The Nintendo Switch 2 might look familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals some exciting innovations, particularly in its redesigned Joy-Cons. Recent patent filings by Nintendo strongly suggest significant changes to how these controllers attach and function.
While Nintendo remains officially silent, reports and leaked patents detail magnetic attachments for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, hinting at a revolutionary new feature: mouse functionality. The patents describe a system where the Joy-Cons magnetically connect to the console, requiring two buttons to detach. These buttons, according to the patent, are magnetically attracted to corresponding magnets within the console's recess.
The patents go further, illustrating how the Joy-Cons can function as a computer mouse. Holding the controller sideways, the R1 and R2 buttons act as left and right mouse clicks, while the joysticks potentially offer scrolling capabilities. Illustrations depict both dual-mouse and hybrid configurations—one Joy-Con as a mouse, the other as a standard controller.The magnetic attachment mechanism was among the earliest leaks surrounding the Switch 2. The mouse functionality emerged later, but a January teaser subtly hinted at this capability, showing Joy-Cons gliding across a surface like a computer mouse.
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
For a comprehensive overview of everything known about the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our detailed breakdown. Mark your calendars! Nintendo plans a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, promising official confirmation of these and other features.
