Nintendo Switch 2 Patents show magnetic joy-cons with mouse-like features

Nintendo Switch 2

After many leaks and rumours in the past few years, Nintendo finally gave a glimpse of its next handheld gaming console, the Switch 2, with a new trailer in January. The trailer revealed the first look of the console, how the new Joy-Cons would work, and even hinted at some exclusive launch titles, which could include Mario Kart 9. However, we still don’t have an official confirmation from Nintendo about its release date and major features.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons to come with magnets

Now, new patents filed by Nintendo detail that the new Joy-Cons of Switch 2 will attach to the console’s body via magnets. Further, these upgraded Joy-Cons could also have mouse-like features. While the patent does not specifically mention the Switch 2, the multiple diagrams reveal that the upgraded functionalities, that will come with the Nintendo Switch successor.

The patent adds: “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.” With some other diagrams, we can also see that two separate buttons must be pressed to detach the Joy-Cons from the Switch 2 body, avoiding the risk of accidental damages.

Additionally, other diagrams present in the patents also point to the Joy-Con being used like a mouse. The images show a user holding the Joy-Con face down, with two fingers resting on top of the shoulder buttons and the thumb resting on the joystick, similar to how most people use a mouse.

We can expect more details around the Nintendo Switch 2, with the official pricing and release date on April 2, when a Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct presentation will happen. Further, the company could also showcase new games coming to the device at the event.