Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Improvements Revealed in Patent

Nintendo's Switch 2 Joy-Con Redesign: Magnetic Attachment and Mouse Functionality Confirmed by Patents

Recent patents filed by Nintendo strongly suggest significant changes to the Switch 2's Joy-Cons, moving beyond earlier rumors. The patents detail a magnetic attachment system and a surprising secondary function: the ability to use the Joy-Cons as computer mice.

While Nintendo remains officially silent, reports of magnetic Joy-Cons and mouse functionality have gained considerable traction. The patents provide compelling evidence, describing a system where the Joy-Cons attach magnetically to the console. The patent text 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.”

Illustrations within the patent showcase the Joy-Cons functioning as a mouse. Holding the controller sideways, the R1 and R2 buttons simulate left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movement 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

The patents also depict various usage scenarios, including a dual-mouse setup or a configuration where one Joy-Con operates as a mouse while the other functions as a standard controller.

The magnetic attachment was among the earliest leaks surrounding the Switch 2, but the mouse functionality is a more recent revelation. A January teaser subtly hinted at this feature, showing the Joy-Cons gliding across a surface—a clear allusion to mouse-like operation.

For comprehensive information on the Nintendo Switch 2, refer to our detailed overview. Remember, Nintendo plans a dedicated Switch 2 Direct on April 2, 2025, promising official confirmation of these and other features.