Latest news with #Joy-Con2
Engadget
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Nintendo designed a Playdate-like crank for the Switch 2
Nintendo has eyed adding a Playdate-style crank to the Switch 2, according to a recently spotted patent from Nintendo Patents Watch. The hypothetical accessory would add tracking rotational movement to an existing bag of Joy-Con 2 controller tricks that includes motion and mouse controls. Based on the patent application, the crank accessory attaches to the side of a Joy-Con 2 magnetically, not unlike the controllers' wrist straps. Whichever game supports the accessory can use the Joy-Con 2's mouse sensor to track the rotations of the crank as an input. Fishing games or games with dedicated fishing mini-games, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons , seem like the obvious contenders for an accessory like this, but knowing Nintendo there are weirder possibilities, too. A patent illustration that shows what looks like a click wheel attachment on a Joy-Con 2 controller. (Nintendo) Another patent imagines a similar setup being used for a clickable wheel. The patent illustrations looks like a lighter, but the accessory could just as easily be used while dragging a Joy-Con 2 along a surface. It might even add extra resistance or friction to the Switch 2's mouse controls. Given that these are patent applications, there's no guarantee Nintendo plans on turning either of them into real products. Still, they're a glimpse at the Switch 2's untapped potential for supporting goofy accessories, something that defined a good portion of the Wii's lifespan. The wildest Nintendo got with the original Switch was Nintendo Labo, cardboard accessories that turned the console into everything from a VR headset to a simple fishing rod. A crank might be the first of several adventurous accessories for Nintendo's new console.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Nintendo rips off Playdate console in patent for new Switch 2 accessory
Nintendo's latest console might be getting several bizarre accessories, as new Switch 2 Joy-Con patents emerge. The Joy-Cons on the original Switch received several accessories over the years but, other than the steering wheel, most of them were sensible additions like charging grips and wrist straps. You might've expected more, considering how versatile the controllers are, and the same could be said for the Switch 2's improved Joy-Con 2, which possess all the same features but add mouse controls and magnetic connections. While Nintendo has likely experimented with various obscure accessories over the years, we now have evidence of at least two up for consideration – and one of them will look familiar to anyone who has ever clamped eyes on a Playdate. As spotted by Nintendo Patents Watch on Bluesky, Nintendo filed a patent for an attachable crank for the Joy-Con 2 in February last year. The patent, which was made public on August 7, 2025, shows a rotary disc which is tracked by the mouse sensor. It's connected to the Joy-Con 2 via the controller's magnets, much like the mouse wrist strap bundled with the Nintendo Switch 2. The Playdate portable console has a very similar looking crank and various games on the console use it as a controller. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It's unclear though, if this does materialise as a product, if it will be used for a similarly wide range of uses on the Switch 2 – or if it will simply become a fishing novelty in the next Animal Crossing. Another patent shows some kind of clickable wheel, where the rotation is tracked by the mouse sensor via a sequence of gears. The wheel itself clicks into the SL button, while a second button is hooked up to the SR button. More Trending The wheel would presumably allow for more precise control when it comes to scrolling with the mouse, but it could also function like a camera where you click in to take photos. The existence of these patents doesn't necessarily mean they will become mass market products, but they certainly feel very Nintendo. As a reminder, this is the same company who released a toy range for the Switch made entirely from cardboard. Beyond potential Joy-Con attachments, Nintendo's focus right now is probably on nailing down release dates for its first party line-up. After two Nintendo Direct presentations over recent weeks, we still don't have dates for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, or Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: GTA 6 cost might surprise fans as Take-Two boss talks 'fair price' MORE: Battlefield 6 already filled with cheaters as beta beats Call Of Duty records MORE: Microsoft kills another Xbox exclusive but Hideo Kojima's OD is still alive
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Nintendo patents reveal the silliest Joy-Con accessory yet, but it's not entirely original
New Nintendo patents have revealed two new Joy-Con 2 accessories in the works, including a crank and a knob wheel, which seem to be inspired by indie handheld console Playdate. Newly unveiled Nintendo patents have given us a sneak peek into two fresh accessories for the Joy-Con 2 controllers, with the standout item appearing to draw heavy inspiration from an indie handheld device. The journey of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been somewhat rocky thus far, yet it's already been marked by some truly stellar games. Admittedly, the Nintendo Switch 2 2025 games line-up hasn't offered much as of now, but titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza have been an absolute delight for those lucky enough to get their hands on them. However, for many, the upgrade is hard to justify at present, especially for owners of the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo is ready to show fans what they're missing out on, with recent events such as the Partner Showcase and Nintendo Direct Indie World showcases demonstrating that there's plenty more in the pipeline. What gamers probably didn't anticipate at this point, however, was the introduction of more accessories, particularly after the lukewarm reception of the console's camera. But it seems that's exactly what we might be getting, as Nintendo has lodged new patent applications hinting at some fun new gadgets to experiment with. Nintendo goes on a Playdate Thanks to the eagle-eyed Bluesky account ninpatentswatch, we've got a sneak peek at some fresh patents from Nintendo, hinting at potential new accessories in the pipeline – including a novel crank wheel and a clickable wheel. As unveiled in recent posts, these patents are accompanied by illustrations that demonstrate how these add-ons would enhance the Joy-Con 2 controllers. The crank operates on a rotary disc tracked by the Joy-Con's mouse control, while the wheel is similarly tracked, albeit with a gear train. It's tricky to pinpoint exactly what Nintendo has up its sleeve here, and this patent doesn't necessarily mean we'll see these accessories materialise in any significant way. However, it does highlight Nintendo's readiness to inject a bit of whimsy into the second Switch's lifespan. This isn't the first time a crank wheel has made waves in the gaming sphere; the indie-driven Playdate features a crank wheel on its right-hand side, a fun idea, designed for fun's sake, that has actually led to some brilliant mini gaming experiences. If these accessories are indeed in the pipeline, we might be waiting a while for them to become reality. However, following the first Switch's experimentation with its Labo systems, this seems like a continuation of Nintendo's readiness to embrace a bit of fun and further appeal to children's perception of gaming consoles as toys. It's a charming touch regardless, suggesting that we might see more whimsy from the gaming giant. Amidst the doom and gloom pervading the gaming industry, you can always count on Nintendo to inject some light-heartedness.
