A newly published patent reveals exciting features for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, including rumored mouse functionality. Let's delve into the details and the upcoming Nintendo Direct announcement.
Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Mouse Support and More
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a Nintendo patent on February 6, 2025, detailing innovative Joy-Con features for the Switch 2, seemingly confirming speculation about mouse capabilities. The patent description indicates a sensor detecting reflected light changes as the Joy-Con moves across a surface, mimicking mouse functionality. This aligns with the Switch 2 reveal trailer, which briefly showed a Joy-Con being swiped across a surface.
The patent also describes a new charging dock accommodating two Joy-Cons simultaneously, and a magnetic attachment with a wrist strap, echoing the design of the original Switch Joy-Cons. Furthermore, the patent introduces a novel controller design: two half-controllers, each equipped with an optical sensor for mouse-like operation, that can be combined into a single, standard controller using a connecting attachment.
It's crucial to remember that the patent details may not fully represent the final product, as Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed these features.
New Controllers and Functionality
The Switch 2 Joy-Cons will maintain the detachable design of their predecessors, but the addition of mouse functionality significantly expands their potential uses. The patent suggests the controllers will use optical sensors to track movement across a surface.
Upcoming Nintendo Direct
Nintendo of America announced on Twitter (X) on February 5, 2025, the official date for a Nintendo Direct focusing on the Switch 2. This presentation, airing April 2, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET across Nintendo's social media platforms, promises to shed more light on the console's release date and features, including confirmation (or clarification) regarding the Joy-Con functionalities detailed in the patent. The Switch 2 is slated for release in 2025, but a precise date remains unannounced. Visit our Switch 2 page for further updates.
