26 votes

Patent filed by Nintendo for novel input method involving Switch 2 Joycon

15 comments

  1. [5]
    kingofsnake
    Link
    I saw that. Very smart of them -- if anything because FPS titles aren't going anywhere and a mouse and clicker combo is always the best way to play.

    I saw that. Very smart of them -- if anything because FPS titles aren't going anywhere and a mouse and clicker combo is always the best way to play.

    9 votes
    1. [2]
      stu2b50
      Link Parent
      Tbh I'd prefer if FPS titles stuck to gyro. Mouse just isn't great for on the couch.

      Tbh I'd prefer if FPS titles stuck to gyro. Mouse just isn't great for on the couch.

      9 votes
      1. merry-cherry
        Link Parent
        They likely will stick to gyro. This will not be a major burden on game developers. Handling the swap between mouse and controller is already a well solved problem. Most games already support it...

        They likely will stick to gyro. This will not be a major burden on game developers. Handling the swap between mouse and controller is already a well solved problem. Most games already support it unless they are strictly on console.

        It's a nice to have gimmick but it won't overtake couch gaming.

    2. [2]
      moocow1452
      Link Parent
      All we need now is keyboard compatibility and we could play a lot of stuff on the Switch.

      All we need now is keyboard compatibility and we could play a lot of stuff on the Switch.

      4 votes
      1. chundissimo
        Link Parent
        It seems like a no brainer right? A mouse without keyboard support seems very strange, but that sort of logic has never stopped Nintendo… While compatibility makes much more sense than...

        It seems like a no brainer right? A mouse without keyboard support seems very strange, but that sort of logic has never stopped Nintendo…

        While compatibility makes much more sense than manufacturing their own, it would be very funny to see them build a monstrosity like the GameCube keyboard controller. I’m pretty sure that was third party though

        2 votes
  2. [3]
    Deely
    Link
    Did they patented mouse?

    Did they patented mouse?

    6 votes
    1. [2]
      ecchi
      Link Parent
      According to the patent they patented a mouse that can also be used as something other than a mouse.

      According to the patent they patented a mouse that can also be used as something other than a mouse.

      7 votes
  3. [3]
    moocow1452
    Link
    English Abstract This input device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for...
    English Abstract

    This input device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a direction input unit, a first upper surface button, and a sensor for mouse operation. The first side surface is on one side in the left-right direction. The second side surface is on the other side in the left-right direction. The direction input unit is provided on the front surface. The first upper surface button is provided on the upper surface and can be pressed around a first rotation axis extending in a direction in which components in the left-right direction are included. The sensor for mouse operation detects reflected light from a detected surface, the light changing by moving over the detected surface in a state in which either the first side surface or the second side surface is placed on the detected surface.

    Kotaku is reporting it to be related to the rumored Mouse Mode

    5 votes
    1. json
      Link Parent
      An open box will forever be the most loved object to play with.

      device comprises a front surface, an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface

      An open box will forever be the most loved object to play with.

      3 votes
    2. kingofsnake
      Link Parent
      I read 'Moose Mode' and got real excited about it for a minute.

      I read 'Moose Mode' and got real excited about it for a minute.

      3 votes
  4. [4]
    Rudism
    Link
    I have a feeling this will go the way of the IR camera they included in the OG switch joycons. Neat in theory, but it feels too gimmicky to get any kind of wide support in games. People who game...

    I have a feeling this will go the way of the IR camera they included in the OG switch joycons. Neat in theory, but it feels too gimmicky to get any kind of wide support in games. People who game on their Switches are either a) not mouse and keyboard gamers, or b) going to play on their computer if they're in the mood for a mouse and keyboard game. It probably also won't make its way into many/any 3rd party joycons, so other than whatever Nintendo puts out as a tech demo, there probably won't be any games that actually require using them that way.

    1 vote
    1. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      I know that just being able to use a "mouse" to deal with some menus would be a world of difference. Trying to select things with a joystick is just so slow and awkward as compared to a mouse.

      I know that just being able to use a "mouse" to deal with some menus would be a world of difference. Trying to select things with a joystick is just so slow and awkward as compared to a mouse.

      1 vote
    2. travis
      Link Parent
      TBH I didn’t even realize there was an IR camera in the switch joycons

      TBH I didn’t even realize there was an IR camera in the switch joycons

      1 vote
    3. babypuncher
      Link Parent
      I think there is an immediate and obvious use case for this as a mouse in shooters. Even with the awkward shape it will still be faster and more precise than aiming with a joystick.

      I think there is an immediate and obvious use case for this as a mouse in shooters. Even with the awkward shape it will still be faster and more precise than aiming with a joystick.