
Prior to the official reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, one of the late-game leaks revealed that the Joy-Con controllers would now house an optical sensor on the side, leading many to theorise that the console would support mouse functionality.
Fast forward to the debut trailer, and yes, it seems that this may well be the case. Though not officially confirmed yet, the trailer featured both Joy-Con sliding across a surface dragging wristbands (which, in true Nintendo fashion, resembled mice tails), thus heavily implying that the rumours were true.
We're incredibly excited to see what kind of tricks Nintendo has up its sleeve for the Switch 2's native games and how they might implement optical sensors into their gameplay, but we've also been pondering which OG Switch titles might benefit from added 'Mouse Mode' support via backward compatibility. It's by no means a given that Nintendo will patch its back catalogue — you might argue that it's unlikely — but it's possible.
So, we've assembled a handful of Switch games which could be a good fit for some mouse-like functionality. We're limiting this to actual, current Switch titles, not hypothetical future releases (so you won't find that Kid Icarus: Uprising remaster or a Mario Paint port here - although we'd love them too, of course).
Let's start with a game that always felt like it was built with 'Mouse Mode' in mind...
Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
If we're being honest, creating custom Mario levels with the Switch's touch screen never felt quite as satisfying as it did on the Wii U and the 3DS. Thanks in large part to the shift from resistive touchscreens to capacitive, using your finger instead of a stylus was noticeably less precise (not to mention leaving greasy marks all over your Switch screen).
Moving over to a mouse-like solution would not only mitigate this entirely, but it would allow for more precise creation across both docked and tabletop scenarios. Controls could be slightly altered to allow for quick access to critical shortcuts ('Undo', 'Favourites'), and if paired with some sweet HD-Rumble feedback, it could make for an incredibly satisfying, tactile experience.
Splatoon 3 (Switch)
If you come across someone who's especially skilled at Splatoon 3, then chances are they're using a combination of analogue and gyro controls. Truly mastering this setup makes Splatoon 3 an absolute joy, giving you total precision over your shots and movement. That said, it can sometimes be a bit awkward twisting your controller around during heated battles. Mouse controls would effectively mimic the gyro setup in classic PC style, but you simply use the right Joy-Con as a mouse while keeping the left solely for analogue movement.
Now, a big caveat here would be a potential haves and have-nots situation. Who's going to want to play competitively on the OG Switch if Switch 2 players are rocking a potentially more advantageous control scheme?
So perhaps it's a bit late for Splatoon 3. Splatoon 4, on the other hand...
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Switch eShop)
We have very few problems with the excellent Disco Elysium on Switch, but one of the drawbacks of the console release was having to cycle through interactable objects until you stumble upon the one you actually want. Sometimes you'd get lucky and land on it straight away, others you'd be fumbling with the right analogue stick, moving it up, down, left, and right for ages.
It should be obvious how mouse controls along the lines of the original PC and Mac releases would alleviate this: simply slide an onscreen cursor directly over an item or NPC. Simple! It's one of few minor issues that hold the Switch version back from true perfection.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (Switch eShop)
When we recently reviewed Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic, we lamented the lack of touchscreen controls for a game that otherwise depended solely on an onscreen cursor (something that Atari has said it's keen to address). But goodness, could you imagine using mouse controls instead?
Touchscreen functionality would certainly improve the game, but using 'Mouse Mode' (look, we like the alliteration) to move the cursor would be immeasurably more enjoyable. The game is, after all, bringing back a PC classic from 1999 (and 2002); one that veteran fans are intimately familiar with. Why not make the transition over to the Switch 2 as easy as possible? Makes sense to us.
Return to Monkey Island (Switch eShop)
Pretty much any point-and-click adventure game on Switch would probably benefit from mouse controls; Return to Monkey Island was simply the first that came to mind!
Games like Loco Motive, Grim Fandango, Thimbleweed Park, The Darkside Detective... They all stick close to the classic blueprint, so implementing mouse controls would easily make them more approachable for players looking to transition from the PC versions. The touchscreen made this genre a natural fit for Switch, so adding this functionality for TV play would make it the ultimate point-and-click machine.
