Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors: we've ranked every pair you can buy
The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers come in various color combinations and you can mix and match them to give your console a unique look
There are a total of 22 Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors released for the hybrid console, excluding special editions that came out solely in Japan.
Despite the impending Nintendo Switch 2 release sometime during March 2025, the Japanese company has continued to release more variants before it ushers in the new generation of hardware. And even though new Joy-Con colors are rare these days, Nintendo recently gave Switch players two pairs of pastel-colored Joy-Con and a special edition Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch, which comes with some brass-colored Joy-Con controllers. Like other special editions, you won’t be able to buy these Joy-Con separately.
The Joy-Con remains one of the best Switch controllers you can buy – stick drift issues aside – and having different color combinations lets you personalize the console to your liking.
While many color combinations are tricky to find today or were released alongside some of the best Switch games as limited edition consoles, it’s fun to look back at all the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller colors that have graced our shelves since the console was released in March 2017.
If you’re a PS5 or Xbox Series X owner, we’ve also ranked the best PS5 controller colors and Xbox Series X controller colors that have been released for Sony and Microsoft’s consoles.
Standard Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors
Nintendo has released 11 standard Joy-Con colors so far and I’ve ranked them all based on my subjective opinion. Some of these colors are harder to find than others, and you can always mix and match to make your Switch look genuinely unique if you pick up multiple pairs.
Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con ❤️💙
Release Date: March 3, 2017
The Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con have become an instantly recognizable color combination for the Switch and soon became the default option once Nintendo realized the Gray Joy-Con controllers were nowhere near as popular.
The bright colors sum up the Switch’s playful energy and tone, plus having such distinguishing hues makes local multiplayer a doddle: you’ll never worry about who’s player one or player two.
White Joy-Con 🤍
Release Date: November 10, 2020
MSRP: Only available with Nintendo Switch OLED console
The White Joy-Con made its debut as one of the variants of the Nintendo Switch OLED, which also comes with the classic Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con if you want something with a little more pop.
While some may find the white color rather boring, I think it helps drive home the fact the OLED model is a luxury upgrade over the standard Switch. They just look classy and more mature than the Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con. Sadly, they can’t be bought separately as of writing and are only available if you buy a Switch OLED console.
Pastel Pink and Pastel Yellow 🩷💛 / Pastel Purple and Pastel Green 💜💚
Release Date: June 30, 2023
It may have taken three years, but Nintendo has finally announced more pastel-colored Joy-Con controllers. The last time Switch owners were treated to pastel variants of its iconic controllers was with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons limited edition Switch bundle. Thankfully, more people will now be able to switch neon hues for pastel instead.
Pastel Pink Joy-Con 🩷
Release Date: March 22, 2024
The Pastel Pink Joy-Con could be the last pair of controllers Nintendo releases for its aging console, but it’s a popular addition to the lineup. Previously, the Pastel Pink Joy-Con was only available with a Pastel Yellow Joy-Con, but if you’ve been hoping to go all-pink, now’s your chance.
Neon Green and Pink Joy-Con 💚💖
Release Date: July 21, 2017
The vibrant miss-match of the Neon Green and Pink Joy-Con combine to make a pleasing pair. Nintendo dropped the Neon Green and Pink Joy-Con to coincide with the release of Splatoon 2, and you’ll find the same colored ink during some of the game’s frantic Turf War battles.
Despite releasing in 2017, you can still find the Neon Green and Pink Joy-Con at some retailers, which can’t be said for every Nintendo Switch Joy-Con color on this list. A mirror version is also available where you get a Neon Pink left Joy-Con and a Neon Green right Joy-Con.
Neon Yellow Joy-Con 💛
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Unfortunately, the Neon Yellow Joy-Con couldn’t help propel ARMS into the hearts and minds of Switch gamers, as they were released alongside the motion-controlled fighting game back in 2017.
Still, they’re a sight to behold in person and work surprisingly well with other Joy-Con colors if you’re in the habit of mixing things up.
