Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Could They Double as Computer Mice?
Emerging evidence suggests the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons may offer an unconventional feature: mouse-like functionality. While the practicality for game developers remains uncertain, this aligns with Nintendo's history of innovative controller designs.
The clue comes from Famiboards user LiC, who previously unearthed Vietnamese customs data related to a suspected Nintendo parts supplier. This data, a source of numerous Switch 2 rumors since mid-2024, recently revealed shipments of polyethylene (PE) adhesive tape described as "mouse soles"—the bottom part of a computer mouse—intended for "game console handles." The presence of "mouse soles" in a potential Switch 2 parts list hints at this unique capability.
LiC identified two "mouse sole" model numbers: LG7 and SML7. These numbers haven't been found in public component databases, suggesting they're new products. The data indicates each tape piece measures 90 x 90mm, potentially large enough to cover the entire back of the Joy-Cons, though likely requiring trimming during assembly.
Not a First for Handhelds
While innovative for Nintendo, a mouse-like controller mode isn't unprecedented. The Lenovo Legion GO, released in 2023, already features this functionality with its right controller, transforming into a mouse when rotated sideways. Lenovo even includes a plastic piece to aid its smooth movement.
The Legion GO also shares rumored Switch 2 features like magnetic controller rails, offering a potential preview of Nintendo's hybrid console.
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