Switch 2: Here Is How The New Joy-Cons Will Function As Mouse

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Approximately a month ago, whispers started spreading that the upcoming Joy-Cons for Switch 2 might operate similarly to a computer mouse, moving across a level surface – this notion gained traction following the initial trailer for Nintendo’s new console, where the controllers were shown gliding and drifting (not the type of drifting you might be thinking of…).

It seems that a newly-revealed patent offers evidence for this particular functionality and explains its workings in detail.

A Computer Mouse – And Beyond

Initially submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in January 2023, the global patent became publicly accessible on their website last Thursday.

The patent, in Japanese, features images that match up nicely with earlier leaks of the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons. An accompanying English summary discusses a mouse operation sensor that can detect changes in reflected light as it moves across a surface, which is much like an optical mouse. The diagrams also show how a built-in lens, light source, and sensor are combined within the Joy-Con to make this feature work.

The patented innovation is referred to as an advanced input device that can function both as a computer mouse and beyond its traditional role. In its mouse mode, as detailed in the patent, the user holds the outer rim of the device with their palm while placing the inner edge on a flat surface like a desk, enabling seamless movement and control.

Use The Joy-Cons Together Or Independently Of Each Other

As per the patent, it’s possible to use two Joy-Cons concurrently as if they were computer mice – one for each hand. Alternatively, one can act as a mouse while the other is held vertically like a conventional Switch Joy-Con. Notably, this patent proposes that the ‘mouse mode’ could still function even when the controller is hovering about 1 centimeter above the surface, which is remarkably close to the lift-off distances typically observed in top-tier PC gaming mice.

Although the specifics of the Joy-Cons and gaming system as depicted in the patent seem similar to what we anticipate for the Switch 2, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the ultimate design could deviate from these preliminary patent concepts.

Significantly, the patent fails to include details about the mounts that attach to the Joy-Con’s edge, similar to what we observed clicking in the previous month’s initial trailer, prior to the demonstration of the mouse-like gliding section.

Are you excited for the Switch 2? What other functions would you like the console to have?

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2025-02-07 18:10