If you’ve ever tuned into BBC’s Newsround, you might have noticed something a little unusual: the presenters are often seen clutching Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers as they deliver the day’s news to a young audience. No, they’re not about to challenge each other to a quick round of Mario Kart between headlines. There’s actually a clever bit of behind-the-scenes magic at play—and it’s all about making the news more accessible and engaging for children.
BBC Newsround, a staple of British children’s television since 1972, has always prided itself on delivering news in a way that’s both informative and relatable for kids aged five to fifteen. As reported by BBC and other outlets, the show airs on CBBC each weekday around 7:45am, with an eight-minute bulletin, and offers a six-minute version on weekends. For those who miss the morning broadcast, all bulletins are available for 24 hours on BBC iPlayer and the Newsround section of the CBBC website. On Saturdays, the show also finds a home on BBC Two, ensuring maximum reach for its youthful audience.
But let’s get back to those controllers. The question of why presenters are seen holding Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons during broadcasts has puzzled viewers for some time. The answer finally came straight from the source—Emma-Louise Amanshia, who joined the Newsround presenting team in 2024. In a TikTok video posted on February 23, 2026, Amanshia shed light on the mystery. She explained, “Sometimes people ask why we hold a Nintendo Switch controller on Newsround, which is such a fair question because it is weird. Basically, we use this to control the words. I'll be sat here on the sofa and there's a script in front of me, and this is what I use to go up and down.”
It turns out the Joy-Cons are used to advance the script on the autocue—the device that displays the news script to the presenter. Unlike some live broadcasts where the autocue scrolls at a fixed pace, Newsround presenters can control the speed themselves, allowing for a more natural delivery that’s in tune with the needs of their young viewers. The buttons beneath the joystick aren’t just for show, either; they let presenters return to the start of the script or perform other handy functions. Amanshia praised “someone smart” for transforming the Joy-Con into such a versatile tool.
When Amanshia’s TikTok explanation hit social media, it sparked a flurry of comments from both current viewers and adults who fondly remembered watching Newsround as kids. Many were surprised to learn the show was still going strong after more than five decades on air. Some commenters wondered why the team didn’t just use a regular remote. While Amanshia didn’t directly address this, others chimed in with some practical theories. Joy-Cons are compact and easy to hold, making them less distracting on camera. They’re also instantly recognizable to children—many of whom are familiar with the Nintendo Switch console—so the controllers blend right into the show’s kid-friendly vibe.
One social media user summed it up: “The size and shape make it convenient to hold, and they're a lot cheaper than industrial equivalents designed for professional use. Plus, it's a kids' show, so it's something the audience will recognise.” Others pointed out that programming a Joy-Con to act as a remote for the autocue isn’t all that difficult, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. In fact, any controller could be set up to work with the autocue software, but the Joy-Con’s compact design and playful association with gaming make it an especially fitting choice for Newsround’s youthful audience.
For those unfamiliar with BBC Newsround, the show has a rich history. Originally known as John Craven’s Newsround when it launched in 1972, it was the first program of its kind aimed squarely at children, offering news and current affairs in a format tailored to younger viewers. Over the years, it has served as a launchpad for several presenters who have gone on to mainstream news and presenting roles, including Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Jake Humphrey, and Helen Skelton. Today, the team includes Ricky Boleto, Jenny Lawrence, De’Graft Mensah, Shanequa Paris, Nina Blissett, Otis Holmes, and, of course, Emma-Louise Amanshia.
Newsround’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and stay relevant to each new generation of children. The decision to use Nintendo Switch controllers is just the latest example of this adaptability. It’s a small but significant detail that speaks to the show’s commitment to connecting with its audience in ways that are both practical and meaningful. By putting familiar technology into the hands of its presenters, Newsround quietly bridges the gap between the world of news and the everyday experiences of its viewers.
It’s also a clever cost-saving move. As several commenters noted, Joy-Cons are much less expensive than specialized professional remote controls. Their Bluetooth connectivity makes them easy to pair with the autocue system, and their ubiquity in households with children means they’re less likely to draw awkward attention on camera. Instead, they serve as a subtle nod to the audience’s own interests and hobbies, reinforcing the idea that the news is for everyone—even those who’d rather be playing games.
The show’s format and accessibility have helped it remain a crucial resource for children seeking to understand the world around them. With bulletins available both on television and online, Newsround ensures that kids can catch up on current events whenever it suits their schedule. The team’s hands-on approach, literally and figuratively, keeps the program fresh and relatable, whether it’s through innovative uses of technology or the diverse backgrounds of its presenters.
As the world of broadcasting continues to evolve, Newsround’s willingness to embrace new ideas—like using gaming controllers for autocue management—demonstrates its ongoing commitment to making news accessible and engaging for young people. It’s a small innovation, but one that perfectly encapsulates the program’s ethos: meeting children where they are, using tools and language they understand, and showing that even the most serious topics can be made approachable with a little creativity.
So, the next time you see a Newsround presenter with a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con in hand, you’ll know it’s not a gimmick or a prop—it’s a thoughtful piece of technology, helping to bring the news to the next generation, one scroll at a time.