If you watched the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal video, you might have caught a glimpse of what appears to be a 'mouse' mode for the Joy-Cons. During the trailer, you can see a pair of detached Joy-Cons being lowered onto a surface, attachment side down. They connect to a pair of connectors with flat bottoms and then glide across the surface, much like a mouse on a mouse pad. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice what looks like a slider pad on the bottom of one of the connectors, further supporting the mouse functionality theory.
Rumors had been swirling before the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal about this potential feature, suggesting that a sensor inside the Joy-Cons similar to those found in computer mice could make it possible. However, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm these speculations or discuss what this feature might entail.
Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look
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One game that immediately springs to mind post-reveal is Firaxis’ Civilization 7. Already confirmed for the original Switch and compatible with the Switch 2 through backward compatibility, many are curious if there will be a version specifically designed for the Switch 2 that leverages the new Joy-Con's mouse-like capabilities. Could this enable players to experience Civilization 7 as if they were using a traditional mouse?
IGN touched on this during a recent interview with Civilization 7's lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk. While Beach stayed mum on the topic, Shirk offered a tantalizing hint: "It is definitely intriguing," he said. "You always do some trade-offs when you have to deal with pure console controls. And the announcement has some great stuff in it. I love what they're doing with the controllers. It's all very cool. That's about all I can say about it in terms of an opinion. I think it looks awesome and they're not wrong, so it would be cool for something like that."
AnswerSee ResultsOf course, Firaxis isn't likely to announce a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization 7 themselves; that would be left to their publisher, 2K Games. However, with a Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April, we might soon learn more about this.
While we're still in the dark about potential mouse support for the Switch 2, as well as the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, we do know that Nintendo's next-gen console is slated for release in 2025, likely between June and September. Additionally, a new Mario Kart is in development for the platform. For the latest on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our comprehensive coverage here.
