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<article class="double-column h-entry post-2075022 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-gaming tag-joy-cons tag-nintendo-switch-2" data-id="2075022"> <header> <div class="dusk:bg-gray-700 my-4 bg-white py-4 dark:bg-gray-700 md:my-10 md:py-8"> <div class="mx-auto max-w-2xl px-4 md:px-8 lg:grid lg:max-w-6xl"> <div class="md:mb-2"> <div class="upper-deck font-impact text-green-450 dusk:text-green-400 inline-flex flex-row flex-nowrap items-center gap-2 text-left text-sm font-semibold uppercase leading-tight dark:text-green-400"> <span class="upper-deck__icon"> <svg class="h-5 w-5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clipPath id="section-gaming_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"/></clipPath><clipPath id="section-gaming_svg__b"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"/></clipPath></defs><g clip-path="url(#section-gaming_svg__a)"><g fill="none" clip-path="url(#section-gaming_svg__b)"><path fill="currentColor" d="M30.7 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leading-[1.1] md:leading-[1.2]"> Users can access thumbsticks, shoulder buttons while sliding Joy-Cons on a flat surface. </p> <div class="my-3 md:mb-6 md:mt-0"> <div class="font-impact text-xs font-semibold uppercase text-gray-300"><a class="text-orange-400 hover:text-orange-500" href="https://arstechnica.com/author/kyle-orland/"> Kyle Orland </a> – <span class="whitespace-nowrap"> <time class="mr-[2px] inline-block cursor-default" title="2025-02-06T18:04:09-05:00" datetime="2025-02-06T18:04:09-05:00" x-data="{ compact: false, open: false, date: new Date('2025-02-06T18:04:09-05:00'), updatedTimestamp: false, format: function() { let dateFormat = { year: 'numeric', month: 'short', day: 'numeric' }; let timeFormat = { hour: 'numeric', minute: 'numeric' }; let formatted = this.date.toLocaleDateString(undefined, dateFormat) + ' ' + this.date.toLocaleTimeString(undefined, timeFormat); if (this.compact) { if (this.date.toDateString() === new Date().toDateString()) { formatted = this.date.toLocaleTimeString(undefined, timeFormat); if (this.updatedTimestamp) { formatted = 'at ' + formatted; } } else { formatted = this.date.toLocaleDateString(undefined, { year: 'numeric', month: 'numeric', day: 'numeric' }); } } if (this.updatedTimestamp) { formatted = 'Updated ' + formatted; } return formatted; } }" x-text="format()"> Feb 6, 2025 6:04 pm </time> <span class="text-gray-550">|</span> <a class="view-comments text-gray-300 hover:text-gray-500" href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/02/nintendo-patent-explains-switch-2-joy-cons-mouse-operation-mode/#comments" title="98 comments"> <svg class="-mt-1 ml-1 mr-[2px] inline-block h-4 w-4" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 80 80"><defs><clipPath id="bubble-zero_svg__a"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h80v80H0z"/></clipPath><clipPath id="bubble-zero_svg__b"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h80v80H0z"/></clipPath></defs><g clip-path="url(#bubble-zero_svg__a)"><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#bubble-zero_svg__b)"><path d="M80 40c0 22.09-17.91 40-40 40S0 62.09 0 40 17.91 0 40 0s40 17.91 40 40"/><path d="M40 40 .59 76.58C-.67 77.84.22 80 2.01 80H40z"/></g></g></svg> 98 </a> </span></div> </div> <div class="relative"> <img width="800" height="1132" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon2-e1738889548827.png" class="intro-image" alt="" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" /> </div> <div> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> The old way of holding a Joy-Con (top) and the new way (bottom) <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" 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lg:gap-6 lg:px-8 xl:px-0"> <div class="relative lg:col-span-2"> <div class="post-content post-content-double"> <p>It's been a month since <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/01/switch-2-leaks-point-to-controllers-that-work-like-computer-mice/">we first heard rumors</a> that the Switch 2's new Joy-Cons could be slid across a flat surface to function like a computer mouse. Now, a newly published patent filed by Nintendo seems to confirm that feature and describes how it will work.</p> <p>The international patent was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization in January 2023, but it was <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803">only published on WIPO's website on Thursday</a>. The Japanese-language patent—whose illustrations match what we've seen of Switch 2 Joy-Con precisely—features an English abstract describing "a sensor for mouse operation" that can "detect reflected light from a detected surface, the light changing by moving over the detected surface..." much like any number of optical computer mice. Schematic drawings in the patent show how the light source and light sensor are squeezed inside the Joy-Con, with a built-in lens for directing the light to and from each.</p> <figure class="ars-wp-img-shortcode id-2075031 align-fullwidth"> <div> <div class="ars-lightbox"> <div class="ars-lightbox-item"> <a data-pswp-width="2478" data-pswp-height="3507" data-pswp-srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1440x2038.png 1440w" data-cropped="false" href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1.png" target="_blank" class="cursor-zoom-in"> <img width="2478" height="3507" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1.png" class="fullwidth full" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon1-1440x2038.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2478px) 100vw, 2478px"> </a> <div class="pswp-caption-content" id="caption-2075031"> A schematic diagram of the Switch 2's Joy-Con light sensor <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> Credit: <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> A schematic diagram of the Switch 2's Joy-Con light sensor <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank"> Nintendo / WIPO </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>A machine translation of the full text of the patent describes the controller as "a novel input device that can be used as a mouse and other than a mouse." In mouse mode, as described in the patent, the user cradles the outer edge of the controller with their palm and places the inner edge "on, for example, a desk or the like."