Hideki Kamiya Crafts His Own D-Pad Joy-Con 2 for Switch 2 - Retro Gaming Passion Meets DIY! (2026)

The Joy-Con Controversy: Hideki Kamiya's Switch 2 Adventure

Hideki Kamiya, a renowned game developer, has an interesting tale to tell about his journey with the Switch 2. Known for his vibrant personality and love for retro gaming, Kamiya's latest interview sheds light on his unique experience with Nintendo's latest console.

In a recent chat, Kamiya revealed that he managed to secure a Switch 2 on its release date, only to have it snatched away by his niece! It seems his niece's enthusiasm for gaming outshone his own, leaving him without his coveted console for a while. But that's not the only twist in this story.

The Joy-Con Dilemma

When Kamiya finally got his hands on a Switch 2, he encountered a problem with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. You see, Kamiya is a fan of the traditional D-pad, a feature that has been notably absent from the Joy-Con controllers since the Switch 1. This posed a challenge for him, especially since he prefers to game while lounging comfortably.

A Labor of Love

Determined to make the Switch 2 work for him, Kamiya embarked on a mission. He continued using his Switch 1, which offered peripherals with D-pads, to get by. But his passion for gaming and his desire to embrace the latest hardware led him to take matters into his own hands. Kamiya modified a Cyber Gadget "mini grip with D-pad" designed for the Switch 1, sanding and adjusting it to fit the slightly different button layout of the Switch 2. Through this DIY project, he created his very own "D-pad Joy-Con 2," unlocking the ability to play "Arcade Archives 2" titles.

A Tale of Two Passions

Kamiya's story is a fascinating blend of gaming and craftsmanship. It raises an intriguing question: Was Kamiya more invested in the art of plastic model-making than in gaming itself? His journey with the Switch 2 certainly highlights the lengths to which some gamers will go to customize their experience.

And here's the twist:

"However, the fact that even talking about games turned into anecdotes about crafting is probably proof that I was more passionate about making plastic models than I was about games."

So, what do you think? Is Kamiya's passion for gaming overshadowed by his love for crafting? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Hideki Kamiya Crafts His Own D-Pad Joy-Con 2 for Switch 2 - Retro Gaming Passion Meets DIY! (2026)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 5626

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.