Nintendo Direct: everything the presentation of Switch 2 and its games left behind

Since the official announcement of the successor to its most successful console earlier this year, Nintendo knew all eyes would be on the April Direct. In the presentation, which lasted about an hour, everything was shown, from hardware specifications, through backward compatibility and new mechanics, to, of course, the initial game catalog it will have. The Switch 2 will be released on June 5 of this year.

Mario Kart World, a facelift to a formula that always worked:

Nintendo would start its direct with the only new game that had been presented so far for the Switch 2, Mario Kart 9 or, rather, Mario Kart World. This new installment of the mustachioed plumber's racing franchise will be completely different from what the previous games have been. While the core essence of the game remains, the new Mario Kart will have many changes that renew the saga, whose last completely new game for consoles, Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U, was released 11 years ago.

Features and Innovations:

- New Maps: as seen in the presentation, all maps will be new and, unlike other games, will be connected in a single world.

- Cups:

• Champiñón: Marios Bros. Circuit, Crown City, Whistlestop Summit, and DK Spaceport
• Flor: Desert Hills, Shy Guy Bazaar, Wario Stadium, and Airship Fortress
• Estrella: DK Pass, Starview Peak, Sky-High Sundae, Wario Shipyard
• Caparazón: Koopa Troopa Beach, Faraway Oasis, Crown City, and Peach Stadium
• Banana
• Hoja
• Rayo
• Champiñón Dorado
• Flor de Hielo
• Luna
• Caparazón Azul
• Doble Cereza
• Bellota
• Nube
• Corazón Real

- New Game Modes:

• Gran Prix: the classic 4-race cup competition. The novelty is that each race will be played continuously, as they are on the same map
• Survival: as the races progress, fewer and fewer players remain depending on the position they reach the finish line
• Free Mode: allows driving anywhere on the map without the typical physical restrictions of traditional tracks

- New Mechanics:

• Rail Grind: cars can slide on fences and thin tubes
• Wallride and Walljump: cars can bounce and/or stay attached to certain walls (similar to what was seen in Mario Kart 8 with zero gravity)

- New Items:

• Megachampiñón: returns after its last, and only, appearance in Mario Kart Wii
• Hammer Bros Hammers
• Magikoopa
• Coin Block
• Foods: change the characters' skin

- Skins: as seen, characters can have different outfits, however, it seems they will have certain effects (as if they were power-ups), as Mario is seen grabbing food and changing his outfit upon consuming it.

- New Cars and Modes: there will be new vehicles and, depending on the situation, they will have modifications. For example, if they are in the air, they will have wings, if they are in the water, they will have floats, or if they are in the snow, skis.

- New Characters: Moo Moo Cow, Goomba, Pauline, Biddybud, Caco Gazapo, Chargin Chuck, Penguin, Crab, Bee, Monty Mole, Spike, Bat, Pezueso, Picocuac, Pokey, Forestano, Ectobaldo, Dolphin, etc. (there may be more).

- Race Effects: the environment will change depending on the time of day and weather conditions

- More Players per Game: increase from 12 to 24

- Renewed Animations: characters have more striking expressions and reactions

Release Date and More Details:

Mario Kart World will be released at the same time as the new console, on June 5, and will have its own Nintendo Direct on April 17 at 10, Argentina time, showing more details and news.

The features of the new Switch:

New C Button and Game Chat:

Nintendo implements its own online chat system that allows multiple players to communicate from one console to another without the need for third-party external applications. With this novelty, you can talk through a long-range microphone, located at the top of the console, share screen, view other players' screens and use a camera (so far it has only been shown that the official camera sold separately can be used).

Meanwhile, the mysterious C button, shown in the first presentation of the Switch 2, opens the menu for this new function. Additionally, to use Game Chat, it will be necessary to have Nintendo Switch Online and it will be compatible with parental control.

GameShare:

The Switch 2 will allow playing a single copy of a game on multiple consoles locally. If one console has the game, the rest of the consoles connected on the local network can play it without needing their own copy. Even titles that require multiple screens can be played. This feature will be available in Switch 1 and 2 games, and in games exclusive to the new console.

