A Big Mix-Up: Dbrand Responds to Joy-Con Detachment Complaints

Dbrand is rolling out replacement Killswitch Joy-Con Grips for the Switch 2, acknowledging its "spectacularly terrible response" to customer concerns over the controller detaching from the console. The company is also making adjustments to improve the grips.

What Went Wrong: The Grip Detachment Dilemma

Recently, Switch 2 users discovered that their Joy-Con controllers could easily disconnect under certain hold conditions while using the grips. A brief demonstration video highlighted this flaw, prompting Dbrand to issue a lengthy 4,000-word statement on Reddit titled "Killswitch Joy-Con Detachment Update." In the statement, they posited that detachment only occurs under three specific circumstances: holding the console solely by the Joy-Cons, one-handed, and at a parallel angle to the ground.

Design Flaws and Potential Fixes

Dbrand explained that the design of their Killswitch case contributed to this issue. The grips encircle the Joy-Cons, creating a small lip that diminishes the gap between the Joy-Cons and the main console. This design inadvertently increases the risk of detachment when held improperly. Moreover, in severe cases reported by users, Dbrand noticed that some grips had a slightly thicker inner attachment lip than intended.

Customer Support and Upcoming Improvements

For those worried about potential detachment issues, Dbrand has encouraged users to reach out for support. They plan to send out replacement grips in July, regardless of whether customers have experienced the problem.

Learning from Mistakes: Dbrand’s New Approach

Dbrand's recent communication echoes Apple’s infamous handling of the iPhone 4 antenna controversy. In a follow-up post, the company promised to adopt a simpler communication style while taking more responsibility for the detachment problem. They are determined to let users hold their consoles any way they prefer without fear of malfunction.

What's Next for Dbrand?

Moving forward, Dbrand is working on two new versions of the Killswitch grips: one featuring a thinner retaining lip and another with a redesigned lip that aims to eliminate the detachment issue altogether. However, the latter won’t undergo mass production trials until July 10th, when Dbrand will finalize which grip version will be sent out as replacements.

Stay Tuned: More Updates Coming Soon

Dbrand promises to reveal further details on July 10th, keeping customers in the loop about the new grips and potential fixes.