Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Patent Confirms Mouse Functionality Ahead of Official Reveal

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Patent Confirms Mouse Functionality Ahead of Official Reveal Nintendo has taken a significant step towards the next generation of console gaming with a newly published patent that appears to confirm mouse-style functionality for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers.

The patent, officially titled 'Input Device and System,' was filed on April 1, 2023, and became publicly accessible on February 6, 2025, sparking fresh excitement among both fans and developers. While speculation about Joy-Con mouse capabilities has circulated for months, this patent offers the clearest indication yet that such a feature may soon become standard for Nintendo's hybrid platform.

Drawings included in the patent documentation illustrate the Joy-Con being used in a manner similar to a computer mouse, in addition to functioning as individual controllers—a hallmark of the original Switch design.

This aligns with hints seen in the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, though the company has not yet officially commented on the feature. According to the patent’s abstract, the input device is described as follows: it features a front surface, upper surface, first and second side surfaces for left-right orientation, a direction input unit on the front, an upper surface button, and a dedicated sensor designed specifically for mouse operation.

This sensor detects reflected light from the surface below, interpreting changes as the controller moves across a flat plane—a mechanic common to traditional optical mice. Although patents do not always guarantee implementation into final consumer products, the detailed descriptions and imagery suggest Nintendo is seriously considering enhanced controller interaction for the Switch 2.

Developers have reportedly discussed the potential within industry circles, often expressing enthusiasm for the console's promise of expanded input options, even as they refrain from revealing concrete details ahead of official announcements. Further confirmation on the Joy-Con’s mouse functionality, and its potential applications in games and the eShop ecosystem, is expected to be revealed during Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2-dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.

Until then, the gaming community will be closely watching for new information on how Nintendo continues to innovate in hardware and user experience. Nintendo’s history of creative controller design—from the original Wii Remote to the Labo accessory kits—has left players eager to see how the Switch 2 and its refined Joy-Con will shape the next era of interactive entertainment. For more details, the public documentation for Nintendo’s patent can be found at patentscope.wipo.int.

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