Nintendo Switch 2 users have reported an unusual behavior where the controller's vibration feature is automatically disabled after what the system deems "prolonged use" of the rumble function.
Since the Switch 2 launched earlier this month, players have begun sharing experiences of receiving an on-screen message stating: "Rumble has been turned off due to prolonged use." Following this alert, the Joy-Con's vibration functionality is temporarily deactivated, interrupting immersive gameplay moments.
One Reddit user shared, "I was getting this message originally after about an hour and a half of handheld playtime. Now it shows within the first 20 minutes. Anyone else having this issue?"
Affected players have encountered the warning across various titles known for frequent or intense haptic feedback. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077—especially during high-intensity sequences like firing the minigun—has been cited as a common trigger. Others have reported the message appearing during cutscenes in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker via Nintendo GameCube emulation.
Further reports on Reddit highlight similar disruptions in games such as Sonic Generations, particularly during the final boss fight, and Fast RMX, where constant rumble usage is part of the core experience.
While Nintendo has not yet issued an official statement, many users speculate that the restriction is a power-saving measure. Rumble functions are known to consume significant battery life, and disabling them temporarily may help preserve controller charge during extended sessions. However, the current implementation feels overly sensitive to some, with warnings appearing even after brief play periods.
"I've only played for a few minutes, and it still pops up," expressed one concerned user. "I'm starting to think I might have a defective Joy-Con."
For now, affected users have found temporary relief by completely turning off rumble in the system settings to prevent recurring interruptions. Others note that the feature typically returns after a short cooldown period, usually within a few minutes.
IGN has reached out to Nintendo for comment on the matter. [ttpp]
