Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Unveils 7 Major Surprises

New video game hardware announcements can feel somewhat predictable. Each new generation of consoles brings expected improvements like enhanced graphics, faster load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries.

Even Nintendo, known for its consistent innovation across multiple console generations—from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the quirky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's built-in portability—has continued this trend with the Switch 2. However, true to form, Nintendo unveiled some surprising features during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and we finally get online play.

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since 1983, when my babysitter would mimic Donkey Kong by rolling footballs at me, I find it bittersweet to discuss this significant reveal. Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with exceptions like Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters. Unlike Sony and Xbox, finding and chatting with friends on Nintendo platforms has been cumbersome, often requiring a separate app for voice chat.

The Direct introduced GameChat, a promising feature that supports four-player chat with noise suppression, video camera integration for face-to-face interaction, and screen sharing across consoles. You can monitor up to four different displays within a single screen. GameChat also offers text-to-voice and voice-to-text capabilities, enhancing accessibility for all players. While details on a unified matchmaking system remain undisclosed, GameChat marks a significant step forward, potentially ending the era of the notorious friend code system.

Miyazaki is bringing new blood exclusively to Nintendo

The first trailer I saw initially fooled me into thinking it was Bloodborne 2 due to its distinct FROM Software style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned it was footage from The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE game directed by the revered Hidetaka Miyazaki. It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to helm a Nintendo-exclusive title, and I eagerly anticipate this new addition to his impressive portfolio.

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

Masuhiro Sakurai, the long-time director of Super Smash Bros., is now working on a new Kirby game. This was unexpected, especially considering the less-than-stellar reception of Kirby's Air Ride on the GameCube. Sakurai's deep affection for Kirby promises a more refined and enjoyable experience this time around.

Control issues

The announcement of the Pro Controller 2 included a welcomed feature: an audio jack, finally arriving a decade late. More importantly, the controller now has two additional mappable buttons, which greatly appeals to fans of customization like myself.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. It seems the team behind Odyssey is focused on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer with destructible environments. Nintendo is again defying expectations, banking on hardcore fans to embrace this major Donkey Kong title, while saving Mario for a future release.

The Switch 2 will launch with strong third-party support and Mario Kart World, which seems poised to be a system-seller. Nintendo's confidence stems from Mario Kart 8's record-breaking sales, betting that alongside Bananza, it will drive Switch 2 sales during its launch period.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card

An open-world Mario Kart game is on its way, blending the series' zany physics, unique vehicles, and combat mechanics into a continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury, but larger and accommodating multiple drivers. This unexpected crossover promises exciting gameplay.

It’s very expensive

The Switch 2's price tag of $449.99 USD is steep, reflecting current economic pressures like tariffs and inflation. This makes it the most expensive launch in Nintendo’s 40-plus year history in the US, surpassing the Wii U by $100 and the original Switch by $150. Historically, Nintendo's success has often hinged on competitive pricing, but the Switch 2 aims to break this mold.