German here. I had to send mine in four times since buying them, and always got a joke invoice of zero Euro for the repairs/swap. However, they never said they were going to replace them for free, and the poor guy I pestered on the hotline just kept saying I should send them in, as if he was forbidden to make any promises.

Long story short; it can't hurt to try even when they not openly advertise the free-of-charge repairs.

Yeah, I'm in Canada and had a great experience.

I don't think they give you back the same Joy-Con though. So if you have a special model, I can understand not wanting to go that route.

Yeah, I’ve sent mine in to get fixed a few times. it’s hit or miss. Once they sent me back one that was scratched. I complained, sent it back, they sent me another one, but it ended up being the same exact one. After all was said and done they ended up sending me a brand new one for all the hassle. Also be aware if you send a special joycon that you may not get that one back.