Nintendo Switch 2 - Everything Announced During Today's Nintendo Direct

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And here we go. The cycle begins anew with the Nintendo Switch 2, the latest of Nintendo's consoles. It looks much improved upon 2017's hybrid behemoth, and throughout an hour-long Nintendo Direct, we certainly learnt a lot to be excited about, including the release date and pricing.

Mario Kart World - Bringing the Open World Fun!

Mario Kart World arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2, looking phenomenal whilst not only karting but travelling in boats, snowmobiles, planes, motorbikes, and more. Variation seems to be the theme of the game this time around, with each character sporting eclectic outfits throughout the trailer, and with the vast world featuring myriad regions, each with weather and time of day variations, Nintendo is clearly looking to freshen up an enjoyable, but otherwise mechanically reliable, formula.

As expected in the light tease we had a few months back, Mario Kart World is taking the system seller of a franchise and taking it open world, with increased emphasis on the ability to drive everywhere. A refreshed Grand Prix still focuses on four tracks, but you'll also be driving between track locales this time. Similarly, Knockout Tours are non-stop races from one side of the world to the other that feature checkpoints throughout the journey, with each checkpoint knocking any drivers below a certain positional threshold out of the race.

Lastly, a Free Roam mode is available, which will also be available with friends. You can meet up with them via local and online multiplayer, take photos with various poses, and live your best Mario Kart-ing life. More details will be announced in an upcoming Mario Kart World-specific Direct on April 17th, and the game will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.

New System Features - Voice/Video Chat is Here, and the Return of "Download Play"!

Aptly named the Joy-Con 2 controllers, it's long been a question on everyone's mind - What is that rumoured C button? Well, (Mario) wonder no more! The C Button is for the system-wide in-game chat functionality, which, considering Nintendo's severe lack of one thus far, is indeed a welcome addition! Voice calls to friends are available, including screen-sharing features across games, and with the console's built-in noise cancelling, Nintendo guarantees you'll be heard regardless of what shenanigans you've got going on around you.

Furthermore, Nintendo is releasing a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which can also be used for chat functionality and various games (more on that later). It appears to have virtual green screen technology for any and all screen-sharing sessions you and your friends and family may have. Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for the chat functionality, but to ensure everyone has tasted it, it will be free until March 31st, 2026.

Moving away from Chat, remember the Nintendo DS and how that had DS Download Play, a function wherein you could play multiplayer with your friends on select games, even if they didn't own the game themselves? Well, that's coming back in the form of GameShare, which works similarly! GameShare will be available for select games, both on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and will allow you to play set games with friends as long as one of you owns the title, be it physically or digitally.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Showcase - System Launches on June 5th!

And here we have it, the hardware breakdown... of sorts. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9" LCD HDR screen capable of 1080p output handheld at 120fps. The new dock, which now features a fan to keep your console cool at all times, enables a 4K HDR output at 60fps, obviously on select supported titles.

As was already announced, the Joy-Con 2 controllers connect to the console via magnets, with the controllers disconnecting once the back button is held down and subsequently pulled. And, as was a gripe for any adult with average-sized hands, both the SL/SR buttons and the Left and Right sticks are now larger for more comfortable gaming sessions. Furthermore, the Joy-Con 2 controllers have mouse control functionality for use in various games.

The console itself has much-improved speakers, and 3D Audio is now supported through the use of external headphones. Two USB-C ports are available, one on the top and one on the bottom, ensuring that your console can *finally* be charged when propped up on the table for those idealistic coffee shop Mario Kart sessions you'll be having with your friends. Speaking of which, the new kickstand on the back of the console is larger and freely adjustable now, ensuring that any viewing angle, within reason, is achievable.

Lastly, the console houses 256 GB of internal storage, a massive increase from the original's 32 GB. Due to their faster data transfer speeds, only microSD Express cards will be supported for external storage.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - The Paid Part isn't so Welcoming

As expected at this point, Nintendo is developing a game specifically to showcase the hardware through informative and enjoyable methods. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour contains quizzes and games alike, showcasing facts (the magnets in the Joy-Con 2 controllers are housed in SL and SR buttons, which are now made out of steel, for example), minigames such as Speed Golf (designed to showcase both the mouse control and gyro support), and many, many more.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will launch as a paid, digital-only title on June 5th.

