Well, we've gone from knowing next-to-no information to knowing a boatload of information in roughly one hour. Nintendo has fully lifted the lid on its upcoming hardware in the Switch 2 Direct and it was a packed one.
Below, you will find the full April 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct video, followed by a breakdown of every announcement, game reveal and trailer. There's a lot to get through, so let's dive in...
Nintendo Switch 2 Direct April 2025 - The Full Presentation
For those who missed the initial livestream (or those who just want to watch it again), you can find the full Direct below:
Every Announcement
Now then, onto the announcements themselves in the order they appeared in the Direct. Things kicked off with a closer look at a familiar face...
Mario Kart World - 5th June 2025
In Mario Kart World, you can go off the racetrack and drive virtually everywhere!
Race seamlessly across connected roads and racetracks that deliver Mario Kart racing like never before. Participate in the new Knockout Tour mode, where you’ll barrel through back-to-back courses with no pit stops along the way. And in Free Roam mode, it’s possible to go off the racetrack and drive in any direction you wish, explore areas that pique your interest and take some photos at scenic spots with a group of friends.
More details about the game will be shared in an upcoming Mario Kart World Direct on April 17 at 6am PT.
GameChat
Chat, share your game screen, and hang out with friends using GameChat, a new online feature for Nintendo Switch 2!
With GameChat, people can play games and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are miles apart. Whether sharing a victory or just waving hello, GameChat makes it feel like online friends around the world are on the same couch. Players can start a chat with friends anytime by pressing the C Button on the right Joy-Con 2 controller.
GameShare
A new way to play games together locally on multiple systems, using just one game. GameShare lets you temporarily share compatible games with up to three other systems (Switch 1 or Switch 2), so you can each play on your own screen. The feature's rollout will begin with a free update to Clubhouse Games, but will later come to other titles including Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, Big Brain Academy and more.
New Console Features
Witness the system’s powerful processing speeds delivering visuals never seen before on a Nintendo system via a bigger screen showcasing vibrant color and clarity. Discover reimagined Joy-Con 2 controllers that snap to the system with magnetic connectors and can each be used as a mouse. From compatible games in existing Nintendo Switch libraries to Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games – connect and play with friends and family in surprising new ways!
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - 5th June 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an introduction to the new system, giving you helpful tips on what the Switch 2 is capable of. You'll be able to read the facts via information boards and see them in action through a series of minigames. It's a paid experience (oh, Nintendo), but it launches alongside the console on 5th June.
Game Cart & SD Card Information
We got our first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 game carts, which are now red and boast much faster speeds. Nintendo also informed us that the system won't be compatible with Micro SD cards, and will require you to use Micro SD Express cards instead.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The all-new Switch 2 Pro Controller has a C button for GameChat and new GL and GR buttons on the rear for you to map your own inputs to. There's also a headphone jack on the bottom.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
A host of Switch 1 games are getting enhanced Switch 2 Editions for the new console. These beefed-up versions will boast features like improved visuals, unique Switch 2-specific controls and more.
Nintendo went into depth on a handful of games getting a Switch 2 enhancement — Super Mario Party Jamboree, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A — stating that all will be available both digitally and physically. If you already own the original version of the game, you'll be able to purchase an 'Upgrade Pack' to get the new edition.
Drag x Drive - Summer 2025
A new 3v3 game experience, Drag x Drive challenges players to use both Joy-Con 2 at the same time to intuitively steer, speed up and make plays.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition - 2025
Rise, Tarnished. The critically acclaimed dark fantasy action RPG ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year – including the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree expansion new armour and a new Torrent appearance customisation feature.
Hades II
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
Street Fighter 6 - 5th June 2025
Street Fighter 6 is coming to Nintendo Switch™ 2 on June 5! Enjoy an evolved experience that anyone can easily dive into, anywhere, with anyone!
Exclusive Modes for Nintendo Switch 2
- Local Wireless Match supports "One on One" with legendary fighters and "Avatar Match" with avatars leveled up in World Tour.
- Enjoy brand new party modes using the Joy-Con™ 2, such as "Gyro Battle" and "Calorie Contest."
- The Joy-Con supports all three control types: Classic, Modern, and Dynamic. It also supports Tabletop Mode, so you can enjoy battles with friends and family on the go.
- Three types of amiibo™ figures and 22 types of amiibo cards that are compatible with the game are also available.
Start your battle journey with a bang with the "Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition" which includes the additional characters and stages from Years 1 & 2!
Standard Edition is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2!
Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion - 5th September 2025
Become the ultimate mech warrior and liberate your future in DAEMON X MACHINA: Titanic Scion, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 September 5th.