The Console:

The new Nintendo machine will have a 7.9-inch LCD screen with HDR (20.07 cm), 1.7 more than the original Switch (15.75 cm). Additionally, its resolution goes from 720p to 1080p and the FPS limit goes from 60 to 120.

One aspect that remains the same is the thickness, which will be 13.9 mm, however, being larger, it will have to withstand more weight, so they changed the rear support from a single leg, which received many complaints for its fragility, to a wide and solid hollow support that prevents the console from falling easily.

Another criticism was that on the Switch 1, you couldn't play with the console supported while charging because the charging port was at the bottom. To solve this, the Big N decided to put two USB-C ports, one at the bottom and one at the top. This extra port also serves to connect the camera for use with Game Share.

At the same time, the console improves its speakers, as the audio balance between channels was adjusted, generating clearer and more natural sounds in portable and semi-portable modes. In addition to this improvement, a 3D audio system was also implemented, allowing for three-dimensional sounds without the need for surround speakers, providing greater immersion.

Storage:

The original Switch had only 32 GB of internal storage. While it could be expanded with external memory cards, it is a minuscule amount, even by 2017 standards, the year it was released. This is why the Switch multiplies that capacity by 8, going from 32 to 256 GB and having a much faster save and read speed.

A noteworthy detail is that if you want to expand, you need to use an SD express card, as other cards will not be compatible.

Joy-Cons 2:

As already seen in its reveal video, the new controllers are larger and will have a magnetic coupling to the console, instead of the vertical rails of the Switch 1. This allows for greater security, as it keeps the Joy-Con more firmly with two powerful magnets that connect to the SR and SL buttons, which are also larger. To remove the controls, you must press a button on their back, below the ZR and ZL buttons. Another thing that increases their size is the movement sticks.

One of the great novelties of the Joy-Con 2  is that they can be used as a mouse in compatible games, resting the side on the table.

Pro Controller 2:

Although at first glance it is the same as the Pro Controller 1, the 2 changes the color of the top and adds the aforementioned C button and two other buttons on the back, the GR and GL, which can be used to assign the function of existing buttons. Also, a headphone jack port was added at the bottom, displacing the player order lights, which will now be at the top between the L and R buttons.

New Dock:

The Switch 2 dock will have many changes compared to the 1. To begin with, the image it will display will be up to 4K in compatible games, unlike the previous 1080p, and it can have HDR. It will also add fans to help with ventilation and cooling of the console, and to maintain stable performance.

Games:

On the Switch 2, you can play new console games and compatible games from its predecessor, both in physical and digital format. The physical ones are identical to those of Switch 1, so, to differentiate the physical games of both consoles, Nintendo changed the color of the cartridges, being black for the 1 and red for the 2.

One of the exclusive "games" of Switch 2 that was shown was the "Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour," which will serve as a guide for all the new features of the console.

The new console can run three types of games:

• Switch 2 games
• Compatible Switch 1 games
• Switch 2 edition games: these are improved Switch 1 games. You can use the base Switch game, but you must purchase the upgrade for the 2. Some of those confirmed so far are:
• Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (improves performance and quality, and adds exclusive minigames)
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild (improves performance and quality)
• The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom (improves performance and quality, and adds an app to help with game progress, like sharing builds or guide maps)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World (improves performance and quality, and adds content)
• Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (improves performance and quality, and the new mouse function can be used)
• Pokémon Legends ZA (improves performance and quality)

Transfer Data:

To transfer data from one console to another, it will be necessary to log in with the same Nintendo account on both systems. With this function, you can transfer save data, digital games, captures, videos, etc.

Nintendo Switch Online:

The Switch 2 will include Gamecube games in its expanded digital catalog of its online subscription service. While more titles will be added in the future, the first games to be added will be:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• Soulcalibur II
• F-Zero GX

Additionally, a new version of the original Game Cube controller exclusive to Switch 2 will be released, as it includes the new C button at the top. It will be available at the console's launch.

Launch and Prices:

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be launched on Thursday, June 5, with a price of 450 dollars and 500 dollars if you buy the bundle with Mario Kart World, an increase of 150 dollars compared to its predecessor. Triple A games, meanwhile, will have a 10-dollar increase compared to those of Switch 1, going from 60 to 70 dollars. Pre-orders will be available starting April 9.

