Are Joy-Con Grips Worth It? A Must-Have for Frequent Local Multiplayer

ByNelson Ayers

As a tech product reviewer and avid gamer, I‘ve tested just about every controller and accessory option for the Nintendo Switch. While the Pro Controller reigns supreme for solo play, I firmly believe that Joy-Con grips are a must-have purchase for social gamers or those who frequently enjoy local multiplayer.

In this detailed guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at Joy-Con grips – when they help, who should use them, and if the investment is worthwhile. I‘ll also share my personal experience using the grips for marathon gaming sessions and party game battles. Let‘s dive in!

What Are Joy-Con Grips and How Do They Work?

The Joy-Con controllers included with every Switch console are ingenious little devices – they can attach directly to the screen for mobile play, combine on a grip for a more traditional controller, or function as standalone mini gamepads.

While versatile, their tiny size does limit comfort for long TV mode play. This is where Joy-Con grips come in. These accessories allow you to connect the detachable left and right Joy-Cons together into a larger, fuller controller.

There are a few grip variations offered by Nintendo:

  • Joy-Con Charging Grip – Ships with each Switch. Charges your Joy-Cons while playing and links them into one unit. Provides no added ergonomics.

  • Joy-Con Comfort Grip – Sold separately. Provides larger curved grips for more comfortable extended play but no charging function.

  • Joy-Con Wheel – Also sold separately. Plastic steering wheel accessory ideal for racing games like Mario Kart. Includes wrist straps.

When inserted into any grip, the Joy-Cons seamlessly transform into a traditional feeling controller. While not quite equivalent to the excellent Switch Pro Controller, the grip accessories can really improve Joy-Con handling for certain use cases.

Key Benefits of Joy-Con Grips

Through many hours of testing Joy-Con grips myself, I‘ve found they provide some clear advantages over using "naked" Joy-Cons, especially in multiplayer:

Enhanced Ergonomics and Comfort

The small Joy-Cons work beautifully for on-the-go play but those with larger hands may find them uncomfortable during lengthy TV mode sessions.

Grips add substantial bulk, contours, and surface area that better conform to hand anatomy. This improved ergonomic design reduces cramping or mashing of the fingers common when using standalone Joy-Cons for more than an hour or two.

According to a poll by NintendoLife, 72% of users reported hand comfort was "much better" with the Joy-Con grip compared to detached Joy-Cons. For context, only 6% said there was "no improvement".

Easier Access to Shoulder Buttons

The SL and SR buttons on each Joy-Con are awkwardly placed on the top inner edges. When separated, these buttons can be tricky to press without adjusting your grip.

By joining the Joy-Cons on a grip, the SL and SR buttons end up on the upper shoulders and are much more accessible with a natural thumb position. You no longer need to reposition fingers to hit them.

Larger Triggers and Face Buttons

The tiny triggers and A/B/X/Y face buttons on standalone Joy-Cons work fine but feel dainty compared to full-size controllers.

When placed on the grip, these inputs at least visually appear larger and definitely have a bigger striking surface. This improved leverage makes the buttons easier to mash and reduces accidental presses.

Charging While You Play

One useful feature of the included Charging Grip is the ability to replenish your Joy-Cons while gaming. You don‘t need to interrupt the fun to recharge.

According to Nintendo‘s specs, the Charging Grip provides about 3.5 hours of playtime from a depleted state. It‘s perfect for extended gaming marathons.

Note the Comfort Grip lacks charging capabilities but provides the superior hand feel. Most gamers own both since they serve different purposes.

Grips vs. Other Control Options

Now let‘s see how Joy-Con grips compare against other Switch controller methods:

Joy-Con Grips vs. Pro Controller

The Pro Controller is widely considered the premier way to play Switch on a TV with its conventional design, excellent ergonomics, and offset analog sticks. How do Joy-Con grips stack up?

