The Nintendo Switch 2 brings a notable upgrade with its Joy-Con 2 controllers, which now feature native mouse functionality, offering a fresh way to play certain games on the hybrid console. Recently, Koei Tecmo showcased gameplay for Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, revealing that the system also supports USB mice. This was demonstrated by the game’s director and producer, Michi Ryu, who switched between using the Joy-Con 2 as a mouse and connecting a USB mouse seamlessly during gameplay. When a USB mouse is plugged in, the console prioritizes it over the Joy-Con 2, allowing players to enjoy precise mouse controls without interruption. Additionally, users can still use a Joy-Con alongside the USB mouse for shortcuts and other inputs.
The mouse functionality on the Joy-Con 2 mimics traditional mouse operations, including left-click, right-click, and wheel scrolling, similar to the Steam version of the game. This integration marks a significant step for Nintendo, as it enhances control options for genres that benefit from precision input, such as grand strategy and potentially first-person shooters. While the original Switch did support USB mice and keyboards, only a handful of games utilized this feature. With the Switch 2, mouse input is more deeply integrated and expected to see broader adoption among games, with Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition launching on day one of the console’s release on June 5.
Beyond mouse support, the Switch 2 also includes accessibility features like text-to-speech and live captions in its GameChat, aiming to create a safer and more family-friendly online environment. The system can record video and voice chats temporarily for moderation purposes, requiring user consent and phone number registration.
This USB mouse support is particularly exciting for players who prefer a more comfortable and precise control setup, especially given that using Joy-Cons in mouse mode may not always be ergonomically ideal. The ability to plug in standard USB mice without additional software or configuration makes the Switch 2 a more versatile gaming device, potentially encouraging more developers to incorporate mouse support in their titles. While currently demonstrated in only one game, this feature hints at a future where mouse compatibility on the Switch 2 could become widespread, enhancing gameplay experiences for strategy, simulation, and other genres that benefit from mouse input.
The Nintendo Switch 2 not only advances its controller technology with mouse-like Joy-Cons but also embraces traditional USB mouse support, broadening player choice and precision. This combination, along with improved accessibility features, positions the Switch 2 as a more flexible and user-friendly platform for a diverse range of games and players.
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