Since the thrilling reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have been buzzing with excitement and speculation, particularly about a fascinating feature showcased in the trailer: the Joy-Cons. The spotlight has been on their potential use as mouse controllers, mimicking the functionality of a PC mouse. Now, we've received the official word from Nintendo: the Joy-Cons indeed feature a "mouse mode." This innovative mode lets players glide the Joy-Cons over flat surfaces, utilizing the analog sticks to execute left-click and right-click actions, much like a traditional mouse. What's more, the versatility extends to using two Joy-Cons simultaneously in mouse mode, one in each hand, or mixing it up with one in standard mode and the other in mouse mode, offering a wide range of gameplay possibilities.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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During the Nintendo Direct stream, the capabilities of the Joy-Con in mouse mode were vividly demonstrated through a dynamic sports game reminiscent of Rocket League, titled "Drag and Drive." This engaging three-on-three basketball game features robot characters navigating in wheelchair-style vehicles. To dive into the action, players maneuver their characters across the court using two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode, aiming to score by sinking the ball into the basket.
The concept of the Joy-Con mouse mode sparked widespread speculation ever since its appearance in the initial reveal trailer, where the Joy-Cons were seen sliding in a manner akin to PC mice. In our quest for more details, we reached out to Firaxis, the developers behind Civilization 7, but received a rather enigmatic response. This feature, alongside the introduction of the new C button, has fueled ongoing discussions about the console over the past month. These innovations have served as a counterargument to the critique that the Nintendo Switch 2 was playing it "safe," contrasting with Nintendo's reputation for bold experimentation.
For those eager to stay updated, you can explore all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct right here.
