Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con Enhancements Revealed

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

While Nintendo remains tight-lipped about the Switch 2's official specs, recently surfaced patents strongly suggest significant Joy-Con upgrades. Reports of magnetic attachment and mouse functionality are now largely confirmed by these filings.

The patents describe a game controller with magnetic mounting to the Switch 2 console. The text specifically mentions: "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." Detachment requires pressing two buttons, each magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnet within the console.

Furthermore, the patents illustrate a novel mouse-like function. By holding the Joy-Con sideways, the R1 and R2 buttons simulate left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movements potentially providing scrolling capabilities. Illustrations depict both dual-mouse and hybrid configurations (one Joy-Con as a mouse, the other as a standard controller).

The magnetic attachment was an early Switch 2 leak, while the mouse functionality emerged later. However, a January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showing the Joy-Cons smoothly moving across a surface.

For a comprehensive overview of current Switch 2 information, see our detailed analysis. Mark your calendars: Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct is scheduled for April 2, 2025, promising official details.