Split Fiction - 5th June 2025
The critically acclaimed Split Fiction is coming to Nintendo Switch™ 2! Jump into the mind-blowing moments of this boundary-pushing co-op adventure from the studio behind It Takes Two.
Play together with couch co-op or remotely with Friend's Pass*, now featuring cross-platform play. As long as one of you owns the game, both of you can play.
Master a variety of abilities and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
EA Sports FC + Madden NFL
EA promised that we will see both EA Sports FC and the Madden NFL series on Switch 2.
Hogwarts Legacy - 5th June 2025
Avalanche Games announced that Hogwarts Legacy will be arriving as a Switch 2 launch title. This new edition packs in mouse controls, improved visuals and seamless world transitions.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 - July 2025
The much-anticipated Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 remasters are coming to Switch 2 at some point this July.
Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition - 5th June 2025
IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind, among others, the internationally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, announced that HITMAN World of Assassination will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025. HITMAN World of Assassination - Signature Edition includes HITMAN World of Assassination as well as premium content and extra locations and missions, for +100 hours of content to play through.
Project 007
It's a very similar teaser to the reveal one we saw four years ago, but IO Interactive revealed that the James Bond-starring title 'Project 007' is still very real, and it will be coming to Switch 2 at some point.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster - 5th June 2025
BRAVELY DEFAULT, the first title in the BRAVELY series, comes to Nintendo Switch 2, remastered in high definition on June 5th, 2025.
Discover the origins of the classic Brave and Default battle system alongside new and enhanced features , including all new mini-games!
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut - 5th June 2025
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, the definitive edition of the critically acclaimed origin story is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.
- Never-before-scene cutscenes
- Red Light Raid online 4-player online mode with up to 60 unlockable characters
- French, Italian, German, Spanish Text
- English Voiceover
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025
Experience the untold story of the Imprisoning War when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 this winter!
Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Library
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will be getting a new service exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 users: Nintendo GameCube - Nintendo Classics.
The following titles will be available when the service launches on June 5, 2025:
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• SOULCALIBUR II
• F-Zero GX
Additional titles will be added to the service later.
Enjoy clearer image quality, with higher screen resolution than the original GameCube releases. Up to 4 players can play together in supported titles, either locally or online with friends.
Deltarune Chapter 3+4 - 5th June 2025
Continue Kris, Susie and Ralsei’s adventures in the all-new Chapters 3 and 4 of DELTARUNE, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 June 5th.
Borderlands 4
Gearbox announced that "the most ambitious Borderlands game we've ever made", Borderlands 4, will be launching on Switch 2. This one is still in development, but the studio promised that more information will be coming our way in future months.
Civilization VII: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - 5th June 2025
Firaxis announced that a special edition of Civilization VII will be launching on Switch 2. This new version includes mouse controls and a purchasable upgrade will be available for all those who own the original Switch 1 game.
WWE 2K + NBA 2K
2K Games announced that both the WWE 2K and NBA 2K series will be cropping up on Switch 2 in the future.
Survival Kids - 5th June 2025
Team up with up to three other players to collect, cook, craft and survive together to escape the islands! Survival Kids arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 June 5th!
Enter the Gungeon 2
Enter the Gungeon 2 is a reloaded, high-caliber sequel to the iconic bullet hell dungeon crawler, reinforced with a new 3D art style, new weapons and enemies, and expanded gameplay.
Battle through areas familiar and unknown as the ruined Gungeon reveals its secrets to those brave enough to enter. Discover, unlock, and master fantastic weaponry within its procedurally-generated halls and destroy the legions of Gundead pouring forth from within. Charge into dynamic battles against devilishly cute enemies, previously confined to the 2D plane, and delight as they are knocked around, tossed into the air, and thrown deep into pits.
Choose from an expanding roster of Gungeoneers full of both familiar and new faces as you rescue and extract marooned heroes from the depths of the Gungeon. Become mighty through unexpected combinations of powerful passive items, explosive active items, blessings, curses, and your own mastery over an impressive armory of weapons.
And seek to understand why you find yourself under assault in the Gungeon once again...
