Ever since it was teased to be coming back in January, I’ve been counting the days and looking forward to Nintendo giving us a big new look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Overnight, Nintendo gave us a more detailed look at the console and its technical capabilities, and a slew of games that will be coming to console.
But the thing that’s most exciting to lead with is that the console will be launching on June 5th 2025. This came as quite a pleasant surprise. As we’re roughly only 2 months away from getting our hands on the new hardware and plenty of new and updated games.
The Direct itself kicked off by giving us a more detailed look at Mario Kart World, the newest entry in the Mario Kart series, and it’s launching on Day 1 with the console. And also available in a console bundle.
Nintendo Switch 2 New Features Revealed
We then got to take a look at the console’s new larger Joy-Cons and learn about the new C Button which ties directly into the console’s GameChat function, a feature that allows you to speak to family and friends while playing games. We also got a first look at a new peripheral, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Note: A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use GameChat.
- The console has local play GameShare with other Nintendo Switch 2 systems
- Bigger screen than the original (7.9 inches vs 6.2 inches) but same console thickness.
- HD 1080p screen display
- Up to 120fps gameplay
- Vivid LCD that supports HDR
- Joy-Cons now connect via magnets that keep it firmly attached to the console, and are released via a dedicated button.
- Bigger SL/SR buttons to make horizontal play more comfortable.
- Larger control sticks.
- Each Joy-Con can now be used as a mouse.
- Clearer audio with enhanced speakers. And support for 3D audio.
- Integrated Mic for GameChat
- Larger stand with a wider range of motion when playing in tabletop mode.
- 2 USB-C ports
- Larger and faster storage. 256Gb Internal and support Express MicroSD cards for additional space.
- New 4K supported Dock. The dock is also fan cooled for performance.
- A new Pro controller (additional purchase)
Then got to see Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour, a new game that is focussed on walking people through the features of the Nintendo Switch 2 within a dedicated gaming experience.
We then learned of the new higher speed carts that will be used for Nintendo Switch 2 games and also how Nintendo Switch Enhanced games will work, as many game’s from the original Nintendo Switch library have the ability to be enhanced on the new console. The enhanced versions of the selected games do require an upgrade pack to be able to access the new versions.
Some of the games getting enhanced modes that we know of are Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (where the Switch 2 version can also utilise Mouse Mode) And Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Speaking of mouse mode. We got to see Drag X Drive, a new 3v3 sports title that uses the Switch 2’s mouse capabilities.
Next, we got a look at multiple third party publishers that are bringing games to the new console.
Elden Ring is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Get ready to lose hundreds of hours all over again in the Lands Between.
Hades 2
Street Fighter 6
The reveal of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Split Fiction is coming
Hogwarts Legacy
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
Hitman World of Assassination and Project 007
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Then we got some new reveals
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Coming later this Summer (Aus))
Gamecube titles are coming to Nintendo Switch Online for the Nintendo Switch 2
DELTARUNE is coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Borderlands 4
Civ 7 is getting a Switch 2 version
Then there were a few massive reveals that showcase the technical capabilities of the Switch 2
Cyberpunk 2077 is playable on Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Then a sizzle reel trailer that showed off additional games. Including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Two Point Museum, Wild Hearts S and Witchbrook
Then there was the big one. This announcement got me so excited for the new console and still can’t believe Nintendo locked this down as an exclusive.
FromSoftware’s new game The Duskbloods – Coming in 2026
The show then closed out, with the reveal of a couple of first party titles. The first being Kirby Air Riders, a brand new title directed by Masahiro Sakurai. Coming in 2025
And also Donkey Kong Bananza
It looks like 2025 is going to be a massive year for Nintendo, and it’s great to see so many titles coming to the new platform and highlighting the new technical capabilities of the new system.
You can watch the full Nintendo Switch 2 Direct for yourself below.
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