New video game hardware announcements can become somewhat predictable. With each new generation of consoles, you can expect to see near-certain staples like improved graphics, faster load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, often featuring everyone's favorite plumber and his turtle adversaries. Even Nintendo, which has consistently delivered such innovations across several console generations—from the N64's analog controller, the tiny GameCube discs, the wacky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, to the Switch's built-in portability—has continued this tradition with the Switch 2.
However, being Nintendo, the company once again unveiled a few genuine surprises during the Switch 2 Direct. It's 2025, and we're finally getting online play.
It's 2025 and we finally get online play
As a lifelong Nintendo fan since 1983, when my babysitter used to roll footballs at me like Donkey Kong rolling barrels at Mario, I feel a mix of excitement and loving bitterness about this revelation. Nintendo has historically struggled with online play. Beyond the Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters, the company has barely scratched the surface of what's possible with a unified multiplayer platform like those from Sony and Xbox. Finding and communicating with friends on Nintendo platforms has never been straightforward, often requiring a separate app for voice chat on the Switch.
But now, change is here. During the Direct, Nintendo unveiled GameChat, and it looks promising. It supports four-player chat with noise suppression, video cameras for showing friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing you to monitor up to four different displays on a single screen. According to the new Switch 2 accessibility features page, GameChat also supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, enabling multiple communication methods. While we haven't seen what, if any, unified matchmaking interface might be integrated, this is already a significant step forward. I'm hopeful it means 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 screamed FROM Software's signature style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned it's actually a new multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind many challenging games. It's astonishing to think he found time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive title. 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 Masuhiro Sakurai has shifted his focus from Smash to a new Kirby game. The original Kirby's Air Ride was a visually appealing but somewhat lackluster racer on the GameCube. However, given Sakurai's deep connection to Nintendo's pink hero, his involvement promises a more refined and enjoyable experience.
Control issues
A seemingly minor announcement, but the Pro Controller 2 now includes an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons. These additions, especially the customizable buttons, are a welcome surprise and a significant improvement, even if they're arriving a bit late.
No Mario?!
The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. It turns out the team behind Super Mario Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platformer focusing on destructible environments. Nintendo is once again defying expectations, betting that hardcore fans will rally around Donkey Kong's biggest game in generations, saving Mario for another time.
The Switch 2 will launch with extensive third-party support and Mario Kart World. While World looks like a system-seller, I expected it to be a Christmas-window family game. Nintendo typically relies on Mario, Zelda, or both to drive sales in a console's first year. However, they're confident in leveraging Mario Kart 8's record-breaking sales, betting that their most popular party game, alongside Bananza, will help make the Switch 2 launch a success.
Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card
An open-world Mario Kart experience is here, and I'm optimistic about its potential. The zany physics, unusual vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well to navigating between and across tracks, battling friends, and causing chaos. The brief glimpse we saw suggests a continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury, but much larger and accommodating multiple drivers.
It's very expensive
The Switch 2 comes with a hefty price tag. At $449.99 USD, it's the most expensive launch in Nintendo's over 40-year history in the US. This price is $150 more than the original Switch's launch price and $100 more than the Wii U's. While economic factors like tariffs, the yen's value, and American inflation play a role, Nintendo typically differentiates itself with lower prices. The Switch 2 will need to succeed without this advantage.
