Firaxis Teases 'Mouse' Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2 in Civilization 7

If you watched the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal video, you likely noticed what appeared to be a 'mouse' mode for the Joy-Cons. During the trailer, a moment stands out where a pair of detached Joy-Cons are lowered onto a surface with the attachment side down. They connect to a pair of connectors with relatively flat bottoms and then slide across the surface, much like a mouse on a mouse pad. Upon closer inspection, you can even spot what looks like a slider pad on the bottom of one of the connectors, adding further credence to this intriguing theory.

Rumors had been circulating before the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, suggesting this functionality might be possible due to a sensor inside the Joy-Cons, similar to those found in computer mice. However, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm these rumors or discuss the potential implications of such a feature.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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Following the reveal, one of the first games that came to mind was Firaxis’ Civilization 7. Already confirmed for the original Switch, it’s likely to be compatible with the Switch 2 through backward compatibility. But could there be a version specifically designed for the Switch 2 that leverages the new Joy-Con capabilities, allowing players to use it like a mouse?

IGN touched on the Switch 2 reveal and its apparent mouse functionality in a recent interview with Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk. While Beach remained silent, Shirk offered a coy response that is sure to fuel further speculation.

“It is definitely intriguing,” Shirk teased. “You always do some trade-offs when you have to deal with pure console controls. And the announcement has some great stuff in it. I love what they're doing with the controllers. It's all very cool. That's about all I can say about it in terms of an opinion. I think it looks awesome and they're not wrong, so it would be cool for something like that.”

Of course, Firaxis isn’t likely to announce a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization 7 directly; that would be up to their publisher, 2K Games. But with a Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April, we might soon learn more about this.

While there remains much uncertainty about potential mouse support for the Switch 2, as well as the function of the mysterious new Joy-Con button, we do know that Nintendo's next-gen console is slated for release in 2025, likely between June and September. Additionally, a new Mario Kart game is in development for it. You can keep up with all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news and updates right here.