Firaxis Silent on Nintendo Switch 2 'Mouse' Joy-Con for Civilization 7

If you watched the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal video, you might have noticed what appeared to be a 'mouse' mode for the Joy-Cons. During the trailer, there's a scene where a pair of detached Joy-Cons are placed onto a surface, attachment side down. They connect to a pair of connectors with flat bottoms and then glide across the surface, much like a mouse on a mouse pad. A closer look reveals what seems to be a slider pad on the bottom of one of the connectors, adding weight to the theory of a mouse-like functionality.

Rumors had been circulating before the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal about this potential feature, suggesting it could be enabled by a sensor inside the Joy-Cons, similar to those found in computer mice. However, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm these speculations or elaborate on what this feature might entail.

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 expected to be compatible with the Switch 2 through backward compatibility. The big question is whether there will be a version specifically designed for the Switch 2, leveraging the new Joy-Con features to allow gameplay similar to using a mouse.

IGN discussed the Switch 2 reveal and the potential mouse functionality in an interview with Civilization 7's lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk. While Beach stayed silent, Shirk hinted at the possibilities, saying, "It is definitely intriguing. 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 going to announce a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization 7 — that decision will be left to publisher 2K Games. However, with a Switch 2 Direct scheduled for April, we might soon learn more about this possibility.

While we await more details on 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 the Switch 2. You can catch up on all our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage right here.