Nintendo Patent Suggests Switch 2 Joy‑Con Attachment That Turns Controllers into a Fishing Reel

Nintendo patents a Joy‑Con 2 fishing‑reel accessory

Nintendo recently published a patent application revealing a pair of Switch 2 Joy‑Con attachments that appear designed to convert a controller into a physical fishing reel. First noticed by Nintendo Patents Watch and reported by Polygon, the filings sketch two different input modules — a crank-style mount and a clickable rotary wheel — that attach to a Joy‑Con 2 and translate mechanical motion into digital input.

Product features and technical design

Magnetic mounting and sensor tracking

The patent describes magnetic fasteners that secure the accessories to the Joy‑Con 2 housing. Both the crank and the wheel would rely on optical "mouse" sensors to detect rotation and position, translating real‑world movement into precise in‑game input. The wheel design also appears to include an additional button mapped to the console's right shoulder (SR) control for secondary actions.

Physical controls and ergonomics

The crank is rendered as a mounted input device with a handle for manual winding, while the wheel offers a compact, clickable surface meant for thumb operation. These hardware choices suggest Nintendo is exploring tactile controller extensions and haptic‑friendly peripherals that enhance immersion in simulation and rhythm mechanics.

Comparisons and advantages

Compared with existing motion sensors and detachable peripherals, a magnetic, sensor‑tracked reel offers higher fidelity for rotational input while remaining lightweight and modular. Unlike full‑sized controllers or bracketed accessories, these attachments could be swapped quickly for different gaming scenarios, preserving the portability of the Switch 2 ecosystem.

Use cases and compatible games

Potential use cases include fishing minigames in titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, dedicated fishing simulators, or inventive controls for spin‑based puzzles such as Kuru Kuru Kururin‑style gameplay. The attachments could also inspire new first‑party or indie titles that leverage precise rotational input mechanics. Developers on the Indie World circuit may find fresh opportunities to integrate physical controller accessories into their design and marketing strategies.

Market relevance and business context

The patent was filed in February 2024 and surfaced publicly recently, indicating Nintendo has considered Switch 2 compatibility for some time. If commercialized, these Joy‑Con 2 accessories would contribute to Nintendo's broader strategy of platform differentiation through unique peripherals. However, it's important to remember that patent filings do not guarantee a retail product — many concepts remain exploratory.

Final thoughts

This reel‑style Joy‑Con 2 concept showcases Nintendo's ongoing experimentation with sensor technology, magnets, and modular controller design. Whether these attachments appear on store shelves or inspire alternative controller innovations, they underline continued interest in hardware that bridges tactile, physical input with modern game design.