Abxylute N6 Nintendo Switch 2 Review

The Nintendo Switch 2 is great, but it could be better. Despite the great console experience, my gripe is that it could use a much better grip. Once you’ve held the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally X, you can’t go back to anything less. Those handhelds set the standard, and it’s a shame Nintendo kept the Switch 2 ergonomics largely the same.

Thankfully, I’ve found a great peripheral that lets me enjoy my Switch 2 without gripping it so tightly. I came across the Abxylute N6 a few weeks back and knew that it was a toss-up between the Nitro Deck 2 and the N6. The first thing that stood out was the attractive price point: $80 CAD. In comparison, the Nitro Deck 2 costs $24o to have it delivered.

The Abxylute N6 Is Lightweight And Impressive

Once I decided the N6 was right for me, I knew I was about to dive into the unknown since I owned the original Nitro Deck and loved it. Thankfully, a few days later, the N6 showed up at my home, and once I unboxed it and slotted my Switch 2 into it, I knew this was going to be a keeper.

For starters, the weight and buttons feel satisfying to the touch and press nicely. The deck-style controller is perfect for plug-and-play because it comes with no accessories, so setup is easy for anyone who doesn’t want to spend time setting up their new toy.

The N6 grips stand out because they are more rounded, unlike the flat edges of the Joy-Con 2. I encountered issues when I wanted to play for more than 90 minutes. The N6’s handles fit the palm like a regular console controller, with textured areas for grip. The N6 peripheral is light and nice, and it still feels solid and not bulky.

The Switch 2 protrudes from the top and doesn’t sit flush with the N6, which might not be what you want from a deck-like controller. I quickly got over that, but I can see how it could really turn someone off from buying the N6. The Switch 2 slides into the USB cradle at the bottom, and it sits securely. I think there’s room for improvement with a locking mechanism to keep the console from sliding away, but for playing at home on the couch or on a plane, you’re good to go.

The front face buttons don’t have the weird soft click a regular controller might have. Instead, they’re firm and solid, which feels satisfying to press while playing Fire Emblem or Final Fantasy Resonance. The L/R buttons are great, with a nice click to them and a place to rest your index fingers while playing. I quickly forgot my finger placement when using the Abxylute N6 because it was so comfortable to hold.

The Abxylute N6 comes with its own GR/GL buttons, like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, which you can customize to fit your preferences. I kept them as shoulder triggers so I could quickly swap between units in Fortune’s Weave. These buttons do more than quick shortcuts, too. If you want to use them as macros, you can program the N6 to whatever you like.

The N6 can also assign turbo buttons to each button on the deck-style controller.

To prevent stick drift, the N6 includes Hall Effect joysticks. Through an optional app, you can configure much of the controller, including the joysticks, vibration, button mapping, and more. You have a lot of choice with how you use it, which is something I can get behind. The N6 also has a 9-axis gyro sensor, so you can use motion controls with the Switch 2. It’s a nice little addition for those who prefer to use gyro controls to play their games, and there are even four vibration levels you can adjust with a button combination.

I’ve used a lot of peripherals over the last few years, and while each has been a great experience, I also decide based on the colourways available. I’m a sucker for any device which uses the classic GameCube purple and coloured buttons. Once I saw that combination on the Abxylute site, I knew I had to go with it. It feels great to hold, and the colour combination looks even better in your hands.

Verdict

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a great device as is, but the Abxylute N6 makes it even better. With a comfortable controller grip, excellent and responsive buttons, and an exciting colourway, the N6 is one of the easiest peripherals I can recommend to anyone looking to make their gaming time more comfortable.

[Abxylute provided a launch retail unit for this review.]