The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons may have a new trick

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Summary

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons can work in computer mouse mode.

  • References to the adhesive tape commonly used on the bottom of computer mice were recently found in some shipping manifests believed to be related to one of Nintendo's parts suppliers.

  • The Switch 2 won't be the first handheld console to offer an alternate mouse-like mode for (one of) its controllers, as Lenovo's Legion GO already did the same in 2023.

The Nintendo Switch 2 According to some recently surfaced circumstantial evidence, the Joy-Cons may function as a sort of computer mouse. While it's doubtful whether a mouse-like controller mode will gain widespread acceptance among game developers, the proposed feature seems to be in line with Nintendo's track record of experimentation.

Evidence pointing to this possibility was shared by Famiboards user LiC, who previously obtained some Vietnamese customs data detailing shipments linked to a company believed to be one of Nintendo's parts suppliers. This intelligence has turned out to be a gold mine of information and is the source of many Switch 2 rumors and speculations that have appeared online since mid-2024.

Nintendo Switch 2 mockup on Gotham Knights blur cover

Relatives

Rumor: 2022 open-world RPG could be coming to Nintendo Switch 2

Some recent reports suggest that the 2022 open-world ARPG is currently in the process of being ported to the Nintendo Switch 2.

In early January 2025, LiC returned to Famiboards to share another potential insight into the upcoming device, revealing that they had previously discovered references to a polyethylene (PE) plastic adhesive tape described in customs manifests as being “for sticking to game console handles”. Shipping records reportedly label these pieces of tape as “mouse pads,” a term commonly used for the bottom of a computer mouse. So the mention of mouse pads in a potential Switch 2 parts list suggests that the upcoming console could mimic mouse functionality.

LiC found references to two mouse sole models: LG7 and SML7. Game Rant was unable to find these designations in any public component database, suggesting that if they are real, they belong to brand new products that have yet to be released. Data obtained by LiC indicates that both parts of the plastic tape measure 90 x 90 mm. Based on previously published Switch 2 dimensions, these sheets look large enough to cover the entire back of the new Joy-Cons and then some. But since they have a square aspect ratio, additional cropping may be required before applying them during assembly – assuming the LiC information is legitimate.

Nintendo Switch 2 won't be the first console with a mouse controller mode

While the mouse-like controller mode is in keeping with Nintendo's historical tendency to experiment, this type of technology has already been commercialized. The Lenovo Legion GO's right controller can also function as a mouse when it's turned sideways into a joystick-like shape. Lenovo even provides a round piece of plastic to accommodate the controller in this mode and help it slide more effectively across surfaces.

Lenovo's 2024 handheld also boasts magnetic rails for easy controller attachment, another rumored feature that the Switch 2 will have. In that sense, the Legion GO could offer a glimpse of what Nintendo's second attempt at a console hybrid will look like .

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