Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Top 7 Surprises Revealed

New video game hardware announcements can often feel predictable. Each new generation of consoles brings expected enhancements like superior graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries.

Nintendo has consistently delivered these improvements across several generations, from the N64's analog controller, the GameCube's compact discs, the Wii's motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, to the Switch's built-in portability. The Switch 2 continues this trend, but true to form, Nintendo surprised everyone during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since the days of pretending to be Mario jumping over footballs rolled at me by my babysitter in 1983, I can't discuss this reveal without a hint of loving bitterness. Nintendo's track record with online play has been lackluster, often making it challenging to connect and chat with friends compared to platforms like Sony and Xbox. The original Switch required a separate app for voice chat, which was far from ideal.

However, the Switch 2 Direct introduced GameChat, and it's genuinely exciting. This four-player chat system includes noise suppression, video capabilities to see friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing you to monitor up to four different displays on one screen. The new accessibility features for Switch 2 also confirm that GameChat supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, providing multiple communication options for players.

While we haven't seen details about a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward. It might just be the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The trailer for The Duskbloods initially made me think of Bloodborne 2. The atmosphere, character design, and environments are unmistakably FROM Software. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a new multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind FROM Software's challenging games.

It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive game. His dedication rivals that of his own game characters, tirelessly working in a gothic tower. Yet, given FROM Software's recent track record, The Duskbloods promises to be an exceptional addition to the Switch 2 lineup.

A Surprise to be Sure, but a Welcome One

In another unexpected move, Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Super Smash Bros., has shifted his focus to a new Kirby game. This is a departure from his usual work, and considering the original Kirby's Air Ride was a visually appealing yet underwhelming racer, Sakurai's deep affection for the pink puffball suggests a much more polished and enjoyable experience this time around.

Control Issues

The Pro Controller 2 was mentioned almost in passing, but it's a significant upgrade. It now includes an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons. As someone who values customizable controls, this small addition is a delightful surprise.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was a shock. It appears the team behind Super Mario Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer with destructible environments. Nintendo is playing against expectations, banking on hardcore fans to embrace Donkey Kong's biggest game in years while saving Mario for later.

The Switch 2 will launch with robust third-party support and Mario Kart World. While Mario Kart World seems like a system-seller, its release during the holiday season is surprising. Nintendo typically relies on Mario or Zelda to drive sales in a console's first year, but they're confident in Mario Kart 8's success and Donkey Kong Bananza to ensure a successful launch.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

The concept of an open-world Mario Kart, inspired by Forza Horizon, is both surprising and promising. The chaotic physics, diverse vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well into an expansive world where players can race, battle, and create mayhem. The brief glimpse we got suggests a continuous world, similar to Bowser's Fury, but on a much larger scale and supporting numerous drivers.

It's Very Expensive

The Switch 2's price tag of $449.99 USD is steep, especially given current economic conditions. This makes it the most expensive console launch in Nintendo's 40-year history in the US, $150 more than the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U. Historically, Nintendo has used lower prices as a competitive edge, but the Switch 2 will need to prove its worth without this advantage.