Summary
- Firaxis devs are excited about the potential of a mouse mode for Nintendo Switch 2.
- The Joy-Con controllers in the Switch 2 reveal hint at PC-style controls, enhancing gameplay.
- The extent of third-party support for the Switch 2 is not entirely known yet.
Civilization 7 devs Ed Beach and Dennis Shirk have voiced interest in the Nintendo Switch 2's prospective mouse mode, pulling in the attention of Firaxis fans. It's unclear what level of third-party support the Nintendo Switch 2 will receive, and how early that support may arrive, but the experience of playing games like Civilization 7 could be greatly enhanced by the presence of mouse controls.
Within the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, a section of the video is dedicated to showcasing the Joy-Con controllers moving across a flat surface, evoking the image of a computer mouse. This is exciting for many fans who have been anticipating this feature per leaks, but it's potentially more enticing to gamers who are interested in the Switch but prefer playing some releases on PC. Especially for CRPGs and Strategy titles like Civilization 7, having a mouse on hand can make selecting various items on-screen much easier.
Sid Meier's Civilization 7 Review
Sid Meier's Civilization 7 takes the franchise's core formula, overhauls many of its features, and delivers another stellar strategy experience.
When speaking with IGN, Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach and executive producer Dennis Shirk offered some optimism about new Joy-Con features for the Nintendo Switch 2. The interviewer referenced the moment in the Switch 2 trailer that seemingly teases the new control scheme, and Shirk responded by saying, "it is definitely intriguing." Firaxis appears to agree that if a mouse mode is what Nintendo is truly planning, the Joy-Cons would be a great way to play Civilization 7.
Civ 7 Devs Think Switch 2 Mouse Feature is "Interesting"
The conversation with Firaxis poked around the possibility of Civilization 7 coming to the Switch 2, but Beach and Shirk stayed quiet about the possibility since there's been no official announcement outside of the system's backward compatibility. It's suggested that if Civilization 7 were to be announced for the console, it could show up as a part of the in-depth Switch 2 Direct planned for April. Although it's more likely the Direct will focus solely on the system and its exclusives, advertising third-party support could always help.
The prospect of a mouse mode on Switch 2 opens up a realm of possibilities for people who want more options when it comes to gameplay style. Mouse mode could also make the switch a much more attractive platform for developers who are worried about the amount of effort it takes to create a new control scheme for their games. Alternatively, needing a conveniently placed flat surface and lacking a keyboard could be huge pitfalls for gamers who still prefer playing on PC. If Civilization 7 makes the jump to Switch 2 while embracing the system's new features, it could bring in plenty of attention for Firaxis and Nintendo.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- February 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes - all platforms, restrictions apply
- Cross Save
- Yes, via 2K account
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Number of Players
- 1-8 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Local Co-Op Support
- No
