New video game hardware announcements can sometimes follow a predictable pattern. With each new console generation, we anticipate enhancements like improved graphics, faster load times, and fresh iterations of iconic franchises, such as those involving a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries.
Nintendo has consistently delivered these advancements across various console generations, from the innovative analog controller of the N64, the compact GameCube discs, the quirky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, to the portability of the Switch. Now, with the Switch 2, these improvements are once again at the forefront.
However, true to its nature, Nintendo unveiled several surprising features during the Switch 2 Direct.
It's 2025 and we finally get online play
As a lifelong Nintendo fan since the age of four in 1983, when my babysitter would roll footballs at me mimicking Donkey Kong's barrel-throwing antics, I've experienced a mix of joy and frustration with Nintendo's offerings. This latest reveal brings both excitement and a hint of long-held bitterness.
Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, barely touching the potential of a unified multiplayer platform like those offered by Sony and Xbox. Finding and communicating with friends on Nintendo systems has never been straightforward, with the Switch even requiring a separate app for voice chat.
The introduction of GameChat for the Switch 2 is a game-changer. It promises a four-player chat with noise suppression, video camera support for showing friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles. This feature allows you to monitor up to four different displays within a single screen. Additionally, GameChat supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, enhancing accessibility and communication options for players.
While a unified matchmaking interface is yet to be revealed, GameChat represents a significant step forward. It might finally spell the end for the cumbersome friend code system.
Miyazaki is bringing new blood exclusively to Nintendo
The first trailer for The Duskbloods initially tricked me into thinking it was Bloodborne 2, given its ambiance, character design, and environments that are quintessentially FROM Software. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a new multiplayer PvPvE game directed by the enigmatic Hidetaka Miyazaki, exclusively for Nintendo.
It's a mystery how Miyazaki finds time to work on such projects, seemingly never leaving his office nor taking a break, much like the characters he creates. Yet, I'm grateful for his dedication, as FROM Software rarely disappoints, and The Duskbloods promises to be another compelling addition to their portfolio.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one
In a surprising move, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai has shifted his focus to a new Kirby game. This unexpected transition from Smash to Kirby is intriguing, especially considering the lackluster reception of the original Kirby's Air Ride on the GameCube. With Sakurai's deep connection to the Kirby series, his new project is expected to be a much more refined and enjoyable experience.
Control issues
A seemingly minor but exciting announcement was the Pro Controller 2, which now includes an audio jack—a feature long overdue. More significantly, it introduces two additional mappable buttons, a customization option that I personally find thrilling.
No Mario?!
The absence of a new Mario game at the Switch 2 launch was a genuine shock. It appears that the team behind Super Mario Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer focused on destructible environments. Nintendo continues to defy expectations by betting on Donkey Kong's appeal to hardcore fans and saving Mario for a future release.
The Switch 2 will launch with robust third-party support and Mario Kart World, which appears to be a system-seller. Although traditionally, Nintendo relies on Mario or Zelda to drive sales in the first year, they are confident that Mario Kart 8's success and Donkey Kong Bananza will help ensure a successful launch.
Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card
An open-world Mario Kart, inspired by Forza Horizon, is an unexpected but potentially exciting addition. The zany physics, eclectic vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart seem well-suited to an expansive world where players can navigate between and across tracks, engage in battles, and create chaos.
It’s very expensive
The Switch 2's price point of $449.99 USD is a significant concern. Given the current economic climate, with rising tariffs, a weakening yen, and renewed inflation in the US, this price is notably higher than its predecessors. The Switch 2 is the most expensive console launch in Nintendo's history in the US, $150 more than the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U. Historically, Nintendo has used competitive pricing to differentiate its products, but the Switch 2 will need to succeed without this advantage.
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