The Nintendo Switch 2 might look familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals some significant upgrades, particularly concerning its Joy-Cons. Newly surfaced patents strongly suggest a radical redesign.
While Nintendo remains officially silent, reports and now these patents confirm magnetically attaching Joy-Cons, even hinting at their use as computer mice. The patent describes a controller detachably mounted to the console, utilizing magnets for secure connection within a recessed area. Two buttons, positioned longitudinally on the Joy-Con's top surface, must be pressed simultaneously for detachment, each magnetically drawn to corresponding magnets in the console.
The patent goes further, illustrating the Joy-Cons functioning as a mouse. Holding the controller rail-side down, the shoulder buttons (R1 and R2) mimic left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movement potentially providing scrolling functionality. Illustrations depict both dual-mouse and hybrid configurations—one Joy-Con as a mouse, the other as a standard controller.
The magnetic attachment was an early leak regarding the Switch 2, but the mouse functionality emerged later. A January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showcasing Joy-Cons smoothly gliding across a surface.
For a comprehensive overview of the Nintendo Switch 2's known features, see our detailed breakdown [ttpp]. Mark your calendars! Nintendo plans a Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, promising official details then.
