Since the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have been buzzing with excitement and speculation over a seemingly small detail from the trailer: the Joy-Cons. The speculation centered around their potential use as mouse controllers, similar to those on a PC, sparked by the way they were shown moving in the trailer. Now, we have the official word: The Joy-Cons feature a "mouse mode" that lets players slide them across flat surfaces, using the analog sticks to simulate left-click and right-click actions, much like a traditional mouse. What's more, players can use two Joy-Cons simultaneously in mouse mode, one in each hand, or mix and match with one in standard mode and the other in mouse mode. The possibilities for gameplay are truly endless.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Nintendo Direct stream provided a captivating demonstration of the Joy-Con's mouse mode through a sports game reminiscent of Rocket League, featuring robot characters navigating in wheelchair-style vehicles. This game, called Drag and Drive, is designed as a thrilling three-on-three basketball experience. To play, gamers must utilize two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to maneuver their characters across the court, aiming to score by sinking the ball into the basket.
The Joy-Con's mouse functionality had fans theorizing ever since its appearance in the reveal trailer, where the Joy-Cons were seen gliding across surfaces much like PC mice. In an attempt to gather more details, we reached out to Firaxis, the developers behind Civilization 7, and received a mysteriously intriguing response. This feature, along with the new C button, has fueled extensive discussions about the Nintendo Switch 2 over the past month, serving as a counterpoint to critiques that the console was playing it "safe" compared to Nintendo's traditionally bold approach.
For those who want to stay updated on all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find comprehensive coverage right here.