Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Features Confirmed in New Patent

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 appears to build on the iconic design of its predecessor, but the most significant innovations are centered around its Joy-Cons, as evidenced by recently surfaced patents.

Although Nintendo has yet to officially confirm details about the Switch 2, rumors have circulated suggesting that the new Joy-Cons will attach magnetically and can function similarly to a computer mouse. These features are now strongly supported by a series of patents filed by Nintendo, which provide detailed insights into the magnetic attachments and mouse-like capabilities.

According to one 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." The patent further specifies that to detach the Joy-Cons from the Switch 2, users must press two buttons located on the top surface of a protrusion. It states, "The first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion. 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."

The patent also includes illustrations showcasing the Joy-Cons' mouse functionality. Users can hold the controller railside down, using the shoulder buttons as mouse buttons. Specifically, the R1 and R2 buttons function as the left and right mouse buttons, and the joysticks may offer some scrolling capabilities.

Additional illustrations demonstrate versatile usage of the mouse-like function, allowing for dual mouse configurations or using one Joy-Con as a mouse and the other as a standard game controller.

The magnetic attachment feature for the Joy-Cons was one of the earliest rumors about the Switch 2, while the mouse-like functionality emerged later and remains unconfirmed by Nintendo. However, a teaser released in January subtly hinted at this feature by showing the Joy-Cons gliding across a surface.

For a comprehensive look at everything known about the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our detailed breakdown. Mark your calendars for the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, for all the official announcements and updates.