Feature Joy-Con Grip Pro Controller
Comfort Fair Excellent
Analog Sticks Small Full-sized
Buttons Improved from Joy-Cons Superior feel
Motion Control Yes No
HD Rumble Yes Yes
Battery Life ~20 hours ~40 hours

For solo gaming, the Pro Controller edges out grips on comfort, controls, and battery life. However, grips offer motion controls and a more budget-friendly price around $30 vs. ~$70 for the Pro Controller.

If playing multiplayer, grips allow you to equip 2 players right out of the box instead of buying extra Pro Controllers. For big groups, they‘re the most cost-effective way to play.

Joy-Con Grips vs. Wrist Straps

The Joy-Con wrist straps included with the Switch improve security if you drop a controller and provide minor ergonomic help. However, on their own, wrist straps don‘t make long play sessions any more comfortable.

In testing by Nintendo World Report, grips reduced hand and finger fatigue by 75% compared to just 25% with wrist straps.

For serious gaming, Joy-Con grips are still highly recommended over wrist straps alone for full sized contours, slipped grip prevention, and wider button surfaces.

When Are Joy-Con Grips Most Beneficial?

Based on my experience, here are the key use cases where Joy-Con grips really shine over naked Joy-Cons:

  • Playing local multiplayer games for more than 2 hours at a time
  • Competitive fighting or party titles requiring quick reactions
  • Any game you find uncomfortable with default Joy-Cons after 45-60 mins
  • For those with larger hands (men over 6ft, women over 5‘6" typically)
  • If you frequently battle hand cramps or fatigue even with short play
  • Kids and younger gamers who struggle with tiny Joy-Cons

Casual use and on-the-go play doesn‘t require a grip. But if you regularly enjoy local co-op and multiplayer for extended periods, the ergonomic upgrade is worthwhile.

Potential Downsides to Consider

While I‘m a firm proponent of grips for social play, there are a few disadvantages worth noting:

  • Added cost – The Wheel and Comfort grips must be bought separately for ~$15 each.

  • Blocks motion controls – The Comfort and Charging grips interfere with Joy-Con motion due to their closed design. The Wheel grip is one exception.

  • No handheld mode – Grips prevent you from attaching Joy-Cons directly to the Switch screen for ad-hoc play.

  • Reduced portability – Grips add size and weight which diminishes the ultra-portable nature of standalone Joy-Cons.

For these reasons, grips are purely designed for TV mode and tabletop use. They will hinder the Switch‘s unmatched versatility. I only use mine docked at home.

The Verdict – A Vital Accessory for Any Regular Multiplayer Gamer

In my opinion as a tech reviewer and avid gamer:

Casual solo players don‘t need a Joy-Con grip for occasional short sessions. But those who regularly enjoy local multiplayer absolutely should invest in a grip.

The Joy-Con Charging Grip conveniently comes bundled with every Switch. But I highly recommend picking up the affordable Comfort Grip as well for serious gaming.

The Comfort Grip is specially contoured to alleviate aching and cramping hands – a common nuisance after 1-2 hours battling friends in games like Smash Bros, Mario Party, and Mario Kart.

For large multiplayer showdowns or parties, Joy-Con grips allow up to 4 players to jump in using only the included controllers. That‘s a ton of fun right out of the box without costly extra accessories.

While the Pro Controller offers a more premium solo experience, Joy-Con grips enable social competitive gaming at a fraction of the price. For me, enhancing the local multiplayer experience is an absolute must.

So if you frequently challenge buddies and family at home, spare your hands – add a Joy-Con grip to your Switch today!

Additional Grip Tips and Recommended Accessories

Beyond standard Joy-Con grips, there are a few other accessories that can enhance your gameplay and grip comfort even further:

Analog Caps – These rubber caps slide over your Joy-Con analog sticks to increase grip and improve precision. Popular options like KontrolFreek take inspiration from gaming controllers. I use the KontrolFreek Inferno caps paired with a grip and love the control boost.

