Firaxis Keeps Quiet on 'Mouse' Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2

If you caught the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal video, you might have noticed what appears to be a 'mouse' mode for the Joy-Cons. During the trailer, there's a striking moment where a pair of detached Joy-Cons are placed onto a surface with their attachment sides down. They then connect to a pair of connectors, which seem to have flat bottoms, and smoothly glide across the surface, reminiscent of a mouse on a mouse pad. A closer look reveals what looks like a slider pad on the bottom of one connector, adding more weight to the speculation.

Rumors had been swirling before the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal about this potential feature, suggesting it could be enabled by a sensor inside the Joy-Cons similar to those found in computer mice. However, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm this functionality or elaborate on its implications.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

28 Images

Following the reveal, one of the first games that came to mind was Firaxis’ Civilization 7. Already confirmed for the original Switch, it's likely to be compatible with the Switch 2 through backward compatibility. However, the big question is whether there will be a specially designed version for the Switch 2 that utilizes the new Joy-Con's mouse-like functionality, enhancing the gameplay experience to feel like using an actual mouse.

IGN discussed the Switch 2 reveal and the potential mouse functionality in an interview with Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk. While Beach stayed silent, Shirk offered a teasing response that's sure to fuel further speculation:

“It is definitely intriguing,” Shirk said. “You always have to make some trade-offs when dealing 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.”

Of course, Firaxis isn't likely to announce a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization 7—that responsibility falls to publisher 2K Games. But with a Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April, we might soon learn more.

While we await details on potential mouse support for the Switch 2 and what the mysterious new Joy-Con button does, 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 game is in development for it. You can catch up on all our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage right here.