Nintendo announced that the Family Computer (Famicom) controllers for the Nintendo Switch are now available to buy for everyone via the company’s official Japanese store. Previously exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, these controllers can now be bought by anyone.
The Famicom Controllers, priced at ¥6,578 (approximately $42 USD) each, are designed to replicate the classic feel of playing on the original Family Computer system on the Switch. They can be attached to the Nintendo Switch console for charging, much like the standard Joy-Con controllers. However, due to their limited button layout, Nintendo noted that the controllers are only compatible with the games in the Famicom Nintendo Switch Online app and Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition.
Customers can purchase up to four controllers per person. The expected delivery date is typically between two to six days after ordering, excluding some isolated islands. The store only ships to people in Japan.
Nintendo hasn’t made any worldwide announcements as of yet regarding whether or not this change could be made globally. The US website for the Nintendo Switch Online service still shows the NES Switch controllers as an offer for subscribers. That set normally costs $59.99.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition is available on the Nintendo Switch worldwide.