Nintendo Switch 2: Hands-On With Joy-Con Mouse Control

Nintendo recently unveiled the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and I had the privilege of being one of the first to experience it in person in Paris. One standout feature that caught me by surprise was the ability to use the Joy-Cons as a traditional computer mouse. Initially, I was skeptical about this feature when I saw it on the Direct live stream, but after trying it out on games like Super Mario Party Jamboree, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Drag X Drive, I was completely impressed.

The versatility of using the Joy-Cons as a mouse added a whole new dimension to gameplay. I tested various minigames that required precise movements, such as navigating a maze with a Toad character and playing virtual air hockey with the controller acting as the puck. The responsiveness and smooth gliding motion of the Joy-Cons as a mouse were impressive, especially when used on a mouse mat.

One interesting suggestion was to use the Joy-Cons on your legs for certain games like Drag X Drive, which surprisingly worked well. However, for optimal performance, a smooth and flat surface is recommended. The mouse feature breathed new life into games like Jamboree and opened up possibilities for future game developments.

The potential for using the Joy-Cons as a cursor in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond hinted at a possible shift in attracting PC gamers to the Switch 2. While PCs may still reign supreme in terms of power, the addition of mouse control on the Joy-Cons could appeal to gamers who previously overlooked the Switch console.

Kouichi Kawamoto, a producer at Nintendo, highlighted the strategic decision to incorporate mouse control into the Joy-Cons, aiming to broaden the range of games compatible with the Switch 2. This forward-thinking approach reflects Nintendo’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in the gaming industry.

As I pondered the future implications of this feature, I couldn’t help but wonder about the potential for other games to support it. Games like Animal Crossing could benefit greatly from the mouse functionality for tasks like building and custom designs. It also raises the question of whether third-party developers will embrace this new play style in their titles.

Overall, the success of the mouse feature will likely depend on individual preferences and the types of games players enjoy. With upcoming titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond set to utilize this unique feature, a diverse range of gamers will have the opportunity to experience the enhanced gameplay.

Gamers can look forward to trying out the Nintendo Switch 2 themselves when it launches on June 5, 2025, priced at £395.99/$449.99. The innovative use of the Joy-Cons as a mouse adds a new dimension to gaming on the Switch 2, offering a fresh and immersive experience for players.

(Note: This article was based on a hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 in Paris, courtesy of Nintendo, with no influence on the evaluation or content of the review.)