Nintendo Patent Unveils Enhanced Joy-Con Features

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

While Nintendo remains tight-lipped about the Switch 2's official specs, recently surfaced patents strongly suggest significant Joy-Con upgrades. Reports hinting at magnetic attachment and computer mouse functionality are now largely substantiated by these filings.

A Nintendo patent describes a game controller with magnetic mounting to a console featuring a recessed area containing two magnets. The patent clarifies that: "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 face-down, the R1 and R2 buttons mimic left and right mouse clicks, with joystick movements potentially providing scrolling capabilities.

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 attachment was among the earliest Switch 2 leaks. The mouse functionality, while later revealed, aligns with a January teaser showcasing Joy-Cons gliding across a surface—a subtle hint from Nintendo itself.

For a comprehensive overview of current Switch 2 information, consult our detailed breakdown. Mark your calendars for April 2nd, 2025, when Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct promises official details.