Gamers have been searching for secrets in Nintendo games for decades, but this time there’s one waiting for them on the hardware.
Nintendo has repeatedly shown itself willing to gamble on coming up with new ways for people to play its video games, and sometimes those gambles pay off in big ways, like with the motion controls of the Wii and the dual screens of the DS. The just-released Switch also has a chance to be something really special, with its hybrid console/handheld setup making it arguably the most flexible video game system ever in terms of accommodating the lifestyles of various gamer demographics.
However, as admirable as Nintendo’s “break-the-mold” attitude is in many ways, sometimes that mold is there for a reason. For example, the Switch’s unique paired Joy-Con controllers are a clever way to integrate the controls into the system’s main unit, but they don’t seem like the easiest or most ergonomic way to play intense action games.
On the upside, Nintendo also makes a Pro Controller with a more conventional design, not too far off from the controllers used for the rival PlayStation 4 and Obox One. On the downside, Nintendo’s suggested retail price for the Switch Pro Controller is US$70, which is a lot of money to drop on a controller right after paying 300 bucks for the system (with the Joy-Cons you’re trying to bypass) and, assumedly, a game to play.
But going back to the positives, the Switch Pro Controller does at least come with a cool hidden message.
switchのproコンの右スティック周りの透明な部分から見える奥の方に
— じお@ゴードン・フリーマン (@geo_stream) March 3, 2017
「thx2 allgamefans!」(すべてのゲームファンに感謝!)て書いてある…#nintendoswitch pic.twitter.com/2oHfShIw5w
Japanese Twitter user @geo_stream discovered that if you look very closely at the ring that surrounds the Pro Controller’s right analog stick, you’ll find some extremely small-font text, saying “thx2 allgamefans!” meaning, of course, “Thanks to all game fans!”
The message is so well-hidden that you’ll probably have to push the right stick down to see it, but it is indeed there, as shown in the video below.
@donatama777 ホントだっ!ちゃんと書いてあった! 動画で撮ってみたよ(^∇^) さすがニンテンドー!#nintendoswitch pic.twitter.com/FggfcLNK89
— BEATだニャ🐾 (@y_beat) March 4, 2017
So yes, you will have to spend an extra 70 dollars to play your Swtich games with a normal controller, but at least Nintendo appreciates your purchase.
Source: Hachima Kiko
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he supposes it’s possible that Nintendo’s gratitude is actually limited to the staff of defunct magazine Diehard GameFan.

Japan’s pretty lifestyle brand made an ultra-cheap Switch controller, but is it any good?
Nintendo Labo: Mad genius sets to build your own Switch controllers out of cardboard【Video】
Classic 16-bit Nintendo controllers get modern makeover for use with Switch, current-gen consoles
Six-button Switch! Japanese gadget company turns Nintendo’s console into retro arcade controller
Switch 2 announced by Nintendo, wisely switches up very little【Video】
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
If you love Pokémon and cats, you’ll love Japan’s cat Pokémon cat toys and feeding dishes[Photos]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
This gigantic faux Switch is exactly how we want to play Nintendo games【Photos】
Coronavirus outbreak delays Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing console production, orders
Japanese gamer shows off the absolute best configuration to play the Nintendo Switch in
Nintendo Switch has hidden NES emulator, accessed with two tributes to the late President Iwata
Nintendo makes a huge crowd-pleasing announcement about the Switch successor
Switch 2 release date announced, Nintendo to sell both “Japan-only” and “multi-language” versions
Finally! Nintendo Japan expands Switch 8-bit controller sales to everybody, Online member or not
Nintendo FINALLY adds 16-bit Super NES/Super Famicom games to Switch Online service!
Nintendo’s crazy new Ring-Con and RingFit Adventure are its new exercise/gaming hybrid【Video】
Mario Paint arrives for Nintendo Switch Online, finally can reach its potential after 34 years
Hot-selling Nintendo Switch at core of heart-warming tale of cross-generational gamer generosity
Nintendo Switch Online launches in September, comes with 20 free games and cloud save for a fee