Decoded: Shocker Patent Reveals Mind-Blowing Joy-Con Hinted Upgrades
The Surprising Details Uncovered in Nintendo’s Recent Patent for Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 might have been officially revealed, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. While Nintendo remains tight-lipped until April, a newly surfaced patent seems to confirm at least a few previously reported details that the company has only teased.
The Main Focus: Joy-Cons
Most of the excitement surrounds the detachable controllers, known as Joy-Cons, which are rumored to include some new tricks not seen in their original counterparts. These new tricks begin with magnets, which Switch 2’s Joy-Con’s have long been rumored to use to attach to the console instead of the finicky rails system used previously.
A Glimpse into Nintendo’s Patent
Nintendo’s recently unearthed game controller patent, initially filed in August 2023 and published today, provides a deeper look at how this technology has been implemented. "This game controller is detachably mounted to a body device that has a recess," it reads, "which comprises a first magnet and a second magnet at the bottom of the recess, and that can execute game processing."
Magnetic Attachment and How it Works
The patent also gives us insight into how the magnets have been implemented to prevent accidental detachment. "The first button and the second button are provided in the longitudinal direction in the top surface of the protrusion," Nintendo writes. "The first button and the second button are to be pressed by a user. The first button is attracted to the first magnet by a magnetic force. The second button is attracted to the second magnet by a magnetic force."
Not Much of a Revelation, But Still Interesting
While the inclusion of magnets isn’t a huge surprise, given Switch 2’s reveal trailer already suggested as much, it’s still an interesting reminder that there’s still much to learn about Nintendo’s new console.
Additional Insights into Joy-Con Mouse Functionality
The patent also includes a diagram of a right Joy-Con being used like a mouse. Its detachable edge is face down on a surface while the user grips it mouse-style, with one finger on the bumper and a thumb on the control stick. Other illustrations show a user dual-wielding two Joy-Cons mouse-style, like some sort of mouse-using ninja, while another shows a Joy-Con being deployed mouse-like in one hand and in standard formation in the other.
The Patent’s Benefits and Flexibility
The patent’s illustrations show a user’s flexibility in using the Joy-Con, including dual-wielding two Joy-Cons mouse-style or deploying the Joy-Con like a mouse in one hand and in standard formation in the other – further emphasizing the importance of flexibility.
The Wait for More Information Continues
Unfortunately, we likely won’t have solid answers to our many questions about Switch 2 until April’s Nintendo Direct – which will hopefully include the Captain Rainbow revival we’ve all been waiting for. Until then, feel free to refresh your knowledge of everything we know about Switch 2 here.
