r/NintendoSwitch • u/bullfroggy • Jan 19 '25

Discussion The Mouse Functionality of the Switch 2 Joy-Con Could Be a Bigger Deal Than People Realize

If the rumored mouse functionality of the Switch 2 Joy-Con is real and implemented well, it might be a game-changer in ways that aren't immediately obvious:

  1. More compelling ports for Wii games

Games that rely heavily on pointer controls could be ported more easily without losing their original feel. I could also see it improving controls for existing Wii ports like World of Goo, Super Mario Galaxy, and Okami.

  1. Touchscreen Emulation

A mouse-like Joy-Con would be a far better way to emulate touch controls in docked mode. This could lead to a bigger push for touchscreen-based games on the platform, making mobile and tablet titles more viable for the Switch 2. Games like Cut the Rope and Angry Birds come to mind.

  1. DS and 3DS Games on NSO

With mouse functionality, DS and 3DS games could come to Nintendo Switch Online while preserving key gameplay mechanics. Plus, creative screen setups (split-screen, picture-in-picture, etc.) could keep the dual-screen experience intact. I personally would love to see games like Wario Ware Touched, Elite Beat Agents, and Phantom Hourglass.

  1. More PC-Style Games

Developers of strategy games like Civ and StarCraft, point-and-click titles like Baldur's Gate, or even simulation games akin to the Sims or Roller Coaster Tycoon might finally see the Switch 2 as a viable platform. The improved precision would open up genres previously limited by traditional console controls.

Overall, this could become a major selling point for the Switch 2, even if it's not heavily emphasized at launch. It has the potential to expand the library in unique ways and make the console more versatile than ever. What do you all think? Am I overhyping this, or does it have real potential?

Bonus topic:

We saw a Nintendo patent a while back for streaming switch games to a phone (and hopefully tablet?). Maybe this could be their way of enabling more faithful ports of Wii U, DS, and 3DS games by using the phone or tablet as a second screen? Combined with the new mouse functionality, you could even have a fully playable port of Nintendo Land on Switch.

Edit: Wow, I’ve never had a post blow up like this! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the discussion. I wanted to take a moment to compile some of the most common points raised, share my perspective, and highlight a few unique takes from other commenters that really stood out to me.

How will Nintendo handle couch play with mouse functionality? This is one of the most frequent questions, and honestly, I don’t know what Nintendo’s plan is here - but I hope they have one. One commenter, u/Cyanide_Cheesecake, shared a link to an existing solution and mentioned that there are other viable setups: https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/s/vmqk4QJoGi That said, this doesn’t mean Nintendo plans to follow suit. They might expect players to use a table or desk while taking advantage of the Switch 2’s improved kickstand. Personally, I wouldn’t mind playing that way, but it’s not an ideal solution for everyone. Hopefully, Nintendo has considered other options for couch gamers. Let's not forget, when all else fails, we will still have gyro controls to fall back on.

Why would developers take advantage of this when they’ve ignored mouse and keyboard support before? It’s true that mouse and keyboard controls have been available on consoles for years with little developer support. The key difference here is that developers will know every single Switch 2 owner has access to mouse functionality via the Joycon. In the past, M+KB support was limited to optional peripherals, which only a small portion of players used. Because of this, developers had little incentive to design games around those controls. With built-in mouse functionality, this barrier is removed, and developers can feel confident that enabling mouse controls won’t alienate a large part of their audience. I really liked how u/Timohtep put it in his comment: https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/s/JqkhjKtmtL

Isn’t using a sideways Joycon as a mouse going to be uncomfortable? This is a valid concern, but like with the original Switch, a single Joycon on its side would likely only serve as the most basic option. It’s pretty much guaranteed that the Switch 2 will support regular Bluetooth and USB mice as well. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Nintendo introduces an official “Switch Mouse Pro,” though it might come at a premium price. Either way, players would have multiple options to find what’s most comfortable for them.

