Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: Top 7 Surprises Revealed

New video game hardware announcements can often feel predictable. With each new console generation, we anticipate staples like enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries. Even Nintendo, known for its innovative approach across multiple generations—from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the Wii's motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's portability—has continued this trend with the Switch 2. Yet, true to form, Nintendo managed to surprise us with some unexpected announcements during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025, and we're finally getting online play. As a lifelong Nintendo fan since 1983, when my babysitter would roll footballs at me like Donkey Kong's barrels, I've experienced a mix of joy and frustration with Nintendo's online capabilities. Historically, Nintendo has struggled to match the seamless online experiences offered by Sony and Xbox. The Switch required a separate app for voice chat, and finding friends was never straightforward. However, the Switch 2 Direct introduced GameChat, a promising four-player chat system with noise suppression, video camera support, and screen sharing across consoles. This feature also includes text-to-voice and voice-to-text options, enhancing accessibility. While we await details on a unified matchmaking interface, this is a significant step forward, potentially signaling the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Another major reveal was Hidetaka Miyazaki's new game, The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE title exclusive to Nintendo. Initially, the trailer's ambiance and design led me to believe it was Bloodborne 2. However, it's a new venture from the mastermind behind FROM Software's challenging games. Miyazaki's dedication to his craft is evident, and his collaboration with Nintendo promises an exciting addition to the Switch 2's lineup.

In a surprising move, Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Super Smash Bros., is shifting his focus to a new Kirby game. Given the underwhelming reception of the original Kirby's Air Ride on the GameCube, fans are eager to see how Sakurai's passion for the pink hero will translate into a more refined and enjoyable experience.

The Switch 2 also introduces the Pro Controller 2, which now includes an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons. These enhancements, though seemingly minor, are significant for gamers who value customization and convenience.

Perhaps the most shocking announcement was the absence of a new Mario game at launch. Instead, the team behind Super Mario Odyssey is working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a 3D platformer with destructible environments. This move showcases Nintendo's willingness to defy expectations, betting on the appeal of Donkey Kong to drive sales. Additionally, the Switch 2 will launch with robust third-party support and Mario Kart World, an open-world version of the beloved racing game. This ambitious title aims to blend Mario Kart's zany physics and combat with a continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury, but on a much larger scale.

However, the Switch 2's launch price of $449.99 USD is a significant concern. This price point is the highest in Nintendo's history in the US, reflecting current economic challenges but also marking a departure from Nintendo's strategy of using lower prices to differentiate their products. The success of the Switch 2 will hinge on its ability to justify this premium without the traditional price advantage.