The Nintendo Switch has many different accessories, but there is one incredibly niche product for the console, the Densha de Go! controller.
One of the most interesting and unique Nintendo Switch controllers is only usable for one game. Densha de Go!, which translates to Go by Train!, is a train driver simulator. The game is only available in Japan and, as such, may not be known by audiences outside the country. In it, players control a train and follow routes based on real-world services in Japan. Last year, a company called Zuiki came out with a product specifically designed for Densha de GO! on the Nintendo Switch. The controller features two handles and multiple buttons from the actual console. The left handle moves forward and back, allowing fans to more easily stop or accelerate their train.
The game series has been around since the mid-’90s and began on an arcade machine. Due to its popularity, Densha de Go! has been released on many Nintendo and Playstation products over the years. The last major version of the game was called Densha de Go! Final and could be played on the PS2 and PC, with a port to PSP at a later date. Since then, the game’s developer Taito released multiple spinoffs and was purchased by Square Enix in 2010. A new arcade cabinet was installed for Densha de Go!’s 20th anniversary in 2017, revitalizing interest in the series.
Nintendo Switch fans were given the opportunity to play Densha de Go! Hashirou Yamanote-sen in March 2021. This version is based on the new arcade machine. That same year, players were gifted with the release of Zuiki’s specially made controller, enhancing the experience even more. This officially licensed Densha de Go! controller gives fans direct input over their train. The left handle is pushed up to accelerate and pulled back to brake. While seemingly simple, the game is much more complicated than it appears.
The Nintendo Switch Controller Designed For Densha de Go!
Players in Densha de Go! have many different tasks to keep in mind. They have to maintain the speed limit, while also arriving at each station at the exact time. Reaching a station too early or too late will deduct points. Controlling the speed of the train can be tricky with an analog stick. This is especially hard for players struggling with the notorious Joy-Con drift on the Nintendo Switch. Zuiki’s controller fixes this issue with eight levels of braking power and an emergency brake, which can be activated by thrusting forward all the way. Combine with three levels of acceleration, users have much more control over their trains.
The fine input from Zuiki’s Densha de Go! controller for the Nintendo Switch is a game-changer. On top of the movement, the device allows players to more easily focus on other aspects of the game, such as pressing buttons at the right moment. This simple, yet satisfying game design, is what makes Densha de Go! fun to play. Unfortunately, the game and Zuiki’s controller are both exclusive to Japan and must be imported. Costing around $200, this Nintendo Switch combo is a steep investment, but possibly worth it for any die-hard train simulator fans.
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