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - 2026
Explore star systems and worlds unknown in this co-op adventure set in the Astroneer universe. STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions is coming soon to Nintendo Switch 2.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - 5th June 2025
CD Projekt Red revealed that it's bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to Switch 2. This ultimate edition version of the 2020 action RPG includes all of the game's content to date.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Square Enix is bringing the first entry in the Final Fantasy remake series to Switch 2 under the new title of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. There's no release date at the moment, though we were told to look out for more updates in the future.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - 5th June 2025
Experience Capcom's unique action and strategy game - acclaimed by fans and critics as one of 2024's hidden gems - wherever you go, now with added features:
- New extra content: Otherworldly Venture
- New mouse controlsAlready own the game? Existing owners can play the new extra content, Otherworldly Venture via a free update that will launch alongside the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 version. Stay tuned for more info in the future.
Hollow Knight: Silksong - 2025
Team Cherry didn't provide much information, but it did give Hollow Knight: Silksong a 2025 release window and confirm that it's coming to Switch 2.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar - 27th August 2025
Zephyr Town’s bazaar was once one of the grandest in the world, drawing customers and peddlers from all four corners of the globe. These days, though, the bazaar has more tumbleweeds than customers. It’s up to you to turn its fortunes around! Raise animals, harvest crops, craft rare delicacies, and then sell your wares at your very own stall in the bazaar. As the bazaar business grows, new goods and services will arrive, which you can use to improve your farm. Help return prosperity to the bazaar, and Zephyr Town will thrive once again!
Goodnight Universe - 2025
Goodnight Universe is the next game from the critically acclaimed independent game studio behind Before Your Eyes. Goodnight Universe is a game in which you are a 6-month-old baby, developing mysterious psychic powers.
Two Point Museum - 2025
Coordinate Experts on expeditions to uncover exciting artefacts from far-flung locations. Strategically decorate and plan your exhibits to engage and immerse guests. Ensure your staff are happy and trained, achieve objectives to unlock new expedition locations, secure donations, and try your best to keep children away from the dinosaur bones…
- Curate and design your very own museum!
- Explore on expeditions to discover new exhibits
- Enhanced management - provide guest tours, optimise prices and organise staff zones
- Excite guests by providing top-notch entertainment and useful exhibit information
- Manage mayhem - care for carnivorous plants and deter thieves whilst maintaining your museum
- Creative freedom - build internal walls, customise item colours, splash paint and lay carpet as you lovingly arrange each prehistoric fernAre you ready to dust off your management tools before the grand opening?
Wild Hearts S - 25th July 2025
Master ancient tech to hunt down giant beasts inside a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan! Hunt in a pack of up to four players in seamless co-op or play as a lone wolf as you fight fearsome beasts infused with the ferocious power of nature itself.
Craft your hunting grounds and weapons, gear up to hunt, then take down the massive monsters in this chaotic world gone wild.
Witchbrook - Holiday 2025
Discover the magic around you and spark life into a charming seaside community when you become Mossport’s new resident witch. Master spells at Witchbrook College, craft goods to grow your witch business, participate in seasonal events, and customize your charming cottage and garden to suit your style. Make friends, find love, and discover a world filled with wonder on the road to graduation and beyond!
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - 5th June 2025
Packed with all the content from Puyo Puyo™Tetris®2, this classic duo is back with 12 different ways to play Puyo Puyo™ and Tetris®. What's more, this latest installment introduces Puyo Tetris Doubles: a two-player co-op mode where two friends can work together on the same board to organize, stack and chain Puyo pairs and Tetriminos as they fall.
Spectators watching the game locally can now use their Joy-Con™ 2 controllers to point on the players' board to provide support and join in on the fun!
Both Puyo Puyo™ and Tetris® can be played both offline and online too, with competitive and co-op modes for up to 4 players available. Hop online to play with others from around the world!
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - 5th June 2025
The classic action-RPG and life-simulation gameplay beloved by Rune Factory fans the world over is boldly reimagined in Guardians of Azuma, an all-new adventure set in the eastern lands of Azuma. A once-thriving land, this never-before-seen region was struck by a terrible calamity. The gods of nature vanished, causing the land to wither and the people to suffer. For the very first time, play as an Earth Dancer and call upon unique powers to battle blighted monsters and restore the land, people, villages, and even gods to their natural glory.
Marvel: Cosmic Invasion - Holiday 2025
After Annihilus has launched an unprecedented attack across the galaxy, all life hangs in the balance. Nova, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Phyla-Vell, Captain America, and many more heroes, both earth-born and cosmic, will join forces in a star-spanning brawling adventure against the deadly Annihilation Wave.
From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the universe will be fought for across the stars in MARVEL Cosmic Invasion!
Star Wars Outlaws - 2025
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars™ game, set between the events ofThe Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition - 5th June 2025
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition is coming June 5, 2025 to Nintendo Switch™ 2 and PlayStation®5!
