Switch 2 Joy-Con Patent Reveals NFC amiibo Support and Mouse Functionality

Nintendo fans and hardware enthusiasts have fresh reasons to get excited, as new patent filings reveal significant advancements coming to the next-generation Nintendo Switch—commonly referred to as the Switch 2.

Recent documentation unearthed today indicates that the upcoming Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers will not only support traditional Nintendo gameplay features but also introduce new hardware capabilities, including direct mouse support and enhanced Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility for amiibo integration. The newly surfaced patents, which were made public on June 13, 2024, detail a sophisticated improvement to the Joy-Con design.

Notably, these next-generation controllers are set to include onboard NFC capabilities, an essential feature for seamless amiibo support.

Amiibo, Nintendo’s popular line of interactive figurines, allow users to unlock exclusive in-game content and features by tapping them onto compatible Nintendo hardware.

First launched in 2014, amiibo have become a core aspect of the Nintendo ecosystem, supported across titles such as "Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom." This patent confirms Nintendo’s continued commitment to supporting these collectibles moving forward. According to translated portions of the Japanese patent documentation, at least one of the Switch 2’s Joy-Con will be outfitted with an NFC communication unit.

The patent reads, "The first controller includes an NFC communication system for short-range wireless interaction, managed by a dedicated processing unit.

The second controller may not have this NFC capability, but is otherwise similarly configured." This technical detail ensures that players can expect familiar tap-and-play amiibo functionality built directly into the Joy-Con, without the need for external accessories. In addition to the NFC developments, the same series of patents also reveal that Nintendo is experimenting with mouse support for the Switch 2 Joy-Con.

While specifics remain technical, the documents strongly suggest that Nintendo is integrating a form of pointer or mouse-like input, expanding controller versatility and potentially opening new possibilities for both games and operating system navigation.

This marks a notable progression in the design and features of Nintendo’s modular controller concept, first introduced with the original Nintendo Switch in 2017. This latest Nintendo patent milestone arrives as anticipation builds for official Switch 2 announcements, especially as the original Switch hardware continues to exceed sales expectations—surpassing 140 million units sold as of early 2024 (per Nintendo’s latest financial statements).

Widespread support from the developer community, as evidenced by ongoing eShop activity and high-profile third-party releases, further cements the importance of flexible and innovative peripherals like the Joy-Con. Nintendo’s commitment to backwards compatibility and accessory support resonates with its core audience, and the integration of NFC and new input methods in upcoming Joy-Con models will likely strengthen the continuity between console generations.

Stay tuned for further official updates, especially during the next Nintendo Direct or major hardware announcement.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Nintendo amiibo Switch 2 Switch NFC patent Nintendo Switch