It’s not every day that two Nintendo Directs are held within the same week. While the March 27 Direct showcased anticipated release dates for titles like Shadow Labyrinth, two remakes of Patapon, and the latest installment of Story of Seasons, this Direct puts the spotlight on the highly-anticipated Switch 2.
Let’s face it: the excitement surrounding the Switch 2 rivals that of GTA 6. Gamers are eager to uncover every detail to decide whether to buy on day one or hold off. Let’s explore the features and announcements from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.
Everything Revealed During the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
Mark your calendars! The Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch on June 5, 2025, and it will come with new titles along with enhanced remakes of popular games from the original Switch.
Exciting New Features in Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World takes the lead as the first major announcement. Although it was hinted at during the initial trailer, we now get a detailed look at gameplay and all 24 characters.
Mario Kart World introduces significant gameplay changes, including dynamic weather changes and costume modifications. It will debut as a launch title on June 5.
Introducing GameChat
One of the standout features for the Switch 2 is a Discord-like voice chat and screen-sharing system, easily accessible via a “C” button on the Joy-Con controllers. Join voice chats with friends right from your console, provided you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
A Switch 2 Camera will also launch alongside the console, enabling you to show your expression while using GameChat. There will be an open access trial through March 31, 2026, allowing users to test the feature before committing to a subscription.
Switch 2 Hardware: What’s New?
This Direct emphasized a comparison between the Switch 2 and its predecessor, highlighting several key features:
- Overall larger size with an HD display.
- Backward compatibility with original Switch games, both physical and digital.
- GameShare feature allowing multiple consoles to play as long as one owns the game.
- Joy-Con controllers can function as mice.
- Built-in noise-canceling microphone.
- 3D surround sound for immersive audio experiences.
- USB top port for charging convenience.
- Increased internal storage: 256 GB compared to the original’s 32 GB.
- New dock features 4K upscaling and an internal cooling fan.
- Data transfer capabilities between Switch 1 and Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Alongside the console, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a paid application serving as a comprehensive tutorial for users. It helps players familiarize themselves with the console’s features and includes a hands-on control testing feature for the Joy-Cons.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree for the Switch 2 will be available on July 24. The core gameplay remains intact, but it will introduce mouse control support, audio recognition, and full compatibility with the Switch Camera. Three exciting modes—classic Mario Party, Bowser Live, and Carnival Coaster—will also be included.
Existing owners of Super Mario Party Jamboree can purchase an upgrade pack to access the new features specific to the Switch 2.
Zelda Editions for the Switch 2
Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be receiving enhanced features, including improved resolution, higher framerate, HDR support, and a Zelda Notes feature to assist players during gameplay.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2
Similarly, Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2 will feature improved graphics and framerate along with an exclusive new storyline titled Star-Crossed World.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Editions
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will feature dual editions for both Switch 1 and Switch 2, allowing players to utilize traditional controls or experiment with mouse controls. Quality and Performance Modes will ensure smoother gameplay or enhanced graphics.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Similar to Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will offer editions for both consoles, with a launch later this year, although a specific date wasn’t mentioned during the Direct.
Introducing Drag x Drive
Drag x Drive is an innovative game centered around wheelchair basketball, utilizing the Joy-Cons as mouse-like controls to navigate the arena, score points, and compete against others. It is slated for release in Summer 2025.
Upcoming Games for the Nintendo Switch 2
Exciting titles are set to debut on the Switch 2, including:
- Elden Ring
- Hades 2
- Street Fighter 6, featuring amiibo characters
- Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion
- Split Fiction
- EA Sports FC
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Project 007
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
- Deltarune Chapters 1-4
- Borderlands 4
- Civilization 7
- WWE 2K and NBA 2K
- Survival Kids
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- StarSeeker Astroneer Expeditions
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Goodnight Universe
- Two Point Museum
- Wild Hearts
- Witchbrook
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Fast Fusion
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless
- No Sleep for Kaname Date
- REANIMAL
- Fortnite
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Human Fall Flat 2
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
A new Legend of Zelda title has been confirmed. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment serves as a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, featuring Zelda as the main character. It’s set to launch this Winter on the Switch 2.
Nintendo GameCube Library on Switch 2
Exciting news for nostalgia lovers! The Switch 2 will incorporate a GameCube game library as part of Nintendo Switch Online. Confirmed titles include:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- SoulCalibur II
- F-Zero GX
Additional titles like Fire Emblem Path of Radiance, Super Mario Sunshine, and Pokémon XD: Gate of Darkness may also be added in the future.
Introducing The Duskbloods
FromSoftware is set to release a new IP titled The Duskbloods, a vampire-themed game exclusively for the Switch 2, launching sometime in 2026.
Kirby Air Riders
In addition to the enhanced Kirby and the Forgotten Lands, fans can look forward to Kirby Air Riders. This title continues the legacy of Kirby Air Ride, with a release set for 2025.
Donkey Kong Bananza Launch
Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D platforming adventure, is confirmed for release on the Switch 2 on July 17.
This wraps up the key announcements from the April 2 Nintendo Direct, packed with exciting details about the Switch 2 and its launch titles. Don’t forget to check out the March 27 Nintendo Direct for additional highlights that weren’t covered here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to release on June 5, 2025.
What games are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2?
Notable titles include Mario Kart World, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom enhancements, and many more from various genres.
What are the features of the GameChat?
GameChat allows players to engage in voice conversations and screen sharing directly from their Switch 2, similar to Discord features.
Is the Switch 2 backwards compatible?
Yes, the Switch 2 will support both physical and digital games from the original Nintendo Switch.
What will the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 be?
The exact price has not yet been announced, but keep an eye out for updates as the release date approaches.