Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White)
Controller · 2017
Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black)
Controller · 2017
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) lands at 78 and Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) at 78. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Pick Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGames
TieCompared on the games sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Performance
TieCompared on the performance sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Features
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) | Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Controller | Controller |
| Color | White | Black |
| Release year | 2017 | 2017 |
Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
FAQ: Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) vs Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black)
Which is better, Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) or Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black)? +
Both score 78 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) worth the price? +
At $79, Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in games.
Is Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) worth the price? +
At $79, Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in games.
Does Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (White) or Nintendo Joy-Con Pair (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.