Nintendo Classics Icons Hint at Mario Paint and SNES Mouse Support for Switch Online

Nintendo’s expanding support for classic games is taking center stage once again following the announcement of a new wave of Switch Online icons.

The update, themed around the increasingly robust ‘Nintendo Classics’ libraries available on Switch and heading to the anticipated Switch 2 platform, features several nostalgic nods to beloved hardware and titles.

Among these is the unmistakable silhouette of the Super Nintendo Mouse, which has stirred excitement among longtime fans of creative gaming experiences like Mario Paint. First launched in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Mario Paint is remembered for its innovative integration with the SNES Mouse accessory, enabling users to draw, compose music, and interact with a suite of unique mini-games.

Though a cult favorite, the game’s reliance on specialized hardware has kept official re-releases limited—making its potential return a notable moment for retro gaming enthusiasts. The newly revealed Wave 3 of Nintendo Switch Online icons celebrates both the Super Nintendo and the recently announced addition of the GameCube library to the subscription service.

Prominently featured in the artwork is the classic SNES Mouse.

This imagery has been widely shared on social media, with one user reacting, "Mario Paint looks poised to join the Switch Online lineup," and another commenting, "It’s great seeing Nintendo acknowledge the SNES Mouse again." Many longtime fans expressed their surprise and delight at seeing the accessory referenced alongside the broader Nintendo Classics initiative. Adding to the anticipation is the integration of new hardware features with the upcoming Switch 2.

The next generation Joy-Con controllers, termed Joy-Con 2, have been confirmed to support mouse-like movement, allowing players to seamlessly alternate between standard Joy-Con controls and newly supported mouse functionality within compatible titles.

Notably, this feature extends to experiences such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, offering greater versatility in gameplay interactions. While Mario Paint stands out as the most famous title utilizing the SNES Mouse, it is not alone—several other SNES games incorporated the accessory during its era.

Nintendo’s decision to spotlight the mouse in its iconography may point to expanded support for classic hardware interfaces on both current and future Switch platforms. The Nintendo Switch Online service has been a key part of Nintendo’s efforts to celebrate its extensive gaming heritage, providing subscribers with libraries of NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and now GameCube titles.

The addition of dedicated icons and potential hardware compatibility—along with record sales of over 122 million Nintendo Switch systems and consistent growth in online service subscribers—underscores Nintendo’s commitment to connecting its storied past with modern gaming experiences. As Nintendo continues to evolve its Switch Online offerings and hardware capabilities, fans can look forward to more innovative ways to revisit classic games with period-accurate control options, making nostalgia more accessible and interactive than ever.

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