What can't be missing, the games:

In addition to Mario Kart World, Nintendo presented new games and titles that will be ported to the Switch 2. The titles shown were:

Drag x Drive (Winter 2025):

It's a 3x3 wheelchair basketball game that uses the new mouse function to move, shoot, and move arms. In concept, it's very similar to Rocket League, but it's unique in its way, including tricks and decimal points, which can be obtained by doing different tricks when scoring.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition (2025):

The Soul's from FromSoftware that won the 2022 GOTY arrives on Nintendo's new console. The acclaimed title, characterized by its high difficulty, offers vast fantasy landscapes and dark, intricate dungeons that are seamlessly connected. This game allows you to explore its impressive world on foot or horseback, alone or online with other players.

Hades II (2025):

The sequel to one of the most successful indies in recent times will come to Switch 2 from Supergiant Games. In this rogue-like dungeon game, the dark arts of the Princess of the Dead will pave her way in the afterlife to face the Titan of Time.

Street Fighters 6 (June 5):

The latest installment of one of the most successful fighting game sagas in history will have its Switch 2 version. Local battles can be done through local communication and include exclusive game modes for Nintendo's new console. Additionally, it will have two versions, the standard and the "Years 1-2 Fighters Edition," which will include 26 playable characters, and Amiboo figures and cards.

Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion (September 5):

The mecha title from Marvelous announced a version for the Switch 2 and exclusively revealed its release date during the Nintendo Direct. This sequel, like the first title, will be set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity summons a group of mercenaries from the Orbital organization to lead the fight against the Immortals, a series of corrupt Artificial Intelligences that want to destroy the world.

Split Fiction (June 5):

The recently published game from Hazelight will join the Switch 2. This title creates unique cooperative experiences through its split-screen gameplay, and includes platforming sections, combat, puzzles, and much more.

Madden NFL and FC 2025  (no date, but probably at launch):

EA's most famous sports games will come to the Switch 2. The Madden saga is the most important in American football, while FC, formerly called FIFA, is the leading reference in current soccer games.

Hogwarts Legacy (June 5):

Avalanche Software's Harry Potter game will come to Switch 2 with improved graphics and smooth world transitions. Additionally, the mouse mode can be used to experience J.K. Rowling's magical world adventure in new ways.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 (Winter 2025):

The latest installment of the famous skate game franchise will be on Switch 2, with characters like Tony Hawk himself and the introduction of Nora Vasconcellos, as well as a SpongeBob mode.

HITMAN World of Assassination Signature Edition (June 5):

IO Interactive's main game will have its port on the Nintendo Switch 2. The story focuses on Agent 47's mission, the world's best assassin, and its progress will vary depending on the player's creativity.

Project 007 (no date):

IO Interactive also announced the triumphant return of James Bond to video games, aiming to live up to the gem of Golden Eye 007 from Nintendo 64. The game was announced in 2020, and so far, neither its name nor release date is known.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (June 5):

Square-Enix will bring the remastered version of this role-playing game, first published in 2012, to the Switch 2. In addition to graphical improvements, it will have minigames focused on using the mouse functions of the Joy-Con 2.

Yakuza 0 Director's Cut (June 5):

The Japanese mafia saga will come to Nintendo Switch 2. Its story is set in 1988 when a conflict erupts between criminal groups in Tokyo and Osaka's entertainment districts over a piece of land.

Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment (Summer 2025):

The Zelda hack and slash saga returns with a new installment set in the events before what was seen in Tears of the Kingdom. Its story will focus on Zelda's time travel to the past, where she will meet the Zonai and the 5 original sages, and face the root of all evil in Hyrule, Ganondorf.

Deltarune Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 (June 5):

Undoubtedly one of the bomb announcements of the Nintendo Direct. The sequel to the famous indie Undertale, both created by Toby Fox, will release a version for the Switch 2 of its first four chapters. The striking thing about the announcement is that until now, only chapters 1 and 2 had been published, and the release date of chapters 3 and 4 was still unknown, and today's presentation confirmed it will be released at the same time as the new console from the Big N.

