Nintendo Explores Playdate-Style Crank for Switch 2 in New Patent
Nintendo may be experimenting with a unique new accessory for the Switch 2, taking inspiration from the Playdate handheld’s crank. A recently discovered patent reveals plans for a magnetic crank attachment that could connect to the Joy-Con 2 controllers, adding rotational movement as an input method.
The patent suggests the crank would attach magnetically, similar to the wrist straps on existing Joy-Cons. Games could then use the Joy-Con 2’s built-in mouse sensor to track the crank’s rotations. While fishing games like those in Animal Crossing: New Horizons seem like an obvious fit, Nintendo’s history of creative peripherals hints at more unconventional uses.
Another related patent shows a clickable wheel accessory, which could function similarly to a mouse scroll wheel. The illustrations resemble a lighter, but the design could also enhance the Switch 2’s mouse-like control features, potentially adding resistance for more precise movement.
As with all patents, there’s no certainty these concepts will become real products. However, they highlight Nintendo’s continued interest in quirky accessories, a tradition that dates back to the Wii era. The original Switch saw experiments like Nintendo Labo, which transformed the console into VR headsets and fishing rods using cardboard. If the crank becomes reality, it could signal a new wave of inventive add-ons for the Switch 2.
Nintendo has yet to confirm any official plans, but the patents offer a glimpse into the company’s playful approach to hardware innovation. Whether or not these accessories make it to market, they reinforce Nintendo’s reputation for thinking outside the box.
