New video game hardware announcements can often feel repetitive. With each new generation of consoles, we've come to anticipate familiar enhancements like enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh interpretations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries.
Even Nintendo, which has consistently introduced innovations across several generations—from the N64's analog controller, the GameCube's mini discs, the Wii's unique motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, to the Switch's inherent portability—has continued this trend with the Switch 2.
However, true to its nature, Nintendo unveiled several unexpected features during the Switch 2 Direct.
It's 2025 and we finally get online play
As a lifelong Nintendo fan since the age of four in 1983, when my babysitter used to roll footballs at me mimicking Donkey Kong's barrel-throwing at Mario, I approach this revelation with a mix of excitement and long-held frustration. Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, but the Switch 2 Direct brought a surprising twist.
During the event, Nintendo introduced GameChat, a four-player chat system that promises to enhance online interactions. It features noise suppression, video capabilities for seeing friends' faces, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing users to monitor up to four different displays simultaneously. GameChat also supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text options, catering to diverse communication needs. Although we haven't seen details on a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant advancement, and I'm hopeful it marks the end of the cumbersome friend code system.
Miyazaki is bringing new blood exclusively to Nintendo
The first frames of the trailer I saw were so reminiscent of Bloodborne 2 that I was initially fooled. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned it was footage from "The Duskbloods," a multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind many challenging games. It's astonishing to think Miyazaki found time to create an exclusive title for Nintendo, and I eagerly anticipate what this new venture will bring.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one
In another surprising move, Masuhiro Sakurai, the director of Super Smash Bros., has shifted his focus to a new Kirby game. This transition is unexpected, especially considering the mixed reception of the original Kirby's Air Ride on GameCube. However, Sakurai's deep connection with the Kirby franchise suggests this new installment will be a refined and enjoyable experience.
Control issues
The announcement of the Pro Controller 2 was almost an afterthought, but it brings welcome upgrades. The inclusion of an audio jack and two additional mappable buttons are significant improvements, arriving about a decade later than some might have hoped. As a fan of customizable controls, these enhancements genuinely excite me.
No Mario?!
The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. Instead, the team behind Odyssey is working on "Donkey Kong Bananza," a new 3D platformer focused on destructible environments. Nintendo is clearly playing against type, banking on hardcore fans to embrace this major Donkey Kong title, while saving Mario for a future release.
The Switch 2 launch will also feature robust third-party support and Mario Kart World, which appears to be a system-seller. Although typically, Nintendo would rely on Mario or Zelda to drive sales during a console's first year, they are confident that Mario Kart 8's success and Donkey Kong Bananza will suffice to make the launch a success.
Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card
An open-world Mario Kart game is now a reality, blending the series' zany physics, unique vehicles, and combat mechanics with the freedom of an expansive world akin to Bowser's Fury, but on a grander scale, supporting multiple drivers. This unexpected crossover promises to bring chaos and fun to the racing genre.
It’s very expensive
The Switch 2's price of $449.99 USD is steep, especially considering current economic conditions like rising tariffs, a declining yen, and American inflation. This makes it the most expensive launch in Nintendo's 40-year history in the US, $150 more than the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U. Traditionally, Nintendo has relied on lower prices to differentiate its products, but the Switch 2 will need to succeed without this advantage.
