The video game industry has been closely monitoring Nintendo’s next steps in the console space, and it seems the company is working on revolutionary updates to its Joy-Con controllers. According to patents recently published, Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console may feature Joy-Con devices equipped with mouse-like functionality, along with hints at a possible new controller design.
This latest development was highlighted by a patent filed as early as mid-2023, although it was officially published in early 2025. The documentation provides details about innovative sensor technologies that could allow Joy-Cons to slide across flat surfaces in a fashion akin to a computer mouse. This functionality hints at the possibility of bringing entirely new gameplay features to Nintendo’s second iteration of its hybrid console.
The idea of Joy-Con controllers doubling as a mouse has sparked considerable excitement among industry experts and fans alike. As detailed in the patent, the controllers could respond to intuitive commands, such as moving a cursor on a screen while sliding the device across a flat surface. What’s more, the controllers’ buttons may integrate features comparable to mouse functions, including scrolling and multi-button clicks.
This transformative approach to controller design marks a significant evolution in Nintendo’s hardware development. Though the Joy-Con design has largely remained consistent since its debut with the original Switch in 2017, the patented technologies suggest a shift toward expanding functionality beyond traditional gaming applications. Such advancements could cater to a broader audience—one that might include content creators or professionals looking for a hybrid gaming and productivity experience.
Another aspect of the patent attracting attention is the possibility of an entirely new controller design that complements, or even replaces, the mouse-capable Joy-Cons. While the patent doesn’t include extensive details about this alternative controller, its conceptual inclusion implies that Nintendo is considering multiple ways to innovate the user experience on the Switch 2.
The implications of these upgrades are vast. For instance, games requiring point-and-click mechanics could benefit from the precise cursor control enabled by mouse-like movement. Simultaneously, first-person shooters or strategy-based titles might leverage these advanced toggles for enhanced navigation.
Nintendo has a history of exploring unconventional ways of interacting with their games, as illustrated by the motion-sensing Wii Remote and the dual-screen DS. This patent builds on that legacy, pushing the boundaries of what players can do with a gaming console. If implemented, these unique Joy-Con features could position the Switch 2 as more than just a gaming device, potentially entering new markets by functioning as an entertainment hub and a productivity tool.
However, it is essential to note that patents don’t always lead to commercial products. Companies like Nintendo file numerous patents as they explore various technologies, and many concepts don’t make it to market. Nevertheless, these filings confirm that Nintendo continues to experiment with novel ways to enhance the player experience.
The potential for mouse-like Joy-Cons does raise some questions. How would this functionality impact the Switch 2’s price? Would the added sensors and technologies compromise battery life? And most importantly, can such intricate interface solutions remain ergonomic and user-friendly?
These concerns will likely remain unanswered until Nintendo officially reveals the Switch 2 hardware. A Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2025 is expected to shed more light on the console’s features. Until then, the gaming community will no doubt continue to speculate on how this innovative new functionality could transform gaming as we know it.
Nintendo’s consistent ability to redefine console gaming is a testament to its commitment to creativity and innovation. Whether through the simplicity of the Wii, the portability of the original Switch, or now the prospect of mouse-enabled Joy-Cons, the company continues to challenge conventions. The Switch 2 seems poised to carry that tradition forward.
