Whoa, Banana: Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Impressions
After years of fake leaks (remember the “Switch Pro”?), we’ve finally seen the Switch’s successor and it’s coming in two months.
You know what that means?
It’s time for your favorite trailer addict to analyze the things that deserve analysis–for almost 12 pages.
This is meant to provide a general overview and add a little extra context to the stuff you should care about. I know this is a long one, but stick with me. I probably picked up on at least a couple things you missed.
As one of my favorite plumbers likes to say: let’s-a go.
The Hardware
The new “C” button that everyone has been speculating about over the last few days is a chat feature. Both the system and controllers contain microphones with noise cancelling technology. This is especially useful if you have a roommate who uses a blender to prepare all their meals. The days of coordinating Splatoon matches over Discord are over!
Just kidding, it’s Nintendo–make sure to hold on to your Discord account, just in case.
Nintendo is also releasing an official webcam that you’ll be able to use both in a Zoom-esque greenscreen mode as well as using just your face. They used Mario Party to illustrate this and it was perfect. Now you’ll be able to watch your opponents anguish during Chance Time no matter where in the world you’re playing from.
I’m hoping that these features will come together to create a better, more accessible ecosystem for streaming. But will we see Twitch integration? Is that too much to ask for? We’ll also be able to screen share and chat across different games.
The Joy-Con 2s are attached to the system by way of magnets and the release buttons for them are on the back of the console. This makes it exponentially less likely to break your nose when you nod off while playing Danganronpa in bed and drop it on your face.
There was a big focus on the new mouse controls throughout the duration of the showcase. It isn’t just a gimmick. I’m curious if Valve will eventually bring Steam to the system. There’s little incentive for them to do so, the Switch is a (Nintendo) direct competitor to the Steam Deck–but stranger things have happened. I’m actually shocked we didn’t get an announcement for a new Mario Paint. There has to be one in development, right? That seems like a layup.
The control sticks on the Joy-Con 2s are bigger. I hope this makes them a more viable option when playing multiplayer instead of something you force your little brothers and sisters to use while you hog the only Pro Controller.
Speaking of Pro Controllers, as expected, there’s a new version on its way (it comes with its own C button and, for the first time ever, an audio jack). Actually one of my biggest complaints from the Switch era was a lack of colorful or unique Pro Controller options. They didn’t even give us colors to match the Switch Lites. The plain black launch console doesn’t make me optimistic that things are going to change in this regard.
The screen is bigger and is capable of displaying games at 1080p and 120 fps (it’s not an OLED, which I know some people will be disappointed by, but mine will be kept docked 90% of the time so it’s less of a big deal, for me). While docked, select games will play in 4K and the new and improved dock has a fan to keep the console from melting all over your entertainment center. Hopefully, this one won’t immediately crack your screen like the original did.
The kickstand on the back of the console is big. It’s the second coming of the GameCube handle.
A new feature to the Switch 2 is “game sharing” where one copy of a game can be beamed to up to three other consoles for multiplayer. This isn’t something I’ve experienced much since the DS. We are so back.
The base system will have 256GB of storage–which feels like an omen that games are getting bigger. How much do you think that digital copy of Mario Kart is going to take up on your launch system? It’s the Wind Waker HD versus the Wii U debacle all over again. You’ll be able to expand the memory with SD cards (but, of course, only specific SD cards will be supported).
Switch 2 game cards are the same size and shape as the original. However, new games are now red and have much faster loading speeds. What do they taste like? We’ll have to wait and see.
Upgradeable Games
The Switch 2 is backwards compatible with original Switch games and some can be upgraded for a fee (while I haven’t confirmed it, many users on X are convinced that Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass subscribers get these upgrades for free). While that’s not as exciting as it could be, it beats the alternative of the old library being ignored (this is Nintendo we’re talking about, feature and IP neglect is always a possibility).
Pokemon Legends Z-A and Zelda’s improved performance is extremely noticeable here with the next gen boost (maybe it just feels sharper after the backlash Pokemon received for how muddy and stuttery it looks). For these late in the life cycle titles, the upgrades feel more like a necessity than a luxury. If they’re treated as DLC with bonus content (which seems to be the case with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Mario Party) it will help justify the cost.
Am I going to restart Tears of the Kingdom to have the best experience possible?
Mouse controlled, 120fps Metroid Prime 4 sounds like a dream.
Switch Online
The rumors were correct!
GameCube games are being added to the Switch Online catalog and the first text I sent to my sister after the presentation wrapped read “GameCube GameCube GameCube.” I’m going to have some serious adjustments to make to my wish list before the next Virtual Console Dreaming article.
