Abxylute is known for its mobile gaming controllers, with models often featuring TMR joysticks and triggers, and the company’s latest projects, which are yet to launch, bring its designs and tech to the Nintendo Switch 2. The N9C is a retro-themed game controller based on the design and layout of the Nintendo GameCube. It features a wired USB-C connection that plugs into the bottom of the Switch 2, and it has traditional capacitive joysticks and mechanical micro switches for the face buttons, Alps tactile switches for the shoulders, and mechanical micro switches for the triggers. There are also two customizable rear buttons on the back of each controller side, and it has a 9-axis gyro input. Interestingly, the N9C has a built-in stand and BLE, although it has no built-in battery. That’s because the BLE is designed to be used exclusively for customization and reprogramming. It also features on-board macros and customizable vibration and mapping for the rear and face buttons.
The N6 is a more modern take on a Switch 2 controller. It also connects to the Switch 2 via the same bottom USB-C port, but this time the focus seems to be on comfort and customizability rather than the retro looks of the N9C. The N6’s grip design is reminiscent of the Steam Deck, although Abxylute has opted for a more traditional Xbox-style layout, with the offset joysticks. While the N6 is also fully customizable, it only features one rear button per side instead of the dual rear buttons of the N9C. The N6, however, uses Hall effect sticks, which are resistant to drift, and the joysticks have an anti-friction ring around the joysticks to avoid sticky movements. The ABXY face buttons on the N6 are silicone rubber domes, which are likely to feel somewhat softer than the Alps switches in the N9C, and the D-pad uses tactile switches. The triggers, meanwhile are digital triggers. The N6 has a solid tray back panel, but Abxylute has designed the back panel so that it redirects the sound from the Switch 2’s down-firing speakers directly towards the user’s face. Anxylute claims the audio chamber delivers “10% stronger bass,” than the stock Switch 2 configuration. Both the Anxylute N9C and the N6 are launching on Kickstarter “soon,” and pricing is not yet available for either controller. You can follow along on the shared Prelaunch page if you’re interested.