Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: 7 Biggest Surprises

New video game hardware announcements can sometimes follow a predictable pattern. With each new generation of consoles, we anticipate seeing enhancements like superior graphics, quicker load times, and innovative twists on cherished franchises, such as those featuring everyone's favorite plumber and his turtle adversaries.

Nintendo, a company that has consistently introduced these enhancements across various console generations—from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the unique Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch’s built-in portability—continues this tradition with the Switch 2.

Yet, true to form, Nintendo managed to surprise everyone during the Switch 2 Direct presentation.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan, my journey began in 1983 when, at the age of four, my babysitter would roll footballs at me, mimicking Donkey Kong’s barrel-throwing antics. I'd leap over them, mimicking Mario's sound effects, then grab a toy hammer to smash them. With decades of devotion to Nintendo, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and long-held frustration as I share this incredible reveal.

Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with limited efforts like Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters. Unlike the seamless multiplayer platforms of Sony and Xbox, finding and communicating with friends on Nintendo systems has always been cumbersome, often requiring a separate app for voice chat on the Switch.

However, the Switch 2 Direct unveiled GameChat, and it promises to be a game-changer. This four-player chat feature supports noise suppression, video cameras to display friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing you to monitor up to four different displays within one screen. Furthermore, GameChat includes text-to-voice and voice-to-text capabilities, enhancing accessibility and communication options for all players.

While we await details on a unified matchmaking interface, GameChat represents a significant leap forward, potentially marking the end of the notorious friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The first frames of the trailer had me convinced I was watching Bloodborne 2. The ambiance, character design, and environments bore the unmistakable stamp of FROM Software. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned I was actually viewing footage from The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE game crafted by the revered Hidetaka Miyazaki.

It's baffling to consider how Miyazaki found the time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive title. His dedication seems to mirror the relentless perseverance of his own game characters. Yet, given FROM Software's track record, The Duskbloods is poised to be an exceptional addition to the Switch 2 library.

A Surprise to Be Sure, But a Welcome One

In a surprising shift, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai has transitioned from the Smash series to helm a new Kirby game. The original Kirby's Air Ride on the GameCube was visually appealing but lacked fun. Sakurai's deep connection to Kirby promises a more refined and enjoyable experience this time around.

Control Issues

A seemingly minor announcement, the Pro Controller 2, piqued my interest with its new features. The addition of an audio jack, a welcome update about a decade overdue, and two mappable extra buttons, which I adore for their customization potential, make the Pro Controller 2 genuinely professional.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. Rumors suggested the Mario team was hard at work on a new 3D adventure, expected to be the big summer launch for the Switch 2. Instead, the Odyssey team is behind Donkey Kong Bananza, a captivating new 3D platformer with a focus on destructible environments. Nintendo's decision to prioritize Donkey Kong over Mario reflects their strategy to defy expectations and rely on their dedicated fanbase to support this major release.

The Switch 2 will also launch with robust third-party support and Mario Kart World. While World has the potential to be a system-seller, its timing as a family game during the Christmas season is a strategic move. Nintendo's confidence stems from Mario Kart 8's impressive sales, betting that their most popular party game, combined with Bananza, will drive Switch 2 sales at launch.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

The introduction of an open-world Mario Kart game was unexpected but intriguing. The zany physics, quirky vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart are well-suited for an expansive world where players can navigate and battle across tracks, sowing chaos as they go. The brief glimpse we got suggests a continuous world similar to Bowser’s Fury, but on a much larger scale with numerous drivers.

It’s Very Expensive

The Switch 2's price tag of $449.99 USD is undeniably steep. In a time of global economic fluctuations, including rising tariffs, a declining yen, and renewed American inflation, this marks the highest launch price in Nintendo's 40-plus years of US sales history. The Switch 2 is $150 more expensive than its predecessor at launch and $100 more than the next-most-expensive Wii U. Historically, Nintendo's success has often hinged on competitive pricing, but the Switch 2 aims to succeed without this advantage.