This edition includes the base game and additional content,and includes additional content such as new scenarios and other elements.
Fast Fusion - 5th June 2025
Hypersonic Speed
The fastest racing game you may have ever experienced! Non stop adrenaline pumping action at 60 fps in up to 4K HDR.Antigravity Jumps
FAST Fusion vehicles are equipped with antigravity hyper jump technology. Cut corners and get ahead of your oppenents by jumping and boosting over them.Vehicle Fusion
Create hundreds of new Racing machines by fusing your favorite vehicles.Hyper tracks
Zoom through Redwood Forest, Alpine peaks, futuristic cities and many more breathtaking landscapes.Motion Controls, HD Rumble
Play with smooth motion controls, enjoy immersive HD Rumble and customize the buttons.
Shadow Labyrinth - 18th July 2025
Phase shift between Swordsman No. 8, Mini PUCK, and GAIA to discover secrets and consume your foes in this genre-twisting take on PAC-MAN. On this mysterious world, it’s eat or be eaten, to survive you must consume darkness.
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army - 19th June 2025
The beloved supernatural action RPG from ATLUS returns! Experience the story of Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, apprentice detective and Devil Summoner. Undertake the case of the century and uncover the secrets of the Soulless Army with the aid of your demons.
With revamped visuals, quality of life updates, new voiceover, and an overhauled battle system, an exciting and unexpected journey awaits both veterans and newcomers alike.
No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files - 25th July 2025
Uncover the truth hidden in reality and in dreams! Join Special Agent Kaname Date on the case to discover the whereabouts of internet idol Iris, who has been trapped in a mysterious escape game.
Reanimal - 2025
A brother & sister go through hell to rescue their friends in this terrifying horror adventure. Either solo or in local and online co-op, use your wits to survive and escape this twisted island.
Fortnite - 5th June 2025
Shocking absolutely nobody, Epic Games revealed that Fortnite will be arriving on Switch 2 as a launch title.
Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer - 5th June 2025
"RIDGE RACER" is a racing game released by NAMCO (Bandai Namco Entertainment) in 1993. Experience the essence of virtual reality with the 3D CG system, "System 22." This title offers four game modes, including three difficulty levels—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—as well as Time Trial (T.T.), where you compete one-on-one against a rival car to achieve the best time. Additionally, a DX version featuring support for an H-shifter and clutch is also included.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam - 2025
Layton and Luke's next adventure, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will be arriving on Switch 2 at some point this year.
Tamagotchi Plaza - 27th June 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Tamagotchi Plaza adds three exclusive shops that can be played with mouse controls!
Players can upgrade from the Nintendo Switch version of Tamagotchi Plaza with the "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack"!
Nintendo Switch 2 console and Joy-Con 2 will be required to play this upgrade pack.
Human Fall Flat 2
Team up and let your creativity run wild in Human Fall Flat 2, the outrageous new sequel to the much-loved capers of everyone’s favourite physics-based human friends.
Human Fall Flat 2 is the bigger, better and clumsier sequel to the puzzle platformer global sensation featuring brand new levels, customisable characters, and even wilder physics-based fun.Each intricate level comes packed with new toys and devices to fiddle with as you'll solve a range of fiendish puzzles on your own or in teams of up to eight friends.
A new physics-engine, new gameplay interactions and new mechanics will make every session uniquely silly and more dynamic than ever before. Along with refined controls, visuals and music, Human Fall Flat 2 is a slapstick experience unlike any other!
The Duskbloods - 2026
The moontears will flow for one and one alone when The Duskbloods, a brand-new multiplayer game by FromSoftware, is coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026!
Kirby Air Riders - 2025
Kirby Air Riders is a brand-new title directed by Masahiro Sakurai. The original Kirby Air Ride game was originally released on Nintendo GameCube over 20 years ago.
Donkey Kong Bananza - 17th July 2025
Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it! Bash, throw, and climb through just about anything in DK’s brand-new 3D platforming action-adventure game!
Hardware Options
To wrap things up, Nintendo revealed that you will be able to purchase Switch 2 in two different packages. You'll be able to pick up the console on its own for $449.99 / €469.99 / £395.99, or get it bundled with a digital copy of Mario Kart World for $499.99 / €509.99 / £429.99.
Our Reaction To The Switch 2 Direct April 2025
It wouldn't be a Nintendo Direct without a reaction video from our lovely video team, so here it is:
Hey, we said it was a big one! There's lots to tuck into there, from much-discussed hardware specs to some tasty-looking upcoming games — 2025 is looking set to be a big one!
