Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Top 7 Surprises Revealed

New video game hardware announcements can often seem predictable. With each new generation of consoles, we anticipate staples like enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries. Nintendo, a company renowned for its innovation, has consistently delivered these enhancements across various console generations. From the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the unconventional Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's portable design, Nintendo has now brought these improvements to the Switch 2. However, true to its nature, Nintendo unveiled some surprising features during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since the age of four in 1983, when my babysitter used to roll footballs at me like Donkey Kong rolling barrels at Mario, I can't help but express a mix of excitement and bittersweet nostalgia. Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with only Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters making notable attempts. The company has never quite matched the unified multiplayer platforms offered by Sony and Xbox, often making it cumbersome to connect and communicate with friends. The Switch required a separate app for voice chat, adding to the frustration.

However, the tide seems to be turning. During the Direct, Nintendo introduced GameChat, a promising four-player chat system with noise suppression, video camera support for seeing friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles. This allows players to monitor up to four different displays on a single screen. Additionally, GameChat supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text features, enhancing communication options. While we haven't seen details on a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward. It might even spell the end for the notorious friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The first frames of the trailer for "The Duskbloods" had me thinking I was seeing Bloodborne 2. The ambiance, character design, and environments were unmistakably FROM Software. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a new multiplayer PvPvE game designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind FROM Software's challenging games. It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive game, and I'm eagerly anticipating this new addition to Nintendo's lineup.

A Surprise to Be Sure, But a Welcome One

In a surprising shift, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai has moved on to a new Kirby game. The original Kirby's Air Ride for GameCube was visually appealing but lacked fun gameplay. Given Sakurai's deep connection to Kirby, his involvement promises a more refined and enjoyable experience for fans.

Control Issues

The announcement of the Pro Controller 2 included a welcome addition: an audio jack, a feature long overdue. More excitingly, it now features two mappable extra buttons, which greatly enhances customization and control options for players.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was unexpected. It appears that the team behind Mario Odyssey has been working on "Donkey Kong Bananza," a new 3D platformer focusing on destructible environments. This move reflects Nintendo's strategy to defy expectations and rely on its hardcore fanbase to embrace Donkey Kong's biggest game in years. Alongside this, the Switch 2 will launch with extensive third-party support and Mario Kart World, which is expected to be a system-seller.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

An open-world Mario Kart game is now a reality, and it looks promising. The zany physics, unique vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well into an expansive world similar to Bowser's Fury, but much larger and supporting multiple drivers.

It's Very Expensive

The Switch 2 comes with a steep price tag of $449.99 USD, marking it as the most expensive launch in Nintendo's history in the US. This price is $150 more than the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U. With rising costs and inflation, the Switch 2 will need to rely on its features and game lineup rather than a price advantage to succeed in the market.