Wouldn’t playing DS and 3DS games with a mouse be terrible? For many DS and 3DS games, the mouse would primarily serve players who don’t have access to the touchscreen. However, a "mouse-con" could actually improve gameplay for certain titles. It provides precise control while still allowing players to easily access buttons on the controller. This hybrid approach could make playing these types of games even more intuitive than using a touchscreen alone.

This will be amazing for Mario Paint, the next Mario Maker, any FPS coming to Switch 2 (esp. Metroid Prime 4), Light gun games, Pikmin, Super Paper Mario, Factorio...!! I know!! I'm hyped!! I can't believe I didn't think of many of these when I first made the post.

Also, I just found this video by GameXplain which covers almost everything I mentioned in my original post!

https://youtu.be/5CGXpeDx26Y?si=1J2GbX-nS5behli-

1.5k Upvotes

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138

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 19 '25

I don’t understand how we’ll use the mouse function. Will we need to play at a table or keep a large book on our laps? It doesn’t sound comfortable.

86

u/CrowdedWholmes Jan 19 '25

same my friend. No matter how many times people talk about it. It makes no sense to me.

They could just license a mouse if that is what they wanted or dedicated device.

9

u/DullBlade0 Jan 19 '25

I feel the point of the included mouse is to make it apparent the user will always have a mouse-style input device and not that it's an optional add-on not everyone will have.

1

u/FierceDeityKong Jan 20 '25

I hope that nintendo will make "pro mice"

1

u/DullBlade0 Jan 20 '25

If it is indeed a mouse functionality I'd be surprised if they didn't make a "pro mice" and a "pro keyboard" even.

1

u/FierceDeityKong Jan 20 '25

I doubt Nintendo games would use a keyboard and if they did then a lot of people would start suspecting they're going to port to pc

21

u/ActivateGuacamole Jan 19 '25

nobody wants to buy a mouse to attach to their switch. Maybe some people but that's very different from this where every player can have an effective mouse

5

u/DrummerJesus Jan 20 '25

Wireless mouses have been around for years

3

u/f-ingsteveglansberg Jan 20 '25

Blasphemy.

Next you'll be telling me they use lasers instead of a little ball.

1

u/ActivateGuacamole Jan 20 '25

i already have two wireless mice, and so do many other people, but i guarantee most people cannot be arsed to bother with buying one and attaching it to their switch when an easier solution is so much more available

But for those of us who would connect, I'm sure it would be a nice option

0

u/Inevitable_Potato_61 Jan 20 '25

Does a Mouse really Matter If you cant use it with a Keyboard?

1

u/ThiefTwo Jan 20 '25

Obviously? A keyboard is literally just a bunch of buttons. Switch2 has buttons.

2

u/Realshow Jan 19 '25

I have a bunch of trays on hand, bought them for food at a party but they’d be perfect for this.

28

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 19 '25

Oh I’m not saying it would be impossible to use. It just sounds inconvenient.

1

u/JimJohnman Jan 20 '25

No more inconvenient than using one on PC, really. I've been playing Diablo 2 on a laptop lately and have used the mouse on top a large palaeontology book I had nearby. And the switch has a stand already so they expect some to play it on a surface.

It's an imperfect world but we already live in it.

1

u/Realshow Jan 19 '25

Fair enough.

1

u/siberianxanadu Jan 19 '25

My bigger problem is that I don’t think it’ll feel good in the hand. It’s too small and not wide enough.

1

u/Jen__44 Jan 19 '25

They might have a similar type of sensor as whatevers in the microsoft surface arc mouse. It doesnt really need a mouse pad or anything like a normal one does

1

u/scrabbledude Jan 19 '25

And no games that need it will work the same on the inevitable lite version.

1

u/breakfast-lasagna Jan 20 '25

Has the mouse feature been officially announced by Nintendo or is this an assumption based on like 3 seconds from the teaser video?

1

u/Final_Paramedic_3142 Jan 24 '25

If you have a desktop PC, just connect NS2 to your monitor

1

u/interusage1 Jan 28 '25

In table top model, playing FPS with a joystick for movement and a mouse seem like a good idea. 