Sid Meier's Civilization VI (Switch)
Civilization VI did a good job at translating the series' to Switch, with the left analogue stick allowing for movement of the onscreen indicator, while the right lets you pan across the scenery and jump the cursor over to the centre of the screen.
Let's be honest, though, any strategy game worth its salt is best used with proper mouse controls. You could shift the camera pan to a single analogue stick and boom. It's a slightly stripped-back version of the classic mouse and keyboard setup on PC, but it would certainly allow for more intuitive navigation.
Quake II (Switch eShop)
FPS games flourished on PC with traditional mouse and keyboard setups, and we reckon the Switch 2 could simulate this well with the new Joy-Con. And let's not forget, Quake already supports mouse control on Switch!
The game already boasts a pretty flawless control setup that includes optional gyro aiming, but there's no denying that the movement of a mouse would introduce even more precision. Nightdive has been great about post-launch patches and support, and we could totally imagine the devs going back and adding this to the first two entries. Or perhaps to a hypothetical port of Quake III Arena?
Naturally, the benefits of mouse control could apply to most FPS games on Switch, including the likes of DOOM Eternal, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, Killing Time: Resurrected, and yes, perhaps even Metroid Prime Remastered.
Akka Arrh (Switch eShop)
Akka Arrh requires lightning-fast reflexes and precise aiming at all times. Despite its somewhat relaxed visual aesthetics, the later levels in particular can descend into utter chaos, and if you're not careful you'll wind up back on the main menu time and time again.
It has you moving an onscreen cursor to shoot down invading enemies and defend your central tower. Developer Llamasoft fine-tuned the movement speed well enough that it feels relatively zippy without losing too much accuracy, but it's still no replacement for traditional mouse input.
Just imagine the kind of high scores you can achieve with 'Mouse Mode'.
The World Ends with You: Final Remix (Switch)
Games that focus so heavily on the Switch's touchscreen can be a bit tricky to translate into other control methods. The general consensus around The World Ends with You: Final Remix is that while it's a fine port of an excellent DS game, the move to capacitive touchscreen (or an onscreen pointer in docked mode) in addition to condensing all of the action onto a single display makes it a slightly lesser version of the original.
A lot of the action obscured by your finger could be revealed nicely if we made the pointer controls the default option while docked and used a Yoy-Con mouse to move it around. It might be a bit finicky since there are a lot of gestures to contend with during heated battles, but making the action easier to parse would be a huge step in the right direction.
Danganronpa Decadence (Switch)
You may not think that Danganronpa or other games in the visual novel category would necessarily need mouse controls to be enjoyable, and to give it credit, it does work well as it is. But in our opinion, almost every core gameplay mechanic could potentially benefit from mouse input.
Think about it: you need to investigate scenes within the school with an onscreen cursor, navigate the hallways in first-person mode, and quickly select moving words or phrases during the courtroom sessions. All of these scenarios would be easier with a mouse setup.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake (Switch eShop)
Much like the earlier entries from Koei Tecmo, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake relies heavily on menu navigation and selection as you manage an obscene number of unique characters. The game does a good job of presenting relevant information without completely overwhelming you, but cycling through options threatens to become tedious after a while.
But what's the answer!? asked absolutely nobody at this point in the article. Next game.
World of Goo 2 (Switch eShop)
World of Goo 2 (and indeed, its predecessor) has an onscreen cursor, yet unlike other games that feature similar control methods, its gooey gameplay feels incredibly tactile in the way you manipulate goo balls to create structures. Thanks to the pointer controls of the Switch's Joy-Con — which often needs recentring, unlike the IR pointer of the original WiiWare version — this gem never shined quite as bright as it could have on Switch.
Yes, you can play with a Pro Controller or via the touchscreen if you like, but mouse controls would offer remarkable speed and accuracy. Add in cute little jiggle feedback from the HD Rumble whenever you add a new blob of goo, and we reckon you're onto a winner.
Stardew Valley (Switch eShop)
Last one, and an obvious one, but certainly a game that could benefit greatly from mouse support. Do you really need us to explain why?
