A newly published patent reveals exciting new features for the Switch 2 Joy-Cons, including rumored mouse functionality. Let's delve into the details and the upcoming Nintendo Direct.
Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Mouse Support and More
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a Nintendo patent on February 6, 2025, detailing innovative features for the Switch 2's Joy-Cons. The patent strongly suggests mouse capabilities, corroborating speculation sparked by the Switch 2 reveal trailer, which showed a Joy-Con being swiped across a surface.
This patent confirms previous speculation, offering a rare glimpse into Nintendo's plans for the Switch 2, given their previous silence on the matter.
The patent describes the Joy-Cons' mouse function as follows: "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."
Beyond mouse functionality, the patent also reveals a new charging dock for up to two Joy-Cons simultaneously, and a magnetic attachment with a wrist strap, similar to the original Switch Joy-Cons.
Furthermore, the patent introduces a new controller design: a standard controller split into two halves, each equipped with an optical sensor for mouse functionality. These halves can also be combined into a single controller using a separate attachment.
It's crucial to remember that these patent details might not represent the final Switch 2 product. Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed these features.
Nintendo Direct: April 2nd, 2025
Nintendo of America announced via Twitter (X) on February 5, 2025, that a Nintendo Direct focusing on the Switch 2 will air on April 2nd, 2025, at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET across all official Nintendo social media platforms. While the Switch 2's 2025 release is confirmed, the precise date remains unannounced. For more information, visit our dedicated Switch 2 page.