</p> <p>In this configuration, the user's thumb can still access the analog stick (which is now pointing horizontally) while the index and middle fingers are positioned so the two shoulder buttons "can be operated as, for example, a right-click button and a left-click button," according to the patent. The patent describes this configuration as "easy to hold" or "easy to grip." It also goes to great lengths to explain how the shoulder buttons wrap around the curved top corner of the controller and thus are "easy to press" by pushing either downward or closer to horizontally with a finger.</p> <div class="ars-interlude-container in-content-interlude mx-auto max-w-xl"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="dusk:bg-gray-100 hidden min-w-[300px] justify-self-end dark:bg-gray-50 lg:block"> <div class="ad-wrapper is-sticky is-rail"> <div class="ad-wrapper-inner"> <div class="ad ad--rail"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ad-wrapper with-label is-fullwidth"> <div class="ad-wrapper-inner"> <div class="ad ad--mid-content"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mt-2.5 mx-auto px-[15px] sm:px-5 lg:grid lg:max-w-5xl lg:grid-cols-3 lg:gap-6 lg:px-8 xl:px-0"> <div class="relative lg:col-span-2"> <div class="post-content post-content-double"> <p>According to the patent, two Joy-Cons can be used simultaneously as mice, with one in each hand, or one can be used as a mouse while the other is held vertically as a more traditional Switch Joy-Con. Intriguingly, the patent suggests that the mouse mode might work when the controller is hovering up to 1 cm above the flat surface being used, which would put it at <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2317387/does-lift-off-distance-matter-in-a-gaming-mouse.html">the higher end of usable lift-off distances</a> used in PC gaming mice.</p> <div class="ars-lightbox align-fullwidth my-5"> <div class="ars-gallery-1-up my-5"> <div class="ars-lightbox-item relative block h-full w-full overflow-hidden rounded-sm"> <a data-pswp-width="2478" data-pswp-height="3507" data-pswp-srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1440x2038.png 1440w" data-cropped="true" href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3.png" target="_blank" class="cursor-zoom-in"> <img decoding="async" width="2478" height="3507" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3.png" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2075029" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon3-1440x2038.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2478px) 100vw, 2478px"> </a> <div class="pswp-caption-content" id="caption-2075029"> A top view of the Joy-Con's "mosue operation" mode. Note how the thumb still has access to the analog stick while two fingers rest on the two should buttons. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ars-gallery-caption"> <svg class="ars-gallery-caption-arrow ars-gallery-caption-arrow-right" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clippath id="arrow-blocks-right_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#arrow-blocks-right_svg__a)"><path d="M32 16h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm8-24h8v8h-8zm-8-8h8v8h-8zM0 16h16v8H0z"></path></g></svg> <div class="ars-gallery-caption-content "> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-text">A top view of the Joy-Con's "mosue operation" mode. Note how the thumb still has access to the analog stick while two fingers rest on the two should buttons.</span> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-col flex-nowrap gap-5 py-5 md:flex-row"> <div class="" style="flex-basis: calc(50% - 10px);"> <div class="ars-lightbox-item relative block h-full w-full overflow-hidden rounded-sm"> <a data-pswp-width="2478" data-pswp-height="3507" data-pswp-srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1440x2038.png 1440w" data-cropped="true" href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4.png" target="_blank" class="cursor-zoom-in"> <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="1449" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1024x1449.png" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2075028" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon4-1440x2038.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </a> <div class="pswp-caption-content" id="caption-2075028"> Dual mouse mode! <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md:hidden"> <div class="ars-gallery-caption"> <svg class="ars-gallery-caption-arrow ars-gallery-caption-arrow-right" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clippath id="arrow-blocks-right_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#arrow-blocks-right_svg__a)"><path d="M32 16h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm8-24h8v8h-8zm-8-8h8v8h-8zM0 16h16v8H0z"></path></g></svg> <div class="ars-gallery-caption-content "> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-text">Dual mouse mode!