New video game hardware announcements can become somewhat predictable. With each new generation of consoles, you can expect to see near-certain staples like better graphics, faster load times, and new takes on beloved, plumber-and-turtle-oriented franchises. Even Nintendo, which has consistently delivered these improvements across several generations—from the N64's analog controller, tiny GameCube discs, wacky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, to the Switch's built-in portability—has continued this trend with the Switch 2. However, being Nintendo, the company again unveiled a few genuine surprises during the Switch 2 Direct.
It's 2025, and we finally get online play.
As a lifelong Nintendo fan since 1983, when my babysitter playfully rolled footballs at me like Donkey Kong's barrels, I can't help but share a mix of excitement and loving bitterness about this reveal. Nintendo, as we all know, has struggled with online play, with only Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters scraping the surface of what's possible with a unified multiplayer platform like those of Sony and Xbox. Finding and talking with friends on Nintendo's platforms has never been as straightforward, often requiring a separate app for voice chat on the Switch.
But change is here, and it's impressive. During the Direct, Nintendo unveiled GameChat, a four-player chat system that supports noise suppression, video cameras to show 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 and communication options. While we haven't seen a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward, hopefully signaling 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 designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind FROM Software's challenging titles. It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive game. His dedication is reminiscent of his own game characters, tirelessly working in their gothic towers. But I'm grateful, as FROM Software rarely misses the mark, and I'm eagerly anticipating this new title.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one
Speaking of surprises, Super Smash Bros. director Masuhiro Sakurai has moved on to a new Kirby game. This unexpected shift is a welcome break for Sakurai, who undoubtedly deserves some rest. The original Kirby's Air Ride was visually appealing but lacked fun. However, given Sakurai's deep affinity for Nintendo’s iconic pink character, his new take on the franchise promises to be a refined and enjoyable experience.
Control issues
A seemingly minor announcement, the Pro Controller 2, now comes with an audio jack—a feature that's overdue but welcome. More excitingly, it includes two mappable extra buttons. As a fan of customizable controls, this small addition genuinely thrilled me.
No Mario?!
The absence of a new Mario game was a genuine shock. It appears the team behind Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a captivating new 3D platformer with a focus on destructible environments. Nintendo is playing against expectations by trusting hardcore fans to embrace Donkey Kong’s biggest game in generations, saving Mario for another day.
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 appeal to their biggest fans during a console's first year. However, with Mario Kart 8's record sales, Nintendo is confident that their most popular party game, alongside Bananza, will drive Switch 2 sales at launch.
Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card
Open-world Mario Kart is here, and it looks promising. The zany physics, weird vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well to an expansive world, similar to Bowser’s Fury but much larger and supporting numerous drivers. The brief glimpse we got suggests a continuous world filled with chaos and competition.
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 years of US sales history, $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.
