If you tuned into the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal video, you might have caught a glimpse of what appears to be a 'mouse' mode for the Joy-Cons. During the trailer, a pair of detached Joy-Cons were shown being lowered onto a surface, attachment side down. They connected to a pair of connectors with seemingly flat bottoms and then glided across the surface, much like a mouse on a mousepad. A closer look even reveals what seems to be a slider pad on the bottom of one of the connectors, lending further weight to the idea.

Rumors had been circulating before the reveal that this functionality could 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 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 sprang to mind was Firaxis' Civilization 7. Already confirmed for the original Switch, it's expected to be playable on the Switch 2 through backward compatibility. But could there be a specially tailored Switch 2 version that utilizes the new Joy-Con capabilities, allowing players to enjoy Civilization 7 as if they were using a mouse?

In a recent interview with IGN, Civilization 7's lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk discussed the Switch 2 reveal and the hinted mouse functionality. While Beach remained tight-lipped, Shirk offered a tantalizing response that has fueled further speculation.

"It is definitely intriguing," Shirk teased. "You always have to make some trade-offs when dealing 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 ready to announce a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Civilization 7 just yet — that decision will be left to publisher 2K Games. But with a Switch 2 Direct scheduled for this April, we might get some clarity soon.

While we still have much to learn about potential mouse support for the Switch 2, as well as the mysterious new Joy-Con button's function, we do know that Nintendo's next-generation console is set to launch in 2025, likely between June and September. Additionally, a new Mario Kart game is in development for it. You can keep up with all our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage right here.