A new rumor suggests that Nintendo Switch Online may soon offer support for the long-forgotten SNES Mouse, a peripheral that was once bundled with Mario Paint. Recent updates to the SNES app on the Switch Online service have sparked speculation, with dataminers discovering potential changes that hint at a revival of the classic accessory.

A Blast from the Past: The SNES Mouse

Originally launched in 1992, the SNES Mouse was a unique two-button device packaged alongside Mario Paint, one of the era’s most iconic creative games. The mouse, with its light gray body and purple buttons, connected to the first controller slot of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and provided a new way to interact with select games. However, despite its potential, the peripheral was limited in scope, with only a few titles ever supporting it. The SNES Mouse was even sold separately for under $30 at the time, though its proprietary connector made it incompatible with standard PCs.

Over the years, third-party companies have attempted to revive the peripheral. Notable examples include Hyperkin’s Hyper Click Retro-Style Mouse, which tried to capture the nostalgia for classic gaming hardware. Despite these efforts, the SNES Mouse has largely remained a niche item—until now.

Dataminers Uncover New Details

According to LuigiBlood, a well-known dataminer, recent changes made to the September 17 update of the SNES app for Nintendo Switch Online might be paving the way for SNES Mouse functionality to return. LuigiBlood’s findings suggest that Nintendo reworked the SNES Mouse functionality that had been present since the app’s initial launch, making it compatible with either controller port, as opposed to only the first. This adjustment could hint at the potential for a broader integration of the peripheral.

The September 17 update, which introduced games like Battletoads/Double Dragon, also included code that may allow users to configure the SNES Mouse’s behavior. This suggests that Nintendo could be planning to bring SNES Mouse-compatible games to the Switch Online service, reviving classics that required the peripheral.

What This Means for Nintendo Switch Online

While nothing is confirmed, the potential reintroduction of the SNES Mouse would be an exciting development for fans of retro gaming. Mario Paint, one of the SNES’s most famous mouse-compatible titles, could make its return alongside other lesser-known games like Mario and Wario—a title that never left Japan. Although few games utilized the mouse in its original run, adding support to the Switch Online SNES app could open the door to new gameplay experiences, both nostalgic and modern.

Additionally, the reworking of the mouse functionality to allow for USB mouse compatibility on the Switch hints at a broader push to bring back retro peripherals in a more modern context. Whether Nintendo plans to release these titles or simply make the SNES Mouse compatible with the app remains to be seen, but the potential is there for a significant expansion of the classic gaming library.

The SNES Mouse and Its Place in Gaming History

The SNES Mouse was an innovative but underutilized accessory during its time. Released during an era when consoles primarily relied on standard controllers, the mouse offered a new way to interact with games, particularly those focused on creativity and precision. Its most famous companion, Mario Paint, allowed players to create pixel art and compose music, showcasing the peripheral’s potential.

Although the SNES Mouse had a limited lifespan and support, its possible return to Nintendo Switch Online would be a nostalgic treat for many retro gaming fans. With the rise of emulation and the preservation of classic titles, peripherals like the SNES Mouse remind us of gaming’s experimental nature during the 90s.

Final Thoughts

If the rumors are true, Nintendo Switch Online could soon offer a feature that few expected—the return of the SNES Mouse. While dataminer discoveries often come with a dose of speculation, the changes seen in the SNES app update are enough to give fans hope that classic titles like Mario Paint could be making a comeback.

For now, players will have to wait and see if Nintendo plans to introduce SNES Mouse-compatible games to its Switch Online service. As one of the most popular retro consoles, the SNES holds a special place in gaming history, and bringing back peripherals like the SNES Mouse only adds to the excitement.

Also Read: