Nintendo Switch 2 Patent Reveals Rotatable Joy-Cons
Nintendo's recent patent filing offers a glimpse into the highly anticipated Switch 2, revealing that its Joy-Con controllers may be attachable even when flipped upside down.
According to VGC, the patent details indicate the Nintendo Switch 2 will utilize gyroscopic controls much like modern smartphones, which automatically adjust screen orientation without requiring a manual lock. Similarly, rotating the console will trigger the display to reorient itself appropriately.
This functionality extends to the Joy-Con controllers as well, made possible by a redesigned attachment system. While the original Switch used physical rails to lock Joy-Cons in place, the new iteration appears to rely on magnetic connectors, offering attachment flexibility on either side.
Although this change might seem minor on the hardware side, it introduces customization for button layout, headphone jack positioning, and more. If implemented in the final product, this reversible attachment feature could inspire unique gameplay mechanics.
"The user can operate the game system by mounting the right and left controllers on the opposite side of the main unit," the patent document states.
"Additionally, users can use the game system with the main device oriented upside down, allowing the audio input/output connector on the top surface to be positioned at the bottom. This setup enables the user to plug headphones into the connector from their preferred direction."
Assuming the Nintendo Switch 2 operates as suggested in this patent, Nintendo is expected to fully showcase this feature during the upcoming Nintendo Direct event, scheduled for April 2 at 6 AM Pacific / 9 AM Eastern / 2 PM UK time.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is also rumored to launch relatively soon. While Nintendo hasn't provided an official release window, industry sources point to a launch between June and September. This speculation is supported by planned hands-on preview events extending into June and comments from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon, which indicated the console will arrive before September.
Earlier in January, Nintendo released a short teaser for the Switch 2, confirming backwards compatibility and an additional USB-C port. However, many key details—such as the full game lineup and the purpose of a mysterious new button on the Joy-Con—remain under wraps, though the "Joy-Con mouse" theory has gained some online attention.
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