Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Features Confirmed in New Patent

The Nintendo Switch 2 might look familiar at first glance, but Nintendo's biggest innovations seem to be hidden within its redesigned Joy-Cons, as revealed by recently surfaced patents.

While official confirmation from Nintendo is still pending, reports suggest a significant upgrade: magnetically attaching Joy-Cons with potential mouse functionality. These changes are strongly indicated by newly filed Nintendo patents detailing both magnetic attachment and mouse-like control features.

The patent describes the controller as “detachably mounted to a body device…comprising a first magnet and a second magnet…that can execute game processing.” It further specifies two buttons required for Joy-Con detachment, stating: “The first button and the second button are…to be pressed by a user. 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.”

Illustrations within the patent showcase the Joy-Cons functioning as a mouse. Holding the controller sideways, the shoulder buttons (R1 and R2) mimic left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movements potentially providing scrolling functionality.

The magnetic Joy-Con attachment was among the earliest leaks surrounding the Switch 2. The mouse functionality emerged later and remains unconfirmed, although a January teaser subtly hinted at this feature by showing Joy-Cons gliding across a surface like a computer mouse.

For a comprehensive overview of everything currently known about the Nintendo Switch 2, consult our detailed breakdown. Remember, Nintendo plans a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, where official details will be unveiled.