It’s odd that this is the version of Wind Waker we’re getting (as opposed to the Wii U remaster) but I’m thrilled it's happening, at all (and I’m going to be able to play Chibi-Robo for less than the price of a studio apartment)!
They’re already getting weird with it. Bring on Cubivore.
Can you imagine how many consoles they’re going to sell the day Melee goes online?
Even if I don’t pick up the console in June, I will be buying a controller as soon as they’re available.
With all that out of the way, let’s get to the most important part of any new console reveal: the launch window line up.
This is going to read pretty-rapid and I’ll chime in if something caught my eye. Some version of many of these games have been out for a long time, and if I were to cover every single one in my usual style, this article would also be a launch title for the system. How many times can someone say “go play Elden Ring” without it losing its impact? (Even if you’re intimidated by its difficulty, you should at least try it!).
This list is also not in reveal order and I apologize for that. My stream was plagued with technical issues and I’ve been piecing this coverage together over rewatches off and on all day.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition by FromSoftware Inc.
Partner Titles
-The glorious Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is coming some time in 2025 (it includes the DLC and additional cosmetics).
-Supergiant Games’ masterpiece in the making, Hades II, is also coming later this year. The original sold really well on Switch, so I wouldn’t say this counts as a surprise (however, it’s still cool to have confirmation that it’s on the way).
-Toby Fox was on stage (kinda? If you know, you know) to announce that Deltarune Chapters 1-4 will be available at launch. Chapters 3 and 4 are new.
-The borderline GOTY Street Fighter VI is coming to Switch 2 with exclusive modes. We’re also getting amiibos–but sadly not of Juri or Cammy.
-Borderlands 4 will be on Switch 2 when it releases later this year.
-A Switch 2 version of Civilization VII is in development and will be available at launch. It uses the new mouse controls.
-WWE2K and NBA2K are both coming to Switch 2.
-So are the EA Sports suite of titles.
-Hogwarts Legacy (the Legacy of Hogwarts) will be available at launch and include optional mouse controls.
-Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is coming this summer (it’s confirmed for the other consoles and Game Pass on July 11th). I have over 100 hours in 3 but have never actually touched 4. AND one of my favorite skaters, Nora Vasconcellos, is making her debut (I even have a pair of her shoes).
-Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a launch title.
-Oh my god, Hollow Knight: Silksong was shown. No new footage, but I’m just happy it exists (and is allegedly still coming in 2025). This is the spark of hope I needed to keep going.
-Survival Kids is a co-op (you guessed it) survival game available at launch for the Switch 2. I wonder how deep its ties are to the Game Boy Color game from 26 years ago.
-Enter the Gungeon 2 has a new, beautiful 3D art style. More info is coming soon.
-STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions is out in 2026.
-Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition is coming at launch and it will be a good, early test of the hardware. The devs at CDPR are wizards.
-Speaking of a good test for the hardware, Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade is on its way to Switch 2.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade by Square Enix
-Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is releasing on August 27th.
-Goodnight Universe is out later this year.
-Two Point Museum is also releasing for the system in 2025.
-The Monster Hunter-like Wild Hearts S is coming July 25th.
-One of the best titles from last week’s Direct, Witchbrook, has a Holiday release window.
-Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S is a launch title.
-The gorgeous Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a Switch 2 launch title.
-MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, a beat ‘em up from the Shredder’s Revenge team, has a Holiday release window, as well.
-A Star Wars Outlaws port is coming later this year.
-Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening - Complete Edition is a launch title (this slots in nicely with the recent additions to the Switch Online catalog).
-The F-Zero inspired Fast Fusion is also a launch title (and this one will make a fine companion piece to GX when the GameCube library goes live).
-The eerie PAC-MAN Metroidvania Shadow Labyrinth releases on July 18th.
- The reimagined, classic SMT title, RAIDOU: Remastered, is out June 19th.
-The newest entry in the AI: The Somnium Files series, No Sleep for Kaname Date, has a July 25th release date.
-The amazing puzzle platformer from the Little Nightmares team, Reanimal, is out in 2025.
-Fortnite will be available at launch.
-Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER is coming at launch and I am thrilled. I’m a relatively new fan of the series and am looking forward to an easy way to experience the older titles.
-Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is coming in 2025. Layton is one of my favorite franchises and we haven’t had a good one since 2013.
-Tamagotchi Plaza is out June 27th.
-Devolver Digital’s Human Fall Flat 2 is coming at an unspecified date.