What did you make of the Nintendo Switch 2 April 2025 Direct? You can let us know by visiting our poll article, but also take to the comments and let us know which announcement has you the most excited.
Comments 86
most of these third party games have already have been on the ps or xbox nothing new here..
Some of the more mundane things are the highlights for me, an extra usb slot is very convenient, a headphone jack on the Pro controller - yes please, mouse mode seems fun.
Games-wise it's a really strong launch lineup - if you haven't already played these games on other system. Not a day one purchase for me, but happy for those who are hyped right now.
@johnedwin and now people who didn't buy those consoles can play them here. I would've gotten a PS5 solely for FF7 Remake but now i don't have to and am saving about 700 bucks.
I'd say there was something today for everyone. It was an amazing Nintendo Direct, albeit not completely perfect. Still no release date for Metroid Prime 4, for one thing.
Was a good direct. Would have love to see a glimpse of 3d Mario.
More Mario
More majeek
More waaaahooo
It was pretty good (apart from Mario Kart World's price tag). Hades 2, DK, Yakuza 0, and Hitman got me interested, ESPECIALLY Hades 2 and DK. But why can't Ridge Racer come to Switch 1?
Also for those who are worried about Hades 2 being locked onto Switch 2 only, Hades 2 will also come to Nintendo Switch 1 as well as Switch 2. And it is a timed console exclusive like Hades 1.
Honestly, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Pokemon, and Mario Kart are exciting enough for me to want to take a break from my other consoles for a bit, most likely. I’m so glad to see new Nintendo games. Hopefully we find out there’s even more games in the fall and winter.
Only disappointment for me was the pricing of games.
Geez that’s a lot of money. Lol. Lots to save for!
Big fan of Nintendo games across the years. I tuned in with interest, knowing that I wouldn’t be buying a Switch 2 until the OLED equivalent is released in 5 years or so. I have a huge backlog (600+ games) and play games on PS3, DS, 3DS, Wii U & Switch (which I didn’t get until last year). I look forward to seeing the next chapter of their first party titles (Pikmin, Zelda, Kirby, Mario, etc) but that’ll be a long way down the road. In the meantime I’ll carry on trying to get all 999 moons in Odyssey
I'm happy to see that GameCube is coming to the new switch, but that's still not enough for me to fork over for a new console when I have the original hardware still. Also happy to see Tony Hawks - does this mean it's a S2 exclusive? The pricing of the games does not shock me. In Canada we've already had $80 games for a while, which TOTK being more. I just hope this doesn't inspire third party to take up that $80 spot. I haven't found a game really 'worth' that full price in a long time. Mario, Zelda and Pokemon games usually are.
Really hoping this console shapes up well.
The new mario kart and donkey kong look absolutely incredible.
I just wish there was a new 3D mario but hey, maybe later...
I will most likely get it on day one. I hope it's good.
Download play making a return is top 3 announcements of the day.
I love Nintendo but… $80 for Mario Kart..they smoking banana
I'm super excited about Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2
There are so many games that deciding what to play is kind of overwhelming.
I think for now if I get a switch 2 it might be for Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Metroid Prime 4.
I am so happy they kept the gyroscopic ability so they could make more workout games like Ring Fit Adventure.
I don't see how the game share is new.
The DS had it, the 3DS had it.
Does the Right or Left JoyCon not have pointer options anymore? It makes it seem like you NEED to use crappy Mouse controls!
@Gatorclops base ps5 does not cost 700...
Insane lineup for launch day. Not sure what I'll even play first lol
elden ring and shadow of erdree for switch 2 in one package very welcome news.
Howwwwwww did I miss Enter the Gungeon 2!
Played this endlessly with my newborn baby sleeping on my chest. Maybe it’ll be co-op and we can play the sequel together **sniff**
The Mario Kart reveal back in Feb didn’t impress me much, mostly because I didn’t believe the series had much left to offer after MK8 Deluxe. But I love the ideas put forth in MK World.
DK Bananza was maybe the biggest highlight. Not sure about the actual game, I was mostly loving the expressiveness of his new design.
Kinda glad none of the S2 Editions wowed me. MP4 getting mouse functionality was the only one that was an actual improvement over the base game.
And the haphazard pricing structure really needs to be cleaned up. But I wasn’t planning on being a Day1 adopter so I will wait it out, hoping for cooler sales to prevail.
