Nintendo's proposed Joy-Con design concept raises suspicions of devious innovation
Nintendo, the renowned gaming giant, has recently filed a patent for innovative new accessories for its upcoming Switch 2 console. The patent, published in August 2025, reveals plans for a hand crank attachment and a clickable rotary wheel attachment that would magnetically attach to the side of the Joy-Con controllers [1][3][4][5].
The hand crank attachment, if developed, would provide full rotational input, tracked by the Joy-Con's built-in mouse sensors. This accessory is designed to offer new gameplay inputs, particularly for games involving fishing mechanics or activities where rotational control offers a unique interaction [1][3]. Notably, the crank would be detachable, allowing for flexibility in gameplay.
In addition to the hand crank, Nintendo has also patented a clickable rotary wheel attachment. This accessory, too, interacts with the mouse sensor, offering additional control possibilities [3][5]. The patent suggests that the click on the wheel would be transmitted to the left shoulder button.
Nintendo's patent indicates that the crank would leverage the existing Joy-Con mouse sensors, which already support mouse mode in select games like Mario Paint (via the SNES Nintendo Classics app), and upcoming titles such as Drag X Drive and Metroid Prime 4: Echoes [1]. If developed, the crank accessory could enhance immersion and gameplay variety in games like fishing mini-games, or potentially new titles, evoking a control style similar to the Playdate handheld’s crank mechanism [4].
However, it's unclear if or when these accessories will become commercial products. Patents do not guarantee release, and Nintendo has not announced plans for production yet [3]. The patent filing for the clickable Joy-Con wheel was made over a year before the rumored Switch 2 release, suggesting Nintendo's ongoing experimentation with Joy-Con accessories [1].
This patent demonstrates Nintendo's interest in expanding physical interaction methods with the Switch 2 controllers, potentially offering new play styles beyond traditional buttons and sticks [1][4][5]. The similarity between the proposed hand crank add-on for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Playdate console has been noticed [2].
Some gamers are speculating about possible ports of Playdate games to the Switch, given the similarities between the two devices' control mechanisms [6]. If developed, the hand crank add-on could change the fishing experience in the rumored next Animal Crossing game.
As always, stay tuned for more updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories. For reviews and the best prices for the Switch 2, be sure to check out our dedicated sections.
References: 1. Nintendo Life 2. Polygon 3. Nintendo Patents Watch 4. Kotaku 5. Eurogamer 6. GameSpot
- The forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console may feature innovative accessories, such as a hand crank and a clickable rotary wheel, designed to extend the control layout and offer unique color schemes for the Joy-Con controllers.
- The hand crank attachment on the Switch 2 could mimic the control style of the Playdate handheld’s crank mechanism, providing a fresh digital art perspective in games like fishing mini-games.
- The 3d modeling and design of these accessories are examples of creative use of technology, aiming to enhance user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) on the Nintendo Switch 2 gaming platform.
- The patent filing showcases Nintendo's dedication to exploring creative solutions, like the hand crank accessory, to improve the overall gaming experience and set new standards in the field of gaming technology.
- The rotary wheel attachment adds an extra layer of aesthetic appeal, serving as a distinctive logo for Nintendo Switch 2 gaming enthusiasts and gadget lovers worldwide.
- Artists in the digital art community may find inspiration in these novel 3d design features, fostering a new wave of innovative gaming experiences on smartphones and other mobile devices.
- The Nintendo Switch 2's accessories could potentially blur the lines between traditional gaming and smartphones, revolutionizing the way we interact with our favorite games and entertainment through advanced, clickable controls.