Okay, we will anyway. Stardew Valley places a lot of emphasis on its onscreen cursor to complete objectives, manage your inventory, and generally keep your farm running. So naturally, moving this with a mouse would prove infinitely more intuitive than an analogue stick.
Also, one of the more common complaints with this beloved game is that the indicator used to show the patch of land you're about to interact with can sometimes go haywire - especially frustrating when you're performing more delicate tasks. 'Mouse mode' to the rescue.

We can only dream of the myriad ways in which this new functionality will be used for the new console, and we can't wait to hear more from Nintendo.
Might it provide a legitimate way to accurately control DS games in docked mode, for instance? (Yes, we're hoping there's a Nintendo Switch Online NDS app on the way!) Games like Castlevania Dominus Collection have incorporated workarounds, but precise input emulating the accuracy of a stylus on a distant screen could make the world of difference. How about the direct manipulation of light or measuring distance? Imagine controlling Luigi's torch with the optical sensors in Luigi's Mansion 3. So cool.
Accessibility advantages are a big plus, too; mouse-like control options could open up more games to people of differing abilities. Even if 'just' adding mouse support to existing games strikes you as unimaginative, the benefits could be enormous for many players.
While these are pipe-dream ideas for the moment, Nintendo will shed more light on the idea soon as we inch toward the Switch 2's eventual launch. For now, why not cast your vote in our poll and let us know which Switch games you think could benefit from mouse-like support, and leave a comment elaborating on your choice down below.

Comments 105
No mention of Ace Attorney?
Civilization could be fine. But lets remember that while xbox supports kb/m, civilization vi on xbox you can't use them.
Off the top of my head, the Mario and Rabbids games & Xcom2...and I suppose most first person games
The biggest one which no one has mentioned is Fortnite. I don’t play it but assume switch players are at a disadvantage to those on PC when it comes to building?
Nvm the limitations set on the article… a new Mario Paint, Kid Icarus Uprising, Star Fox, Sin & Punishment, Mario Maker 3, Links Crossbow Training, Ghost Squad, Duck Hunt, Yoshi’s Safari & Zack & Wiki games (just to name a few off the top of my head) could be awesome with this proposed mouse functionality on Switch 2. Albeit I’d be perfectly fine them being still made without it and more traditional controls as well.
Rts games. That would be soo awesome to have more on the switch 2.
Even though it won't be as good as a proper lightgun, but House of the Dead could be nice to play with a mouse-like device like the PC ports.
Basically I want a Switch version of the Wii Zapper (or even the SNES Super Scope or NES Light Gun) peripheral for more pointer shooting games.
Usually most Nintendo peripherals are only used for one or two games then become just extra plastic taking up space. But the Wii Zapper was actually used in a bunch of games and was pretty cool. Made some home console games feel like you’re at the arcade with cabinet guns.
@Bizaster under the bigger banner of Visual novels represented by Danganronpa. Although Danganronpa has these really tight action moments that were hard with a mouse already! So that's definitely the visual novel needing it the most!
Can we not just use a Bluetooth mouse? I can't see this Joy-Con gimmick being utilised all that much.
I can pretty much guarantee that Super Mario Maker 3 is going to be a launch title or very close to Launch. Super Mario Maker 2 has been out for more than 6 years and it does not get any updates which means they have been working on the next one ever since the final patch of the second game.
Based on the past, I doubt that Nintendo will release patches for Switch games to improve performance and resolution, let alone an additional control scheme. Maybe a (paid) new New Play Control, a rushed Splatoon 4 or re-marketed Switch titles like Super Mario Maker 2 Deluxe. 😂
FPS, no other game benefits more from a mouse.
Nice list, I'm voting for RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, The World Ends with You and World of Goo (both the new one and the original), but honestly the more games get mouse support as an option the merrier - looking forward to seeing if any older games end up getting it and of course also which new ones will have it!
