Today we woke up to a Nintendo Direct that lasted just over an hour. Several details about the new Nintendo SWITCH 2 console were announced, including its release date of June 5th of this year. It was an impressive Direct, even for someone who isn’t a huge Nintendo fan. Although at first I thought the launch was still a long way off, the truth is that it’s already April, just two months away from its release. With major hardware upgrades, exciting game announcements, and a release date just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know from the presentation.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 – 02.04.2025 (Video)
Nintendo Switch 2 – Nintendo Direct Official Reveal & Details
The star of the show was undoubtedly the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 USD. Here’s what we know about the new console:
- 7.9-inch LCD screen – A slightly larger display compared to the original Switch.
- 256GB of internal storage – A significant upgrade over its predecessor.
- Enhanced Joy-Con controllers – Featuring a magnetic attachment system, a new “C” button for GameChat functionality, and built-in mouse functionality for smoother navigation and precision in certain games.
- Backwards compatibility – Nintendo confirmed that most Switch 1 games will be playable on the new console.
- Improved battery life – Thanks to a new power-efficient chipset, the Switch 2 will last up to 8 hours on a single charge.
- Performance boost – Enhanced graphical capabilities will allow for more detailed environments, smoother animations, and faster load times.
- Expanded online features – A more robust online service with integrated voice chat, cloud saves, and potential for cross-platform play.
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 will open on April 9, 2025.
💬 What do you think of the Nintendo Switch 2’s features? Are you excited about the improvements? Let us know in the comments!
Game Announcements & Major Updates
This Nintendo Direct didn’t hold back on game reveals, bringing a mix of first-party exclusives, returning favorites, and surprising third-party titles. Here is the full list of titles announced during the presentation:
First-Party Titles:
- Mario Kart World – An open-world racing experience allowing players to race virtually anywhere with up to 24 participants.
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past – A mysterious follow-up to Tears of the Kingdom, set in an alternate timeline where Hyrule has split into two realities.
- Super Mario Odyssey 2 – The long-awaited sequel featuring new kingdoms, new power-ups, and expanded co-op gameplay.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Samus Aran explores the planet Viewros, gaining psychic abilities to control her environment and uncover ancient mysteries.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Set in Lumiose City, featuring real-time day-night cycles and the Z-A Royale tournament.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV – An updated version with new modes and minigames utilizing the Switch 2’s features.
- Donkey Kong Jungle Quest – A return to the beloved 3D Donkey Kong platforming style.
- Splatoon X – A massive new installment in the Splatoon franchise, introducing larger-scale battles and deeper customization.
💬 Which first-party game are you most excited for? Do you think Mario Kart World’s open-world approach is a good direction for the series?
Third-Party Titles:
- Elden Ring: Shadowborn Edition – A definitive version optimized for the Switch 2 with additional content.
- Final Fantasy VII Remake – The acclaimed RPG makes its way to the Switch 2 with visual enhancements.
- Cyberpunk 2077 – Adapted for the Switch 2, bringing the expansive RPG experience to the console with improved performance.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – The sequel to the beloved Metroidvania, launching in 2025.
- Hades II – The roguelike sequel will launch day one on the Switch 2.
- Monster Hunter: New Frontier – A new entry in Capcom’s monster-slaying series with expansive new regions.
- Persona 6 – Atlus revealed a trailer, with more details promised for later this year.
- Hitman: World of Assassination – Agent 47 brings his missions to the Switch 2 with next-gen AI improvements.
- Hogwarts Legacy – Experience the wizarding world on the Switch 2 with smoother gameplay and additional content.
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut – The prequel to the Yakuza series arrives with enhanced features and new combat mechanics.
- Borderlands 4 – The latest in the looter-shooter series, confirmed for 2025.
- Street Fighter 6 – The iconic fighting game series continues on the Switch 2.
- Civilization 7 – The strategy game series expands with its seventh installment.
- Duskbloods – A new Soulslike title from FromSoftware, inspired by Bloodborne and Elden Ring.
- The Witcher 4: Rise of the Wolf – CD Projekt Red’s next major RPG coming to the Switch 2.
- Dark Souls: Nexus Edition – A definitive collection including all three Dark Souls games and bonus content.
💬 Which third-party game announcement surprised you the most? Do you think the Switch 2 will be able to handle these ambitious titles effectively?
Indie Highlights:
- Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 – Continuing the story with new chapters and deeper RPG mechanics.
- Silksong – The anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, featuring new abilities and environments.
- Celeste 2: Summit’s Call – A surprise announcement continuing the platforming masterpiece with new levels and mechanics.
- Stardew Valley: Legacy Edition – An enhanced edition with new features, improved graphics, and additional endgame content.
💬 Are there any indie games you were hoping to see announced in this Nintendo Direct? Which of these titles are you planning to play first?
Other Key Announcements:
- Nintendo Switch Online Expansion – New titles added to the classic library, including *Golden Sun*, *Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn*, *Pokémon Black & White*, and *EarthBound Beginnings*.
- A New Virtual Console? – Rumors suggest Nintendo may bring back classic game purchases for select titles.
- Hardware Accessories – A new Switch 2 Pro Controller and an official dock upgrade were revealed, improving connectivity and resolution support.
- Nintendo GameCube Controller – A new GameCube controller will be available for the Switch 2 on launch day, allowing players to experience classic games with a familiar controller style. This is sure to excite fans of older titles like *Super Smash Bros. Melee* and *Mario Kart: Double Dash*.
- Exclusive In-Game Events – Nintendo hinted at new time-limited events for their biggest games, including *Splatoon X* tournaments, *Zelda Echoes of the Past* mystery quests, and *Mario Kart World* global racing leagues.
💬 What do you think about the new GameCube controller for the Switch 2? Are you excited for retro gaming on the new console?
Final Thoughts on today’s Nintendo Direct
Nintendo delivered an incredibly exciting Direct, with the Switch 2 taking center stage. The breadth of new titles, upgraded hardware, and expanded online services mark a major step forward for Nintendo’s ecosystem. Fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming months, and with pre-orders opening soon, anticipation is at an all-time high.
💬 What was your favorite announcement from the Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments below!