Could Nintendo’s latest patent bring mouse feature to Switch 1 Joy-Cons? The new designs seem to suggest it

Nintendo’s recent innovation hints at upgraded controllers for Switch 1. If that happens, the old console could stick around for another eight years.

Olga Racinowska

February 7, 2025 04:10

Source: Nintendo

We’ve got the date and time for the next Nintendo Direct, and now there’s even a patent for Switch 2 with its mouse-like Joy-Cons. Still there is no word on the launch date or price, but in the meantime, there’s some buzz about new controllers for Switch 1. Could they get the mouse feature too?

Nintendo’s latest patent, a sneak peek at the future of Joy-Cons

Everyone expected Switch 2 to bring some big innovations, but most of us thought Nintendo might take another shot at 3D technology. I even heard rumors that it would be more like a 3DS successor, but in the end, it looks like the real game-changer will be the Joy-Cons.

New Joy-Con designs on the left and a possible Pro controller on the right.Source: Patentscope

On February 6, 2025, Nintendo published a patent for its upcoming console, giving us a closer look at the controller designs. While some are focused on a possible new Pro gamepad, others have spotted a drawing that looks suspiciously like an updated Joy-Con for Switch 1.

Switch 2 Joy-Con designs on the left and an unknown Joy-Con on the right.Source: Patentscope

The image above compares the Switch 2 Joy-Cons to one of the more mysterious design from the Drawings final section. This could be a new right-side controller for Switch 1, featuring an extra button below the Home button and a component labeled 774, described as a ‘mouse operation sensor’. So now, the question is: what does that mean?

Could mouse-featured Joy-Cons keep Switch 1 alive?

We’d all love to believe that every Switch 2 game will be fully compatible with Switch 1, and a new Joy-Con for the older console could make that possible. But as always, just because a patent exists doesn’t guarantee the product will ever see the light of day. This might just be Nintendo covering its bases to stop third-party sellers from making Switch 1 controllers with a mouse feature.

Old Switch 1 Joy-Cons could use a little freshening up.

On the other hand, Joy-Cons with mouse functionality for the Switch 1 could help extend its longevity, especially with sales slowing down recently. It’s no surprise that everyone is holding out for Switch 2, but this could breathe new life into the 8-year-old console.