Patent Confirms Nintendo Switch 2 Has Mouse Controls

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In the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2, there was a trailer revealing, in addition to other features, an apparent modification to the control system for the console’s Joy-Con controllers.

In this scenario, the Joy-Cons seemed to resemble computer mice as they quickly moved over a solid surface, leaving their straps behind like tails in a Tron-bike fashion. This suggested a potential adoption of mouse controls for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Today, a recently discovered patent seems to support these hypotheses. This patent outlines an “input device” that appears strikingly similar to what many have theorized about.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can tell you that this device even sports an illustration of a hand gripping a Joy-Con, much like the standard setup for mouse control, just as you’d anticipate!

And we also have the written patent description in English, per Polygon:

This input gadget features a front and top panel, two sides, a directional input feature, a button on its upper surface, and a mouse-operating sensor.”

By using simpler terms and rearranging the original statement slightly, I’ve made it easier to understand for most readers.

As a gamer, I find myself deeply immersed in the world of virtual reality, where every move counts. The intricate details of my gaming experience are often controlled by the precise movement of my trusty mouse, an essential tool that enables me to navigate and interact within these digital landscapes. This device is more than just a cursor-mover; it’s the bridge between my physical world and the imaginary realms I explore in my games.

The mouse sensor tracks changes in reflected light as it moves across the surface it’s in contact with, whether it’s the top or bottom surface that’s touching the surface.

On my desktop, I found myself involuntarily moving the mouse towards the red light sensor, which functioned perfectly, as it usually does.

Is Anything Else Needed To Enable Nintendo Switch 2 Mouse Controls?

In the trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2, when the controllers are shown flying off to illustrate a new function, for a moment, you might catch a glimpse of a device on the edge where the Joy-Cons were seated during their journey across the table.

It seems likely that these additional features serve as protection for the device. Interestingly, these components aren’t visible in the patent images, suggesting that mouse control might function without them. However, it’s also possible that they are essential accessories, meaning that the Nintendo Switch 2 may not support mouse controls out of the box, so keep this in mind.

It seems that if another gadget is essential for this system to function properly, it’s unlikely to break the bank. Nintendo has expressed their intention to focus on affordability with this upcoming launch, although we won’t have definite proof of cost until pricing details become available.

Absolutely, Nintendo plans to continue offering Switch 1 consoles for sale as long as there’s demand. This means that when the new console arrives, you can expect significant price reductions on the older model if affordability in gaming is your main concern.

If the Switch 2 lives up to expectations for backward compatibility, it might reduce the likelihood of discounts on Switch 1 games.

However, that takes us off topic – at this stage, the question of mouse controls seems clear-cut. It’s no longer a matter of ‘if’, but rather ‘when’, ‘how much’, and ‘which games’ will be compatible. These questions are expected to be addressed prior to release, adding another ‘when’ to our list of uncertainties.

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2025-02-07 02:38