Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Unveils Top 7 Surprises

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 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.

However, true to its nature, Nintendo surprised everyone with some unexpected announcements during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since 1983, when I was just four years old and dodging footballs like Mario dodging Donkey Kong's barrels, I've experienced a mix of joy and frustration with the company. It's impossible to discuss this latest reveal without a hint of loving bitterness. Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with exceptions like Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters. The Switch required a separate app for voice chat, making it less user-friendly than platforms by Sony and Xbox.

But change is here. During the Direct, Nintendo introduced GameChat, a four-player chat system that supports noise suppression, video cameras for showing friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles. This allows you to monitor up to four different displays within a single screen. GameChat also includes text-to-voice and voice-to-text features, enhancing accessibility. While we haven't seen a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward, hopefully marking the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The first frames of the trailer for The Duskbloods had me thinking it was Bloodborne 2. The ambiance, character design, and environments were unmistakably FROM Software's style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a new multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind some of the most challenging games in the industry. It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to create a Nintendo-exclusive title, and I'm eagerly anticipating what promises to be another masterpiece from FROM Software.

A Surprise to Be Sure, But a Welcome One

In another unexpected move, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai is shifting his focus to a new Kirby game. The original Kirby's Air Ride was visually appealing but lacked fun. Given Sakurai's deep connection to Kirby, his involvement promises a more refined and enjoyable experience.

Control Issues

The announcement of the Pro Controller 2 might have been a minor detail, but it's a significant upgrade. It now includes an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons, which I find incredibly exciting as a fan of customizable controls.

No Mario?!

The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. It seems the team behind Super Mario Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer with destructible environments. Nintendo is once again defying expectations, betting on hardcore fans to embrace Donkey Kong's biggest game in generations while saving Mario for another time.

The Switch 2 will launch with robust third-party support and Mario Kart World. While Mario Kart World looks like a system-seller, it's surprising that Nintendo isn't relying on Mario or Zelda to drive initial sales. Instead, they're confident that Mario Kart 8's success and Bananza will help move units.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

An open-world Mario Kart game is here, blending the zany physics, unique vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart with a continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury, but much larger and supporting multiple drivers. This unexpected crossover promises to be a thrilling addition to the Switch 2 lineup.

It's Very Expensive

The Switch 2's price of $449.99 USD is steep, especially considering current economic conditions. This makes it the most expensive launch in Nintendo's 40-plus year history in the US, $150 more than the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U. Historically, Nintendo has used lower prices as a competitive edge, but the Switch 2 will need to succeed without this advantage.