Top 10 Reveals From The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

We knew that the new console would be backwards compatible, but Nintendo also has a few Switch 2 Editions planned for older games. This part of the Direct began with details on “Super Mario Party: Jamboree,” and how it would include new gameplay and modes that take advantage of the console’s new features, like the mouse controls and dedicated camera (more on those later). But it isn’t the only one getting an upgrade. “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom” are getting visual enhancements, as well as their own app called ‘Zelda Notes,’ which guides players towards secrets they haven’t found and lets them share Ultrahand creations with friends. “Kirby and the Forgotten Land” is also getting improved visuals, on top of what’s basically DLC in ‘Star Crossed World.’ As we were probably all expecting, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond” and “Pokémon Legends: Z-A” are launching on both the Switch and its successor, though will definitely be a lot nicer to look at on Switch 2, and the former will come with an option for mouse controls. If you own the original versions on Switch, you can purchase an upgrade pack rather than pay full price, though Nintendo didn’t say how much those would cost.

Another thing we’ve known for a while is that Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions will transfer over to the Switch 2. But the Direct gave us a nice update for what’s coming to its Expansion pack featuring retro games: GameCube! Exclusive to the Switch 2, the fan favorite console will now be represented with classic games. Nintendo only showed three titles that will be available at launch: “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,” “Soulcalibur II,” and “F-Zero GX.” However, more titles are planned, such as “Super Mario Sunshine,” “Pokémon Colosseum,” and “Chibi-Robo!,” which I’m personally looking forward to trying for the first time. Also, similar to retro-style controllers Switch Online members have been able to purchase in the past, Nintendo is releasing a GameCube controller updated with Switch 2 features.

The release date for the Switch 2 is right around the corner: June 5th, 2025, with pre-orders going live on April 9th. Weirdly not in the Direct, though released afterwards, was its price point. Players can pick up a standard version for $449.99, or one for $499.99 with a digital version of the new “Mario Kart.” Unfortunately, what Nintendo also neglected to mention until later were price points for new games. It seems like it’ll be a case-by-case basis, with the digital version of “Mario Kart World” being $80 and “Donkey Kong Bananza” listed for $70, and apparently increasing for physical versions. Ouch. But what does the new console bring? Well, there’s the larger, 1080p LCD screen, which supports up to 120 fps and HDR for smoother visuals. The new JoyCons, which connect magnetically, feature bigger buttons and joysticks, as well as mouse controls that look to provide some interesting gameplay hooks. Other features include a sturdier stand, two USB-C ports, eight times the storage space, and a new dock that supports up to 4K resolution and has a built-in fan to keep your system cool. Naturally, there’s also improved audio and a built-in mic for voice chat. Speaking of which…

One of the biggest new features for the Switch 2, though one that Nintendo is obviously late to the party on, is voice chat. Or, as they call it, GameChat. The new JoyCons, as well as the new GameCube and Pro Controllers, come with a C button that connects you with friends. You can chat while playing the same game, or screenshare while playing entirely different ones. You’ll use the built-in mic on the system, which, impressively, filters out surrounding noise so that your voice always comes in clear. Nintendo will also be releasing its own camera so you can video chat while playing. And as we said earlier, this will also be used in specific gameplay scenarios, like with “Super Mario Party Jamboree.” GameChat will be available on Launch Day, and while a Switch Online subscription will be required, a free open-access period will last until March 26th, 2026.

The Direct showcased a ton of third party support, games coming to Switch 2 that have already been announced. Some are already available on other platformers, like “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Elden Ring,” “Split Fiction,” and “Street Fighter 6,” the last one including exclusive modes and Amiibo. There were a few others which haven’t been released yet, though, such as “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,” “Project 007,” and “Borderlands 4.” It’s nice to think the Switch 2 may not get left behind in that regard. There were even some exciting upcoming indies teased like “Enter the Gungeon 2,” new “Deltarune” chapters, and “Hades 2.” And how about them casually throwing in “Hollow Knight: Silksong” with a 2025 release? Yeah… we won’t hold our breath on that one.

Gun to my head, never in a million years would I have guessed a sequel to “Kirby Air Ride” would be announced for Switch 2. It’s been over 20 years since the original launched on GameCube, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many “Kirby” fans. However, it wasn’t exactly a smash hit. Nintendo choosing to revisit it now is strange, but you know what they say about not looking a gift horse in the mouth. We didn’t get much of a look at the new game, which is scheduled for a general 2025 release, not even any gameplay. But with news that Masahiro Sakurai, the director of several “Kirby” titles including the original racer, as well as the “Super Smash Bros.” series, we’re definitely eager to see more.

The “Hyrule Warriors” series has been a decently successful spin-off for “The Legend of Zelda.” So, it’s not entirely surprising to learn that a new one is on the way. Similar to how “Age of Calamity” focused on the history of “Breath of the Wild,” the upcoming “Age of Imprisonment” will focus on the history of Hyrule shown in “Tears of the Kingdom.” Though likely non-canonical like its predecessor, we’ll play through Zelda’s time in ancient Hyrule as she witnesses Ganondorf’s rise to power as the Demon King. The trailer showed the Princess, Rauru, and Mineru as playable characters, though the ancient Sages seem like pretty safe bets for filling out the roster. The first was a pretty fun action game and what-if story, so we expect the sequel will be of similar quality when it releases this coming Winter.

In addition to an “Elden Ring” port, the Switch 2 is getting an exclusive title from FromSoftware called “The Duskbloods.” The trailer kept things pretty vague, though the FromSoftware vibes were immediately obvious before the studio’s name even came on screen. Yes, everything looked expectedly spooky, grim, and foreboding, but it also seemed to showcase several playable characters. After the reveal, details on the game were released. It will be a multiplayer PvPvE title that allows up to eight players. While FromSoftware is mostly known for single player experiences, the studio is branching out to multiplayer with this and the upcoming “Elden Ring: Nightreign.” Nintendo also shared that we can learn more with a Creator’s Voice article featuring director Hidetaka Miyazaki on its website coming April 4th.

Nintendo opened up the Direct with something we all knew was coming, but had few actual details on. And the new “Mario Kart” certainly didn’t disappoint. On top of looking genuinely incredible, new mechanics we can expect include rail grinding and wall riding, up to 24 racers at once, and items that change your outfit, though what that means for gameplay is yet to be seen. The tracks in “World” are larger and more expansive than ever before, allowing players to go off-road, literally racing all over the globe. We’ll get our expected Grand Prix mode, but there are some new ways to play. There’s Knockout Mode; here, you have to be above a certain placement across multiple checkpoints, or else you’re kicked out of the race. Then there’s Free Roam, which simply lets you wander these massive maps, even with friends, for some more casual exploration. A “Mario Kart World” Direct releases on April 17th with more details, and the game launches alongside the Switch 2.

“Mario Kart World” may be the system seller, but I can’t deny how giddy I got when a Donkey Kong comeback closed out the Direct. It’s been over a decade since DK’s last mainline game, “Tropical Freeze,” so I and every other fan have had to wait quite a long time. “Bananza” will also only be his second 3D adventure after “Donkey Kong 64.” It looks like an absolute blast, focusing on DK’s penchant for punching and showcasing him smashing through various environments. It seems to be a similar approach as “Super Mario Odyssey” and "Kirby and the Forgotten Land,” a 3D platformer with lush worlds and grandiose adventure. Although there’s a troubling lack of Diddy and the other Kongs in the trailer, it looks incredibly promising, and hopefully will deliver close after the Switch 2’s launch on July 17th, 2025.

What announcement from the Switch 2 Direct got you most excited? Head to the comments and let us know. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great gaming videos every day!