Ever since the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, fans have been buzzing with excitement over a small yet intriguing detail from the trailer: the Joy-Cons. Specifically, the way they moved, hinting at their potential use as mouse controllers, similar to those on a PC. Now, we have official confirmation on their functionality: The Joy-Cons can operate in "mouse mode," allowing players to slide them across flat surfaces and use the analog sticks to simulate a left-click and right-click, akin to a standard mouse. Furthermore, two Joy-Cons can be used simultaneously in mouse mode, with one in each hand, or one in standard mode and the other in mouse mode, offering versatile control options.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Nintendo stream showcased the capabilities of the Joy-Con in mouse mode through a sports game styled like Rocket League, featuring robot characters in wheelchair-style vehicles. Named "Drag and Drive," this three-on-three basketball game requires players to use two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to navigate the levels and score points by sinking the ball into the basket.
The reveal trailer, which showed Joy-Cons sliding around like PC mice, sparked numerous fan theories. In an attempt to gather more information, we reached out to Firaxis, the developer of Civilization 7, but received a cryptic response. This feature, along with the new C button, has fueled discussions about the console over the past month, particularly in response to criticisms that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be playing it "safe" compared to Nintendo's typical innovative approach.
You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct right here.