Nintendo has officially confirmed that players will be able to utilize the innovative Switch 2 Joy-Con mouse controls directly on the Home screen, adding a new layer of interactivity to the console experience. Since the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have been buzzing with excitement and speculation about the capabilities of the new Joy-Con's mouse controls. Just last month, we received official confirmation that these Joy-Con can switch into a "mouse mode," allowing players to glide the controllers over surfaces and use the analog sticks to mimic a left-click and right-click, much like a traditional mouse. The versatility extends further, as two Joy-Con can be used simultaneously in mouse mode, one in each hand, or one in standard mode while the other operates in mouse mode.
Further details have emerged, showcased through the Nintendo Today app and shared on X/Twitter. It's now clear that the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls can be employed to navigate the Home menu on the Switch 2. As demonstrated, "placing the Joy-Con 2 controller on a surface with the attachment side facing down will cause a cursor to appear on screen," according to Nintendo. To activate the cursor, simply set the Joy-Con 2 on a flat surface and move it as directed.
Nintendo also elaborated that "while using mouse controls, you can tilt the control stick to scroll through menus." This functionality extends to both the Home menu and compatible software. To revert to using the thumbstick, just reposition the Joy-Con 2 horizontally.
While the full extent of game compatibility with these mouse controls remains to be seen, Nintendo has already demonstrated the technology in action with Switch 2 editions of Mario Party Jamboree and Metroid Prime 4, as well as the wheelchair basketball game Drag x Drive.
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5. Pre-orders kicked off on April 24, with the console maintaining its price point at $449.99. The pre-order phase was met with the expected high demand. For more information, be sure to check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
