Nintendo Switch 2 Patent Reveals Rotatable Joy-Cons

Nintendo has filed a patent revealing that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may feature Joy-Con controllers capable of being attached in an upside-down orientation.

According to a report by VGC, the patent implies the Nintendo Switch 2 will incorporate gyroscopic functionality similar to how smartphones adjust screen orientation without a lock. Rotating the device will automatically reorient the display.

The redesigned Joy-Cons are expected to function correctly regardless of mounting direction, enabled by a new magnetic attachment system. Unlike the original Switch, which used sliding rails, the updated controllers appear to utilize magnets, allowing them to be connected on either side.

Although this change does not represent a major hardware breakthrough, it offers players greater flexibility in positioning buttons, the headphone jack, and other elements. If implemented in the final product, this reversible attachment feature could inspire unique gameplay innovations.

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"Users can operate the game system by attaching the right and left controllers to the opposite sides of the main unit," the patent states.

"Players can position the main device upside down so that the audio input/output connector on the top surface is now at the bottom. This enables users to plug headphones into the connector from their preferred direction."

If the Nintendo Switch 2 operates as described in the patent, Nintendo is likely to showcase this feature during a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation. The event is scheduled for April 2 at 6 AM Pacific / 9 AM Eastern / 2 PM UK time.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch soon, with industry speculation pointing to a release between June and September. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed a launch window, hands-on preview events are planned through June, and publisher Nacon mentioned the console will be available before September.

Following its initial reveal in January via a short teaser, the Nintendo Switch 2 was confirmed to support backward compatibility and include an additional USB-C port. Many specifics, including the full game lineup and the purpose of the new Joy-Con button, remain undisclosed—though the Joy-Con mouse theory has gained some attention.