Blue and Neon Yellow Joy-Con 💙💛
Release Date: October 4, 2019
The Blue and Yellow Joy-Con introduced a darker shade of blue and paired it with the Neon Yellow Joy-Con. This combo goes well together, and the dark blue color is unique to this Joy-Con pairing.
With the Neon Yellow Joy-Con controllers being extremely hard to find, this is probably your best bet if you want at least one controller in Nintendo’s bright yellow hue.
Neon Purple and Orange Joy-Con 💜🧡
Release Date: October 4, 2019
We’ve seen the Neon Purple Joy-Con before, but it’s the right Orange Joy-Con that really makes this pair appealing. Like the dark blue in the Joy-Con color above, Orange hasn’t been used in any other combination which makes it pretty special.
Neon Green Joy-Con 💚
Release Date: October 27, 2019
While not the Luigi-style green some may have hoped for, the Neon Green Joy-Con is still an eye-catching look. It’s the same color as we saw in the Splatoon 2-inspired Neon Green and Purple Joy-Con combo, but it’s a great option if you like your controllers to match.
The Neon Green Joy-Con was one of the last standard color releases from Nintendo, as the company has moved more towards limited edition Switch console bundles instead of standalone Joy-Con controller releases.
Gray Joy-Con 👍
Release Date: March 3, 2017
I’ve never been a huge fan of the Gray Joy-Con. While they make a fine canvas for special edition designs, they’re just too drab to be worthy of a higher position in my ranking.
It’s clear that consumers felt the same, as Nintendo eventually phased out the Gray Joy-Con in favor of the ever-popular Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con color, which is now the standard option with every Nintendo Switch bundle.
Special edition Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors
To date, Nintendo has released 11 special edition Joy-Con colors. The majority of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors below came as part of limited edition consoles, and therefore are either no longer available or almost impossible to find.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Joy-Con 👑
Release Date: April 28, 2023
MSRP: Only available with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED
Nintendo was always going to release a special edition console for arguably the biggest game on Switch since it launched, and it’s delivered two sumptuous Joy-Con controllers that most of us will never get to hold. Like all of the special edition Joy-Con colors, you can only get your hands on the Tears of the Kingdom Joy-Con if you pick up the OLED Switch console.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Joy-Con 🗡️
Release Date: July 16, 2021
MSRP: $79.99
Released to celebrate the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, this regal pair of blue Joy-Con are fit for the hero of Hyrule to wield. Each controller is adorned with an intricate design and the blue and off-blue color scheme works surprisingly well.
While The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD isn’t the most revered game in the series’ long-running history, this pair of Joy-Con will still appeal to collectors and fans of Link’s adventures. What’s more, they’re also still available to buy if you look hard enough, which can’t be said for the majority of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors on this list.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Joy-Con 🏡
Release Date: March 13, 2020
MSRP: Only available with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch console
If Nintendo released the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Joy-Con separately, there’s no doubt they’d top our list of special edition Joy-Con controllers. Unfortunately, the pastel-colored Joy-Con can only be obtained if you bought the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch console, which is like gold dust these days.
Unlike some of the other Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors, which tend to repurpose standard colors, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Joy-Con controllers remain unique even after all these years.
Splatoon 3 Joy-Con 🦑
Release Date: November 10, 2020
MSRP: Only available with the Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED console
I’ve got a lot of “woomy” in my heart for the Splatoon 3 Joy-Con controllers. The gradient design is a first for any Joy-Con controller color and perfectly encapsulates the chaotic and vibrant nature of the game.
It’s just a shame that these Joy-Con are only available to those who have the clams to purchase the Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED console, as they're right up there as some of the best Joy-Con colors Nintendo has ever released.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Joy-Con ❤️💜
Release Date: February 24, 2023
MSRP: Only available with the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Nintendo Switch OLED console
Even though Pokémon Scarlet & Violet may have drawn countless criticism from critics and fans alike for the games’ poor performance and graphics, Nintendo at least delivered a striking pair of Joy-Con controllers for collectors to enjoy.
