Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Features Confirmed in New Patent

The Nintendo Switch 2 might look familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals some significant upgrades, particularly concerning the Joy-Cons. Newly surfaced patents suggest a major redesign, incorporating magnetic attachments and even mouse functionality.

While Nintendo remains officially silent, numerous reports and these patents strongly indicate magnetically attached Joy-Cons. The patents describe a system where the Joy-Cons attach to the Switch 2 console via magnets embedded in a recess. Specifically, the patent 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.” Detaching the Joy-Cons requires pressing two buttons, each magnetically aligned with a corresponding magnet in the console. 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.”

Even more intriguing is the patent's depiction of the Joy-Cons functioning as a computer mouse. Illustrations show users holding the controllers sideways, utilizing the shoulder buttons (R1 and R2) as left and right mouse clicks, respectively. The joysticks appear to offer scrolling functionality. The patent suggests this mouse functionality can be used in various configurations: either as two separate mice or with one Joy-Con acting as a mouse and the other as a traditional controller.

The magnetic attachment was among the earliest leaks surrounding the Switch 2, while the mouse functionality emerged later. However, a January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showing the Joy-Cons gliding across a surface—a clear nod to the mouse-like control.

For a comprehensive overview of everything known about the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our detailed breakdown [ttpp]. Mark your calendars! Nintendo plans a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, promising official details then.