The Catch 22 (Nintendo Switch Interface) from OneSwitch is a switch interface that offers an alternative option to the Hori Flex when using accessibility switches and joysticks on the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 consoles.
We recently took a look at the PlayStation 5 version of this interface: Catch 22 PS5 Interface | Video. The joysticks and switches shown in this video are also compatible on the Nintendo Switch version.
In this post, we will look at the different inputs available on the Nintendo Switch version of the Catch 22 and share information on some of the compatible devices that can be used with it.
3.5mm Switch Ports
This Nintendo Switch version of the Catch 22 features a 3.5mm port for every button input on the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 with the exception of the Capture button. At SpecialEffect we use a variety of switches depending on the person and the controller set-up we are creating with them. Some switches may offer a larger target and more resistance to activate them (such as an AbleNet Buddy Button) whilst others offer a smaller target requiring less force, such as an Atec Ultra Light HD Switch.
In addition to the information on switches we mentioned in our video on the PS5 version of the Catch 22, more information on the switches we use can be found in this video: Using Switches to Access Button Presses.
The interface also features a port for a “Walk-Forward” button which would act as holding Left Stick Up when a switch is plugged in and held down. This feature can be used in some games that require two joysticks to play, such as first-person perspective games. You can hold down the Walk-Forward button and use a joystick acting as the camera movement where you will be able to walk forward and turn left and right. More information on using a walk-forward button can be found here: How to Play First-Person Games Using a Walk Forwards Button.
USB Joystick Ports
There are also 4 USB ports, two of which allow joysticks to be plugged into it. You can plug in compatible USB joysticks to act as Left Stick and/or Right Stick into the ports marked ‘L’ and ‘R’.
Like switches, we use a wide variety of joysticks at SpecialEffect, depending on the size and amount of force required. We may use a OneSwitch Zik-Zak joystick (shown above) when a larger target and more resistance is required, or a Celtic Magic Light-Force Joystick when less force is needed.
Many of the USB joysticks we use with other interfaces, such as the Hori Flex or Xbox Adaptive Controller, are also compatible with the Catch 22 on Nintendo Switch. In addition to the information on joysticks we mentioned in our video on the PS5 version of the Catch 22, more information on some of these joysticks can be found using the ‘Joystick‘ sub-category on the site. In addition to USB joysticks, joysticks with a 3.5mm connection, like those we use on the Access controller on PlayStation 5, may be able to be used with the Catch 22 using a HID Remapper v8 adapter.
USB Controller Ports
The ‘XAC’ port will enable the basic use of an Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC). If a joystick is plugged in, it can also be used for A+B inputs. Please note, the Catch 22 in our photos has a custom option for a D-pad USB slot, instead of the default option of the ‘XAC’ port.
The ‘Help’ USB port allows you to plug in the handheld controller that comes with the Catch 22, which can then be used alongside any connected switches and joysticks. This ‘help’ controller can be used either by a second player to play cooperatively, or as additional inputs for the player themself.
Further Information
You can use the Catch 22 on the Nintendo Switch consoles in their docked mode by plugging it into any of the USB ports found on the dock, or in handheld mode using the red USB to USB-C adapter and plugging it directly into the Nintendo Switch.
Customisation options are available when ordering, including features like toggle holds and joystick switching.
The information in this article is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. For more information on additional features of the Catch 22 and current specifications, please visit the product page on the OneSwitch website: https://www.oneswitch.org.uk/art.php?id=382.
Image Credits: Screenshots taken from video footage by Tom Williams (top and bottom images) and Cara Jessop (middle image).