One of the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest new features is the ability to turn the Joy-Con 2 controllers into mouse-like pointers. Not every game takes advantage of the feature, but some developers have embraced it to deliver faster aiming, more precise controls, and creative gameplay. That said, we'll show you 15 games that make the absolute best use of the Switch 2's mouse controls.
15 Nintendo Switch 2 Games That Make the Best Use of Mouse Controls
Mouse controls are amazing with these games!
15. Hogwarts Legacy
Spellcasting and ranged combat are absolutely amazing in Hogwarts Legacy if you're using the Joy-Con 2's mouse controls. Switching between targets and landing precise attacks feels noticeably faster, while navigating the game's many menus and inventory screens also becomes much more comfortable during longer play sessions.
(Image Credit: Avalanche Software / Warner Bros. Games)
14. Super Mario Maker 3
Creating levels has never been easier with the mouse controls than on Super Mario Maker 3. It lets you quickly place all sorts of environmental objects, like terrain and pipes, with pinpoint accuracy. Maybe the difference won't be felt by those who create more basic map designs, but those who love creating more elaborate designs will surely benefit from the mouse controls. It's arguably the closest the series has come to replicating the convenience of designing levels on a PC.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
13. Factorio
Automation games practically demand mouse support, and the factory simulation game, Factorio, is no exception. You'll find it more convenient to assemble your factories on alien planets, as well as mine for resources and research new technology. Overall, the well-designed mouse controls can give you a little more room to focus on optimization instead of fighting the interface.
(Image Credit: Wube Software)
12. Human: Fall Flat
Human: Fall Flat is known for its intentionally clumsy physics, and this becomes even more entertaining on the Nintendo Switch 2 with its mouse controls. Grabbing objects and dragging levers feels more direct, which is certainly a plus considering how unpredictable the gameplay can be at times. The mouse controls won't eliminate the chaos, but it does make solving puzzles a little more intuitive.
(Image Credit: No Brakes Games)
11. Balatro
It may not look like it, but even a card game like Balatro can benefit from the feature's added precision. For example, the mouse controls make selecting cards, rearranging hands, and managing decks feel effortless. It's certainly a subtle improvement, but one that makes long runs in this poker-themed, roguelike card game much more comfortable. If you ask us, the mouse controls do a good job of closely resembling the game's original PC experience.
(Image Credit: LocalThunk)
10. Star Fox
Star Fox was released recently, and from our brief experience with the remake of 1997's Star Fox 64, the fast-paced aerial combat felt surprisingly natural with the Switch 2's mouse controls. Lining up laser shots, tracking enemy fighters, and reacting to incoming threats are extremely fluid. So, whether you're blasting through space or weaving between obstacles, the added accuracy complements Star Fox's arcade-style action without changing what makes the series so enjoyable.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
9. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond feels like it was practically built for Switch 2's mouse controls. Aiming Samus' Arm Cannon is much smoother than with the traditional sticks, especially during the many boss fights and when hitting small targets. The mouse controls do a great job of bridging the gap between console and PC-style shooters in a pretty responsive manner.
(Image Credit: Retro Studios / Nintendo)
8. Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Strategy games are known to naturally benefit from mouse input, and Sid Meier's Civilization VII is easily one of the biggest winners of the feature. From our experience, it's much easier to select units, navigate menus, and manage cities compared to the regular analog sticks. This is a game with the mouse controls activated that will surely bring a lot of memories back if you're the type of gamer who loves the classic RTS experience on PC.
(Image Credit: Firaxis Games / 2K)
7. Donkey Kong Bananza
While Donkey Kong Bananza is primarily a platformer, it includes several mini-games and interactive sections that cleverly incorporate the Switch 2's mouse functionality. Digging through destructible environments, moving around objects, and completing challenges are a little more fluid with the mouse controls activated. Our verdict is that it's a fun showcase of how the feature doesn't always have to line up front and center, but it can be implemented in ways that enhance the experience in unexpected ways.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
6. Fortnite
We immediately noticed the difference when using the Switch 2's mouse controls in Fortnite. Faster aiming, smoother item management, and more accurate building are just some of the perks of the added precision. We'll admit that it won't completely replace the console's traditional controls, but it gives players another option that's decently easy to transition to.
(Image Credit: Epic Games)
5. Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a remaster of the original Plants vs. Zombies game. Though it's not an entirely new experience for the console, the mouse controls make the game feel right at home. We've played a few levels using this new feature, and we were pleasantly surprised by how well it ran as a whole. It was a more seamless experience when planting defenses, and reacting to incoming zombie waves became much faster and more comfortable with pointer controls.
(Image Credit: PopCap Games / Electronic Arts)
4. Warframe
With its lightning-fast movement and hectic firefights, Warframe is one of the strongest showcases for the Switch 2's mouse controls. Aiming while bullet jumping, landing headshots, and a lot of minor movements all feel significantly more accurate, which is definitely ideal during the game's many chaotic missions.
(Image Credit: Digital Extremes)
3. Drag x Drive
No game showcases the mouse controls quite like the basketball game Drag x Drive — it was quite literally developed to take advantage of the Joy-Con 2's mouse mode. Instead of simply aiming with the feature, both Joy-Cons act like independent mice that let you push each hand forward to propel your wheelchair across the court while steering and performing tricks. It's an incredibly creative use of the hardware that makes every match feel unlike anything else available on the platform.
(Image Credit: Nintendo)
2. Stray
Exploring the cyberpunk city as a curious cat in Stray becomes even more immersive thanks to mouse-assisted camera controls. Looking around tight environments and interacting with objects is definitely smoother, while solving some of the game's trickier environmental puzzles is somewhat more accessible. The added mouse controls are a subtle enhancement that helps make exploration in the game feel even more natural.
(Image Credit: BlueTwelve Studio)
1. Assassin's Creed Shadows
Stealth is all about precision, and Assassin's Creed Shadows makes great use of the Switch 2's mouse controls during many of the combat sequences and exploration phases. Aiming Naoe's throwing weapons or Yasuke's firearms feels smoother and more accurate than with the standard analog sticks. Even navigating the game's menus and map benefits from the improved responsiveness.
(Image Credit: Ubisoft)
One of the Nintendo Switch 2's biggest new features is the ability to turn the Joy-Con 2 controllers into mouse-like pointers. Not every game takes advantage of the feature, but some developers have embraced it to deliver faster aiming, more precise controls, and creative gameplay. That said, we'll show you 15 games that make the absolute best use of the Switch 2's mouse controls.
