Since the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have been buzzing with excitement and speculation, particularly about a small but intriguing detail from the trailer: the Joy-Cons. The focus has been on their apparent function as mouse controllers, reminiscent of those used on PCs, and their movement in the trailer. Now, we have the official word: the Joy-Cons can indeed operate in a "mouse mode." This feature allows players to slide the Joy-Cons across flat surfaces and use the analog sticks to mimic left-click and right-click actions, similar to a standard mouse. Furthermore, the versatility extends to using two Joy-Cons in mouse mode simultaneously, one in each hand, or pairing one in standard mode with the other in mouse mode. In essence, the possibilities are endless.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow
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The Nintendo stream provided a clear demonstration of the Joy-Con's mouse mode through a sports game inspired by Rocket League, featuring robotic characters navigating in wheelchair-style vehicles. The game, named Drag and Drive, is a dynamic three-on-three basketball experience. To play, gamers must utilize two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to maneuver their characters across the arena, aiming to score by sinking the ball into the basket.
The Joy-Con's mouse functionality sparked widespread speculation since its initial reveal in the trailer, where the controllers were seen gliding across surfaces like traditional PC mice. In our quest for more details, we reached out to Firaxis, the developers behind Civilization 7, but received a cryptic response. This feature, along with the newly introduced C button, has fueled discussions over the past month, countering the notion that the Nintendo Switch 2 is playing it "safe" compared to Nintendo's typically innovative approach.
To stay updated on all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find the full coverage right here.