-Critical darling, Split Fiction, will be available at launch. During the game sharing portion of this showcase, this title was the first thing I thought about. That’s a good spot for Hazelight to be in.
-The beefy Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition package is a Switch 2 launch title (check out the cute Donkey Kong foreshadowing at the end of this trailer).
-And IOI’s other in progress title, Project 007, is also on its way. I love James Bond. This is one of my most anticipated games–that I keep forgetting exists.
-Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a launch title. Keep bringing over all the DS/3DS games, please.
-If you’ve always wanted to experience the Yakuza series but were too intimidated to figure out the best starting point, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is the game for you.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 by Iron Galaxy and Activision
I think an underrated aspect of this line up that I haven’t seen many people talk about is, if you missed anything from the PS4 generation, you’re going to get another chance because everything is about to get ported. You’ll undoubtedly have to pay the Nintendo Tax–but I’m still excited that these games are going to get a second lease on life.
They literally announced portable FF7, Cyberpunk, and Yakuza. How cool is that?
The Brand New Stuff
Mario Kart World
When the first teaser for Mario Kart World dropped I predicted the tracks would form a connected, open world based on the wide shots, wide tracks, and silhouettes of landmarks in the distance.
I wish I’d been louder about my guesses–because I nailed it.
I’ve never played more Mario Kart than I have on the Switch and I’m ready for more. It’s the perfect launch title–and with the inclusion of airplanes and jet skis, I’m wondering if this is the spiritual successor to Diddy Kong Racing I’ve always wanted.
This presentation alone makes that bundle extremely tempting (the price tag hurts, though).
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
This could be a fun Wii Sports, Nintendo Land, Astro Bot get to know your new console type of experience–but it’s not free.
This wouldn’t have happened on Reggie’s watch.
Like most other financial topics from this Direct, the price of this thing is shrouded in mystery. Am I paying five dollars for this? 10? Any more than that and I won’t be paying for it, at all…
…unless Nintendo is interested in an honest review and wants to send me a code. My contact page is open.
Drag X Drive
Have you seen Murderball? I recommend it.
Drag X Drive looks to be a tech demo on various ways to use both Joy-Cons as mice simultaneously–but it looks like a FUN tech demo.
Now I’m wondering if I need to invest in a nice TV tray (or a smooth, lap-sized piece of wood) to get the most out of my Switch 2.
It could turn out to be the sort thing I drop after five minutes–it could also steal my life. It’s out this summer.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
The Warriors franchise doesn’t do much for me (maybe I’ll try the Berserk entry–if that doesn’t get me in, nothing will). Still, it’s impossible for me not to feel a twinge of happiness when anything Zelda is on the screen.
It’s always an interesting experiment when someone tries to give Zelda a story.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
The fast paced, heavy metal mech action series is back and looks incredible.
This was actually announced some time ago. I’m just happy it wasn’t quietly cancelled.
The Duskbloods
At what point did you realize this wasn’t Bloodborne?
For me it was when the train appeared–but that didn’t dampen my excitement. A new FromSoftware IP? In my Nintendo Direct?
PlayStation still owns the rights to its big brother, but this looks like the next best thing (or the next NEXT best thing after Lies of P).
RIP Bloodborne–welcome back, Bloodborne.
Kirby Air Riders
The father of Kirby and Super Smash Brothers was considered to be semi-retired. Seeing his name here was a warm blanket for my tired eyes.
It’s an interesting strategy that, of the confirmed new Nintendo developed software, two are racing games. I’ve never played the original but it has a dedicated community. Speedrunners are in love with it.
Sounds like a candidate for the new GameCube library…
Donkey Kong Bananza
I spotted a banana in one of the first shots of the trailer and still thought this was a 3D Mario game.
I’m a very happy man.
I don’t believe we’ve had a true 3D Donkey Kong platformer since Donkey Kong 64 (or any Donkey Kong platformer since Tropical Freeze). Donkey Kong Country is responsible for getting me interested in video games, so as soon as I get a Switch 2, this is a must play.
“Bananza” is an A+ pun.
And there you have it.
The Switch 2 launches as a standalone console for $449 or as a bundle with Mario Kart for $499 on June 5th 2025. (Mario Kart is currently priced at $80 on its own, and that is terrifying).
If you made it this far, thank you!
We should be out of event season until the end of May (though, I’m often wrong–be sure to visit Tactical Reload regularly, I cover all of them).
For now, I have a Game Pass article to go write.
Is it too early to start preparing for Summer Game Fest?