As the day has gone on I've calmed down about the prices. Yeah, it's going to be a huge investment up front, especially if I shell out for two systems (one for me and one for my kid). But there's more than a few Switch 1 games I have multiple copies of so we can play together; looking at it that way the $60 Switch 1 to $80 Switch 2 conversion works out to $80 rather than $120 for me. That's not to say I'm jazzed about the price increases, but...I'll live. I'd rather be excited for Mario Kart, DK, Metroid, Kirby Air Riders, Kirby DLC, Gamecube games, FF7R, Layton, and on and on, rather than in the dumps over the financial aspect. I'm officially hyped!
@Drew250 Congratulations!!
@johnedwin You're right. It costs $734 here in Canada.
Considering this is Switch 2's premiere Direct, I thought It was just average. This was Nintendo biggest bump in price in many years, so I expect to purchase less games in the Future. The Future for Switch 2 might be bright, but we only got a small glimpse of It. That tech demo being paid is ridiculous. And Nintendo showed no games for 2026. Heck, they might have not shown all 2025 games yet. They should have shown more in my opinion.
I'm thinking I might go all digital for Switch 2. Makes more sense to me to buy cross platform releases for Switch 1 physically and pay the extra for enhancements (if deemed worthwhile). That way the games will still be playable on my OG Switch and Switch Lite too. I'm not big on the new Switch 2 game boxes either.
VRR support is wonderful, definitely helps to soften the blow from a lack of OLED.
£396 is almost exactly what I expected (I was predicting £399). I’m okay with that.
Existing MicroSD cards not being supported is a bit of a bummer. Express cards only seem to be available in 128GB and 256GB formats. Seems a little tight when Switch 2 will likely be similar to modern Xbox/PlayStation games.
I’m disappointed by the lack of Metroid Prime 4 release date. The wait continues… (though a Switch 2 edition is cool!)
Some of the images aren't of the games being titled:
Idk. I feel like we got another Wii U on our hands with this one. Hopefully I’m wrong but the biggest chunk of the direct was dedicated to voice chat, and it’s aimed at porting old third party games. Feels kinda like what the Wii U did. Similarly we were all surprised at the lack of first party titles when the Wii U came out. We figured oh they didn’t want to show it all at once, they’re coming… I’m afraid we have a repeat on our hands here. DK, Mario Kart, Metroid and Kirby are gonna be the first party titles for the next year or so. I’m afraid for this console
I wish they’d announce if hogwarts legacy will have an upgrade or needs repurchased totally.
@Tyranexx good point, didn't notice that. Honestly thought it would have been a launch title considering it's cross gen anyways. Surely would have released it by now if wasn't for switch 2
@tdub154420 I have a similar feeling. That combined with the price and not even a Nintendo Land equivalent makes it seem like they're leaning on Mario Kart a bit too much to sell systems.
The average consumer is likely to stick with their current Switch and get something like Game Pass for a lot of the third-party stuff. It makes a lot more sense economically.
Fantastic news, new pricing structure is terrifying
@tdub154420 nothing like wii u. This is set up perfectly to sell like hotcakes. Some decent 1st party hitters and a host of 3rd party support.
@tdub154420 what in the world are you talking about. The wii u's big first party launch titles were a collection of mini games and an alternate version of an existing game, with a very middle of the road third party stable. Far cry from what is launching on the Switch 2, while bringing backwards compatibility and upgrades for games, on top of being an already proven piece of hardware. I love the Wii U but it was a confusing concept and had a very limp launch library.
How are people complaining about the lack of games at launch? Honestly gamers are so spoilt these days. Used to be 1/2 maybe 3 decent games on launch, the rest all crap.
@PushMyGran86 I honestly thought they didn't mention the release date in last week's general Switch Direct since they were waiting until this week to announce it. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
I mean I wasnt hankering for a new console so I guess I'm not the audience. I'm hopeful for a price drop in a few years. Then I'll adopt.
I will be getting that GameCube controller. I won't be subscribing to the expansion pack, but I'll be getting the controller nonetheless.
I'll wait for the Switch 2 Lite myself
@Paulo I mean we already have 2 Nintendo games for 2026 which is Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodaichi Life Living The Dream. Granted they are Switch 1 games but still, they're made from Nintendo.
...wait but will delatarune chapters 3+4 also be on normal switch? PLS TELL ME THEY WILL BE ON NORMAL SWITCH
Ya know what'd be great for this guide!
Where we can get those damn SD EX cards!
I can't find any on Best Buy or Amazon!
I'm going to get a few GCN/S2 controllers!
I need one for day one!
Pro and JoyCons are absolutely useless to me!
I need a new roof, so I’m out. The system seems fine, but I was hoping for something of a fun gimmick. The mouse controllers, but not enough. The camera? The most boring silly peripheral yet from Nintendo. I do hope to get a switch 2 in about 2 years. For now, my OG switch from 2017 with one hour battery life at this point will have to do.
