A new patent pretty much confirms that the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons will feature mouse functionality, aligning with the teaser shown in the trailer.
Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on the Switch 2, and fans are counting down the days until it launches later this year. After years of speculation, leaks, and wild theories, the company officially revealed the console last month, confirming a full detailed look is coming on April 2, 2025.
Leading up to this, there have been endless reports about its hardware upgrades, improved performance, and a bigger screen. One of the biggest talking points from the teaser was the Joy-Cons seemingly being used like a mouse.
It was a tiny detail, but it immediately sent fans into speculation mode. Now, thanks to a newly published patent, it looks like Nintendo really is planning to make this a reality. This isn’t just an idea floating around—it’s official, and it lines up perfectly with what we saw in the Switch 2 teaser.
Nintendo Switch 2 Patentn For Joy-Cons Mouse Functionality
The patent in question was officially published by Nintendo earlier today. It details a new type of input device, designed with both traditional controller inputs and built-in mouse functionality. Essentially, Nintendo has created a hybrid controller that can switch between standard button controls and mouse-style navigation depending on how it’s positioned.
Here’s how it works: The Joy-Cons has a sensor that detects movement on a flat surface, meaning it can function just like a traditional computer mouse. There are multiple input buttons, including ones on the top and sides, along with a directional input unit (likely a joystick or D-pad) on the front.
The primary buttons are positioned around a rotational axis, which suggests that tilting or pressing them in different ways could trigger different inputs.
The patent document itself describes the function as follows:
“This input device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction.
“The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. The first upper surface button is provided on the upper surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction in which components in the left-right direction are included.
“The sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detected surface, the light changing by moving over the detected surface in a state in which either the first side surface or the second side surface is placed on the detected surface.”
In simple terms, this means the Joy-Cons will track movement when placed flat, allowing them to work just like a mouse when used on a table or another surface. While patents don’t always guarantee that a feature will make it into a final product, this one lines up too perfectly with the Switch 2 teaser to ignore.
If you go back and watch the trailer, you’ll notice a scene where the Joy-Cons are positioned in a way that strongly suggests mouse functionality is being shown in action. The fact that this patent exists just weeks after that teaser makes it highly likely this is a core feature of the new Joy-Cons.
Outside of this new Joy-Con functionality, there are plenty of other rumored upgrades for the Switch 2, including that the Switch 2 specs are reportedly better than Steam Deck and on par with PS4 Pro. Another report suggests that every major third-party publisher is considering Nintendo Switch 2 for their “most ambitious AAA titles.”
What are your thoughts on the new Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons? How do you think the new mouse functionality will be utilized? Let us know in the comments below!
