Switch 2 Joy-Con Patent Points to Rumored Mouse Support Function

A recently published patent suggests the Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers will offer mouse functionality. Read on to learn more about these exciting new features and the official date for the upcoming Nintendo Direct.

Switch 2: Joy-Con's New Tricks

Mouse Support Revealed in New Patent

Nintendo's February 6th, 2025, patent application (via the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO) reveals intriguing new capabilities for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, most notably, mouse functionality. This seemingly confirms speculation sparked by the Switch 2 reveal trailer, which briefly depicted the controller being swiped across a surface. The patent details how the Joy-Con's sensor detects reflected light changes as it moves across a surface, effectively mimicking mouse movement. This is particularly noteworthy given Nintendo's previous silence on Switch 2 specifics.

Enhanced Joy-Con Design and New Controllers

The Switch 2 Joy-Cons appear to retain the detachable design of their predecessors. The patent highlights the mouse function, explaining the sensor's operation: "The sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detected surface, the light changing by moving 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." A new charging dock accommodating two Joy-Cons simultaneously is also mentioned. A magnetic attachment with a wrist strap, similar to the original Switch Joy-Con straps, connects the Joy-Cons to the console.

The patent also introduces a new controller design: two halves of a standard controller, each with an optical sensor enabling mouse functionality. These halves can be combined into a single controller using a separate attachment.

It's crucial to remember that these patent details may not reflect the final Switch 2 product. Nintendo has yet to officially comment on Joy-Con features or any related accessories.

Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 Details Incoming

Nintendo of America announced on Twitter (X) on February 5, 2025, that a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2 will air on April 2, 2025, at 6 AM PT/9 AM ET across all official Nintendo social media platforms.

While the Switch 2 reveal trailer confirmed a 2025 release, a precise date remains unannounced. For more information on the Switch 2, visit our dedicated page.