Nintendo Patent Hints at Joy-Con 2 Crank Add-On for Next-Level Fishing and More on Switch 2
Get ready, Switch fans—Nintendo might be reeling in a brand-new way to play. A recently published patent application suggests that the next generation of Joy-Con controllers (let’s call them Joy-Con 2) could double as a dedicated fishing rod controller. This fresh idea, which surfaced online thanks to Nintendo Patents Watch, could make fishing in your favorite games a lot more realistic—and, let’s be honest, a lot more fun. The patent, which you can check out here, details a crank-style attachment for the upcoming Switch 2’s detachable controllers.
- Nintendo has patented a crank add-on for the rumored Joy-Con 2.
- The attachment would make the controller work like a fishing rod.
- It uses mouse sensors to detect wheel movement.
- This idea is different from the cardboard Labo fishing rod.
- The patent hints at more new control features for Switch 2.
Joy-Con 2 Could Become a Fishing Controller
First things first: Nintendo has already played with fishing accessories before. You might remember the Labo Toy-Con Fishing Rod from 2018, which turned your Joy-Con into a fishing pole using cardboard. However, this new patent proposes a more solid solution—think plastic or metal, not cardboard. The crank add-on would attach to the Joy-Con 2 and use its built-in mouse sensors to track your cranking movements, making gameplay much smoother and more precise.
How Does It Work?
The patent describes a mechanism that attaches to the left Joy-Con 2. It’s designed to detect wheel movement, just like a mouse wheel, which opens up a lot of possibilities. For example, you could get a more immersive fishing experience in games like Animal Crossing or even in a new version of Sega Bass Fishing. The idea isn’t limited to fishing, either—any game that benefits from a crank could use this add-on.
Not Just for Fishing
While the patent focuses on fishing, fans have pointed out that this could also pave the way for ports of Playdate games, since that system is famous for its crank-based gameplay. Plus, with Nintendo’s history of quirky minigame collections, it’s easy to imagine a new WarioWare title making use of the crank attachment. (No official confirmation on that, but the possibilities are definitely there!)
Other Features in the Patent
Interestingly, the patent also includes ideas for a clickable wheel—again, similar to a mouse wheel. This could introduce even more new control options for the Switch 2, though it’s important to remember that not every patent becomes a real product. Still, Nintendo seems eager to lock down these concepts before anyone else gets the chance.
When Was the Patent Filed?
The patent application was officially published on Thursday, but Nintendo actually filed it back in February 2024. That means the company has been working on these ideas for a while, and they might just be getting started.
If you want to dive into the details yourself, you can check out the full patent application here.
