with a water-based object. At press events they've been playing close to the dock.
 
UncleSporky said:
If this is simply how the joycons are and it's not fixable, it would completely break 1-2 Switch, the game intended to be played in big groups, around crowds, people moving around, getting between the console and the joycons etc.

I can't imagine they would sell a game like 1-2 Switch if this issue was going to carry over to retail units. An update will likely fix this.
Click to expand...
Agreed, think it's pretty safe to say that this isn't intended.
 
Polygonal_Sprite said:
How exactly do they do that if there isn't a way of boosting the signal strength without hardware revisions?

Just when you think Nintendo have all their ducks in a row for a great launch... sigh.
Click to expand...

What the hell are you talking about.

The likelihood of this being a hardware issue is extremely low. Whether or not they can push out a firmware update by day 1 remains to be seen but the issue is the signal strength, not a hardware malfunction. At worst, we'll get joy-cons that lose charge slightly faster.
 
Has any of the press with a switch reported that they don't have this problem at all? It seems to be a widespread problem in all of the joy cons.
 
I don't get why Nintendo are apparently using an old version of Bluetooth but it doesn't fully explain the problem with the left Joy-Con.

If that was the reason then the right Joy-Con should be having the same problems as the left but instead, it actually has better signal strength.
 
I think the people who responded with the distance thoughts are probably right. I really really hope that they can boost the power of the joycon.
 
hatchx said:
Has any of the press with a switch reported that they don't have this problem at all? It seems to be a widespread problem in all of the joy cons.
Click to expand...
I think most actually haven't had it happen to them. Not that that makes this something that doesn't need to be solved ASAP.

ggx2ac said:
I don't get why Nintendo are apparently using an old version of Bluetooth but it doesn't fully explain the problem with the left Joy-Con.

If that was the reason then the right Joy-Con should be having the same problems as the left but instead, it actually has better signal strength.
Click to expand...
The right Joy-Con also has the problem, but since you're not using the analog stick on that one as much, it doesn't happen as much.
 
Gale007 said:
Since the joycons still use BT while they are in hand held mode, and the switch can register when the joycons are snapped in (since the os will make a snapping noise when they are plugged in). Is it possible that there is a low power BT mode that the switch will turn on if it assumes the joycons are snapped into the console? Possibly with a bug that does not ramp up the BT power once the joy cons are removed from the switch?
Click to expand...

Didn't one of the previews note that when putting the Switch in Airplane mode it said you could not use the system in tabletop mode since Bluetooth would be disabled, thus no Joycon connection, but it could still be used in Handheld mode. So in all likelihood they use some other means of connecting them with the Switch when attached. Maybe the same contacts that allow the Joy-Cons to charge your Switch also allow for data transfer.
 
Polygonal_Sprite said:
How exactly do they do that if there isn't a way of boosting the signal strength without hardware revisions?

Just when you think Nintendo have all their ducks in a row for a great launch... sigh.
Click to expand...

Why exactly would you believe that it couldn't be fixed with a firmware update? When exactly has a controller ever had connection issues without being fixed via software? There are so many extreme assumptions being made here about a supposed hardware problem without any proof or history to back it up. It's insane, or possibly trolling.
 
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