Everything revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct

The highly anticipated Nintendo Direct featuring an in depth look at the Japanese gaming behemoth’s latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2, took place on Wednesday. Here’s everything you need to know about the successor to one of the most successful gaming consoles ever.

Release date and price

The Switch 2 is coming sooner than you think. It’s set to release worldwide on June 5th. Pre-orders for the console will go live on April 9. While the price of the console wasn’t revealed at the Direct itself, they later confirmed the price, which is set at $449.99 USD. Additionally, the console will also be available for 499 USD in a bundle with a major day 1 release title.

Mario Kart World

Gameplay of the latest Mario Kart opened the direct, and shocked fans with the innovative ideas showcased. Players will race and travel across a huge world comprised of interconnected tracks in three modes, including Grand Prix, Knockout tour, and free roam. In the Grand Prix mode, players will race in a variety of Cup’s, with four races in each. But, unlike other instalments in the series, players will drive to the next course after each race.

Knockout Tour provides even more intensity as players race from one corner of the world to another, with checkpoints in between that will eliminate players if they are below a certain place. In contrast, free roam provides players with a more relaxing experiences, as they will be able to drive virtually everywhere in the world, enjoying the scenery alone or with friends. The game even allows you to take pictures along the way. Mario Kart World releases on the same day as the Switch, and will be included as part of a bundle.

Console details

The new console has a bigger screen than its predecessor, with a 7.9-inch display, all while being the same 13.9 mm thickness. It also has double the pixels compared to the original Switch, allowing for games to be played in greater detail on the 1080p screen, and with improved performance, as the console allows for titles to be played at up to 120fps. The LCD screen also supports HDR. When used with the dock to play on tv, certain games will be available in 4k.

The new joy cons connect magnetically this time, instead of the sliding mechanism featured in the first iteration of the console. They are also bigger, allowing for greater comfort, such as with the larger sticks and SL/SR buttons. The console also has two USB C ports, allowing players to charge their device while using it in table-top mode. The Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage, eight times more than the 32 GB available with the switch 1. It is also faster when it comes to reading and writing data, meaning shorter load times.

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GameChat

When the Nintendo Switch was initially revealed in January of this year, after a series of leaks forced Nintendo’s hand, many fans wondered what the newly included C button was for. Well Nintendo revealed exactly that during the direct, announcing GameChat, a new feature that will allow players to chat with friends and family while gaming. It will even allow players to share their own gameplay and view others’, allowing for a more connected experience.  

Enhanced games

Alongside Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive titles such as Mario Kart World, the Direct revealed a plethora of Switch 1 games that will be upgraded visually or in performance for the new console. Some of these include Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Upcoming games such as Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will have both a Switch 1 and Switch 3 edition when it releases. The Switch 2 will offer two modes for Metroid to be played in, including a 4K 60fps quality mode, and a 1080p 120fps performance mode.

Mouse Controls

The aforementioned Metroid game was also shown to use Switch 2’s new mouse controls. The joy cons on the console can now be used as a mouse, allowing for more intuitive gameplay, such as what would be possible on PC. Another game solely focused on using the joy cons as mice was also revealed. Drag x Drive will see players engage in a game of 3 on 3 basketball, while dragging both joy cons to move their characters.

Also read: Sony reportedly working on new handheld console

Nintendo GameCube Classics

A new Nintendo Switch Online membership benefit, exclusively for Switch 2, was also announced. Users will be able to play classic GameCube titles including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SOULCALIBUR II, and F-ZERO GX. Local and online multiplayer will be available for games that allow for it such as F-ZERO GX.

All these titles will have clearer image quality and higher resolution than their original versions. Controls for these titles will also be customisable to best fit your playstyle. A series of other titles were also briefly shown including Super Mario Sunshine, Mario Smash Football, Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Luigi’s Mansion, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, as additional titles to be added to the service.

Three big game announcements!

Three major games were announced for the Switch 2, including a new From Software title. The studio that developed the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, is developing a new souls-like exclusive to the Switch 2, titled The Duskbloods. In a press release from the studio, it was revealed that the game is a PvPvE title with a focus on online multiplayer. Eight players will play together as they “vie for supremacy among themselves and against challenging foes.” The game is set to release in 2026.

Another title being directed by legendary game designer and creator of the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. series, Masahiro Sakurai, was announced as well. Kirby Air Riders is a sequel to the 2003 GameCube racing game Kirby Air Ride. The original game was a four-player racer in which players focused on steering and using abilities while the vehicles moved forward automatically. Based on the short trailer, the sequel may also be a four-player experience. The title is set to release some time this year.

The final game shown at the Direct was Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D adventure for the beloved Nintendo character, which will see him explore a variety of worlds with exciting brand-new game mechanics. The trailed showcased beautiful and breakable environments, as Donkey Kong smashed his way through various structures, digging down into the world and sometimes through it, all while taking down enemies. Players are in store for exciting new platforming and action gameplay as Donkey Kong takes on a series of colourful bosses. The game is set to release on July 17, this year.

Also read: Nintendo to unveil Switch 2 in livestream happening today