The mouse functionality on the Switch 2 is an intriguing feature, but let’s be honest—spending hours scrolling with a tool that wasn’t specifically designed for that purpose sounds like a surefire way to end up with sore hands. Luckily, there are alternatives available.
In April, Polygon had the opportunity to test the mouse controls on the Switch 2. At that time, we found that the Joy-Con 2 effectively tracked various surfaces, even working well on clothing. During the demonstrations, the mouse functioned similarly to how it does on a PC, but there were instances of accidentally pressing the wrong button due to the controller’s layout. It seems that while the quasi-mouse might just require some adjustment, the overall control scheme could benefit from being more intuitive.
If you have a computer mouse at your disposal, it might be simpler to use that instead. According to a developer diary from Koei Tecmo for their strategy game Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, you can plug in a standard mouse and play that way (first noted by VGC).
One reason to consider using the Joy-Con 2 in these scenarios is that it can be paired with a mouse. This allows for smooth movement while utilizing the Joy-Con buttons that are equipped with shortcuts.
Alternatively, you might develop an appreciation for the Joy-Con mouse! Producer Michi Ryu suggests that any challenges you face while getting accustomed to it may ultimately enhance your experience. “For those who become familiar with it, using these shortcuts can lead to a more streamlined gameplay experience,” he mentions in the video.
