Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Now Supports Mouse Functions: Discover Their Capabilities

Ever since the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, fans have been buzzing with excitement over a small but intriguing detail from the trailer: the Joy-Cons. Speculation was rife about their potential use as mouse controllers, similar to those on a PC, based on how they moved in the trailer. Now, we have official confirmation on their functionality: The Joy-Cons can operate in "mouse mode," allowing players to slide them across flat surfaces and use the analog sticks to simulate left-click and right-click actions, much like a standard mouse. Moreover, two Joy-Cons can be used in mouse mode simultaneously, one in each hand, or one in standard mode with the other in mouse mode. This versatility opens up a world of gaming possibilities.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The Nintendo stream showcased the capabilities of the Joy-Con in mouse mode through a sports game reminiscent of Rocket League, featuring robot characters navigating in wheelchair-style vehicles. The game, titled "Drag and Drive," is a three-on-three basketball game where players use two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to maneuver their characters around the court and score baskets.

The Joy-Con's mouse functionality sparked widespread theorizing among fans ever since the reveal trailer showed the Joy-Cons sliding around like PC mice. In an attempt to gather more information, we reached out to Firaxis, the developer behind Civilization 7, but received a cryptic response. This feature, along with the new C button, has fueled discussions about the console over the past month, countering criticisms that the Nintendo Switch 2 was playing it "safe" compared to Nintendo's typically adventurous approach.

You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct right here.