A new Nintendo Switch 2 patent was discovered today, and while it has a lot of information we already know, it seemingly confirms that the joy-cons for the new console will have mouse-like functionality. Some other interesting tidbits can be found here as well.
Rumors for the Nintendo Switch 2 really began swirling in December, and during that time, there started to be talk that the joy-con could be rotated on their side and used like a mouse. In the Switch 2 reveal, the controllers were placed on their side as they slid around, possibly hinting at the new feature, but outside of that, Nintendo has not given any official confirmation.
Nintendo Switch 2 patent confirms mouse functionality
First, the images above seem to show someone holding the joy-con on its side, using the two shoulder buttons for clicking, and possibly having the joystick for scrolling. This isn’t just taking a hopeful glance at a picture, though. The patent states:
“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.”
We imagine this will be one of the big talking points for the console at the now announced April 2 Nintendo Direct. The other typical functionality of the joy-con can be seen in this patent.
Pro controller that splits in two and other accessories
Additionally, an unannounced pro controller might be shown off here, though it may just be a different kind of joy-con. There’s either two pieces to it, or it breaks apart and seems to act like the normal joy-con. It’s a little tougher to tell exactly with this one, since the drawings seem to be much more in concept rather than a finished product like the joy-con, so we doubt this is what the final version will look like.
A different Nintendo Switch 2 patent also showed a chargeable station for the new joy-con. Unlike the old ones, which would stand up and let you slide on, these have the joy-cons laying down as you plug them in.
