The Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz, and while it might look familiar at first glance, it's the Joy-Cons that are set to introduce the most significant changes. Recent reports and newly surfaced patents from Nintendo have shed light on these innovations, hinting at a new era of interaction for gamers.
Though Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed the details, leaks and patent filings suggest that the Switch 2 Joy-Cons will feature magnetic attachments, allowing them to connect to the console with ease. More intriguingly, these Joy-Cons may double as computer mice, a feature hinted at in Nintendo's patents.
The patent outlines a system where "This game controller is detachably mounted to a body device that has a recess, that comprises a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, and that can execute game processing." This suggests a seamless integration with the console through magnetic forces. To detach the Joy-Cons, users will need to press two buttons strategically placed on the controller's protrusion, as detailed in the patent: "The first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion. The first button and the second button are to be pressed by a user. The first button is attracted to the first magnet by a magnetic force. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by a magnetic force."
The patent also includes illustrations of how these Joy-Cons can transform into a mouse-like device. Players can hold the controller railside down, using the shoulder buttons as mouse buttons. Specifically, the R1 and R2 buttons would function similarly to the left and right mouse buttons, with potential joystick scrolling capabilities.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con patent includes illustrations for the mouse functionality. More images in the link https://t.co/13ZNQtOMqF pic.twitter.com/ey3ufRUWZE
— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 6, 2025
Further images from the patent reveal versatile uses for this mouse-like feature, including dual-mouse configurations or using one Joy-Con as a mouse while the other functions as a traditional game controller.
Early leaks about the magnetic Joy-Con attachments set the stage for excitement, while the mouse-like functionality emerged later, subtly teased in a January preview where the Joy-Cons were seen gliding across a surface. Although still awaiting official confirmation, these hints from Nintendo suggest a promising evolution in gaming interaction.
For a comprehensive look at everything known about the Nintendo Switch 2, be sure to check our detailed breakdown. Mark your calendars for April 2, 2025, when Nintendo plans to unveil more during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Stay tuned for all the official announcements.
