Nintendo Switch 2 Patent Shows Rotatable Joy-Cons

Nintendo has filed a new patent, hinting that the highly anticipated Switch 2 will feature Joy-Con controllers that can be attached upside down.

As reported by VGC, the patent indicates the Nintendo Switch 2 will utilize gyroscopic mechanics similar to a smartphone's screen rotation. Rotating the device will cause the display to orient itself correctly.

The new Joy-Con design likely enables this flexible operation. Unlike the original Switch, which used sliding rails to lock the controllers in place, the new model reportedly employs magnets, allowing attachment on either side of the console.

While this change may seem minor for the hardware, it gives players greater control over button placement, headphone jack location, and other ergonomic factors. If implemented, this flip functionality could also inspire unique gameplay mechanics.

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"The user can operate the game system by mounting the right and left controllers on the opposite side of the main device," the patent explains.

"The user can also orient the main device upside down, allowing the audio input/output connector on the top surface to be positioned underneath. This lets the user plug in headphones from their preferred direction."

If the Nintendo Switch 2 functions as described in the patent, Nintendo will likely unveil the feature during a special Nintendo Direct event. The presentation is scheduled for 6 AM Pacific / 9 AM Eastern / 2 PM UK time on April 2nd.

The Nintendo Switch 2's release may be imminent. While Nintendo hasn't confirmed a specific window, industry speculation points to a launch between June and September. This is supported by hands-on events scheduled up to June and a statement from Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon, which indicated the console will arrive before September.

Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 with a brief trailer in January, confirming backward compatibility and an additional USB-C port. Many details, including launch titles and the purpose of a mysterious new button on the Joy-Con, remain unknown, though the "Joy-Con mouse" theory has gained some attention.