The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Joy-Con was released as part of the limited edition Nintendo Switch OLED console, which has become harder to find as time goes on. If you’re a fan of this design, don’t miss your chance to nab them while you still can.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gray Joy-Con 👊
Release Date: November 2, 2018
MSRP: Only available with the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch console
An elegant design that elevates the bland gray Joy-Con color design to the next level, the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gray Joy-Con was released as part of a limited edition bundle that included the hit fighting game.
The Joy-Con includes the iconic Smash Bros. logo, which features predominately on the left controller and seeps onto the right. Some may find the design rather understated, but there’s something rather stoic and timeless about this Joy-Con pair.
Super Mario Red Joy-Con 👨🏻🔧
Release Date: October 27, 2017
MSRP: $79.99
If you’re a fan of the best Mario games for Switch, these Joy-Con are for you. The Super Mario Red Joy-Con recreates the mustachioed hero’s iconic look to a tee, sporting a deeper shade of red that perfectly matches the portly plumber’s signature color. The Joy-Con rail attachments take things one step further and represent Mario’s denim blue overalls.
The Super Mario Red Joy-Con controllers also come complete with custom straps that sport yellow toggles that look like the buttons on Mario’s overalls. These Mario-styled Joy-Con were extremely hard to find as they were first released alongside Super Mario Odyssey. However, Nintendo announced a new Switch bundle on March 10, and it was one of the highlights of the Best Mario Day deals 2023.
Pikachu and Eevee Pokémon Let’s Go! Joy-Con ⚡️
Release Date: November 16, 2018
MSRP: Only available with Pokémon Pikachu and Eevee Let’s Go! Nintendo Switch console
Pokémon fans could only get their hands on the Pikachu and Eevee Joy-Con if they bought the Pokémon Let’s Go! Nintendo Switch console, which is now harder to find than a first edition Charizard Pokémon card.
It helps that Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go! Eevee were solid entries in the series, but it’s a shame Nintendo didn’t release this fetching pair of controllers separately. Fans would snap them up.
Monster Hunter Rise Joy-Con 🐉
Release Date: April 26, 2021
MSRP: Only available with the Monster Hunter Rise Nintendo Switch console
Another pair of limited edition Joy-Con that you could only own by purchasing an entire Nintendo Switch console, the ornate design of the Monster Hunter Rise Joy-Con controllers helps make the drab Gray color look far more appealing.
Monster Hunter Rise is a cracking entry into Capcom’s ever-popular franchise, too, meaning you won’t feel shortchanged if you did commit to picking up the custom Switch console when it is released in April 2021.
Fortnite Limited Edition Joy-Con 🚍
Release Date: June 4, 2021
MSRP: Only available with the Fortnite Nintendo Switch console
For a game that includes almost every character from pop culture you can think of, the Fortnite Limited Edition Joy-Con controllers are extremely disappointing.
Aside from the yellow and blue color combination, the most distinctive feature of this understated pair is the small battle bus drawing over the right Joy-Con’s home button. They’re not available to buy separately, either, though the Fortnite Fleet Force Joy-Con below is a reasonable substitute.
Fortnite Fleet Force Joy-Con 🍌
Release Date: June 4, 2021
MSRP: $79.99
Unlike most of the special edition Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo did release a pair of Fortnite Joy-Con separate from the console. The design isn’t the same, though, as the colors have been switched. The right Joy-Con is now blue instead of yellow and resembles the banana character, Peely, from the game.
Again, for a title with so many famous faces and universes in one place, the Fortnite Fleet Force Joy-Con seems like a missed opportunity.
We might see more Joy-Con controller colors released before the end of the Switch’s lifecycle. Should that occur, we’ll update this roundup with any new custom designs and special editions.
Last updated: August 5, 2024