A Switch 2 patent suggests its Joy-Con controls can be rotated
Players could be able to plug Switch 2 controllers into opposite ends
A new Switch 2 patent suggests that the console could be playable upside down, should the player wish.
As previously revealed in the official Switch 2 reveal video, Nintendo‘s next console will feature a different mechanism for attaching its new, larger Joy-Con controllers.
Instead of sliding the new controllers onto the side of the console via a rail, like the original Switch, Switch 2’s controllers attach via a slot on each side, and are seemingly kept in place by a powerful magnet.
Now a new patent published by Nintendo suggests players may be able to turn the controllers upside down and plug them into the ‘wrong’ side of the system.
Instead of reporting an error, the patent suggests the Switch 2 could instead flip the display 180 degrees, essentially allowing the user to turn the system upside down.
While this may not immediately seem like it would serve much purpose, the patent notes that because the Switch 2 only has one headphone port, players would therefore be able to decide whether to have it at the top or bottom of their console, depending on their preference.
“The user can use the game system by mounting the right controller and the left controller on the opposite side to the main body device,” the patent reads. “According to this . . . the user can use the game system in such a manner that . . . the component becomes a favourable arrangement.
“For example, the user can use the game system so that the upper and lower sides of the main body device are opposite to each other, such that the voice input/output connector on the upper surface of the main body device is located below the main body device. That is, the user can insert the earphone into the voice input/output connector from the preferred direction.”
It should also be noted that while the USB port on the bottom of the Switch 2 is in the centre of the system, the one at the top is off to the side.
In theory then, Nintendo or third-party manufacturers could create USB peripherals for Switch 2 (such as a camera), which could sit on the middle of the console if the user plays with the system rotated and the middle USB port on the top.
Nintendo officially revealed Switch 2 last month, with a teaser video showing the console and Joy-Cons.
The trailer appeared to show the Joy-Cons attaching to grips then sliding across the ground, much like a mouse would, before detaching from their grips and attaching to the Switch 2 console.
This lent further credence to previous reports that at least one of the new Joy-Con controllers has an optical sensor in it, similar to the one used by most optical mice.
Nintendo will reveal more details on Nintendo Switch 2 in a Nintendo Direct planned for early April.
