Switch 2: What the First Nintendo Direct Revealed

Up until now, the Switch 2 has mostly been surrounded by two things: mystery and confusion.

For quite some time, Nintendo maintained an uncharacteristic silence regarding its upcoming console, but soon enough, events began to unfold swiftly. Rumors sprang up in various places, and even external sources started disseminating pictures of the device that seemed to be a blend of handheld and console.

When Nintendo revealed a trailer after a gap of two months, it seemed as though they were trying to swiftly reassert their authority amidst the escalating buzz and unauthorized information surrounding the topic.

There still wasn’t much solid information at that point.

From what I’ve seen, the trailer appeared visually appealing and suggested an enhanced, possibly larger, variant of the Nintendo Switch. However, when it comes to specific details, it was rather light. This could be why they ended the video with a announcement that they will be revealing more during a Direct on April 2nd.

That presentation has now aired – and here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know.

Switch 2 Features

Bigger Screen, More Power

On the new Switch 2, the LCD screen measures a substantial 7.9 inches, which is significantly bigger compared to the initial version; however, the device maintains its original sleek and slender design.

Additionally, it provides games in high-definition quality up to 1080p resolution and has a smooth gameplay capability of up to 120 frames per second. Furthermore, it comes with an internal storage of 265GB, and this can be increased using Micro SD Express cards.

More Flexibility: New Kickstand And Dual USB-C Ports

In comparison to its predecessor, the new Switch 2 offers a more adaptable kickstand. The original version was limited to just one fixed position, whereas this updated model allows for various adjustments, ranging from completely vertical to a relaxed angle, catering to your preferred way of use.

Apart from the USB-C port located at the bottom (similar to the original Switch), an additional USB-C port has been added to the top. This allows you to charge the console even when it’s placed on a table, and it also accommodates accessories such as the new camera peripheral that will be released alongside the Switch 2.

An integrated cooling mechanism within the dock ensures that the console stays cool, preventing it from overheating, especially during extended gaming periods.

Joy-Con 2

In the initial trailer reveal, it’s hinted that the new Joy-Con 2 controllers stick to the system magnetically. They boast enlarged SL and SR buttons, larger analog sticks, and an intriguing addition – they can function like a computer mouse.

Some upcoming games are being specifically designed to make use of this unique feature.

Game-Chat

Also shown in the trailer: the mysterious C-Button.

Initially, it wasn’t fully understood what function this freshly introduced button served. However, the recent Nintendo Direct has clarified its role – it is used to activate the built-in voice chat feature called “Game Chat” for online gaming on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

However, it’s not only about voice communication. The Game Chat feature also enables you to simultaneously display your full screen to your friends, regardless of whether you’re both playing different games concurrently.

With an additional camera accessory, players aren’t just limited to vocal communication; they can also observe each other’s real-time facial expressions and body language. In some of the recently unveiled games, this feature is integral to the gaming experience itself.

Switch 2 Game Lineup

During the Nintendo Direct, a whole lineup of new and remastered games was revealed.

Certain parts of it truly shone during the presentation, and they managed to throw in a few unexpected twists that kept fans engaged.

Mario Kart World

Without a shadow of a doubt, the most exciting game unveil was undeniably Mario Kart World. This isn’t just another installment in the beloved Mario series; it’s the first time open-world features have been integrated into the gameplay.

Among the fresh additions to this Switch 2 exclusive, the thrill lies in the adventure where Mario and his pals race through an entire global landscape, accompanied by new racers such as the legendary Moo Moo Meadows cow and characters that can be tailored with unique outfits.

This implies that the game will lead players across landscapes featuring deserts and mountains, with these environments changing based on time and unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, it encourages exploration beyond typical routes. In the Grand Prix mode, players will experience a smooth transition as they drive from one track to another.

Information specific to Mario Kart World will be revealed during a special broadcast focused on the game, scheduled for April 17 at 3 PM.

Donkey Kong Bananza

There was talk that the latest Donkey Kong model might be used in upcoming games, and now it’s confirmed: Indeed, it will be.

However, Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t solely focused on the revamped main character; instead, it offers a completely fresh type of journey.

As stated by Nintendo, the game enables Donkey Kong to pound, slam, and traverse colossal subterranean landscapes, destroying barriers in his path.

Kirby Air Riders

In this new iteration, you’ll find yourself revisiting the thrilling world of Kirby, the iconic pink ball character, from the original racing game on GameCube. However, unlike a straightforward remake, this sequel offers exhilarating high-altitude races that will keep you and your friends hooked!

It’s Masahiro Sakurai himself who is stepping into the director role for this project, putting a new twist on the cherished series while preserving its rich history and tradition.

The Duskbloods

Without a doubt, one of the most astonishing revelations during the recent Nintendo Direct: It appears that the upcoming flagship title from FromSoftware will exclusively run on the Switch 2, and based on the teaser, it could very well serve as a spiritual sequel to Bloodborne.

Three Types of Gameplay

At the conference, Nintendo clarified that games designed for the upcoming Switch 2 console will be categorized into three groups.

Change two exclusive games, original Switch titles that are playable on the latest console, and enhanced Switch 2 editions for remastered versions of Switch games.

Examples of the latter include titles like…

Super Mario Party Jamboree, which is being expanded with Jamboree TV, includes additional mini-games that make use of the new Joy-Con features – such as the built-in mouse function, microphone, and camera.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now work with the new Zelda Notes app, which acts as a kind of navigation system to help you find previously missed Koroks and shrines. The app also lets you share your creations via QR code.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is another title in this lineup. Like the previously mentioned games, it can either be purchased as a new edition or upgraded via a DLC pack if you already own the original Switch version.

New Games

Also announced during the Direct:

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – The long-awaited next chapter in the Metroid Prime series
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – The sequel to the Pokémon Legends spin-off series
Drag x Drive – A futuristic take on wheelchair basketball that makes creative use of the previously mentioned mouse mode
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
Hades II
Street Fighter 6
Deamon X Machina –A mech shooter that’s just as dark as it is explosive
Split Fiction – the new co-op game from the creators of It Takes Two, which has already been released on other platforms
EA Sports FC
Hogwarts Legacy
Tony Hawk ProSkater 3+4
Hitman: World Of Assassination
Project 007
Bravely Default – Flying Fairy
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Hyrule Warriors: The Seal Chronicles – A new Hyrule Warriors title that tells the story of the Sealing War from Tears of the Kingdom
Deltarune Chapter 1-4
Borderlands 4
Civilization 7
WW3k
NBA 2k
Survival Kids
Enter the Gungeon 2
Starseeker
Cyberpunk 2077
Final Fanatsy VII Remake
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Story of Seasons : Grand Bazaar
Goodnight Universe
Two Point Museum
Wild Hearts S
Witchbrook
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Marvel Comics Invasion
Star Wars Outlaws
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Fast Fusion
Shadow Labyrinth
RAIDOU Remastered
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Smonium Files
Reanimal
Fortnite
Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Tamagotchi Plaza
Human Fall Flat 2

Nintendo Online

Absolutely, you’ll still have the option to purchase a Nintendo Online membership, enabling you to enjoy playing your beloved games with others over the internet.

Now, the upgraded premium version of the service comes with a new addition: GameCube – Nintendo Classic, enriching the library by bringing back classic games from this legendary console.

In a similar fashion to how you can revisit games from the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance, the Virtual Console on the Nintendo Switch allows players to re-experience classic GameCube titles.

The first wave of announced GameCube-era games includes:

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Soul Calibur 2
F-ZERO GX

Launch & Editions

As previously rumored, the wait for the Switch 2 won’t be much longer.

During the Nintendo Direct, it was officially confirmed that the release date is set for June 5.

On the release date, you’ll have the option to purchase the console individually or as a package deal that comes with a digital version of Mario Kart World, as well as some other games we discussed earlier.

In summary, those were the key revelations during the inaugural Nintendo Direct presentation for the Switch 2. Rest assured, as new details about the console and its titles emerge, we will promptly share the updates with you.

2025-04-03 12:41