I mentioned them on the original story: Game Builder Garage, Q Remastered and Q2 Humanity allow you to use USB mouses (I refuse to call the plural as mice for the PC input method, even if it's not grammatically correct), so it'd be interesting to see if the Switch 2's Mouse-Con (calling them like that until we get official names) allows you to mirror a USB mouse for these games.
Beyond those, only Super Mario Maker 2 comes to my mind. Maybe the Pikmins. Some ideas I have, but aren't on Switch are for minis-centered Mario vs. Donkey Kong, an art game in the style of Mario Paint/Artist or Art Academy, Virus Buster (which is available on Switch via Brain Training) or Dr. Mario World, maybe on-rail shooters.
The Joy-con will likely have haptic feedback similar to the Dualsense, or at least an improvement on HD Rumble. So that will be something that sets it apart from a standard gaming mouse.
@Jokerwolf may god listen to you bro! I loved so much mario maker 2!!! do you think it could ALREADY be a mario 3d maker???
I could see Mario Paint headed to NSO and even a new Mario Paint game to help demo the tech if it is indeed a mouse function.
wow yall shed some light on new perspectives in this great article! mouse support with mario maker 2 would be soooo cool!
other than that, i feel like metroid would be really awesome and it would make you feel more IN the games with the mouse gimmick.
Where are all the handheld gamers asking how mouse control would work while handheld gaming?
I never play handheld, only on the TV using a Pro, and I’m still not sure how I would use a mouse on my couch. 🤷🏻♂️
I’m fine with them adding mouse support, I’m a big fan of options, let us choose. Don’t just start making games that require it which then won’t work on the future Switch Lite 2.
Either of the broken sword games and any other point and click style game.
Mario Paint 2, please
@rex_rex I can pretty much guarantee it's in development, and something like mouse support being included is definitely a big hint towards the third game.
@rjejr because of handheld mode existing it'll never be a 100% requirement, the touch screen would replace the mouse controls in handheld.
Palia would absolutely benefit. Hunting can be a pain with stick controls, so I would love gyro, but using a mousecon would be good too!
Wait wait wait, we keep looking at the side of the left joycon with the IR sensor (maybe) and the advert has the right one moving around like a mouse.
Double mouse action???
Factorio! They did a great job with controller support and I've poured hours into it but there are quirks, mainly in navigating menus but also building, which would be improved by having mouse support (as originally intended on PC!)
Stray, Gato Roboto, cat quest, etc...would do benefit of a mouse.
Sign me up for Mario paint!
The RTS games will have a huge benefit with this play style. Mario Maker would be great for Nintendo to roll out on.
@TYRANACLES could come back as an NSO app, plus the old SNES version on the Super Nintendo app too.
I heard an idea from someone about using it to replicate DS controls, and that's sweet.
I like the idea of 'mouse controls' allowing a suite of indie RTS games to make the jump.
Don't care for mouse controls for shooters. I'll stick to good ol' thumbsticks or gyro, thanks.
Whatever I use it for, I'm trying to figure out if I'd have to like, sit next to an end table? Use it on my knee? It'd be handy if I had my Switch at a desk, I suppose, but I have it set up at a TV.
Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the very few Nintendo developed games that doesn't appear in the banner behind the "You can play Nintendo Switch games on Nintendo Switch 2" text on the Switch 2 website.
Someone grabbed the image which showed them all and it was missing.
So I'm pretty convinced it means we're getting a new Mario Maker either shortly after or at launch
Just going to casually start that rumour now...
@Jokerwolf 👀
I play Mario Maker in handheld, so the mouse function wouldn’t really help much. I also think that Splatoon should NOT use the mouse as its only way to play. I don’t play any other shooters and am only used to that control scheme, and in my opinion it’s perfect
@Banjo- after the double bombshell of Nintendo Switch Sports and Mario Strikers Battle League in 2022, plus Splatoon 3s declining popularity, I don't think Nintendo will ever go back to rushing games and free content updates. In addition, rarely in Nintendo's history have they ever rereleased a game you could already play it on. The NPC series was done for people who didn't want a bunch of GameCube gear hooked up to their Wii, and TPHD was a special scenario. I'm not defending Wii Sports Club or Bowsers Inside Story + Bowser Jrs Journey, as those had absolutely no excuse, but otherwise, nothing Nintendo has ever done would lead me to believe they would ever rerelease Switch games on Switch 2.