@Gryffin I’ll wait for the OLED version and you know.. second hand games that don’t cost $90.. will never buy digital again and I’m extremely underwhelmed with the first party lineup.. guess I can blow this $750 I’ve saved for this system + games on something I actually need and will use lol
I feel pretty positive. I don't have enough time to justify getting a PS5, but a continuation but better is good. Mario Kart looks rad, and a couple of the only titles I'd consider a PS for are already coming to S2.
And I am REALLY excited about mouse mode, there are some games that just don't feel right on a controller.
Not going to try to pre-order but probably will pull the trigger this year. For... the kids.. yeah...
@WolfyTn I'm going to get a playdate for my next console. No question. Far better value proposition for a poor bloke with no free time like me.
The direct was 🔥 for sure. But the cost of everything reported after has taken me from “day 1 purchase” to an existential “what am I doing with my life”
New console reveals are always exciting...
Hope to get the invitation e-mail soon!
The possibility of obtaining a physical copies of Elder Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy 7 remake? Sign me up!
@somnambulance The pricing does look concerning and I don't get why we have to pay an extra $250 for a Nintendo Switch 2 here in Australia compared to America.
$699 AUD
USD $449.99
WTF? That's like nearly double the price we paid for a Nintendo Switch.
Ridge Racer via Arcade Archives 2?????!!?!? Tell us more about AA2!!! Gimme gimme!! lol
It was pretty weak for my tastes. Which I didn't mind too much, I know there's stuff there that others will be excited about. And then I saw the prices of the console and games. YIKES. ~$104AUD for most games, which if they continue the Nintendo trend of NEVER going on sale, is absolutely ridiculous!! Yes, PS and Xbox are often that expensive and more, but you know if you just wait a bit they'll be heavily discounted. Nintendo games NEVER go down, $5 discount is the highest for 1st party switch games even 7 years after release.
If anything this is steering me in the direction of a steam deck, since I already have a large steam library with several games that my ancient PC just cannot handle. Which is a shame because i LOVE nintendo franchises.
I would point out that you have a Silksong image for Fortnite, but I think it's better like this.
Still no info about game boost; will the Switch 2 inherently have the ability to play Switch 1 games with better performance? Looking increasingly like a “no” 🫤
You know, if Xbox was smart (and not, as I suspect, colluding with Nintendo/Sony to drive up prices), their upcoming rumored Xboxes that are actual PCs/laptops would be significantly cheaper than the Switch 2. We already know they're going to be more powerful and versatile, so why not take advantage of the backlash over Switch 2 console/game prices?
Once an OLED variation is released then I'll get that day one for sure.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about today's news (only half of which was actually in the direct), because it was such a mixed bag. Mario Kart World looks peerless...but it's $80, a horrifying prospect for the (very near) future of game prices. DK looks fantastic, with an incredible sense of momentum. Air Riders is hypothetically exciting. And Gamecube on NSO+ is definitely sweet.
$450? Okay, sure. It's doing 1080p at 120FPS. The deck has a fan built in. It's capable of 4K on the TV. There's plenty going on under the hood and in the controllers. I can do $450, considering what I paid for my PS5 and how much more I'll be playing this. Am I secretly rooting for it to get a $70 price drop in just a few months a la the 3DS? Absolutely.
I love getting to upgrade my Switch games. $10 is industry standard. $20 for the content-based updates, alright, like DLC. I don't want either of them, anyway. But if Metroid Prime 4 launches at $70 on Switch and $80 on Switch 2, I'll be royally pissed.
Worst-case scenario, the Switch 2 is a Switch Pro with a limited Gamecube library. Best case, Nintendo uses variable pricing to ensure our hobby remains affordable. Because I don't know about you guys, but just because game prices are finally going up doesn't mean my salary is, too.
+Path of Radiance, Chibi Robo, Pokemon XD, F-Zero GX are coming to NSO+
-I can't preregister to buy a Switch 2 because I'm on a family plan.
@johnedwin there is a major difference, those games on other consoles cost 60 dollars, switch version costs 90 dollars
@ear_wig yes switch 2 will okay switch 1 games at improved performance once you pay additional fee for the enhancement for the base game
What an amazing Nintendo announcement day. Lots of great games coming to the new system Kirby Riders was the best surprise of them all for me. I just really wish Nintendo would bring back Diddy Kong Racing. That would be amazing.
The paid Switch 2 tour game is very disappointing even Astro's Playroom was free and it looks substantially better compared to what they showed
Joycon mouse capability.