Express Tribune
04-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Nintendo increases original Switch prices in US for first time since 2017 launch
Nintendo has officially raised the retail prices of its original Nintendo Switch consoles and accessories in the United States, marking the first price adjustment since the system's debut in 2017. The new pricing came into effect on August 3 2025. The standard Nintendo Switch now retails at $339.99, up from its previous price of $299.99. The OLED model has increased to $399.99, while the more compact Switch Lite is now priced at $229.99. Additionally, certain accessories, such as the Joy-Con 2 (L/R), have risen to $84.99, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is now $44.99. Nintendo attributed the pricing change to shifting 'market conditions' in an official statement. However, the company did not cite recent tariff changes or economic policies as direct reasons for the move. The adjustments bring the cost of the older Switch hardware much closer to the new-generation Nintendo Switch 2, which is priced at $449.99. Despite the increases, some US retailers briefly listed consoles at older prices before aligning with Nintendo's updated structure. Retailers like Target reportedly updated their listings early but later reverted the changes. It remains unclear whether this was due to timing issues or internal policy decisions. While the Switch 2 and its game prices remain unaffected, Nintendo stated that future pricing evaluations may occur depending on economic factors.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nintendo News: The Drag x Drive Overview Trailer Showcases a New Kind of 3-on-3 Sports Experience for Nintendo Switch 2
REDMOND, Wash., July 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It's a whole new ballgame when the Drag x Drive game unveils a new kind of 3-on-3 competitive sports experience utilizing the mouse and motion controls of both Joy-Con 2 controllers. Inspired by a mix of wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair motocross, and skateboarding, Drag x Drive lets you shoot, pass, dunk and perform tricks when it tips off Aug. 14 for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Check out the overview trailer right here: Use dual mouse controls to move your wheels by sliding both Joy-Con 2 controllers on a flat surface forward to move ahead or move just one controller to quickly turn and pivot and the other back. Once you grab the ball, simply raise your hand and flick your wrist to shoot. Rack up extra points by performing tricks like doing bunny hops, backflips, and even launching yourself off a half-pipe. You can also clap, wave and high-five your teammates using motion controls1! And that's just the beginning: Hop into online2 lobbies for matches with players from near and far. Once 6 players join, a game will automatically start! Up to 12 people can join a Public Park. You can also get a group of friends together (with or without GameChat3) to play in Friend Parks, which are private parks where you can pick and choose what you'd like to do. Make use of two courts for games and play matches with up to 6 players in one court. You can also compete against each other in additional challenges to try and earn the top spot on your park's leaderboard! Offline, you can also play alone against computer-controlled opponents to hone your skills. Choose from a selection of three different drivers to suit your preferred play style: Guard, Center or Forward. Each driver has their own stats, so be sure to find the one that complements your game. Looking for a change of pace? Hop off the court and race around a track in the Circuit Sprint minigame, compete in shooting contests or Park-wide minigames like Rebound Scramble, jump rope to practice bunny hopping and more. Complete challenges to earn in-game trophies and unlock customizable helmets, which you can use to personalize your driver's appearance. Match them up with your choice of armor, frames and tires, customize colors and add your preferred number to complete your look! Can't wait to get in the game? Nintendo is hosting a Drag x Drive: Global Jam demo event on Aug. 9 and 10. Nintendo Switch 2 players with Nintendo Switch Online memberships can get a sneak peek of the game at select times prior to launch. For the full schedule and more details, visit The Drag x Drive: Global Jam will run at the times listed below. Download the demo and shoot hoops with your friends during these times! Aug. 9, from 3 a.m. PT to 7 a.m. PT Aug. 9, from 5 p.m. PT to 9 p.m. PT Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. PT to 1 p.m. PT Game on! Drag x Drive launches Aug. 14 for Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-order is available now on Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store. Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site. 1 Be aware of your surroundings. Wear wrist straps and allow adequate room around you during game play. 2 Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. 3 Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Compatible USB camera required for video features. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. Games, systems, memberships and some accessories sold separately. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat. View source version on Contacts Justin AclinGolin212-373-6004JAclin@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
