The Switch 2 is getting a massive GameCube-style handheld controller
Abxylute's new N6 and N9C controllers ditch the standard Joy-Con 2 design for full-size grips, Hall effect sticks, and a very familiar purple layout.
Hardware manufacturer Abxylute has announced the N6 and N9C, two new deck-style replacement controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2. The controllers replace the standard magnetic Joy-Con 2s with a unified, full-size grip setup designed for extended portable play.
The Switch 2 launched in June 2025 with a massive 7.9-inch 1080p display. Holding a screen that large with flat, factory-standard controllers can cause hand fatigue pretty quickly. Abxylute is pitching these new units as a way to turn the console into something resembling a Steam Deck, prioritizing ergonomics over slim portability.
I will take any excuse to talk about the Nintendo GameCube controller. It is my favorite gamepad of all time. We have excellent wireless options for playing GameCube games on the Switch Online service when docked to a television, but handheld mode has always felt like wonky. The N9C specifically targets this exact niche by bringing that familiar asymmetrical layout to a portable form factor.
It looks exactly like you think it does
The N9C model is the main attraction for retro enthusiasts. It uses a layout heavily inspired by the 2001 GameCube pad, complete with the oversized main action button and kidney-bean secondary inputs. Abxylute added clicky mechanical switches for the face buttons and a rear kickstand for tabletop play.
If you want something more traditional, the N6 model offers a standard modern layout. According to Japanese outlet 4Gamer.net, which recently reviewed the hardware, the N6 includes robust macro support and rapid-fire turbo functions alongside its ergonomic design. Both units have an 8.5-centimeter grip height. This matches standard desktop controllers and prevents your hands from curling inward during long sessions.
Hall effect sticks and 9-axis motion
Both the N6 and N9C connect directly to the Switch 2 without requiring separate charging routines or Bluetooth pairing. They include the mandatory dedicated C-button for the console's GameChat functions, plus native 9-axis motion control and adjustable vibration feedback.
More importantly, both models use Hall effect joysticks. The original 2017 Switch was notorious for stick drift. Third-party manufacturers have largely solved this issue using magnetic sensors, but it is always a relief to see it confirmed on the spec sheet for new hardware. The N9C takes this a step further by using capacitive joysticks, which can detect when your thumbs are resting on them.
The abxylute N6 and N9C reveal trailer. (Credit: abxylute)
They are also making a 3D PC handheld
This is a Windows-based portable that uses a glass-free 3D display. The company has a solid track record with these types of projects. They previously delivered a dedicated cloud gaming handheld in March 2023.
The Switch 2 controller market is already getting crowded just eight months after the console's launch. Most third-party options just try to replicate the official magnetic Joy-Con 2s for a slightly lower price. Building a massive, unified deck that specifically caters to GameCube sickos is a much more interesting approach.
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