18 games we want to see get Nintendo Switch 2 mouse support

One intriguing feature unveiled during Nintendo Switch 2’s extensive Nintendo Direct presentation was the ability to utilize the latest Joy-Cons as mouse inputs by placing them horizontally and leveraging the optical technology on their connecting side, which could potentially introduce a wide range of adaptability across various games for the Switch 2. In essence, we’ve brainstormed some preferred game titles that would benefit from Switch 2 mouse support. Here they are:

1. Super Mario Odyssey
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
3. Splatoon 2
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
5. Luigi’s Mansion 3
6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
7. Pokemon Sword and Shield
8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
10. Overcooked! 2

Unicorn Overlord

2024’s strategy RPG, “Unicorn Overlord,” by Vanillaware, has gained much popularity. Given the nature of its genre, it would benefit greatly from mouse input. With our extensive playtime, it’s evident that there are numerous inputs, organization, and commands that could be streamlined using a mouse. Maneuvering characters in formations, altering their gear, and even dispensing orders on the battlefield can manage with a gamepad, but with mouse support, these tasks would become effortless, enhancing Unicorn Overlord’s playability and enjoyment.

Doom 2016 & Eternal

Preference for gaming controls often leans towards a mouse and keyboard when playing shooter games, as compared to gamepads. This is because we’re accustomed to the freedom and precision offered by these controls since our gaming roots lie in WADS (Walk, Attack, Dodge, Shoot) and high-sensitivity turning that comes with them. In fact, Doom, a classic shooter game, was originally designed for this setup. Therefore, it’s only logical that modern iterations like Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal should also support mouse input. If a mouse control system works effectively, it would be ideal for any first-person shooter games coming to the Nintendo Switch. However, given its status as one of the best shooters ever made, it’s especially important that this enhancement is applied to Doom and its sequel. It just seems sensible.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly waiting for two whole years since Microsoft promised to bring a decade’s worth of Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms. While it seems far-fetched to imagine Black Ops 6 running smoothly on a 2017 Switch, the upcoming Switch 2 could potentially handle it. If and when Call of Duty lands on the Switch 2, it would be ideal if they leverage the console’s mouse functionality. This would enable precise aiming, offering console players an experience that closely resembles PC gaming.

Fortnite

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that Fortnite’s building mechanic is where the largest skill disparities lie. The speed and precision with which players construct structures using a mouse can make or break a match – it could mean the difference between being eliminated and claiming a Victory Royale. Additionally, this skillset will undoubtedly prove crucial when mastering Fortnite’s array of scoped weapons.

Quake Remastered

Similarly to Doom 2016 and Eternal, it seems fitting that one of the all-time great shooter games, Quake, will showcase the mouse feature for the Switch 2. Given its strong association with mouse and keyboard play, transitioning to the Switch 2 should be a smooth process. Furthermore, introducing Quake on the Switch 2 might inspire a particular publisher to start working on a new version of the game.

Super Mario Maker 2

In a nutshell, Super Mario Maker 2 is already among the most impressive sandbox builders ever made. However, adding mouse support would make it even better. Since a significant portion of the game involves arranging elements and placing them within our levels, having a point-and-click interface would be incredibly convenient. This would not only speed up level creation but also enhance the creativity of experienced creators. It might even serve as a fun activity to keep us busy until Super Mario Maker 2 officially releases.

Kid Icarus: Uprising

It seems we’ve eagerly anticipated the return of Pit and Palutena on the Nintendo Switch for quite some time now. Regrettably, it appears they may not appear on the initial console release. Yet, our optimism remains unwavering, as the prospect of a Switch 2 offers us another chance to delve back into this fascinating world. The reason? Kid Icarus: Uprising was a unique blend of on-rails shooting and touch screen targeting on the 3DS. Translating that control scheme to a traditional gamepad could be difficult, but the potential mouse support in the Switch 2 could pave the way for Uprising’s successful transition to a Switch console.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In general, Animal Crossing: New Horizons works fine using the standard analog stick, but there’s one aspect where it could be improved for better user experience – design. If we had the option to navigate and place decorative items more smoothly by simply clicking on them with a mouse instead of having to manually move each item around using gamepad buttons and sticks, it would significantly ease the process of designing homes and islands. Ideally, I’d love to control an on-screen cursor for this purpose, making the experience more intuitive and less tedious.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a strategically engaging team-up between Nintendo and Ubisoft that often gets overshadowed. Contrary to popular assumption, this isn’t your typical party game; instead, it’s a tactical strategy game akin to X-COM. Given its strategic nature, it seems ideal for a point-and-click interface with mouse support, making unit command and control more intuitive. While the controls aren’t challenging in Sparks of Hope, a mouse-friendly system would certainly enhance player experience.

