Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Unveils 7 Major Surprises

New video game hardware announcements often follow a predictable pattern. With each new generation of consoles, we anticipate staples such as enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and innovative twists on classic franchises like those featuring everyone's favorite plumber and his nemesis, the turtles. Nintendo has consistently delivered these enhancements across multiple generations, from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the wacky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's built-in portability. The Switch 2 is no exception, continuing this tradition of improvement.

However, true to its nature, Nintendo unveiled several surprising features during the Switch 2 Direct. One of the most significant announcements is the introduction of robust online play in 2025.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I can't help but express a mix of excitement and long-held frustration. My love for Nintendo started when I was just four years old in 1983, mimicking Mario by jumping over footballs and smashing them with a toy hammer. With this background, discussing this groundbreaking reveal without a touch of bitterness is nearly impossible.

Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with only Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters standing out as notable exceptions. The company has barely scratched the surface of what's possible with a unified multiplayer platform, unlike those offered by Sony and Xbox. Even the original Switch required a separate app for voice chat.

Now, change is finally here. During the Direct, Nintendo introduced GameChat, a feature that looks promising. It supports four-player chat with noise suppression, video cameras to show friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles, enabling you to monitor up to four different displays on a single screen. Additionally, the new Switch 2 accessibility features page confirms that GameChat supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, offering multiple communication options for players.

While we haven't seen a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward. I'm hopeful it means the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The first frames of the trailer for The Duskbloods had me thinking it was Bloodborne 2. The ambiance, character design, and environments were unmistakably FROM Software's style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a multiplayer PvPvE game directed by the legendary Hidetaka Miyazaki, known for his challenging game designs.

It's astonishing to think that Miyazaki found the time to create a Nintendo-exclusive game. He seems as tireless as the characters he designs, trapped in their gothic prisons. Yet, I'm grateful, as FROM Software rarely disappoints, and I'm eagerly anticipating this new addition to the Nintendo lineup.

A Surprise to Be Sure, but a Welcome One

Another unexpected announcement is that Super Smash Bros. director Masuhiro Sakurai has shifted his focus to a new Kirby game. This move was completely off my radar, and I hope it gives Sakurai a well-deserved break.

The original Kirby's Air Ride was visually appealing but lacked fun. However, given Sakurai's deep connection with Nintendo's beloved pink hero, I'm confident that his new take on the franchise will be more polished and enjoyable.

Control Issues

In a seemingly minor announcement, Nintendo revealed the Pro Controller 2. It now includes an audio jack, a feature that's been long overdue. More excitingly, it adds two mappable extra buttons. As someone who appreciates customizable controls, this small addition genuinely excites me.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. It seems the team behind Mario Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer focused on destructible environments. Nintendo's decision to focus on Donkey Kong instead of Mario for the Switch 2 launch is a bold move, trusting their core fans to embrace this significant new title while saving Mario for a later release.

The Switch 2 will also launch with extensive third-party support and Mario Kart World. While World looks like a system-seller, I expected it to be a holiday release. Nintendo typically relies on Mario, Zelda, or both to drive sales during a console's first year. However, with Mario Kart 8's impressive sales record, Nintendo is confident that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will help ensure a successful launch.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

The introduction of an open-world Mario Kart was a surprise. The zany physics, unusual vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well into an expansive world where players can battle friends and cause chaos. The brief glimpse we got suggests a continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury, but on a much larger scale and supporting multiple drivers.

It's Very Expensive

The Switch 2's price is a significant concern. At $449.99 USD, it's the most expensive console launch in Nintendo's 40-plus year history in the US. This price is $150 more than the original Switch's launch price and $100 more than the Wii U. While economic factors like tariffs, currency fluctuations, and inflation play a role, Nintendo's strategy of using lower prices to differentiate its products will be tested with the Switch 2.