Switch 2: What the First Nintendo Direct Revealed

Up until now, the Switch 2 has mostly been surrounded by two things: mystery and confusion.

For the longest time, Nintendo stayed completely silent about its next console – and then, all of a sudden, things moved fast. Leaks started popping up everywhere, and even third-party sources began sharing images of the handheld-console hybrid.

So when Nintendo finally dropped a trailer two months ago, it felt almost like a rushed move – a way to regain control over the growing swirl of speculation and unofficial info.

There still wasn’t much solid information at that point.

Sure, the trailer looked good visually and hinted at a larger, upgraded version of the Switch – but in terms of actual details, it was pretty sparse. That likely explains why, at the very end of the video, Nintendo announced a full Direct for April 2.

That presentation has now aired – and here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know.

Switch 2 Features

Bigger Screen, More Power

The Switch 2’s LCD screen comes in at 7.9 inches, making it noticeably larger than the original model – but the console itself remains just as slim as the first Switch.

It also delivers games at up to 1080p resolution and supports up to 120 frames per second. On top of that, it offers 265GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using Micro SD Express cards.

More Flexibility: New Kickstand And Dual USB-C Ports

The Switch 2 comes with a much more flexible kickstand than the original model, which only had one basic setup. This time, you can adjust it to multiple angles – from fully upright to a more laid-back position – depending on how you want to play.

In addition to the USB-C port at the bottom (like on the original Switch), there’s now a second USB-C port on the top. That means you can charge the console even while it’s standing on a table – and it also supports accessories like the new camera peripheral launching alongside the Switch 2.

A built-in cooling system inside the dock helps keep the console from overheating, even during long gaming sessions.

Joy-Con 2

As teased in the very first trailer, the newly announced Joy-Con 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console. They feature larger SL and SR buttons, bigger analog sticks, and – most notably – they can even be used as a mouse.

Some upcoming games are being specifically designed to make use of this unique feature.

Game-Chat

Also shown in the trailer: the mysterious C-Button.

At the time, it wasn’t entirely clear what this new button would do. But the latest Nintendo Direct has confirmed its purpose – it activates Game Chat, a built-in voice chat feature for online games on the Nintendo Switch 2.

But it's more than just voice. Game Chat also allows you to share your entire screen with friends – even if you're playing completely different games at the same time.

And with an optional camera accessory, players can not only talk via voice, but also see each other’s facial expressions and gestures in real time. Some of the newly revealed games even use this feature as part of their core gameplay.

Switch 2 Game Lineup

During the Nintendo Direct, a whole lineup of new and remastered games was revealed.

Some of them were definite highlights of the presentation and delivered a few surprises for fans along the way.

Mario Kart World

The biggest game reveal was without a doubt Mario Kart World – not only the latest entry in the most popular Mario franchise, but also the very first to introduce open-world elements into the gameplay.

Alongside new racers like the iconic Moo Moo Meadows cow and the ability to customize characters with new outfits, the most exciting part of this Switch 2 exclusive is the fact that Mario and friends are now racing across an entire world.

That means tracks will take players through deserts and over mountain ranges, affected by time of day and dynamic weather, while also allowing them to explore off the beaten path. In Grand Prix mode, players will even have to drive from one track to the next – seamlessly.

More detailed information about Mario Kart World will be shared during a dedicated Direct for the game on April 17 at 3 PM.

Donkey Kong Bananza

There had already been speculation about whether the new Donkey Kong design would carry over into future games – and now we know: Yes, it will.

But Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just about the redesigned protagonist – it’s an entirely new kind of adventure.

According to Nintendo, the game lets DK punch, slam, and climb his way through massive underground environments, smashing obstacles as he goes.

Kirby Air Riders

The sequel to the classic Kirby racing game originally released on the GameCube brings back the pink puffball and his friends in high-speed aerial action – and it’s not just a simple remake.

None other than Masahiro Sakurai himself is taking the director’s seat for the project, giving the beloved title a fresh spin while honoring its legacy.

The Duskbloods

Arguably one of the biggest surprises of this Nintendo Direct: The next major FromSoftware project is a Switch 2 exclusive – and judging by the trailer, it might just be a spiritual successor to Bloodborne.

Three Types of Gameplay

During the Direct, Nintendo also explained that games for the Switch 2 will be divided into three categories:

Switch 2 exclusives, original Switch titles that are compatible with the new console, and remastered versions of Switch games that will be released as expanded Switch 2 editions.

Examples of the latter include titles like…

• Super Mario Party Jamboree, which is being expanded with Jamboree TV, includes additional mini-games that make use of the new Joy-Con features – such as the built-in mouse function, microphone, and camera.
• Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom now work with the new Zelda Notes app, which acts as a kind of navigation system to help you find previously missed Koroks and shrines. The app also lets you share your creations via QR code.
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land is another title in this lineup. Like the previously mentioned games, it can either be purchased as a new edition or upgraded via a DLC pack if you already own the original Switch version.

New Games

Also announced during the Direct:

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – The long-awaited next chapter in the Metroid Prime series
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A – The sequel to the Pokémon Legends spin-off series
• Drag x Drive – A futuristic take on wheelchair basketball that makes creative use of the previously mentioned mouse mode
• Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
• Hades II
• Street Fighter 6
• Deamon X Machina –A mech shooter that’s just as dark as it is explosive
• Split Fiction – the new co-op game from the creators of It Takes Two, which has already been released on other platforms
• EA Sports FC
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Tony Hawk ProSkater 3+4
• Hitman: World Of Assassination
• Project 007
• Bravely Default – Flying Fairy
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
• Hyrule Warriors: The Seal Chronicles – A new Hyrule Warriors title that tells the story of the Sealing War from Tears of the Kingdom
• Deltarune Chapter 1-4
• Borderlands 4
• Civilization 7
• WW3k
• NBA 2k
• Survival Kids
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Starseeker
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Final Fanatsy VII Remake
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Story of Seasons : Grand Bazaar
• Goodnight Universe
• Two Point Museum
• Wild Hearts S
• Witchbrook
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Marvel Comics Invasion
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Shadow Labyrinth
• RAIDOU Remastered
• No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Smonium Files
• Reanimal
• Fortnite
• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
• Tamagotchi Plaza
• Human Fall Flat 2

Nintendo Online

Of course, Nintendo Online memberships will continue to be available, allowing you to play your favorite games online with others.

However, the service will now include an additional feature in its premium tier: GameCube – Nintendo Classic, expanding the catalog with beloved titles from the iconic console.

Just like with the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance, the Virtual Console will now let players revisit classic GameCube titles on the Switch.

The first wave of announced GameCube-era games includes:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• Soul Calibur 2
• F-ZERO GX

Launch & Editions

As previously rumored, the wait for the Switch 2 won’t be much longer.

During the Nintendo Direct, it was officially confirmed that the release date is set for June 5.

On launch day, the console will be available both on its own and in a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World, along with several of the previously mentioned games.

That wraps up the most important announcements from the very first Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2. As soon as we get more updates on the console or its games, we’ll be sure to keep you posted!