A patent filed by Nintendo has strengthened rumors that Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers will include mouse functionality. The patent was filed Aug. 1, 2023, but was published Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Here’s the full description of the “input device” described in the patent, which seemingly does not specify whether this input device is, in fact, for the Switch 2 — though the diagrams in the patent line up directly with the design of the upcoming console.
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.
A diagram included in the patent shows somebody holding the Joy-Con and appearing to use it as a mouse.
Another diagram shows a hand holding the Joy-Con upright with the pointer finger on the ZR trigger, like a mouse’s left-click; the middle finger on the R trigger, like a mouse’s right-click; and the thumb on the joystick, perhaps to function as a scroller.
It also appears that both the left and right Joy-Con will be able to function as mice, though it isn’t clear whether this is intended for simultaneous use or to accommodate left- and right-handed users.
One Joy-Con element missing from these diagrams is the mysterious C button that was visible in the reveal trailer for the console — but that could be chalked up to that button being added to the device after this patent was filed in 2023.
This patent was published concurrently with three other Nintendo patents that specify functions and features of input devices, game devices, and more.
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