The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 was officially unveiled in January after speculation surrounding its design and features emerged through various leaks. Although Nintendo refrained from providing in-depth details about the console’s functionality and specifications, the initial trailer revealed an updated method for Joy-Con connectivity. A newly published patent indicates that the upcoming Joy-Cons will utilize magnets to attach securely to the Switch 2’s main body, corroborating previous reports.
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons to Feature Magnets
A patent for a Game Controller, submitted by Nintendo in August 2023 and released on Thursday, outlines features of the new Joy-Con controllers, highlighting the incorporation of magnets. Although the document does not explicitly mention the Nintendo Switch 2, the provided diagrams suggest these Joy-Cons are intended for the successor console.
According to the patent’s abstract, “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 revamped Joy-Con connection mechanism for Nintendo Switch 2
Photo Credit: Nintendo
The patent further elaborates on the Joy-Con’s mechanism, describing the protruding part of the controller designed to fit into a recess on the Switch 2’s body. It states, “The game controller comprises a first input unit, a protrusion, a first button, and a second button. The first input unit is provided on the front surface. The protrusion protrudes from a first lateral surface, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first lateral surface. The protrusion is configured to fit in the recess.”
The description continues, detailing that “the first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion, and they are to be pressed by a user. The first button is attracted to the first magnet by a magnetic force, while the second button is attracted to the second magnet by a magnetic force.”
These features align closely with what was shown in the Switch 2’s first-look trailer. While Nintendo did not elaborate on the alterations in the design, it appears that the original rail system used for attaching Joy-Cons has been replaced by a new snap-on mechanism.
The patent’s mention of a magnetic attachment mechanism for the Joy-Cons, coupled with earlier leaks, suggests a strong possibility of this feature in the next-generation console. A previous report from April 2024 indicated that the Switch 2 would feature redesigned Joy-Cons that magnetically affix to the handheld unit.
Joy-Cons May Come With Mouse Functionality
In addition to magnetic attachment, diagrams included in the patent also imply that the Joy-Con might function similarly to a mouse. One image shows a user gripping the Joy-Con in a manner reminiscent of how one would hold a mouse, with fingers on the shoulder buttons and the thumb on the joystick.
Nintendo hinted at this mouse functionality in the first-look trailer for the Switch 2, where Joy-Cons were demonstrated sliding face down across a flat surface. However, this functionality has not yet been officially confirmed by the company.
More insights regarding the design, specifications, and features of the Switch 2 are anticipated during a Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the console, scheduled for April 2. The event may also preview new games set to launch on the platform. The Nintendo Switch 2 is projected to hit the market sometime in 2025.
