Nintendo’s Switch 2 Patent Unveils Playdate-Like Crank

Nintendo designed a Playdate-like crank for the Switch 2

It looks like Nintendo is exploring some truly unique ideas for the upcoming Switch 2! A recent patent discovery by “Nintendo Patents Watch” reveals that the company has envisioned adding a crank accessory, reminiscent of the indie handheld Playdate, to its next-generation console.

This potential new accessory would attach magnetically to the side of a Joy-Con 2 controller, much like the current wrist straps do. The clever part? It would utilize the Joy-Con 2’s built-in mouse sensor to accurately track rotational movements. Imagine reeling in a fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons with a dedicated crank, or perhaps using it for other creative inputs in games. While fishing games are an obvious fit, knowing Nintendo’s history, we could see some truly imaginative and unexpected uses for such a device.

The patent also shows another similar concept: a clickable wheel. This could potentially enhance the Switch 2’s rumored mouse controls, perhaps adding extra resistance or a tactile element when dragging the Joy-Con 2 across a surface.

Of course, it’s important to remember that these are just patent applications. There’s no guarantee that either the crank or the clickable wheel will ever become real products. However, these filings offer an exciting peek into Nintendo’s vision for the Switch 2’s capabilities, hinting at a return to the kind of innovative accessories that defined much of the Wii’s success.

The original Switch dabbled in unique peripherals with Nintendo Labo, turning the console into everything from a VR headset to a fishing rod using cardboard. If this crank patent is any indication, the Switch 2 might be set to push the boundaries even further with adventurous new ways to play.