</span> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex-1"> <div class="ars-lightbox-item relative block h-full w-full overflow-hidden rounded-sm"> <a data-pswp-width="2478" data-pswp-height="3507" data-pswp-srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5.png 2478w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1440x2038.png 1440w" data-cropped="true" href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5.png" target="_blank" class="cursor-zoom-in"> <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="1449" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1024x1449.png" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2075027" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1024x1449.png 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-640x906.png 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-768x1087.png 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1085x1536.png 1085w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1447x2048.png 1447w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-980x1387.png 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mousecon5-1440x2038.png 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </a> <div class="pswp-caption-content" id="caption-2075027"> You can use one Joy-Con in the traditional manner while using the other as a mouse. <div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md:hidden"> <div class="ars-gallery-caption"> <svg class="ars-gallery-caption-arrow ars-gallery-caption-arrow-right" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clippath id="arrow-blocks-right_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#arrow-blocks-right_svg__a)"><path d="M32 16h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm8-24h8v8h-8zm-8-8h8v8h-8zM0 16h16v8H0z"></path></g></svg> <div class="ars-gallery-caption-content "> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-text">You can use one Joy-Con in the traditional manner while using the other as a mouse.</span> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="hidden md:block"> <div class="ars-gallery-caption"> <svg class="ars-gallery-caption-arrow ars-gallery-caption-arrow-left" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clippath id="arrow-blocks-right_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#arrow-blocks-right_svg__a)"><path d="M32 16h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm8-24h8v8h-8zm-8-8h8v8h-8zM0 16h16v8H0z"></path></g></svg> <div class="ars-gallery-caption-content left"> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-text">Dual mouse mode!</span> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </span> </div> </div> <div class="ars-gallery-caption"> <svg class="ars-gallery-caption-arrow ars-gallery-caption-arrow-right" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 40 40"><defs><clippath id="arrow-blocks-right_svg__a"><path fill="none" d="M0 0h40v40H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#arrow-blocks-right_svg__a)"><path d="M32 16h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm-8 8h8v8h-8zm8-24h8v8h-8zm-8-8h8v8h-8zM0 16h16v8H0z"></path></g></svg> <div class="ars-gallery-caption-content right"> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-text">You can use one Joy-Con in the traditional manner while using the other as a mouse.</span> <span class="ars-gallery-caption-credit"> <a href="https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025027803" target="_blank">Nintendo / WIPO</a> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>While the other details of the Joy-Cons and gaming device described in the patent match up closely with what we know of the Switch 2, it's important to remember that the final hardware could differ from these early patented descriptions. For instance, the patent makes no mention of the stabilizing mounts that were shown clicking onto the edge of the Joy-Con before a mouse-like sliding section of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/01/its-official-take-a-first-look-at-the-switch-2/">the hardware's first-glimpse trailer last month</a>.</p> <p>That said, the patent serves as strong evidence of just how the Switch Joy-Cons could emulate computer mice. We expect more details will be shared when Nintendo releases a Switch-focused Direct video on April 2.</p> </div> <div class="-mx-2.5 sm:mx-0"> </div> <div class="author-mini-bio"> <div class="flex flex-col items-start gap-5 border-t-4 py-5 dark:border-gray-700 sm:flex-row"> <div class="flex items-center gap-3"> <a class="relative block aspect-square h-24 w-24 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-full border-4 border-green-400" href="https://arstechnica.com/author/kyle-orland/"><img class="absolute left-0 top-0 min-h-full min-w-full object-cover" src="/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/k.orland-13.jpg" alt="Photo of Kyle Orland"></a> <div class="font-impact mb-0 text-left text-base font-semibold uppercase sm:hidden"> <a href="https://arstechnica.com/author/kyle-orland/">Kyle Orland</a> <span class="block font-sans text-sm font-normal italic sm:inline-block">Senior Gaming Editor</span> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="font-impact mb-0 hidden text-left text-base font-semibold uppercase sm:block"> <a href="https://arstechnica.com/author/kyle-orland/">Kyle Orland</a> <span class="block font-sans text-sm font-normal italic sm:ml-2 sm:inline-block">Senior Gaming Editor</span> </div> <div class="text-left text-base leading-5 text-gray-400" itemprop="description"> Kyle Orland has been the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica since 2012, writing primarily about the business, tech, and culture behind video games. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He once <a href="https://bossfightbooks.com/collections/books/products/minesweeper-by-kyle-orland">wrote a whole book about <em>Minesweeper</em></a>. </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="story-tools flex items-center justify-between border-b-4 border-t-4 text-sm dark:border-gray-700 sm:text-lg"> <a class="view-comments font-impact my-5 flex items-center gap-2 whitespace-nowrap font-semibold uppercase" href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/02/nintendo-patent-explains-switch-2-joy-cons-mouse-operation-mode/#comments" title="98 comments"> <svg class="text-gray-300 hover:text-gray-500 h-6 w-6" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 80 80"><defs><clipPath id="bubble-zero_svg__a"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h80v80H0z"/></clipPath><clipPath id="bubble-zero_svg__b"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h80v80H0z"/></clipPath></defs><g clip-path="url(#bubble-zero_svg__a)"><g fill="currentColor" clip-path="url(#bubble-zero_svg__b)"><path d="M80 40c0 22.09-17.91 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