Handheld gaming is evolving, and the Nintendo Switch 2 pushes things even further with its powerful hardware, gorgeous display, and amazing line-up of video games. However, while the new rendition of Joy-Cons is an improvement over the previous design, it still leaves a lot to be desired for many gamers. Fortunately, abxylute is ready to present the perfect alternatives.

We’ve designed the abxylute N6 and abxylute N9C deck-style controllers to give players a more comfortable, precise, and customizable way to enjoy handheld gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2. Both of the controllers replace the default Joy-Cons with a full-sized layout that connects to the console directly, which allows for a superior and personalized handheld gaming experience.

However, while the abxylute N6 and N9C share the same core design philosophy, they are built for different types of players. So, if you’re wondering which controller fits your gaming style better, we’re here to provide a closer look at what each model offers.

A Shared Foundation: Built for Better Handheld Gaming

Before getting into their differences, it's worth highlighting what the N6 and N9C have in common. Both controllers were designed to enhance handheld play with modern and thoughtful features that focus on comfort, responsiveness, customization, and durability.

Some key features that both devices share include:

• Drift-resistant Hall-effect joysticks.
• 9-axis motion control.
• Adjustable vibration.
• Turbo functionality.
• Custom button mapping and macros.
• A dedicated chat button that lets you access social features immediately.
• Low-latency wired connection.
• Convenient key spacing that reduces fatigue as much as possible.
• Front-facing speakers that improve the console's base sound.
• No need to pair, connects directly.

By connecting directly to the console through USB-C, both controllers provide a stable, responsive connection while forming a unified handheld device that feels more like a traditional gaming system. This approach allows players to enjoy greater comfort and control compared to smaller detachable controllers.

Now that we've looked at the similar foundation of the two controllers, it's time to discover what sets them apart.

The abxylute N6: Modern Ergonomics for Long Gaming Sessions

The abxylute N6 was designed with one main goal in mind: comfort.

Gaming sessions on the Nintendo Switch 2 can last hours, especially when diving into story-driven RPGs, exploring open worlds, or playing competitive matches with friends. The N6’s full-size ergonomic grips are shaped to fit naturally in your hands, reducing strain and helping players stay comfortable during extended play.

It covers the bottom of the console as you play, which gives your hands something to grip on to avoid fatigue. Its trigger buttons are also placed lower so that your fingers don't have to stretch out to grab them. You will feel like you're holding a comfortable deck-style gaming controller rather than awkwardly tall sticks.

Perfect Precision with Hall Effect Joysticks

One of the standout features of the N6 is its Hall Effect joysticks. These joysticks use magnetic sensing rather than physical contact to detect movement. This technology offers two major benefits: precise inputs and resistance to joystick drift.

We also increased the joystick travel range to 23 degrees, allowing for finer control compared to typical Joy-Con sticks. This expanded movement range can make a noticeable difference when aiming, controlling camera movement, or navigating large environments.

Extra Control with Programmable Buttons

At abxylute, we believe in personalization. Every gamer deserves to have their own unique experience that best suits their playstyle, and this design philosophy is visible in all of our products. The abxylute N6 is no different, as it comes with programmable back buttons.

These buttons can be mapped to specific inputs or macros, helping streamline gameplay in complex or fast-paced titles. So, if you ever wished for a single press of a button to play out an entire command — we've got you covered.

Not only that, but even the regular buttons of the controller can be remapped, and there's the option to enable turbo presses as well.

Ideal Playstyle for the abxylute N6

With everything laid out in detail, we can summarize the kind of playstyles that can greatly benefit from the N6.

• Long handheld gaming sessions.
• Games that require dozens of hours of playtime, such as exploration-heavy open-world adventures, RPGs, visual novels, and more.
• Competitive online gaming that lasts many hours per day.
• A modern, comfortable controller layout that's easy on your hands.

The abxylute N9C: Retro Inspiration Meets Modern Precision

While the N6 focuses on modern ergonomics, the abxylute N9C celebrates one of the most beloved controller designs in gaming history.

The N9C draws inspiration from the GameCube controller layout, known for its distinctive button arrangement and intuitive feel. For many players, this layout offers a sense of familiarity that makes fast-paced gameplay feel natural and responsive. And since the N9C connects to a Nintendo console, it feels right at home.

Iconic and Nostalgic Button Layout

At the center of the N9C’s design is the large central A button, surrounded by supporting buttons arranged for quick and fluid access.

This layout encourages rapid button combinations and can feel especially intuitive in action-heavy games where timing and speed matter.

Mechanical Micro-Switch Buttons

To enhance responsiveness, the N9C uses mechanical micro-switch buttons. These buttons provide a crisp, tactile click with every press, delivering clear feedback and precise input.

Players who enjoy mechanical keyboards or arcade-style controllers will likely appreciate the satisfying feel of these switches.

The Grip of a Real Controller

The abxylute N9C has the design of an actual gamepad that you'd use on a TV console. So, when you hold onto it, it features the same feeling that you'll get when you use a regular controller. For gamers who prefer non-handheld controllers over something like the Joy-Con, the N9C is a no-brainer choice.

Swappable Joystick Gates

Another unique feature of the N9C is its swappable joystick gates. These allow players to customize the shape of the joystick movement boundary, such as switching between circular and eight-direction gates.

This flexibility can help players fine-tune their controls depending on the type of game they’re playing.

Swappable Backup Power

Both the abxylute N6 and N9C run without a battery, as they connect directly to the Type-C slot without the use of wireless pairing. And they work perfectly fine while you’re charging your console, too.

However, the N9C comes with a built-in battery hatch designed to hold two replaceable batteries. These batteries provide reverse charging directly to your Nintendo Switch 2, helping extend your console’s battery life during long handheld sessions when you don't have access to an electrical outlet.

Ideal Playstyles for the N9C

• Retro-inspired controller layouts, especially those introduced by Nintendo in the past.
• Competitive or precision-focused gameplay, such as in first-person shooters, fighting games, soulslike games, and more.
• Fast action and rhythm-based titles.
• Retro games and remasters, especially those that originated on the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles.
• Strong tactile feedback from buttons with customization options to better suit preferences.
• Backup battery power when electricity is out of reach.

Fans of games that rely on precise directional inputs may find the N9C’s design especially appealing, as well as those who prefer holding a regular controller instead of attached Joy-Cons.

Modern Comfort vs Retro Precision: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the abxylute N6 and the N9C ultimately depends on your personal playstyle.

You may prefer the N6 if you want the following:

• Maximum comfort for long sessions.
• A modern controller layout.
• Smooth Hall Effect joysticks.
• A versatile controller for many genres.

The N9C might be the better choice if you enjoy the following:

• Retro-inspired controller designs.
• Mechanical, tactile button feedback.
• Customizable joystick gates.
• Fast-paced or competitive gameplay.

In both cases, you will have an excellent controller that can play all different kinds of games without any hiccups. But those who are specific about how they want their controller to look, feel, and play would know which of the two controllers suits their playstyle better.

Designed for the Future of Handheld Gaming

At abxylute, we believe handheld gaming should feel just as comfortable and precise as playing on a full console setup.

Whether you prefer the modern ergonomics of the abxylute N6 or the retro-inspired precision of the abxylute N9C, both controllers aim to deliver a more immersive handheld gaming experience for the next generation of Nintendo hardware. And other than a few specific features that are exclusive to the N6 and N9C individually, both feature comfort, durability, and customization like no other.

No matter your playstyle, we've got the right abxylute deck controller designed with you in mind.

Check the abxylute N6 & N9C Kickstarter Campaign