@Jack_Goetz Sure, but having the functionality built in with every unit means it will make more sense to include mouse control schemes since they don’t have to make you buy additional hardware.
If it works well and is comfortable I can see people demanding it for certain genres in the same way many people do right now with gyro
I'm not sure how they would make it work, but my brain is screaming SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2!. (Yoshi's tounge)
@larryisaman It's a good point. Demand doesn't mean it'll actually be implemented though. Looks at RE4's lack of gyro
@Jokerwolf I'm sure it's in development now, but I believe the exact same team handles Mario Maker and 2D Mario, and that division of Nintendo also handles Pikmin (though they've been working with Eighting from 3 Deluxe onwards). I wouldn't expect it until 2026 at the earliest
I wonder, what if Switch games that have a gyro pointer will automatically work with mouse mode? They're basically the same thing, I guess if it's not automatic it will be at least very easy to implement with a patch, also because they always have a button used to recenter the cursor, which will be useless (or even bad) with a mouse
I mostly play Switch on the sofa. So how would I use a mouse in that situation. Would I have to have a hardback book on the side to use the mouse on?
I really just hope Danganronpa runs better on the Switch 2. V3's just poorly optimized in general and never been patched while 1 and 2 while playable do definitely chug a bit in the first person segments.
RCT Classic was ported to PC as well and does support mouse usage on that version like the original PC versions of the games did.
I'm more interested in the possibility of getting the DS and maybe 3DS as NSO apps. There are so many games that just work better with being able to use a mouse over even the stylus!
Mouse support for CRPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pillars of Eternity would be super cool. Speaking of, I wouldn't be that surprised if Larian brought Baldur's Gate 3 to Switch 2
This is a evolution for RTS Game in Console with smooth gameplay Commandos HD Remaster deserve a updated for this
@Jack_Goetz Yeah RE4 was a freak thing considering the other games got it 🥴 No idea what happened there…maybe they just didn’t think they had to put the extra effort in to help make it sell considering how popular RE4 is. By and large though I’d say it’s more common to have gyro in Switch shooters than not, and if mouse controls are popular enough I can see them being generally expected to. Can’t imagine they’ll take much work to implement
Most classic FPS ports would hugely benefit because that was the control scheme they were made for. Those games that got ported with gyro support have not successfully duplicated Splatoon’s smoothness, in my experience. And for those of us with near 10 years of gyro experience, I’m sure we would not get dominated so easily by Joy-Con 2 Mouse controls. Games like DOOM, classic DOOM, Quake, etc. would work better with mouse, as well as point and click games like Civ. Who knows, with mouse control the Switch2 could open up to more RTSs, RPGs and sims. Baldur’s Gate, Pillars of Eternity, Factorio, Oxygen Not Included, etc.
For me, the first games that come to mind are the two Mario + Rabbids games. Though Metroid Prime Remastered would also be a great use case scenario for the mouse controls.
I would’ve said Super Mario Maker 2 as well, but I’ve never even attempted the creation mode. I’ve only played the campaign and some community-made levels, such as MetroidMike64’s ridiculously good Super Mario Bros 5 levels. Seriously, if you haven’t already, try them! They’re borderline 'Nintendo good'.
Also, I was only saying to my brother this morning that, if the mouse controls really are a thing, can you imagine how good a Kid Icarus: Uprising remake could be on Switch 2? It was always one of the best looking 3DS games, so pairing the extra power of the Switch 2 with mouse support could deliver us a jaw droppingly beautiful game that also fixes the only weakness of the original – that super awkward control scheme! I know a lot of people had issues with the constant chatter between Pit and Palutena, but I found it to be incredibly endearing.
I’m not really sure why this feature would be exciting. Sounds like it would be less comfortable and practical for gaming.
I am not loving the idea having to find a flat service all the time just to play some games with the “mouse”. It seems very counter intuitive, especially for Splatoon.
