"Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Controllers Now Support Mouse Functionality"

Ever since the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have been buzzing with excitement over a small but intriguing detail from the trailer: the Joy-Cons. Speculation has been rampant about their potential use as mouse controllers, similar to those on a PC, and how they were shown moving in the trailer. Now, we have official confirmation on their functionality: the Joy-Cons can operate in "mouse mode," allowing players to slide them across flat surfaces and use the analog sticks to simulate left-click and right-click actions, much like a standard mouse. What's more, two Joy-Cons can be used in mouse mode at the same time, either with one in each hand or one in standard mode and the other in mouse mode, offering versatile gameplay options.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Console Slideshow

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The capabilities of the Joy-Con in mouse mode were demonstrated during the Nintendo stream through a sports game reminiscent of Rocket League, featuring robot characters in wheelchair-style vehicles. This game, titled "Drag and Drive," is a three-on-three basketball game where players must use two Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode to maneuver their characters around the court and score baskets.

The Joy-Con's mouse-like functionality sparked fan theories ever since the initial reveal trailer, where the controllers were seen sliding in a manner similar to PC mice. In an attempt to gather more information, we reached out to Firaxis, the developer behind Civilization 7, but received a cryptic response. This feature, along with the new C button, has fueled discussions about the console over the past month, countering claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 was playing it too "safe" compared to Nintendo's traditionally innovative approach.

For a full recap of everything unveiled at today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find all the details right here.