According to the new Nintendo patent, Joy-Con 2 will feature a light source and sensors to reach the handling of an optical computer mouse. Now Joy-Con can be used as a mouse, as it can slide on any flat surface to interact with the console. Here players can use the joysticks and shoulder buttons to interact with their apps on Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 has been a hot-button topic ever since the world saw the release of the original Switch. The hype for the latest Nintendo Launch entered a different atmosphere after the reveal of the Switch 2. Now to add fuel to the fire, the latest patent published on Feb 6, has given us pictures and details of how the Joy-Cons can be used as a mouse.
While the patent was filed back in 2023, and does not specifically mention Switch 2, the images clearly show a Joy-Con, with the thumbs on what appears to be a scrolling enabled button.
This is what the official text put as part of the patent filing describes (reproduced exactly from the patent application except for specific portions that have been highlighted below to draw attention):
“This input device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. The first upper surface button is provided on the upper surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction in which components in the left-right direction are included. 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.”
This looks to be a welcome addition to the Switch 2, and we can expect to learn more functionality added to the Joy-Cons when it gets launched. The official reveal might give us a healthy insight into the capabilities of both Joy-Con controllers and how they transfer to the gameplay.