Trigger Grips – Accessories like the FastSnail Trigger Grips slot around the back to give your middle fingers enhanced support. These are ideal for racing and shooter titles needing hair trigger accuracy. They attach to Joy-Cons or the Pro Controller.

Joy-Con Gel Guards – If you find Joy-Cons slippery, gel guards like Bionik‘s provide extra cushioning and grip on the sides. This makes detached Joy-Cons easier to handle bare or provides even more cushioning when used with a comfort grip.

Upgrading Your Grip Game

Once you‘ve mastered the basics with a simple Joy-Con grip, you can consider advanced specialty grips to maximize control and ergonomics:

Split Joy-Con Charging Grip – Hori‘s split grip allows you to angle the Joy-Cons independently rather than joined together. This custom positioning reduces wrist strain based on your own physiology.

Hori D-Pad Joy-Con – This clever accessory replaces the Joy-Con‘s directional buttons with a proper d-pad for enhanced precision in fighting and 2D platformer games.

PowerA Pokemon Pokeball Grip – Fun novelty grips like this make gaming more delightful. The PowerA model contains motion, rumble, and lights.

Wheel Pro Grip – Take racing immersion further with Wheel Pro‘s premium steering wheel grip with foot pedals and gear shifter for realistic arcade action.

The Health Benefits of Improved Hand Ergonomics

While it may just seem like a simple accessory, studies have shown controller design can have profound impacts on wellbeing:

  • In research by the University of Waterloo, gaming for just 30 minutes produced hand pain in 50% of players using default controllers. Joy-Con grips can help avoid this.

  • Another study found that improved grip design reduces arm abduction up to 40% vs. awkward postures that accelerate musculoskeletal disorders.

  • Hand cramping and fatigue while gaming not only hinders performance but over time can contribute to lasting injuries or arthritis if not addressed through ergonomic aids like grips.

So beyond just enhanced comfort, quality grips like those offered for the Switch Joy-Cons can provide long-term health and performance benefits for avid gamers. Especially important for young players still developing.

The Future of Joy-Con Grips and Ergonomic Evolution

Nintendo popularized motion control with the Wii back in 2006 which forced players to endure cramped, unnatural gestures. This led to widespread hand pain and even lawsuits.

Thankfully, Nintendo learned from past missteps and designed the excellent Joy-Cons to avoid similar issues. However, grips prove regular controllers still reign supreme for traditional long-form gaming vs. novel gestures.

As Switch accessories continue to mature, I hope to see further ergonomic innovations like:

  • Grips with haptics or variable tension triggers for increased immersion

  • Advanced grip materials like soft hydrogel to optimize sweat reduction and traction

  • Optional paddles/buttons to augment control options without removing hands

  • Custom fitting using hand scans to provide tailored grips matching individual anatomy

  • Adaptive bottom ports to allow motion control even while gripped

There remains lots of room for improvement to enhance player health and take immersion to the next level. Our hands deserve it after decades of gaming!

My Personal Experience as a Joy-Con Grip Devotee

I‘ve been gaming since the era of giant cartridges and corded plastic rectangles as controllers. While console designs today are thankfully more ergonomic, I still take comfort seriously to avoid hand strain.

As someone with large hands who frequently hosts 4-player Mario Kart and Smash Bros tournaments, I consider the Joy-Con grip an essential Switch accessory.

Ever since adding the Comfort Grip to my setup, I no longer have any nagging finger or hand pain even after 6+ hours battling friends. It allows us to game for hours while keeping hands happy.

I pair my grip with KontrolFreek thumb caps and Trigger Grips for max control. With this optimized setup, my hands feel great even after marathonsessions while performance remains top notch. No more occasional hand cramps or slips while playing in tense situations.

The Pro Controller is superior for solo gaming but remains pricey for outfitting multiple players. When friends come over, the Joy-Con grip paired with some affordable accessories allows us to battle in comfort for just a fraction of the cost.

If you‘re a frequent multiplayer gamer, do yourself a favor and grab a Joy-Con grip. Your hands will thank you!

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