Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con Features Detailed in Latest Patent

New Nintendo Switch 2 Patents Reveal Magnetic Joy-Cons and Mouse Functionality

While Nintendo remains tight-lipped about the Switch 2's official specs, recent patents filed by the company strongly suggest significant changes to the Joy-Con controllers. Reports of magnetic attachments and mouse functionality are now virtually confirmed.

Nintendo's patent application describes a game controller with magnetic mounting to the console. The document states: “This game controller is detachably mounted to a body device that has a recess, that comprises a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, and that can execute game processing.” Two buttons, magnetically held in place, are required for detachment. The patent explains, "The first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion…The first button is attracted to the first magnet by a magnetic force. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by a magnetic force.”

Furthermore, the patent showcases illustrations depicting the Joy-Cons functioning as a computer mouse. Holding the controller sideways, the R1 and R2 buttons simulate left and right clicks, with joystick movement potentially providing scrolling functionality. The patent suggests both a dual-mouse setup and a configuration using one Joy-Con as a mouse and the other as a standard controller.

The magnetic Joy-Con attachment was an early leak, while the mouse functionality emerged later. Interestingly, a January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showing the Joy-Cons smoothly moving across a surface.

For a comprehensive overview of the Nintendo Switch 2, consult our detailed analysis. Mark your calendars: Nintendo plans a dedicated Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2nd, 2025, promising official details.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con patent includes illustrations for the mouse functionality. More images in the link https://t.co/13ZNQtOMqF pic.twitter.com/ey3ufRUWZE

— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 6, 2025