Nintendo’s New Patent Hints at Hand Crank Joy-Con Attachment

On August 7, a recently publicized Nintendo patent—originally filed in February 2024—caught attention across social media. The patent reveals that Nintendo is exploring a Joy-Con controller attachment featuring a hand crank, though there’s no guarantee the concept will ever make it into production.

A Unique Accessory Concept

According to the filing, the attachment could integrate a mouse operation sensor, working in tandem with the Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse sensors located on the sides of the controllers. Currently, Joy-Con 2 controllers already support mouse mode for certain games, such as Mario Paint on the SNES Nintendo Classics app. Upcoming titles like Drag X Drive will require mouse mode, while Metroid Prime 4: Echoes will offer it as an optional feature.

The proposed hand crank accessory would connect to a Joy-Con from the side, with the crank extending outward and offering full rotational movement. It could be used for games with fishing mechanics—either as a primary gameplay element or as a side activity—and would allow players to engage in a more tactile control scheme. Interestingly, the crank could also be detached and reattached as needed.

Inspiration and Comparisons

While fishing-themed controllers have existed in the third-party accessory market for years, smaller hardware makers have experimented with cranks as a central design feature. A notable example is the Playdate handheld console by Panic, creators of indie titles like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game. The Playdate incorporates a built-in crank used in creative ways for select games.

Caution for Fans

It’s worth noting that patents don’t always lead to commercially available products, and Nintendo fans should temper their expectations. With console and accessory prices climbing in recent years, the fate of this Joy-Con hand crank concept remains uncertain. Still, the patent shows that Nintendo continues to explore unconventional and playful hardware ideas—a hallmark of the company’s design philosophy.