During the development of the original Nintendo Switch, a magnetic attachment system for the Joy-Con controllers was proposed but ultimately rejected for stability issues. Late Nintendo President Satoru Iwata noted that connections were too weak and could make users uneasy. The team opted for a rail system, which provided better stability. However, research on magnetic connectivity persisted, leading to its revival for the Switch 2, aiming for easier attachment, especially for children. The development involved significant trial and error to refine the new functionality.
"I took the prototypes to Iwata-san, the company's President at the time, for feedback. But unfortunately, the Joy-Con controllers would wobble when attached to the console using magnets due to the weak connection. We decided to scrap the idea as we were concerned it would make customers uneasy about using the console."
"Following Iwata's feedback, the team decided to go with the original Switch's rail system, which 'allowed for more stable attachment.'"
"Research on how magnets could be used continued even after scrapping the prototype, as the team wasn't 'ready to give up' on the idea."
"Kawamoto said the goal was to make it easier to attach and detach the Joy-Cons so that even children could do it."
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