The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz, particularly with its innovative Joy-Con controllers, as evidenced by recent patents. Although Nintendo has yet to officially confirm these details, leaks and patent filings provide a glimpse into what might be coming.
The most notable change appears to be the Joy-Con's new magnetic attachment system. According to a patent, "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." To detach the Joy-Cons from the Switch 2, users must press two buttons located on the top surface of a protrusion on the controller. The patent explains, "The first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion. 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."
Beyond the attachment mechanism, the Joy-Cons are rumored to offer a mouse-like functionality. Illustrations within the patent show a player using the Joy-Con in a horizontal position, with the shoulder buttons (R1 and R2) serving as mouse buttons. There's also a suggestion of a scrolling feature when using the joysticks. This mouse-like function could be used in various configurations, such as a dual mouse setup or with one Joy-Con functioning as a mouse while the other operates as a traditional game controller.
The magnetic attachment feature was one of the earliest leaks about the Switch 2, while the mouse-like functionality emerged later. Although not officially confirmed, a teaser from Nintendo in January subtly hinted at this feature by showing Joy-Cons gliding across a surface like a computer mouse.
For a comprehensive overview of what we know about the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our detailed breakdown. Mark your calendars for April 2, 2025, when Nintendo plans to reveal more in a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Stay tuned for all the official details then.
