On August 7, a patent filed by Nintendo in February 2024 for a Joy-Con controller accessory was revealed and circulated on social media. The patent suggests a potential attachment for the Joy-Con controllers that features a hand crank; however, it remains uncertain whether this concept will go into production.
The envisioned Joy-Con accessory could possibly contain a mouse operation sensor, aimed at interacting with the Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse sensors located on the controller’s sides. Currently, Joy-Con 2 controllers have a mouse mode for specific games, including Mario Paint available on the SNES Nintendo Classics app. Upcoming games like Drag X Drive and Metroid Prime 4: Echoes are expected to support the Joy-Cons in this mode, with Drag X Drive requiring it and Metroid Prime 4: Echoes allowing it as an option.
Nintendo’s Patent for a Hand Crank Controller Attachment
Despite mixed reactions to some Switch 2 Joy-Con accessories, a recent patent from Nintendo signifies the company’s continued development of these peripherals. The described accessory in the patent appears to attach to a Joy-Con from the side, though it is unclear if it is intended for the original Switch or the Switch 2 Joy-Cons. The illustration shows a hand crank that extends from the accessory, equipped with full rotational capabilities. It is intended to work with a mouse sensor, enabling games focused on fishing or side activities to utilize this accessory as a control scheme. The hand crank is designed to be detachable from the primary accessory as needed.
Although fishing controllers have been utilized as third-party solutions for various games, several smaller companies have marketed hand cranks as a hallmark feature of their products. For instance, a portable console known as the Playdate includes a small hand crank for supported games, created by Panic, the publishers behind indie titles like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game.
Lastly, it’s important to note that filing for a patent does not guarantee production of any new items; thus, Nintendo fans should remain cautiously optimistic about these developments.
