The Switch 2 joy-con controller could intelligently simplify inputs

Leading up to the inevitable Nintendo Switch 2 release date, Nintendo filed numerous patents. The technology introduced by these court filings often never materializes. Still, in the Switch 2 reveal video, some patents seem to have accurately predicted joy-con controller design changes. The latest documents published on January 23rd show more plans to innovate the detachable peripherals. Eventually, the new joy-con may be able to predict inputs based on a player's finger movements and button presses.

When analyzing the latest Nintendo Switch patent, it appears that software would monitor a gamer's behavior. After a period of time, the Switch 2 learns a player's patterns and speeds up joy-con controller button sequences. As far as privacy is concerned, this might seem a tad invasive, but players may have the option to disable the tracking.

Switch gamers resort to pro-style controllers for genres requiring more complex controls. Nintendo's patent may allow players to be more competitive in fighting games using a joy-con. Predictive inputs are a way to overcome its limitations and anticipate combo sequences. The Switch has never been the preferred console for esports, but opponents could see this as an unfair advantage. Seamless navigation in menus is a less controversial application of the patent. 

It's possible that the more intelligent Switch 2 joy-con controllers could be ready when the console launches. Or, the functionality may arrive in the future through system updates. There is reason to believe that technology is more than theoretical. A prior Switch 2 leak indicated that the new controllers would attach magnetically to the sides of the console. In the Switch 2 announcement video, gamers see a joy-con effortlessly detaching rather than sliding off rails.

Another 2023 Nintendo Switch patent suggested that a future joy-con could use Hall effect mechanisms to avoid stick drift. Nintendo's announcement does not confirm whether the controllers boast this advancement. Even so, combined with the ability to foretell inputs, an improved Switch 2 joy-con may entice hesitant Switch gamers to upgrade.