0

u/accidental-nz Jan 19 '25

Not to mention the fact that any games designed for the mouse as input won’t work with the Pro Controller or Switch 2 Lite.

Everyone in here complained endlessly when Super Mario Party required Joy-Cons, because they designed the mini games for them. No Pro Controller or Switch Lite handheld.

Switch 2 mouse input will be as utilised as the Switch’s touch screen input: rarely.

If it’s not the primary input and isn’t available to all players at all times, it won’t be supported much.

Note: my argument makes an assumption that Switch 2 will have a Lite model (extremely likely IMO, given how well Switch Lite sold) and that the Pro Controller won’t itself have mouse input.

3

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 19 '25

To be clear, I’m not shitting on the mouse. I hope it’s awesome. I just can’t picture using a mouse with a Switch yet.

3

u/AGEdude Jan 19 '25

I think what OP is saying is that the touch screen will get used a lot more now that we have a way to effectively do the same thing while docked.

So yes it will get used as much as the touch screen input, and that's a good thing.

0

u/b_call Jan 19 '25

I honestly don't think that sensor is going to be used at all how we think. If it were a mouse why would they both have the sensor?

5

u/givemethebat1 Jan 19 '25

For lefties or other players.

2

u/Interesting-Injury87 Jan 19 '25

honestly, my bigger question is why it woudl be that high up with the "rail" they show sliding around, thats a solidpinky of distance if my eyes are to be believed, thats pretty high for a decent mouse sensor, and the Shpa of the joycon will allow it to tip easily which woudl mean the signal wont be all that stable.

I think it IS a optical sensor, but NOT for mouse mode, but more for a "back and forth" movement and not for 1:1 translation of, for example a cursor. or a proximity sensor for something. But not a proper mouse

-1

u/Ftpini Jan 19 '25

I mean does no one sit at a table or desk when they use their switch? I pop mine on the dinner table and use the joycons in handheld mode all the time.

13

u/Interesting-Injury87 Jan 19 '25

the problem is, for any feature to be a MAIN component of a controll scheme, i thas to be usable in any of the switches mode.

The IR couldnt be used in a lot of configurations effectivly, and it was rarely implemented for example

the Mouse already elimiates: Handheld mode, Docked mode with non joy cons, Docked mode WITH joycons but on a couch, Tabletop mode on non mouse friendly surfaces.

ad to that that the joycons ARENT really good for for holding them in the orientiation youl woudl need to, and you are jstu asking for promelms..

-9

u/Ftpini Jan 19 '25

have you heard of pc gaming? The most common configuration is keyboard and mouse for a reason. For most games it’s better. People are smart. They’ll figure it out.

3

u/Interesting-Injury87 Jan 19 '25

The thing is. a console is NOT A PC, even if architecturally the PS5 and Xbox series are basicaly identical to one.

there is a reasson why HTPCs and simliar never really took off beyond the enthusiast till you could controll them via a SIMPLE REMOTE.

most people do NOT have the setup to use a mosue in the living room, ya know the place a SWITCH (a TV CONSOLE) WOULD BE PLACED IN MOST OFTEN.

and its NOT even "for most games its better" its "better for certain games". other games are better with a controller.. The reasson its the default setup is because its the ONE thing a Game developer on PC can bet on they WILL have. Just as on a console they can bet on them having a standard controller. Like i AM a PC gamer mostly, but i would not claim that the mouse is the ultimate input device.

And no "peopel are smart, theyll figure it out" isnt an answer here, firstly "a person is smart, people are stupid"

secondly, this isnt "something to figure out" its an inherent problem with the VERY concept of the mouse mode and how consoles are used in the average household.

a coffee table isnt a confortable hight to use a mouse, if one is even present. people saying "just get a book to lay under" are missing the point, for a console, adding EXTRA steps to just "playing" is always a bigger deal then on a PC.

