Joy-Con

The Joy-Con is a controller for use with the Nintendo Switch console. Like the Wii U GamePad, the Joy-Con have functionality, specifically the right Joy-Con, allowing the use of amiibo with games. Additionally, the Joy-Con are equipped with "HD Rumble", a more advanced form of to replicate the feel of in-game activities.

The Joy-Con are unique in that they can be used as controllers regardless of whether or not they are physically connected to the Nintendo Switch. They can be connected to the Nintendo Switch itself when in Handheld Mode, forming something similar to the Wii U GamePad. They can also be disconnected from the Switch in Handheld or Docked Mode, functioning as wireless motion controllers; they can also be optionally be placed in the Joy-Con Grip, emulating the feel of a game controller. The left and right Joy-Con function as a pair in all of the aforementioned modes, but one can also use a single Joy-Con as a controller by holding it sideways.

The Joy-Cons cameo in-game via the Robot Kit Mii Costume, referencing their usage in the games.

Compatibility
Joy-Cons are currently only compatible with the Nintendo Switch with currently no confirmation on if they will be made forwards compatible with future consoles. That being said, their bluetooth connectivity allows them to connect to other devices and unofficialy be used as controllers for compatible games, though additional drivers may need to be installed for a smooth experience.

In Ultimate, the buttons on the Joy-Cons can be remapped in the Controls menu to perform other functions in both singular and dual format. As of Nintendo Switch hardware version 10.0.0, every button on the Joy-Cons can be remapped via the system's settings, further diversifying its customizability.

Single Joy-Con (Left)
Note: From the perspective of the Joy-Con on its side

Single Joy-Con (Right)
Note: From the perspective of the Joy-Con on its side

Input lag
The Joy-Con has similar latency to the Switch Pro Controller, experiencing lows of 93.7ms (5.6 frames) and highs of 112.86ms (6.8 frames). On average, however, it reaches around 103.33ms (6.3 frames), which is overall better than what the Switch Pro Controller can offer. However, its button size, joystick drift, and restrictions on being used as a pair in 8-Player Smash (because each Joy-Con registers as one controller even when used as a pair, while a Switch can only support eight controllers at a time) makes its competitive viability questionable.

Near field communication
Within the Control stick of the right Joy-Con is a special chip that can send and receive data from other compatible chips from a distance of up to 4 centimeters. With relevance to the Smash series, this includes all compatible amiibo figures and their corresponding features within the game.

Hori D-Pad Joy-Cons
Released in 2018 by Hori. Ergonomically identical to standard left Joy-Con, except the directional buttons are replace with a standard Directional pad.

Hori Split Pad Pro
Released in 2018 by Hori. These Joy-Cons have a completely different design to be larger and more ergonomically like a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, essentially each Joy-Con being half of said Pro Controller.

In competitive play
The single Joy-Con is generally considered the worst official control scheme for Ultimate. Its small size and layout designed to be ergonomic when held upright with one hand makes it unintuitive to be held on its side with both hands, especially for people with large hands. The shoulder buttons, unused when held upright, are also difficult to press without an add-on that doubles as a wrist strap.

Double Joy-Cons have a much more positive reception. They include just as many buttons as other options, meaning every Smash input can be used without context sensitivity like controls in previous games. The ability to be used in tandem without a connecting wire like the Wii Remote and Nunchuk means the player can be in whatever position they want while playing, leading to a much more comfortable experience. While their small size is still an issue for some, these complaints are less prevalent due to the Joy-Cons being designed to be held in this fashion.

Trivia

 * The single Joy-Con is the only controller layout where clicking on the control stick serves a function; in this case, activating taunt in conjuntion with a directional button.
 * Despite this, stick clicking cannot be configured as a button press on the Controls menu in Ultimate.
 * The left Joy-Con by itself is also the only controller layout where the Minus button has a function in Ultimate, where it functions as Start.
 * In Training Mode with a single Joy-Con, clicking the analog stick activates the Move List and doing so on the character selection screen will cycle palette swaps to the right (same as pressing the SR button).