Other Hardware - Switch 2 Game Cards & A New Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch 2's game cards are visually the same as the original cards, albeit they now come in red instead. Significantly, each Nintendo Switch 2 game card will have faster data reading, too. As previously mentioned, only microSD Express cards will be supported due to their faster data transfer speeds - standard microSD cards are unsupported.

For those averse to playing with the Joy-Con 2s - likely myself included - Nintendo has thankfully announced a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, now with the mandatory C button, programmable rear GL and GR buttons, and an Audio jack for those ever-important cross-game chats.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games - Switch 1 Games Enhanced

In addition to playing both Nintendo Switch 2 games and backwards-compatible Nintendo Switch games, we now have Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games to contend with. Simply put, these are Switch games with improved visuals, framerates, and/or additional content, etc., the first of which is for Super Mario Party Jamboree. 

This particular Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced version expands upon the original with new features such as mouse controls, audio recognition, expressive rumble (whatever that may mean!), and, crucially, Nintendo Switch 2 camera support. The Mario Party mode features the camera, with each player's head being creepily included in the minigames to see reactions. Meanwhile, Bowser Live is another new mode whereby Bowser brings you, shown via the camera, to compete in new minigames that use your full body, with balancing cups on your head being one example. Super Mario Jamboree + Jamboree TV launches July 24th and is upgradeable for existing owners via an Upgrade Pack on the Nintendo Switch 2 Store.

Similarly, and arguably more excitingly, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are getting Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. Improved resolutions and frame rates were proudly touted, as well as the ever-crucial HDR support; I could not be more excited to dive back into these fabulous worlds. Zelda Notes is a new feature that can be accessed via the Nintendo Switch App for iPhone and Android and allows voice navigation to shrines or other in-game locations, creation sharing via QR codes, and so forth.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World will also get a boost from having a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which focuses on improved graphics/frame rates and the named content expansion. From the little we saw of it, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and considering I didn't dive into it upon its initial launch all that much, I'm excited to jump back in.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, recently shown off in last week's Nintendo Switch Direct, will also have a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. You can expect both standard controls and brand-new mouse controls for increased accuracy. On top of that - and an exciting first for Nintendo - Samus will be host to their first ever 4K 60FPS title, or, should you wish, 1080p 120fps. Exciting times, these.

Now, a title we could see that has an enhanced version is Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It looks significantly better than the recent gameplay we saw on the 8-year-old hardware of the original, and Legends: Z-A will make significant use of the extra horsepower by offering improved graphics, higher resolutions, and, importantly, increased frame rates. Crucially, all Nintendo Switch 2 Enhanced titles are upgradeable, regardless of whether you own a physical or digital version.

Drag X Drive - 3v3 Basketball Using the Joy-Con 2's Mouse Feature

A new, three-on-three multiplayer title was shown off that particularly focuses on the new mouse functionality offered by the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Drag X Drive focuses on wheelchair-using athletes playing basketball, where you will control your character by dragging your Joy-Con 2's back and forth, depending on which wheel you need to turn. Flicking the Joy-Con when needed will allow you to pass to your other teammates or shoot. Drag X Drive will be available in the Summer of 2025.

Partner Showcases - 3rd-Party Games Launching on Switch 2 in the Future

• As a surprise to everyone, Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will be coming on the Nintendo Switch 2.
• Hades 2 will be arriving on the Switch 2 later this year.
• Street Fighter 6 is coming, featuring local wireless play and exclusive modes. Various versions will be available at launch: Standard and Street Fighter VI: Years 1-2 Edition, which features the first two years of DLC. Relevant Amiibo are also being created for the title.
• Daemon x Machina Titanic Scion has been announced.
• Split Fiction is coming to the Switch 2 and will be available on June 5th.
• EA Sports is showing up for Nintendo's latest, announcing that both EA Sports FC and EA Sports Madden NFL will be represented.
• Hogwarts Legacy will be coming to Switch 2 on June 5th, featuring enhanced Graphics and seamless world transitions. Mouse controls give you more ways to experience the adventure.
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 will launch on Switch 2. Will it include some SpongeBob content? Who knows? It's been a wild day.
• IO will launch their ever-popular Hitman World of Assassination Signature Edition on Switch 2 on June 5th. Similarly, IO announced that Project 007 will also be coming.
• Square Enix announced Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, launching June 5th.
• The superb Yakuza 0 Director's Cut will be available on June 5th.

