Nintendo has long charted its own path, creating consoles that stand out as charmingly unique in a sea of conventional tech, and with the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025, the company continues to weave its distinctive magic by introducing an intriguing USB mouse support feature.
During a recent developer video for Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening CE, producer Michi Ryu casually plugged a wired USB mouse into the Switch 2 and continued playing, demonstrating a feature that feels both surprising and inevitable. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a thoughtful addition that builds on the Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 controllers, which already double as mouse-like devices when tilted sideways. While the Joy-Con’s mouse mode is innovative, opting for a USB mouse just feels like a logical step.
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The process is straightforward: simply plug a USB mouse into one of the Switch 2’s USB ports, likely through the dock in docked mode or directly into the console in handheld mode, though Nintendo has yet to clarify the exact configuration.The Nintendo Switch 2’s USB mouse, demoed with Ryu switching effortlessly from Joy-Con mouse mode, drives a PC-like cursor for intuitive unit selection and commands in strategy games like Nobunaga’s Ambition.
This feature is significant because strategy and simulation titles, such as Nobunaga’s Ambition or the forthcoming Civilization VII, often feel awkward with standard controllers. Pointing and clicking with a mouse is second nature for PC gamers, and now Switch 2 players can enjoy that same precision. Fewer than 30 original Switch games supported mouse controls, so the Switch 2’s broader embrace of this feature suggests a future where more titles, from Metroid Prime 4 to city-builders, could leverage it. It’s not just about gameplay, either. Nintendo has shown the Joy-Con’s mouse mode working on the Switch 2’s home menu, and it’s likely the USB mouse can navigate system menus too, making the console feel more like a hybrid device.
The demo used a wired mouse, and Nintendo hasn’t confirmed whether wireless mice, like those with USB dongles or Bluetooth, will work. This uncertainty leaves room for speculation, but given Nintendo’s knack for accessibility, wireless support wouldn’t be a shock. Another question mark is ergonomics. While the Joy-Con’s mouse mode is portable, sliding it across a table can feel awkward for long sessions. A USB mouse, especially one you already own, could be a game-changer for comfort, though Nintendo or third-party accessory makers might seize the opportunity to craft Switch-branded mice for a more polished experience.
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