Doom: The Dark Ages and every shooter. Factorio and management sims.
Card games and point and click adventure games.
Navigating YouTube and the OS
baldur's gate 1&2
City Skylines
Minecraft would be greatly improved. Also: Diablo-like games.
Outside of Mario Paint and Mario Maker 3, I can’t get excited about mouse controls yet. I just don’t know or I’m too ignorant of the possibilities. Not playing PC doesn’t help.
I especially don’t know how it would benefit Splatoon 4, like on the TV in particular. I think I play well enough on TV or handheld.
Big missing entry on this list was Pikmin. Pikmin controlled best with wii pointer and a mouse would emulate that perfectly!
Said Mario maker also I think pikmin should be on the list
These games would benefit from mouse control support provided it actually works very well.
I sit on a soft couch. I don’t find a table or desk fun to game at. What is this, the year 2008 when you had to use a wireless mouse with your laptop because the trackpad wasn’t great. I tell you, using a mouse on your pant leg, couch arm rest, or on a hard back book is not a delight. Why are we still comparing resistive vs capacitive touch screens? We have modern touch screens in which you can use a Bluetooth battery powered pen, a licensed Wacom battery free pen, or patent your own battery free pen tech. We also have gyro in both the console and controllers. I think mouse is trying to solve a niche problem that few games will use.
Railway Empire 1 & 2, As the classic Railroad Tycoon series, and Cities Skylines, as it was with SimCity, the use of the mouse helps a lot for the games in general (Constructing a railway line, a road or highway network, an urban area or forest area, reshaping a plot of land and/or placing a building); So, with these games, and,
as well as the aforementioned Rollercoaster Tycoon, being more originally for PC with the use of mouse in mind, it is more than relatively obvious that if the Switch 2 has that functionality of having a mouse, then it would help with this kind of games
MySims, although, with the Wii, the magic of the game was given by the control of the Wiimote, when it had its PC version, it also gave its practicality that the mouse helped when a control like the Wiimote was not available on PC (or could not be obtained)
Any game like Harvest Moon and/or Rune Factory, especially when you do the tasks of planting, harvesting and other similar tasks, helps much more than moving the cursor with the directional pads.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Balatro
@PikaPhantom The turnaround time between the 1st and 2nd Mario Maker was 4 years, we are now at the 6th year mark. I would be shocked if it's not a launch title as it is the perfect candidate for mouse style controls.
@FoxyDude I just scrolled down to say Balatro 😜
NL, you're thinking too current. The mouse feature is going to be because Nintendo had an idea about their 1st party titles. This is a gateway for Mario Paint or Music to come back. Simple as that.
Phantom Detective, in fact just about any DS/3DS game could benefit from this.
I have no interest in the mouse functionality whatsoever.
As you were.
@Uncle_Franklin you don't use a computer?
@Jokerwolf There also wasn't a brand-new 2D Mario between those games. Just Super Mario Run, which happened to release in 2016 anyways, and a very simple port of New Super Mario Bros. U (the 3DS port of Mario Maker was handled by NST). Pikmin was also not active at this time. Mario Maker 3 is likely coming next from the team, but it's unlikely to be a first-year release.
Would be better if all games that were ported from/to mobile to Switch had full touchscreen support:
Danganronpa games, CORPSE PARTY, CORPSE PARTY BLOOD DRIVE, Crypt of the NecroDancer, Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition, Zombie Night Terror (its only con is the omission of an on-screen pause button), Flashback, ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun, ACA NEO•GEO archives, and more.
Surely the Football Manager series is an absolute cert for this list?
Gonna throw a little nod to Core Keeper here. The game is seriously addicting, but the one thing that drove me up a wall was navigating the menus. Having to navigate back-and-forth, constantly swapping items in your toolbar can be an absolute pain with a standard control scheme, but becomes a non-issue with mouse controls. It's the main thing that's making me consider getting the PC version. If the devs ever decided to implement mouse mode compatibility, I might just come back. Like I said, everything else in the game is positively great! Honestly, I'd make a similar argument for Terraria too. That game is one of my all-time favorite survival games...that is, if you're playing with a mouse. Standard controls for that game don't really work for me. Adding mouse compatibility could completely shift me over to the Switch version, but we'll see. Ultimately, it depends if developers feel it's worth the effort. Hopefully so.