• Deltarune Chapters 1,2,3,4 (3 and 4 being new) will all be available June 5th.

• Borderlands 4 is coming to the Switch 2, launching sometime in 2025.
• Civilization VII is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, with mouse controls. For those who have already purchased Civ VII on the original Switch, an Upgrade Pack will be available and launch on June 5th.
• Both WWE 2K and NBA 2K will be coming to Switch 2.
• Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is coming in 2026.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is coming to Switch 2.
• Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade is being developed for the Switch 2.
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess has been announced.
• FINALLY - Hollow Knight: Silksong is coming… sometime in 2025. At least it still exists, right?
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, shown off last week, is also coming to Switch 2.
• Two Point Museum will be present in all the Switch 2's handheld goodness.
• Wild Hearts S announced.
• Witchbrook! Coming out in Winter 2025
• Star Wars Outlaws will be available on Nintendo's latest.
• Fast Fusion announced.
• Shadow Labyrinth, the Bandai-Namco Metroidvania featuring Pac-Man, has been confirmed for release on Switch 2.
• Raidou Remastered announced.
• No Sleep for Kaname Dante announced.
• Reanimal announced.
• Fortnite is arriving June 5th because what's a console launch without Epic's largest?
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer has been announced, sans RIIIIIIDGE RACERRRRR.
• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam announced.
• Tamagotchi Plaza will be coming to Switch 2.
• Human Fall Flat 2!

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - The Story Before Tears of the Kingdom

You can always trust Koei Tecmo and Nintendo to team up, giving further context to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with this prequel. Bombastic combat and gargantuan waves of enemies await in the third Hyrule Warriors title, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, coming this Winter.

Nintendo Switch Online Update - Gamecube Games Anyone?

Nintendo Switch Online continues to improve month on month, and with the Switch 2 getting access to GameCube games, we're finally entering the golden age of Nintendo… if you have the Expansion Pack edition of NSO, at least. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II, and F-Zero GX were but a few games shown off, all with better image quality and higher resolutions. More games will be released in the future: Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Super Mario Strikers, Chibi-Robo, Luigi's Mansion, and Pokémon Colleseum. What's more, a dedicated wireless GameCube controller with the C Button will be available at the launch of the console and service.

The Duskbloods - A New Switch 2 Exclusive Title by FromSoftware

Bloodborne, is that you? No, not quite, but The Duskbloods is a FromSoftware game coming exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2. If Elden Ring being announced were hype/shock enough, this announcement certainly would've nearly finished you off, especially considering Miyazaki himself directs it. The Duskbloods is due out in 2026.

Kirby Air Riders - The Sequel We've Been Waiting Over 20 Years For

True story: I once wrote out a document and presented it to my Mum, requesting a copy of Kirby's Air Ride when I was but a wee child in exchange for, oh, I don't know, the promise of my brother and me keeping our rooms tidy. Anyway, here we are, 20-something years later, with a sequel no one saw coming. This is one to look out for, created by Masahiro Sakurai, of original Kirby and eventual Super Smash Bros. fame. I promise you that. Kirby's Air Ride is perfect.

Donkey Kong Bananza - The New 3D Platforming King? Out July 17th, 2025

Here we go, the last game announcement. What would otherwise be a spot filled with a gargantuan yet utterly predictable franchise is instead filled with the incredible-looking Donkey Kong Bananza. This looks superb, even if DK's new design is somewhat jarring and needs to be witnessed to be appreciated. Voxels galore, DK looks to give Mario a run for his oft-uncontested money, which is coming THIS YEAR, July 17th.

Wrap-Up - The Pricing

Well, there we go. That was a lot to get through, but one that will dominate news and social media as new tidbits get released over the upcoming days, weeks, and months. Whilst no pricing was announced during the Nintendo Direct, news dropped shortly after regarding the price of both the console and games: £395/$449 for the console (or £429/$499 should you opt for an edition with the digital version of Mario Kart World included) and £69.99/$79.99 for games. The console is certainly within the realms of expectation, but the games? Eeesh.

If you want to watch the whole Nintendo Direct yourself, you can do so below:

What were your thoughts and takes on the announcements? Let us know below!

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