A patent filed by Nintendo on April 1, 2023 and only made public on February 6, 2025 indicates that the Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2 may feature mouse functionality. Although Nintendo has yet to provide official confirmation, the details in this patent give further insight into the possible new features that will be featured on their next-gen console.
Joy-Con as a Mouse
Leaks about the capabilities of mouse functionality on the Switch 2's Joy-Con has actually been circulating for the past few months. In fact, many believed this feature after seeing a teaser in the official Switch 2 trailer. However, this newly revealed patent document provides a clearer picture with various illustrations of how the Joy-Con works as a Joy-Con. mouse.
The description in the patent explains how this feature works:
"This input device comprises a front surface, a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a directional input unit, a button of the first top surface, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. A direction input unit is provided on the front surface. A first top surface button is provided on the top surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction in which components in the left-right direction are included. A sensor for mouse operation detects light reflected from a detected surface, wherein the light changes as it moves over the detected surface in a state in which either the first side surface or the second side surface is placed on the detected surface."
Based on this description, the new Joy-Con will apparently have sensors that allow its use as a mouseIt detects movement based on the light reflected from the surface being used. In addition, the Joy-Con can still be used as a separate controller as in previous models.
Potential Implementation in Switch 2
As with all patents, the presence of this document does not necessarily confirm that the feature will be present in the final version of the Nintendo Switch 2. However, if you look at the trend of previous leaks and teasers that have been circulating, the feature mouse functionality seems to be one of the innovations that Nintendo has prepared for their latest device.
Some game developers have also received inquiries regarding this feature. While they have not been able to give a direct confirmation, many have expressed their enthusiasm for the Switch 2 and the improvements that the new controller brings. If the feature mouse functionality actually implemented, this could open up new opportunities for a more flexible gaming experience, especially in games that require high precision.
Nintendo Direct
At the moment, more information about the Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to be revealed only at the event Nintendo Direct which is scheduled for April 2, 2025. Until then, speculation about the console's new features will continue.
If the feature mouse functionality actually arrives, the new Joy-Con could be a more versatile accessory than the previous version. With the addition of sensors for operation mouseNintendo can deliver a more innovative gaming experience, both for casual games and games that require a high level of precision.
What do you think? Will this feature be a new advantage for Nintendo Switch 2? Let's wait for official information from Nintendo in the next few months!
Source: WIPO
