Nintendo’s New Joy Con Colors Bring Pastel Vibes to Switch 2 — Light Purple and Light Green Arrive Next Month
Nintendo has decided that 2026 is the year we all embrace pastel energy, because the company just revealed the first alternative color set for the Switch 2 Joy Con, and they’re… surprisingly stylish. The new shades — Light Purple and Light Green — look like someone handed the hardware team a mood board labeled “soft aesthetic” and said, “Go wild.” And honestly? They kind of did.
These new Joy Con colors officially launch on February 12, right alongside Mario Tennis Fever, which feels like Nintendo’s way of saying, “Here, match your controllers to your backhand.” The Light Purple leans into a soft violet tone, while Light Green looks suspiciously like teal pretending to be green. But sure, Nintendo — we’ll play along.
The First New Joy Con Colors for Switch 2 Are Here
This is the first time Nintendo has expanded the Switch 2’s Joy Con palette beyond the original Light Blue and Light Red options. And if you’ve been waiting for something a little less neon and a little more “I drink iced matcha and organize my life in color‑coded spreadsheets,” these might be your moment.
The new Light Purple and Light Green Joy Con are available for preorder right now at the same price as the existing colors: $99.99. Yes, that’s the new normal. Nintendo bumped the price up back in August 2025, raising the controllers from $94.99 to a clean $100. Because nothing says “we love you” like a price hike on the thing you need to actually play games.
Nintendo’s Price Hikes Haven’t Gone Unnoticed
While the Switch 2 itself dodged a price increase, Nintendo didn’t hesitate to adjust the rest of its hardware lineup. The original Switch jumped to $339.99, the Switch OLED climbed to $399.99, and the Switch Lite now sits at $299.99 — a full hundred dollars more than its original launch price.
Even the Alarmo clock wasn’t safe. Yes, the Alarmo clock. That adorable little desk buddy now costs $110, up from $100. Somewhere in Kyoto, a Nintendo executive probably shrugged and said, “It’s still cheaper than a Joy Con.”
Nintendo didn’t give a specific reason for the across‑the‑board increases, but analysts pointed to U.S. tariffs on imports from China, Japan, and Vietnam — all places where Nintendo manufactures its hardware. Translation: global economics said “no,” and Nintendo said “fine, you pay for it.”
A Closer Look at the Light Purple and Light Green Joy Con
Let’s talk aesthetics, because that’s really why we’re here.
Light Purple Joy Con This one leans into a soft lavender vibe — not too bright, not too washed out. It’s the kind of color that says, “I game, but I also have a skincare routine.”
Light Green Joy Con Nintendo calls it green. Your eyes will call it teal. Either way, it’s a refreshing shade that feels like it belongs in a summer drink with a tiny umbrella.
Together, they make a pastel pair that feels more curated than chaotic. It’s a nice change from the “random Skittles bag” energy of some past Joy Con color combos.
Launching Alongside Mario Tennis Fever
The timing isn’t accidental. Mario Tennis Fever drops the same day, and Nintendo loves a coordinated release. New game, new Joy Con, new reason to justify buying another pair even though you already have three sets drifting in a drawer somewhere.
If you’re planning to dive into the new tennis title, these pastel controllers might be the perfect match — literally. They look like they belong courtside next to a water bottle and a sweatband.
Should You Buy the New Joy Con Colors?
If you’re a collector, the answer is already yes. If you’re someone who just wants controllers that don’t look like they were designed by a highlighter, also yes. And if you’re someone who’s still bitter about the price increase… well, at least they’re cute.
Nintendo knows exactly what it’s doing. Give people a new color, and suddenly the $100 price tag feels like a suggestion instead of a warning.
And honestly? These Light Purple and Light Green Joy Con might be the most tempting Switch 2 accessories yet.
