Abxylute has successfully launched two innovative grips for the Nintendo Switch 2 on Kickstarter: the N9C and the N6. These accessories aim to significantly enhance the handheld gaming experience, particularly for fans of classic GameCube titles. The N9C grip, with its distinctive GameCube-inspired design, quickly surpassed its funding goal, demonstrating a strong demand for nostalgic and ergonomic control solutions. The N6 offers a more traditional and comfortable design, featuring Hall-effect joysticks and additional customizable buttons. Both grips promise to deliver a superior gaming experience compared to the standard Joy-Con setup.

Abxylute's New Grips Revolutionize Switch 2 Handheld Gaming

Last year, Nintendo introduced a dedicated GameCube NSO controller alongside the Switch 2, primarily catering to docked gameplay. However, for handheld users, the traditional Joy-Con setup often falls short in replicating the tactile feel of classic GameCube titles. Addressing this gap, Abxylute has developed the N9C, a Switch 2 grip that closely emulates the GameCube controller's aesthetic and functionality for portable play.

The N9C, launched on Kickstarter, quickly garnered overwhelming support, achieving full funding almost immediately. This grip, reminiscent of CRKD's Nitro Deck series, securely fastens around the Switch 2 screen, replacing the standard Joy-Cons with a split-pad design. It connects via the console's bottom USB-C port, ensuring minimal input lag. Key features include interchangeable joystick gates for both 8-way and circular inputs, integrated gyro controls, and four customizable rear buttons for personalized mapping. While the D-pad and stick tops exhibit slight deviations from the original GameCube design, the overall button layout is meticulously crafted to evoke nostalgia, especially for games like 'Wind Waker' on the go.

For players seeking a more contemporary and ergonomic option, Abxylute also offers the N6 grip. This model foregoes the overt GameCube homage for a sleek, conventional design. It boasts advanced Hall-effect joysticks, front-facing speakers, remappable buttons, and gyro support, all contributing to a more comfortable and extended handheld gaming experience than the standard Joy-Cons. Available in both black and purple, the N6 allows users to choose their preferred level of retro flair.

Both the N9C and N6 grips are currently available for pre-order through Kickstarter, with early backers benefiting from special "Super Early Bird" pricing. The N6 grip is priced at approximately £59 / $79 (618 HKD), with an estimated delivery in April 2026. The N9C, offering a GameCube-esque experience, costs around £66 / $89 (696 HKD) and is expected to ship in June 2026.

Reflecting on the Evolution of Handheld Controls

The rapid success of Abxylute's N9C and N6 grips on Kickstarter underscores a significant and ongoing desire within the gaming community for enhanced handheld control options. While official first-party accessories often prioritize a balance of form and function, third-party developers like Abxylute can dive deeper into niche demands, such as the longing for retro-inspired ergonomics. This initiative highlights the continuous evolution of gaming peripherals, where innovation meets nostalgia to create more immersive and comfortable play experiences. It also serves as a reminder that as console hardware advances, so too must the accessories that complement them, ensuring that both classic and modern gaming preferences are met with thoughtful design and engineering.