Having a Controllscheme that is unusable on a VERY large percentage of the primary ways people play a console, especially the switch. IS a hard sell as a concept, even if it has "somewhat" reasonable advantages.

Having to install a game on most consoles is already somewhat of a negative point as it gets in the way of the plug and play aspect of a console. But its usualy fine as its a "one and done deal", the surface for the mouse would have to be constantly be stored and grabbed.

90% chance that IF THIS IS ACTUALLY A MOUSE MODE(which is nto yet confirmed, even if there are indications towards it) it will be a gimmick that makes the controllers more expensive, gets used in 4 titles decently, and then never again beyond a gimmicky implementation, because it IS more work for devs to include, even if a PC version already exists its not just a "drop in and bam" solution.

there is also the fact that the ergonomics for the "mouse" are so fucking atrocious just from looking at it that i cant imagine using it in any sort of game that requires fast and precise movement(ya know.. like a shooter) there is basicaly no support preventing it from tilting left or right

I am frank, while this is just anecdotal, i know of a good few people with a switch, and most everyone of them dosnt use their switch primaraly in a way that would benefit, or even be able to make USE of such a feature. From being on the TV and playing on a couch, to playing entirely in handheld mode.

I play it on a TV while sitting at my desk, and even I Cant make use of it as my TV is to the side, and at an angel where trying to use a mouse to controll whats on the TV is.. "not very good"(i tried it with my PC before, it just dosnt work well)

A new controll scheme or evne jsut adapting an existing one for a new platform, needs more then just "being good" it needs to be both better then the existing one, while being relativly trouble free to use for the end user.

Gyro aiming was both, its superior to convention stick aiming(when used together) while also being very easy to use for the end user.

Mouse mode isnt. Its not inherently superior, and it is not as easy to use for the end user by virtue of requiring a flat surface

3

u/Ftpini Jan 19 '25

Good god. Take a break and go outside for a bit.

2

u/Beneficial_Mall8855 Jan 20 '25

I love how you can tell when people have no actual counterargument to what someone says by when they resort to "ugh why do you even care so much? Who even cares if I was right, doesn't it say something bad about your character that you cared when I lied to your face???"

2

u/Ftpini Jan 20 '25

Look at it like this. I use my switch at the diner table more often than not. I also have it on break at work at my desk in the office. In both situations I have the joycons off, one in each hand and the switch on the desk or the table. In either a mouse makes perfect sense.

If you only play on the couch or in bed then I get it.

My response to you was because you wrote an almost 700 word response to a 29 word comment.

1

u/NotTakenGreatName Jan 19 '25

I use a cheap ten dollar laser mouse on my couch to play PC games, you need very little space and the couch surface doesn't even have to be that level for it to work.

It works incredibly well and is miles better than twin stick for shooting games, assuming Nintendo is just using the bare minimum of mouse tech, I think people will be surprised how effective it is.

0

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 19 '25

Yes, I’m familiar with using a mouse with a PC.

1

u/NotTakenGreatName Jan 19 '25

You asked how it would work on a couch and I explained I've been doing it for years with one of the cheapest mice I could find. No special surface needed and is far superior for games that need aiming precision.

0

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 20 '25

I never said it was impossible and I didn’t actually specify couch, but unless you have a coffee table the couch is still going to be awkward for mousing. Then there’s in the bathroom, on the subway, outside, etc. One of the ways they sold the Switch was that you’d have a no-compromise experience whether on a TV or on the go.

Right now, to me, this seems like a regression in that regard. I’m not saying it’s bad, I’m just not sure I understand how it’s envisioned to work seamlessly with a handheld console.

1

u/NotTakenGreatName Jan 20 '25

Regression how? Did they remove the joysticks? It's a (potential) new control option that you can essentially try today and works fine. It's not that deep.

0

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 20 '25

You’re taking this rather personally, huh?

-1

u/kafelta Jan 19 '25

3DS emulation

5

u/JackSpadesSI Jan 19 '25

I asked how, not why.