Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Features Confirmed in New Patent

New Nintendo Switch 2 Patents Reveal Magnetic Joy-Cons and Mouse Functionality

While Nintendo remains officially silent, recent patent filings strongly suggest significant changes to the Switch 2's Joy-Cons. Reports of magnetic attachment and mouse-like functionality are now virtually confirmed.

Nintendo's patent describes a game controller with magnetic mounting to the console. The document states: "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 a two-button release mechanism: "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.”

Remarkably, the patent showcases illustrations of the Joy-Cons functioning as a computer mouse. Holding the controller sideways, the R1 and R2 buttons mimic left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movements potentially providing scrolling functionality.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con patent includes illustrations for the mouse functionality. More images in the link https://t.co/13ZNQtOMqF pic.twitter.com/ey3ufRUWZE

— Wario64 (@Wario64) February 6, 2025

Illustrations depict both dual-mouse and hybrid configurations (one Joy-Con as a mouse, the other as a standard controller).

The magnetic Joy-Con attachment was an early leak, while the mouse functionality emerged later. A January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showing Joy-Cons smoothly gliding across a surface.

For a comprehensive overview of the Nintendo Switch 2, consult our detailed analysis. Mark your calendars: Nintendo plans a Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, promising official details.