I hope the mouse support truly is real and works the way I think it will, both the mouse cursor stuff and also a simulated mouse wheel on the L/R shoulder buttons using touch like an Apple mouse and haptic/rumble feedback to simulate the sensation of the click-click-click as wheel scroll, along with all those games and more adding support for it, as well as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom even just for quick item selection in the menus and such, and Metroid Prime 4 too.
One mouse for each hand in a climbing game.
How did we make it 55 deep into the comments without Diablo being brought up?
Diablo 2 was designed for mouse.
@johnedwin
I use a laptop with a touchpad.
Controversial perhaps, but I’ve never liked keyboard and mouse for games, especially shooters. The only exceptions are base building type games like Steamworld Build. But even then I had a blast with that on Xbox using the pad.
Each to their own though!
Any game that requires precision aiming. For example, Skyrim, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom. I usually like to play as an archer in those games, but trying to aim with a joystick can be a chore at times. And I hate using gyro controls. But doing it with a mouse can make aiming more precise.
Another game that could benefit from the mouse feature is Trauma Center. Previous entries in the series used a touchscreen and stylus or motion controls, but it is possible to use a mouse to use surgical tools. I'd frankly love to see Atlus revisit this franchise. I think we've seen enough Persona and Shin Megami Tensei for a while. I especially want to see Derek Stiles and Angie Thompson finally become a couple (and have it be in glorious full-motion video, animated by the studio that made the Persona 4 anime).
Hack and slash like diablo 2 or 3, even if controler support is great.
This really will be a game-changer—a console controller that doubles as a mouse; ingenious! People saying that Switch 2 is bringing nothing new to the table will be eating those words once this thing releases.
Can’t wait!
@ear_wig Isnt there already a handheld gaming PC that has a controller that seconds as a mouse?
With all this discussion about the cursor or mouse support - it seems Nintendo wants to bring back Wii Remote functionality for the Switch 2.
@PikaPhantom I just feel like it is the perfect game for mousecon mode.
FPS's, point and clicks, strategy games, text based games, etc are the first ones that come to mind. App type of games like Super Mario Maker and, dare I say Mario Paint, also would benefit. Even just something as simple as having the Switch screen propped up and just navigating anything from an eShop to a long lost internet browser would be useful for the mouse.
I still don't see what about the new joycons is supposed to resemble computer mice or what about their fancy movements is supposed to suggest unorthodox functionality above, well, fancy movements (besides betting on Nintendo's penchant for unorthodox new features in the first place, but that might take an unrestrained imagination straight to the proverbial PS9 territory😅). But as I already opined while humouring the idea last time it got itself a post here, the chinscratcher is less about which games could benefit from the function and more about how to synergize it with the console itself outside the tabletop mode. Handheld, with both hands busy outside the Labo VR contraption, goes without saying and usually relies on touch controls anyway (granted, a cursor could grant more precision over the modern capacitive screens), and TV mode is usually used on a couch where even slouching over a coffee table might make the experience kinda awkward. Unless the progressively unhinged "credible anonymous sources" also suggest the alleged joy-mouse to easily work on one's lap (something nominally doable but groanworthily wonky with PC mice) or even having the tech capacity to function while raised well above a detected surface... although at that point it just sounds like motion controls with extra steps.
Speaking of which, further polished motion controls are where my actual biased hopes for the next gen features lie. I'm not tech savvy enough to estimate the idea, but how viable would it be to simply build a sensor bar into the dock or even the console itself? Or did Wii's require a specific elevation range harder to achieve with Switch format?
@OneArmedGiant eh, I'm not even used to it in the first Diablo which I've been playing in its PS1 incarnation.😅 The only diabloids I've ever used a mouse in are Fate, Divine Divinity and Torchlight, and even in the latter I've been relying on a community controller scheme instead after moving it Deckward.
