Nintendo Unveils Joy-Con Innovations in Patent Filing

Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 may boast a significant Joy-Con redesign, as evidenced by recently surfaced patents. While official confirmation remains elusive, leaked information and these patents strongly suggest magnetic attachments and novel mouse functionality.

Nintendo's patent application describes a game controller with magnetic mounting to the Switch 2 console. The design incorporates two magnets within the console's docking mechanism and corresponding magnets within the Joy-Cons. Two buttons, positioned longitudinally on the Joy-Con's top, are required for detachment, each magnetically interacting with a corresponding magnet in the console.

The patent further details a surprising secondary function: Joy-Con mouse emulation. Illustrations depict the Joy-Cons used flat, with the R1 and R2 buttons acting as left and right mouse clicks, respectively. Joystick manipulation may provide scrolling capabilities. The patent suggests potential for both single (one Joy-Con as mouse, one as controller) and dual (both Joy-Cons as mice) configurations.

The magnetic attachment mechanism was among the earliest Switch 2 leaks. The mouse functionality emerged later but received a subtle nod in a January teaser showcasing the Joy-Cons smoothly gliding across a surface.

For a comprehensive overview of current Switch 2 information, consult our detailed breakdown. Nintendo's official unveiling is scheduled for a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2nd, 2025.