The HD Rumble is the technology Nintendo Switch that allows for a haptic response (relative to the touch) by Joy-cons, which goes far beyond just a “little shake”. Sensations can even replicate the acts reproduced on the screen. Check out what HD Rumble is – how to enable or disable it – and meet 5 games compatible with the feature.
What is HD Rumble?
It is Nintendo’s exclusive haptic feedback feature, implemented in the original Nintendo Switch Joy-cons and Pro Controller. The technology, implemented by most controls since the original DualShock for the PlayStation, and the Nintendo 64 Rumble Pak, usually makes the joystick shake when an action occurs in the game.
HD Rumble is different: it combines the vibration motors with a linear resonant actuator (LRA), which allows a very precise sensory response when executing certain movements, instead of just shaking. There are not many details about the technology, Nintendo does not disclose them and prevents developers from doing so, in terms of confidentiality.
Remember that the Nintendo Switch Lite’s built-in controls don’t have HD Rumble; the only way to use the feature with the only portable version of the console is to play either with Joy-cons separately or with the Pro Controller, both paired with the laptop.
How to enable and disable
You can easily enable or disable HD Rumble on your Nintendo Switch:
- In the main menu, access the “Console Settings”;
- In the menu on the left, navigate to the option “Commands and Sensors”;
- Touch “Controller Vibration” to enable or disable the feature.
By doing this, the Joy-cons or Pro Controller feature will be enabled or disabled, regardless of whether you have the original Switch or Switch Lite.
5 Nintendo Switch games with HD Rumble
Check out below 5 games compatible with the feature, to make the most of Joy-cons:
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey uses all the features of the Switch, including HD Rumble. In the game, haptic feedback allows you to find certain Power Moons, warning the player with minor shakes on the controls. However, it is possible to locate them even on the Switch Lite, which was adapted for the lack of the feature: the screen flickers, instead of the controls.
2. 1, 2 Switch
1, 2 Switch is a game in which HD Rumble is essential and sends sensations to the player that match the mini- games, such as drawing a gun in a duel, eating sandwiches or milking cows (!), Imitating dances, playing tennis table or hold a sword stroke with your hands, among others. Each activity has a different answer.
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, each action on the track is accompanied by a different response from HD Rumble: accelerate, brake, hit, perform a difficult maneuver, pick up an item … The combination of the movements of the feature and the dynamics of the racing game result in a unique experience, which further enrich the game.
4. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is a great platform game, made even better with HD Rumble. The developer WayForward included about 150 different haptic responses in the game port for the Switch, in which no action is felt by the player as equal to another: walking is one thing, swimming is another, flying another and so on. The game has excellent graphics and sounds and is quite fun, suitable for the whole family.
5. TumbleSeed
The indie game TumbleSeed is very curious: in it, you balance a seed and must lead it through a complex scenario, dodging obstacles and enemies. The integration of the game with HD Rumble allows the player to really feel that the seed is rolling, in a game that despite the cute design, is extremely challenging.