Borderlands 4 (2025):

The fourth installment, still in development, of the saga created by Gearbox will be available on Switch 2. The futuristic shooter focuses on a universe dominated by corporations, criminals, and bounty hunters in search of the precious vaults.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII (June 5):

The historical strategy game will come to the Switch 2 and will have the option to use the mouse mode of the new Joy-Con, bringing it closer to the classic experience of PC players. Additionally, it is one of the games that will have a Nintendo Switch 2 version, so if you already have a Switch 1 version, you can purchase the upgrade package.

WWE 2K and NBA 2K (no date, but probably at launch):

Like EA's games, 2K's two most important franchises will come to the Switch 2 with their 2025 version. WWE is the most important wrestling fighting saga, while NBA is the most dominant in basketball games.

Survival Kids (June 5):

A game that fits very well with Nintendo's philosophy: simple, friendly, and suitable for all ages. The game focuses on solving puzzles, team collaboration, and typical activities of games based on deserted islands, such as gathering natural resources, building structures, fishing, etc.

Enter the Gungeon 2 (no date):

Another surprise from the Direct. The sequel to the successful bullet hell and rogue-like from Devolver Digital will arrive after almost 10 years since the first installment's publication, reloaded with a new 3D art design.

STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions (2026):

It's a new game set in the Astroneer universe, focused on discovery, cooperative expeditions, and camaraderie. As they explore deep space aboard the ESS Starseeker, players must collaborate with the entire space station crew to complete planetary objectives in a multitude of star systems using cutting-edge technology.

Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (June 5):

CD Projekt RED's open-world game set in the futuristic city of Night City will have its port for Switch 2. Despite its poor release back in 2020, the game managed to gradually improve to become, for some, one of the best games of recent times.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade (no date):

The remake of the most acclaimed installment of the saga developed by Square-Enix will come to Switch 2. This is the first game of the trilogy, which follows the exploits of Cloud's group until their escape from Midgar.

Quick Announcements:

Like most Directs, Nintendo always includes a section where they quickly review several titles that will be released on their consoles. This time they were:

• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (June 5)
• Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025): along with Deltarune and Enter The Dungeon, it was one of the most important and unexpected announcements. The long-awaited sequel will finally be released this year.
• STORY OF SEASON: Grand Bazaar Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (August 27)
• Goodnight Universe (2025)
• Two Point Museum (2025)
• Wild Hearts S (July 25)
• Witchbrook (Holidays 2025)
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S (June 5)
• Run Factory: Guardians of Azuma Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 5)
• MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (Holidays 2025)
• Star Wars Outlaws (2025)
• Fast Fusion (June 5)
• Shadow Labyrinth Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (July 18)
• RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19)
• No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25)
• REANIMAL (2025)
• FORTNITE (June 5)
• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER (June 5)
• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025)
• Tamagotchi Plaza Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (June 27)
• Human Fall Flat 2 (no date)

A grand finale:

After the express announcements, and with 10 minutes left to finish the presentation, Nintendo revealed some titles being developed along with other collaborators.

The Dusk Bloods (2026):

For the first time in history, Nintendo releases a souls-style game exclusive to one of its consoles, and on top of that, from the father of the genre, FromSoftware. Although several minutes of cinematics and some gameplay were shown, not much is known about the game's story, but it seems to be set in a world that combines certain modern aspects with a medieval European setting and will feature the typical mechanics and functioning of the company behind the acclaimed Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne, among others.

Kirby Air Riders (2025):

With Mashiro Sakurai, creator of the cutest pink ball in video games, the Kirby racing saga will have a new installment on Nintendo Switch 2 after 20 years of absence. Beyond the release year, not much else is known about this game.

Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17):

Although it wasn't the 3D Mario everyone expected to be announced, a new Donkey Kong game, and in 3D, is undoubtedly one of the best announcements Nintendo could end its Direct with. After 10 years without a 100% new DK game, and more than 25 without a three-dimensional game, Nintendo's star monkey returns to have his own title.

With a renewed look, similar to what was seen in the Mario movie, DK will embark on a new adventure. "Help Donkey Kong make his way through the depths of the underground world. As he descends, he will discover increasingly amazing places," reads its description.