With the Nintendo Switch 2 now firmly on the market, we’re at the point where accessory makers are starting to get creative. Companies are looking for ways to improve the handheld experience, especially for those of us who never fully embraced the Joy-Cons. One such company is Abxylute, and it has revealed two upcoming cradles for the Switch 2 that aims to make playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode a better experience: the N6 and the N9C.
The N6 is designed to bring a Pro Controller-style experience to handheld play. It features full-size ergonomics, Hall effect drift-free joysticks, native 9-axis motion control, rear buttons, turbo functionality, and adjustable vibration. The goal here is clear. Make long handheld sessions actually comfortable while still delivering precision controls.
The N9C takes a different approach. It leans into a GameCube-inspired layout and uses mechanical micro-switch buttons and triggers. It also includes four rear buttons and integrated USB-C video output, which allows you to connect directly to a TV or monitor without docking the console. That alone makes it a pretty interesting option.
Using either the N6 or the N9C is simple. You slide your Switch 2 into the cradle and you’re ready to go. No complicated setup, no extra steps. Both connect directly to the Switch 2 via USB-C, so there’s no need to worry about Bluetooth pairing or dealing with wireless connectivity issues.
Out of the two, I’m personally more interested in the N6. It’s smaller, and I’ve never been a fan of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons. When the Switch 2 was revealed, I was hoping Nintendo would significantly improve them instead of giving us something that felt like more of the same. Because of that, I rarely use my Switch 2 in handheld mode. That may finally change.
Both the Abxylute N6 and N9C are currently live on Kickstarter, so go check them out and pre-order one (or both) before they’re gone. We’ll let you know what we think about it once we receive one and put it through the paces.
