As Nintendo fans look forward to the expected announcement of the Switch 2, a new leak may point toward an unexpected inclusion for the console. As the gaming landscape evolves, time often sees console features phased out in favor of new innovations, but the Nintendo Switch 2 may be bringing back a unique SNES feature that some players may have forgotten: an optical sensor.
Players have been left waiting for news about the Nintendo Switch 2 for what seems like eons, but as the new year dawns, it’s expected that the official announcement may be on the way soon. As always, ahead of the official news, there are rumors and leaks surfacing about the system that should be taken with a grain of salt. With that said, a new image has surfaced that, if authentic, would point to an unexpected feature returning to the Nintendo console. Recently, Reddit user JoMak213 posted images of supposed leaked versions of joycons for the Switch 2. The source of the image is unclear, so any validity of the picture is still up in the air. However, it has sparked speculation about a new use for the joycon controllers. The image on reddit clearly shows an optical sensor on the side of the controller, the same type found on a computer mouse. This may mean that Nintendo plans to add mouse support, a feature that hasn’t been used by Nintendo consoles since the SNES.
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What Does This Leak Mean for the Switch 2
For those who aren’t aware, the SNES had support for a peripheral that allowed players to use a mouse like the one on their computer. The mouse came packaged with a plastic mouse pad alongside copies of the game Mario Paint, which could only be played using the mouse. The game and peripheral would fade into obscurity for a time until recently, when fans began using versions of the game to create fan projects, most commonly recreating songs with the game’s music function. This has made the game so popular that some players want it to return to consoles, a plea which Nintendo might have listened to. Rumors have surfaced that mouse support is coming to Nintendo Switch Online, allowing for Mario Paint, and other games that utilize the SNES mouse, to be played on the switch.
With the new leaked images, it seems like Nintendo Switch Online receiving mouse-based games may be a reality on the Switch 2. But, if the image is real, the functionality being included in the console’s hardware may speak to more interests than just Mario Paint. There were dozens of games that used the SNES mouse, some remaining locked in certain regions or not being released at all, and any of those games could find its way into the SNES online catalog. It could also open the door for modern games to use the hardware as well, perhaps leading to remakes of popular titles like Mario Paint, or ports of games that rely on hardware that the original Switch didn’t support. With the Switch 2 rumored to debut this March, hopefully players won’t have to wait long to find out.
Notable games that used the SNES mouse include:
- Mario Paint
- Jurassic Park
- Mario no Super Picross (Japan Exclusive)
- Mario and Wario
- Sid Meier’s Civilization
- Wolfenstein 3D
Why Would Players Want to Use a Mouse on the Switch 2?
To some players, using a mouse on a non-PC console sounds bizarre, but the possibility opens doors for developers to experiment with new gameplay possibilities. Games like Mario Paint and Mario & Wario are a testament to how well Nintendo can do when using unexpected peripherals. Nintendo has always been known for taking chances with new ideas, and the return of a console mouse is a perfect example. The Switch has also become a great market for indie developers, who have a reputation for finding new ways to use unconventional inputs.
Of course, the mouse will also allow for more SNES games to make their way to modern consoles. For a retro machine, many SNES games still hold up today, and with a built-in mouse, the Switch 2 would be ready to help players discover new favorites. The Switch 2 has always been highly anticipated, but now there’s one more reason to wait for its eventual release.
Nintendo Switch
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Weight
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.88 lbs
- Storage
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32 GB
- Display
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6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720
- Battery
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Approximately 4.5 – 9 hours