Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Everything Announced

Nintendo Switch 2 features enhanced hardware, upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers, and an exciting lineup of new games.​

The big day has finally arrived, and as promised, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on the Nintendo Switch 2 during its highly anticipated Direct. The hour-long showcase was packed with exciting announcements and a deep dive into the console's features, launch titles, and future road map. Here are all the exciting reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct had to offer:

Nintendo Switch 2: Features and Design

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Switch 2 offers significant enhancements in its display, controllers, haptic feedback, internal specifications and more. Let’s take a look at what was revealed:

Switch 2 Bigger Display, Better Performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a larger 7.9-inch Full HD (1080p) display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. The new screen also features HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, providing richer colours, deeper contrast, and an enhanced visual experience. When docked, the console can output up to 4K resolution at 120Hz, delivering a visually stunning experience that enhances gameplay immersion. These upgrades mark a substantial improvement over the original Switch, ensuring sharper graphics and fluid motion in both handheld and TV modes.

Redesigned Joy-Con 2 Controllers

The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers introduce several ergonomic and functional upgrades. They are approximately half an inch longer than the originals and feature a black base with vibrant colour accents—blue on the left and salmon on the right. A notable change is the introduction of magnetic attachment, a feature originally intended for the first Switch but now fully realized. The magnets are in the bigger SL + SR buttons, a very smart design decision that enhances stability when attached and makes the buttons easier to press.

New “C” Button

A new addition to the Joy-Con design is the "C" button, designed specifically for GameChat. It provides instant access to the new social features, enabling you to communicate via voice or video during gameplay. By pressing the "C" button, you can initiate or respond to chat invitations without pausing the game. The console's built-in microphone, equipped with noise-filtering technology, ensures clear audio by adjusting to the surroundings and filtering out unwanted noises, such as game sounds. Additionally, GameChat supports screen sharing and video calls with an optional camera accessory, enhancing the social gaming experience.

Joy-Con 2 Mouse Functionality and HD Rumble 2

The Joy-Con 2 controllers offer a new input mode; when detached, they can function as a mouse for supported games, expanding gameplay possibilities and providing more versatility in control options. During the Direct, we saw the “Mouse Mode” used to help point and shoot in the upcoming FPS game Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This mechanic could offer new levels of accuracy for shooters and aim on the Switch 2; I’m excited to try out this new feature as it opens up many interesting possibilities. The enhanced HD Rumble 2 system provides a broader range of vibrations with quicker response times, significantly improving haptic feedback. I am quite excited to go “hands-on” with these new features to see how they improve the experience.

Switch 2’s Upgraded Internal Specs

Under the hood, the Nintendo Switch 2 is powered by a new processor and GPU, offering improved performance for modern gaming demands. A deep dive to what sil It includes 256GB of internal storage, over 8x that of the original Switch. The new hardware will also require faster microSD Express Cards for expanded memory options.

​Diverse Gaming Options on Nintendo Switch 2

During the recent Nintendo Direct, three distinct avenues for enjoying games on the Nintendo Switch 2 were showcased, offering both backward and forward compatibility options. This comprehensive approach gives you access to a diverse range of gaming experiences, from beloved classics to innovative new titles, all optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2's advanced capabilities. Here’s how each one works:

Original Nintendo Switch Games

The Switch 2 maintains backward compatibility, allowing you to enjoy the new console's existing library of physical and digital Switch titles. However, certain games that rely on specific hardware features, such as Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Labo, may not be fully compatible due to accessory design and functionality differences. Nintendo has created a comprehensive list of games that won’t work on the new hardware. Outside of those, the list of games that will work is expansive.

Upgraded Games for Nintendo Switch 2

Several existing games have been enhanced to take advantage of the Switch 2's improved performance with a paid upgrade. These editions offer higher resolutions, improved frame rates, and additional content. For instance, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features enhanced graphics and new gameplay elements, providing a refreshed experience. 

Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives 

Leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the new hardware, the Switch 2 introduces exclusive titles designed to utilize its advanced features. Notable upcoming exclusives include Mario Kart World, offering expansive open-world tracks and dynamic weather conditions; The Duskbloods, a gothic-themed multiplayer experience from FromSoftware; and Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D platformer featuring destructible environments.

Switch 2 Game Announcements: A Diverse Lineup

The Nintendo Direct highlighted several upcoming games, from Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives to OG Switch titles that will be upgraded and plenty of third-party experiences coming to the new console. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest games announced during the Direct:

Mario Kart World

This ambitious Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive introduces more open circuits, allowing exploration beyond traditional tracks to discover shortcuts and hidden item boxes. Dynamic weather conditions like fog and rain will affect driving experiences. A new survival mode, akin to a battle royale, eliminates players who fall behind. The game supports up to 24 players in online multiplayer, doubling the previous amount of racers, and will be available at launch.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong is back in a 3D action-adventure platformer! It’s slated for release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th, 2025. You’ll guide Donkey Kong through expansive, open-zone levels, each teeming with destructible elements in its environments. The game introduces a unique mechanic allowing Donkey Kong to demolish terrain, uncover hidden paths, and utilize debris for traversal, such as "turf surfing" on pieces of the terrain. You’ll be on a quest to retrieve Donkey Kong's Golden Bananas from “VoidCo.”

Kirby's Air Riders

The upcoming racing game is slated for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. Serving as a sequel to the 2003 GameCube title Kirby Air Ride, this new installment is directed by Masahiro Sakurai, the original creator of Kirby and the Super Smash Bros. series. The game aims to modernize the beloved racing experience, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics tailored to the Switch 2's capabilities.

The Duskbloods

FromSoftware is developing this exclusive multiplayer title for the Switch 2, set to release in 2026. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, known for his work on Elden Ring and Dark Souls, the game features a gothic, steampunk aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne. It will be a player vs. player vs. environment (PvPvE) game, marking a departure from FromSoftware's usual single-player focus. ​

GameCube Classics on the Switch 2 

The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack will now include GameCube games, with launch titles such as F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and SoulCalibur II. Online multiplayer support for compatible games adds a modern twist to these classics. ​

Switch 2 Enhanced Editions and Upgrades

Several existing games will receive Nintendo Switch 2 Edition paid upgrades, enhancing resolution and frame rates while adding new features for certain titles. You can purchase these upgraded versions or pay a smaller fee to upgrade your existing copy. We got a look at a few titles during the Direct, including Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which will also see this style of upgrades.

Accessories and Connectivity

The Switch 2 introduces a camera peripheral for streaming and video chat. The “GameChat feature,” accessible via the "C" button on the Joy-Cons, emphasizes connectivity, allowing players to share gameplay screens and communicate seamlessly. Additional accessories include wrist straps for the Joy-Con controllers, two wheels for games like Mario Kart World and a charging grip.

Launch Date Details and Pricing

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, 2025, with more pre-order information coming soon. The standard version will be priced at $629.99 CAD ($449.99 USD), while a bundle including the console and Mario Kart World will be available for $699.99 CAD ($499.99 USD). Will you be pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below!

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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