Clutter aside (or not), wonder if the motion bar tech required by Wii now considered obsolete.
Interesting info on the battery life.
Puts it back into the region of the original Switch at 2-6.5 hours - which i found a smidge too short if I'm honest.
It is also comparable with the original Steam Deck but short of both the Oled Switch and Steam deck.
@DollyrotsFan1
$1USD is not the same as $1AUD. With current exchange rates the Australian price is about $15 cheaper than what it should be.
I am so getting Hades 2 on day one, hopefully that one can have a physical version
I think this is the first Nintendo console since becoming an adult that I wont buy asap. Nothing was bad about it, Im just not excited for anything there. DK could be fun, but not a must play and Mario Karts Ive kind of grown out of. Ive never had a special edition console, maybe I wait for one of those this time. Or a 3D Mario game pulls me in eventually.
Just cannot believe there's no new 3d Mario
Can totally understand why they're treating Mario kart as their flagship (look at sales) and imagine there'll be various extra islands as DLC, but come onnnn
Edit to say: not even Mario rendered suggesting a new platformer... So going to be a while at least
Will there be a Switch 2 Lite ?
Mario Kart, DK and Kirby Air Riders, those are day one buy for me.
Or maybe I should wait for Switch 3 edition for those games?
Yeah that’s all good and well, but with games at this price, Nintendo is catering more and more to the privileged. I know I won’t be able to afford new games anymore. There is absolutely no reason they to do this except for greed.
It's surprising to see so many titles on launch day!
In fact, I'm a bit worried about the fact a lot of them are coming the same day. You might normally be super excited about such launch lineup, but one of Nintendo's mistakes with the Wii U was releasing everything on the launch day. Consequently, most third-party games on the console fared poorly, they simply outshined themselves and there was really few incitation to get them on Wii U rather than the other consoles.
This time though, there is the handheld factor and the unique aspects of the Switch 2, which should be enough for many. I'm still worried if they could be outshined easily, but hopefully not, considering the diversity is definitely excellent.
Also, I just noticed there wasn't a single Microsoft-published (including Bethesda and Activision) game announced here. Hmmmm....
@johnedwin that's what you took from it all? Go have a lie down
Judging by comments on here it seems to me like some people went into this direct intent on finding negatives. I don't know why. I guess that's the way the internet works these days. Maybe they can't afford it and want to bring the whole thing down to make themselves feel better. Who knows. If it's you though....try getting some help. It's no way to go through life. You're welcome!
@DollyrotsFan1 at first I thought this was a troll comment as I didn't think someone could be so dumb but then I remembered it's 2025.
699 Australian dollars is the same as 440 American dollars.
I really hope they change their mind about making that tutorial a paid experience. That just makes them look extremely greedy.
Seems like the crazy prices and ugly monetisation practices are killing off most of the buzz.
@sd7232 That got me thinking that Wii games may be next after Gamecube.
@8bit-Man this was going to be my first ever preorder in 35 years.. was so excited.. I have the money for it and a few games but those prices make me wanna gouge my eyes out.. 90% of those games were just rehashes from recent titles that still will never run as good as their original platforms.. if it even had a 3D Mario game at launch I’d be interested.. hard pass.. where’s me a good deal on a PSVR2? Cuz I can play that now and there’s a bunch more interesting games on that for sure
My hype went to Zero, after finding out games won’t be complete on cartridge for physical releases which should be a standard, and in combination with their price politics of 10-20,- USD higher prices for a game? Who will buy 80 digital and 90 physical?! That’s manipulation to force people into Fully Digital and corporately controlled game environment that takes our game ovnership rights away! I was really considering a day 1 purchase, and now feeling that I won’t want to spend this money over the next few years. This may force me to just skip this gen and assuming the following gen will be digital only ( end of quality gaming right there).
@BolkaRover good troll, please do not make invalid comments! Increasing a game price 20-30usd is not ok, and selling a physical game cartridge without the full game content is not ok. It’s a way to confuse people and making them feel like they buy physical. No! This is not OK! And if you are paid by Nintendo to paste optimistic comments here, your messages are completely out of place.
@Znake we are headed to fully digital. Deal with it. The price increase is ok as it brings it in line with PS5 prices.
I don’t actually know what you’re replying to…I didn’t mention the issue you have. I replied to a guy who thinks USD are the same as AUD.
@anoyonmus yes, but Nintendo needs more exclusive games If they want to sell the Switch 2 at such a Premium price. There are already 150 plus Million Switch owners who can pick those games for Switch 1, no expensive upgrade required
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