Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Top 7 Shocking Reveals

The world of video game hardware announcements can often feel repetitive, with each new console generation promising enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of iconic franchises like those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries. Even Nintendo, with its history of innovation across various console generations—from the N64's analog stick to the GameCube's small discs, the Wii's motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's hybrid design—has continued this trend with the Switch 2.

Yet, true to its nature, Nintendo managed to surprise fans with some unexpected announcements during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since I was four years old in 1983, playing with my babysitter who would roll footballs at me like Donkey Kong's barrels, I've experienced my share of Nintendo's quirks and charms. It's with a mix of excitement and bittersweet nostalgia that I share the news about the Switch 2's online capabilities.

Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with only a few exceptions like Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters. However, the Switch 2 Direct introduced GameChat, a promising new feature. It supports four-player chat with noise suppression, video cameras for face-to-face interaction, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing players to monitor up to four different displays simultaneously. GameChat also features text-to-voice and voice-to-text options, enhancing accessibility. While a unified matchmaking interface remains to be seen, this development marks a significant step forward, potentially signaling the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The reveal of The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, initially fooled me into thinking it was a sequel to Bloodborne due to its unmistakable FROM Software aesthetic. This Nintendo-exclusive title promises the challenging gameplay that fans of Miyazaki's work have come to expect. It's astonishing how Miyazaki finds time to craft such intricate worlds, and I'm eagerly anticipating this addition to the Switch 2's library.

A Surprise to Be Sure, But a Welcome One

Another unexpected announcement was that Masuhiro Sakurai, the director behind Super Smash Bros., is now working on a new Kirby game. This shift comes after the somewhat underwhelming Kirby's Air Ride on the GameCube. Given Sakurai's deep connection to the Kirby series, fans can look forward to a more polished and enjoyable experience.

Control Issues

The Pro Controller 2 for the Switch 2 was briefly mentioned, but it brought some exciting news. The addition of an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons are welcome updates. As someone who appreciates customizable controls, these enhancements are a delightful surprise.

No Mario?!

Perhaps the most shocking omission was the absence of a new Mario game. Instead, the team behind Super Mario Odyssey is focusing on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer emphasizing destructible environments. This move shows Nintendo's confidence in their fanbase and their willingness to challenge expectations. Alongside this, the Switch 2 will launch with strong third-party support and Mario Kart World, which, despite its potential as a system-seller, was not expected to be a launch title.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

The introduction of an open-world Mario Kart game was another unexpected highlight. The blend of Mario Kart's unique physics, vehicles, and combat mechanics with an expansive world similar to Bowser's Fury suggests a thrilling new experience for players.

It's Very Expensive

However, the high cost of the Switch 2 at $449.99 USD is a significant concern. Amidst rising tariffs, a declining yen, and ongoing inflation, this price marks the most expensive launch in Nintendo's history in the US. It's $150 more than the original Switch's launch price and $100 more than the Wii U's, challenging Nintendo's traditional strategy of leveraging lower prices as a competitive edge.