The Switch is a pretty flexible console when it comes to controller options, with its Joy-Con and Pro Controllers working across handheld, tabletop and docked modes, but did you know that you can also use a mouse and keyboard?
The setup isn't supported in all games, as you can likely gather for yourself, but Indie World Showcase star Hypnospace Outlaw will make full use of the Switch's ability to work with your PC equipment. Mike Rose, of the game's publisher, No More Robots, has explained that not only will the game support mouse and keyboard, but that Nintendo actually suggested the idea.
It's an absolutely perfect fit, too. The game is a '90s internet simulator where players scroll through a wide variety of websites, download things to their desktops, and hunt down virtual villains as part of their role with the 'Hypnospace Patrol Department'. It's launching on Switch next week, and you can check out a free demo available on the eShop as we speak.
If you happen to have a spare USB keyboard and mouse that you can use, why not try playing this quirky title with an equally quirky setup?
Did someone say Mario Paint for Switch?
[source twitter.com, via gonintendo.com]
Comments 46
Wow... That's crazy.
Also, first!
totally rad dude!
That's cool!
Wish "Telling Lies" did this too as it's emulating a PC screen.(unless it does and I have no idea!?)
The demo was awesome and this immediately went onto my wishlist. Can’t wait to see how good the full game is.
Would love to see them add mouse support in Wargroove
Animal Crossing New Horizons happens to have keyboard support! You can use it to type any time the keyboard is shown on screen.
I wonder if it supports mouse usage for custom designs too?
I'm looking forward to trying the demo for Hypnospace Outlaw, and I have to wonder if it will recognize a wireless mouse using a USB adapter.
I didnt know Switch supported this for anything. Is there anything specific to how one buys or uses a keyboard and mouse for Switch.
@RupeeClock Interesting... I wonder if keyboard and mouse works on Warface. I need to experiment.
A lot of games on the Switch would benefit having mouse KB support.
Please put this option for Divinity 2, Pillars of Eternity, the Baldurs Gate games, EVERYTHING
@Dang69 yes there is!
You simply plug in the usb from your keyboard and your mouse in the usb ports on the left side of your Nintendo Switch.
If it does not plug in correctly the first time, do not worry, since it happens to all of us!
Simply plug the usb-thingy in again, but before you do so turn it 180 degrees! If that does not work try turning and turning all over until it fits. Eventually it will.
Congrats! You just plugged in your keyboard and/or mouse into your Nintendo Switch.
Whoa! Now this could take Switch places
So it is possible?? Please make this an option for RPG Maker!
@Mrd8202 I would actually buy those games on Switch if they did that. I really cant play something like that with a controller.
Wait, does that mean Skyrim will work with M&K on the Switch?
@Tim_Vreeland Divinity 2's UI on the Switch isn't bad at all, its worth playing on switch
The other ones I listed definitely need this though.
@Mrd8202 Hold on, this means they could bring MARIO PAINT with mouse support to the SNES Online app too!
If they're going to allow it for this, they should also allow it wherever it makes sense, for any FPS game with roots on the PC for example. Why be open for a more minor game but not on things like, idk, Minecraft for example?
I wish more games to enable this control scheme
This rules. I loved the demo, but I had no idea I could use keyboard and mouse!
This was one game I had my fingers crossed were coming to Switch, and I'm pleased it sounds like a really great port because of this extra love.
@RupeeClock that's a general feature of the switch, every time you see a keyboard on screen, you can use a real keyboard instead.
I don’t know how anybody uses the Switch without a USB keyboard. It is so convenient whenever you have to type
I feel like this game should be played with a classic ball mouse. No modern optical mouse!
@RudyC3 And Doom, since they were PC releases
Dev here! I should note that we worked hard getting the controls to feel nice without even needing a mouse or keyboard. There's a 'big HUD mode' that makes buttons easier to press with touch in portable or with the motion pointer. Touch + the right stick (which snaps to the nearest clickable object when you flick it) is personally my favorite way to play.
@BrintaPap You can also just use a USB-C to A dongle for tabletop play!
@Ralizah I'll dust off my old PSO keyboard joypad!
Oh man, imagine if it worked for Splatoon.
Does Stardew Valley on Switch support mouse and keyboard?
@JayTholen Sounds great! Thanks for pitching in. Really looking forward to trying the game out.
TIL Switch supports Keyboard and Mouse....
It would be nice if Nintendo could make another sort of USB keyboard compatible too, for Korg Gadget.
Mario Maker 2 could use a feature like this. Building courses in docked mode is awful.
You can actually use a physical keyboard for typing just about anywhere on the Switch! I find it useful for typing comments in Super Mario Maker. I believe there are a few other games as well that have mouse support as well.
@Dang69 I've been using a extremely boring 15 year old HP keyboard and it's working just fine. I think just about any USB keyboard will work.
Seems like another way Nintendo is showcasing the Switch's compatibility with mouse and keyboards.
Would love this for Diablo or Maybe I’d start back on Splatoon!
@JayTholen how long would you say the game is as a whole. I’m really looking forward to getting it and wondering how long it’ll be.
@Ralizah
That is madly brilliant, and I need this.
Awesome, nothing wrong with that. Now, Star Craft here we come.
More games should support M&KB
@Blooper987 minimum maybe 5 or 6 hours. by the end the entire fake internet opens up though and most of it is optional so we've seen 20 hour games pretty regularly
I made the recent video with the SNES Mouse working on the iPhone. Ironically, I couldn't get it to work with this game on the Switch. An off the shelf USB Mouse worked fine, but not the SNES Mouse with the USB adapter. It's odd for sure, as the adapter makes it a standard USB Mouse. Not only worked on smartphones, but my TV as well. I added a powered hub, and tried the USB-C port directly, but still no luck. Shame.
I recently got a Rii wireless keyboard and touch pad combo, and I had to try and see if it works.
And it does! With the 2.4 Ghz dongle in the dock, Hypnospace Outlaw is playable with the mini-keyboard and the touchpad for mouse controls!
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