The Duskbloods

As an ardent gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled about one of the anticipated titles announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 – The Duskbloods. FromSoftware is venturing into uncharted territory with this new console title, promising a rich tapestry of gameplay and combat mechanics. Given their reputation, it’s safe to assume that ranged combat using weapons like bows and arrows, or perhaps even magic spells, will be a significant aspect of The Duskbloods.

Moreover, FromSoftware is renowned for its comprehensive menus brimming with customization options. In this scenario, mouse support to aid aiming and navigating through these extensive menus would undeniably enhance the gaming experience. Here’s hoping that Nintendo and FromSoftware collaborate effectively to make The Duskbloods even more enjoyable!

Balatro

On the Nintendo Switch, Balatro is delightful, yet employing an analog stick rather than a mouse (or finger) can add a couple of extra seconds to turns and make certain gameplay scenarios seem slightly awkward. By incorporating a mouse function, we could set our Switch 2 in tabletop mode and utilize it like a laptop. Mouse functions are commonly linked with shooter games, but they also work wonderfully with this deck builder.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club

Nintendo doesn’t typically delve into visual novels, but when they do, they excel at it, and Emio – The Smiling Man is a chilling and thrilling demonstration of this. However, as is common with visual novel games, you navigate the screen using a cursor to explore clues and conversation points, which could be more intuitive with mouse controls. We were captivated by the game’s narrative and its innovative methods for story progression and puzzle solving, but if we could manipulate the cursor using the mouse function, it would significantly enhance the experience.

Pokemon Unite

The Pokemon brand has spread far and wide, encompassing various types of media. One of the standout games within this expansive franchise is Pokemon Unite, which creatively blends the iconic pocket monsters into a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) format. While TiMi Studio Group should be commended for successfully translating a genre typically played on PC to consoles and mobile devices, it’s worth noting that playing MOBAs often provides the best experience with a mouse for precise control of movements and actions.

Pokemon Unite is just as impressive as others, and it’d be fantastic if its development transitioned to a Switch 2 version, leveraging the Joy-Cons’ mouse-like functionalities for an enhanced gaming experience.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch is not classified as a “reflexive shooter,” but its gameplay remains swift and favors those able to react swiftly. Using a mouse for camera movement can speed things up, making certain heroes more effective. Characters like Widowmaker, Genji, and Hanzo perform better when aiming with a mouse rather than an analog stick.

Metroid Prime Remastered

One of the initial Nintendo games to exhibit improved gameplay with Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality will be Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Given this, it is logical that if Metroid Prime Remastered, released in 2023 for the Switch, includes mouse support, future remasters of Metroid Prime 2 and 3 should also incorporate this feature.

Splatoon 3

Back when Splatoon initially burst onto the scene over a decade ago, it served as Nintendo’s unique foray into the realm of third-person shooters, offering a refreshingly wholesome experience. Initially designed to capitalize on the Wii U’s GamePad accessory, its popularity eventually led it to adopt a more conventional format. Truth be told, how conventional could a shooter truly be without fully leveraging a mouse for precise aiming?

As a gamer, I’m excited about the prospect of Splatoon 3 offering mouse controls. This would open up a whole new gaming experience for me, especially since I’m more comfortable with games like Counter-Strike 2 that primarily use mouse control. The long-ranged weaponry in Splatoon 3 makes precision aim crucial, and the new Joy-Con’s mouse function seems perfectly suited to this game. I can only imagine the thrill of swiftly switching between mouse-aiming and analog-stick sprinting during gameplay. It promises an interesting twist to the already engaging gameplay that Splatoon 3 offers.

Diablo 4

Diablo 4 performs well with gamepad controls, but incorporating mouse functionality could offer an exciting demonstration of how Nintendo can enhance third-party games. Using a mouse would provide players more precision in challenging dungeons filled with numerous and powerful enemies, offering a unique gaming experience where one Joy-Con is used as a traditional controller, while the other functions as a mouse.

Pikmin 4

The Pikmin series stands out distinctively among other Nintendo first-party game franchises due to its unique concept of managing small alien creatures as an army. While the idea might initially seem complex, it proves incredibly effective in execution. Nevertheless, even though it functions well, it’s not flawless. Coordinating and readjusting Pikmin towards specific tasks can be cumbersome at times, particularly for those who frequently change their mind about where they want their Pikmin to move within a moment.

Using the mouse function on Joy-Con can significantly enhance your gaming experience with Pikmin. By moving the mouse and highlighting specific Pikmin, you can easily direct them at a target, which can be incredibly helpful. This is a common feature in real-time strategy games, and it’s great to know that Nintendo plans to incorporate this functionality into games like Pikmin 4 in the future.

We’ve shared our wishlist of games that could benefit from mouse support on the Nintendo Switch 2. Now, we’d love to hear your thoughts too! Feel free to share below which Switch 2 games you believe would be improved with mouse input options.

2025-04-11 18:28