Nintendo has announced the availability of official Famicom controllers for the Nintendo Switch. Originally exclusive to Switch Online subscribers, these controllers are now accessible to everyone at a price point of approximately $42 USD each, but only through the official Japanese store.

These nostalgic controllers allow players to experience the essence of the classic Family Computer system while playing Famicom Nintendo Switch Online app games on their Nintendo Switch. They can be connected and charged just like standard Joy-Con controllers, offering an authentic retro gaming experience.

Limited to four per person for purchase in Japan with a delivery timeline estimated between two to six days, there is currently no confirmation of a global release.


Do you think these controllers would add to the nostalgia of playing games in the Famicom Nintendo Switch Online app? Would you consider buying them if they became available in your country?

    • Emily (she/her)
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      102 months ago

      Yeah, for some reason they only let you charge the NES/Famicom controllers as if they were Joycons. The SNES controller just uses USB-C so I don’t know why they didn’t do that across the board.

      • @[email protected]
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        22 months ago

        I think it was simply a failed idea. “Let’s have them work like Joycons.”

        one product release cycle later

        “Let’s not do that anymore.”

  • @[email protected]
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    142 months ago

    A controller with a d-pad, 2 plastic buttons and 2 tiny rubber buttons for $42?! They sure know how to milk their fans.

    • @[email protected]
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      142 months ago

      2 controllers, they’re sold in a 2 pack. Honestly for the quality $21/controller isn’t that bad.

      I wouldn’t buy the NES controller but I have the SNES and N64 controllers and those are really good wireless recreations of the classic controllers, and with a BlueRetro or 8BitDo adapter you can get a brand new, low latency, wireless controller set for your actual SNES/N64.

      This is a really good thing, and something I wish all companies offered for their classic consoles.

      • @[email protected]
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        2 months ago

        Oh okay, $21 for one controller isn’t too bad I guess. I just read this:

        these controllers are now accessible to everyone at a price point of approximately $42 USD each

        …and thought it was $42 per controller.

        Still not for me, but at that price I can understand why people would buy it.

  • @[email protected]
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    52 months ago

    I’ve got them and while they are really nice, they only work with the Switch. Can’t get them to work with pc or iOS/tvos.

  • @[email protected]
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    32 months ago

    I’d pick these up just for the novelty factor (as with the Japanese/EU SNES controller) if they were available in my region. Not interested enough to jump through hoops. I’ll just appreciate it from afar.