@Vyacheslav333 Danganronpa?🤔 The series that originated on PSP with no keyboards and mice to require?
@AstroTheGamosian YMMV - I've always sucked at mouse aiming even compared to the stick-based one (the small precise movements involved are easy at a leisurely pace in something like Civilization or MS Word, or even with a less hectic Osu map, but not so much in the heat of combat against a moving target). And the gyro has been a game changer for me to the point where it was one of the main reasons I ultimately decided to replay the long [borderline] beaten GTA trilogy on Switch.
PIKMIN! Pikmin is the only RTS I can think of that has no mouse support on any version of the game
@FredsBodyDouble No clue! Not a PC gamer. May not be a completely original idea then, but it still feels like I big deal!
@stulog Seriously! How was Pikmin not mentioned in this article?! Pikmin 5 with mouse support!
@Jokerwolf Oh, for sure! Maybe they'll have a proper Mario Paint sequel year one instead? That could more readily be handed off to another team, though the Art Academy dev isn't available anymore
Company of heroes
Baldur’s Gate 3 would be the best game to show off mouse use and Switch graphics, but too bad the company that made it has since moved on.
Definitely Company of Heroes Collection comes straight to mind. It plays really well with the control setup but adding a mouse option would be chef's kiss. I love that game!
Mario Kart Maker, please.
Nothing like tacking on mouse support to make sure switch 2 mouse games are a pain to port to future hardware… 🙄 there are still so many games stuck on ds and 3ds for similar reasons
@Juga_Juga it doesn’t need Larian to port it. Or, maybe they already have ported it. It can still happen, assuming the switch 2 can handle it. The Xbox series S version might not be a tough port.
@Bizaster
Objection!
Okami and it's forthcoming sequel?
I am imagining any 3D first or third person shooter would be awesome with a mouse.
The Quake developers already know this and support mouse and keyboard on Quake 1 and probably 2 and 3 as well.
@nhSnork Had to Google what YMMV meant. I guess I'm an old fart. 😅
But to each their own. Personally, I find it more difficult to aim with gyro controls than anything else, with a mouse being the easiest.
@nhSnork Danganronpa games received JP-only mobile ports years ago. So, it would be nice to be able to play Danganronpa games with full touchscreen controls.
i didn't read all 99 comments before mine, but i havent seen anyone else mention that a joycon on its side is probably the worst, most uncomfortable, RSI inducing design for a mouse that I've ever even heard of.
And that includes normal mouse designs which are bad enough as it is 😬
(PS - does the current switch not include support for USB mice? Side thought: it seems like touchscreen compatible games could be made mouse or even IR pointer compatible fairly easily.)
If we're talking classic point and click games, two were forgotten: Shadowgate, and the Humongous Classic Collection. Given more Humongous games were ported post Classic Collection, perhaps we'll see an expanded edition on shelves for the Switch 2? Otherwise, some of the third-party titles listed DO have support for USB mice, the problem is such support is inconsistent overall. Also: we really ought to have an official Bluetooth version of the SNES Mouse for NSO. Though lasers are nice, I do question if a ball mouse can be done for old time's sake.
this just says to me we'll get actual touch screen support, because tv play people can use the mouse instead. it'll be like playing games on my SD when i can just tap something to press it.
The fact I cannot tap to confirm in menu items on Switch baffles me
Can't wait to see the design of the official Nintendo Mouse Pro.
I also don't see the JoyCon mouse feature being all that useful... but it may be necessary if there are "mouse games" and there is a need to make it technically possible out of the box with just the JoyCon.
I'm not a PC FPS gamer, but I could see this feature and the obtaining of COD rights to the console could have gone together. If online multiplayer FPS games heavily favor mouse users, and PlayStation has caught up with Nintendo by including gyro aiming, this could be a great way to make sure that you pick up COD Blops 7 or whatever on Switch 2 rather than Xbox X|S or PS5. Not only is it very creative, but if the FPS online multiplayer crowd was in mind, then it's very shrewd.
Why is Mario Paint not on this list?
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