It appears that while the live stream paused, viewers missed an exciting announcement: the return of Survival Kids, a classic Konami title that pioneered the survival game genre long before it became mainstream. This revival is set to launch exclusively on the Switch 2.
Don’t think you’re done just yet. Although the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct has wrapped up, there’s still 7 more hours of Nintendo Switch 2 footage to enjoy, with Nintendo Treehouse streaming kicking off tomorrow.
The standalone price for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set at $450, while the new Mario Kart World, which features a partially open world, will retail for $80. However, a bundle including the digital version of the game will cost $499. Exciting news?
Nintendo surprisingly shares that it aligns with gamers more than previously thought—expressing wishes for faster processing in the Switch system to allow developers greater creative freedom.
The Switch 2 is expected to support 4K resolution in TV mode. While the PS4 Pro introduced it in 2016, this upgrade is significant for Nintendo fans eager to leave the original Switch’s 30fps limitations behind.
This new console will not include any original Switch hardware, which means its backward compatibility won’t be as comprehensive as seen in the 3DS and Wii U. Instead, it utilizes “a hybrid of software emulation and hardware compatibility” for playing classic games.
Any feedback on the freshly unveiled Nintendo Switch 2 controller? Nintendo aims to create “the ultimate controller” and you can find more details in our comprehensive coverage.
Nintendo aspires for the Switch 2 to “age gracefully” and avoid the “outdated” feeling some users associate with the original Switch.
“Since the Switch has been embraced by many gamers over an extended period, we wanted the Switch 2 to serve as a dedicated gaming platform with long-lasting performance,” Takuhiro Dohta noted.
“We gave careful thought to the balance between processing power and system memory, and we are confident that we have developed a system that won’t feel outdated over time.”
With the Switch 2 Direct concluded, comments from the console developers are surfacing. Interestingly, Nintendo almost branded the Switch 2 as the “Super Nintendo Switch,” drawing a nostalgic link to the NES, but decided against it.
The things that never came to be.
We now have a potential price for the Nintendo Switch 2. As mentioned in a press release by Business Wire, the “Nintendo Switch 2 system is set to launch on June 5 at a retail price of $449.99.”
And that’s the scoop! How’s the team feeling about this?
The newly titled Donkey Kong: Bananza is set for release on July 17, 2025.
Fun fact: Monkecraft.
Yes, it’s confirmed! The character is returning.
As we reach the climax, it appears that the final game announcement is indeed for Donkey Kong.
We have Kirby Air Riders, a fresh title from the iconic Sakurai!
It’s Kirby! What’s happening, pal?
It’s not quite Bloodborne 2, but I’m going to refer to it as such anyway.
The Duskbloods—a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive on track for a release next year.
That certainly appears to be a FromSoftware frog.
A new FromSoftware game has just been announced!
Looks like we’re all in for a treat today!
Also a quick reminder that Hollow Knight: Silksong is indeed a real project aiming for a 2025 release.
Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake will also make their way to Switch 2! Nintendo is clearly looking to match the capabilities of the Steam Deck, and I am all for it.
The stream has resumed, though some aspects still seem a bit off.
We can still hear the updates, and they sound promising!
Uh-oh, it seems the stream has frozen again. Hang tight, everyone.
And we have Borderlands 4 on the way to Switch 2 soon, as well—once the loot-driven title is ready.
Shifting back to the present, Deltarune chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 are confirmed for Switch 2! They’ll all be available when the console launches.
Additionally, a GameCube controller featuring the Switch 2’s special ‘C’ button is on the way, which should excite Smash Bros. fans.
Expect more titles similar to Pokemon XD in the future, too.
How about a re-release of Zelda: Windwaker or Soulcalibur 2? Yes, please!
Looking back to the classics, we have learned that GameCube titles will be joining Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Another new title reveal! A Legend of Zelda game called Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which explores events prior to Tears of the Kingdom, has been announced.
A significant highlight is the mention of Bravely Default! Plus, we heard from the Hitman developers about Project 007, which sounds quite intriguing.
There’s more to come, including remasters of beloved classics like Split Fiction, as well as new titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.
Hades 2 is officially confirmed! With so much joy experienced from the first Hades on Switch, this announcement brings delight.
If you’re curious about the power of the Switch 2, Elden Ring is coming too!
Nintendo confirms a paid upgrade option to enhance existing games on Switch to the improved Switch 2 versions if you already own them.
It’s not only the classics benefiting from upgrades; Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A will also receive enhancements.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land! The excitement is building!
What titles are receiving enhancements? You guessed it—the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Switch 2 Enhanced games have been spotlighted. While the new console will maintain backward compatibility, expect some titles to receive substantial upgrades.
Mark your calendars! The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to debut on June 5.
Game cards have been confirmed! They’ll resemble the ones we know from the Switch, but with a new red design.
One more game to discover. Welcome Tour offers a charming Astro Bot aesthetic to demonstrate how Switch 2 functions—an innovative replacement for the manual.
Absolutely! The Switch 2 boasts eight times the storage capacity of its predecessor, totaling 256GB of internal storage.
Some fascinating technical specs: The Switch 2 features double the pixel density of its forerunner, achieves up to 120fps, and features larger buttons. Oh, and the Joy-Con can function as a mouse too, confirming various speculations.
We are also getting a feature called GameShare, which allows users to stream select games to other consoles for a limited duration.
Furthermore, with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, bringing some face time into the mix at a party will be easier—definitely a nod to pandemic-era needs.
Some may argue that Nintendo is a bit behind on this one, but then again, better late than never!
And it’s not limited to just a single game. You can initiate group chats and communicate with friends while playing various games.
The ‘C’ button details have been confirmed! This button is designed for chat functionality. Unlike the original Switch, you won’t need a separate mobile app to communicate with friends.
Interestingly, the release date for Mario Kart World coincides with that of the Switch 2, although the exact date remains under wraps for now.
That concludes the updates for Mario Kart World, but stay tuned for a special MK Direct scheduled for April 17!
Mario Kart World encourages players to take scenic routes and capture moments with friends, embodying the vibe we love.
In this new game, players can drive wherever they choose. When it comes to this experience, roads are optional!
To be fair, Mario Kart titles usually stray from numerical designations, making this development unsurprising.
We now know the name! The next entry in the series is Mario Kart World instead of another numerical sequel like MK9.
Donkey Kong seems strikingly similar to how he’s portrayed in the recent Mario film, for what it’s worth.
We’re kicking things off with some classic Mario Kart.
And here we go!
The 60-second countdown has begun! Join us, everyone!
This is your 15 minute warning. The excitement is palpable!
As we prepare for the main event, I’m passing the coverage over to Iain Harris. See you all soon (and don’t forget, there’s still a chance to hint for a sequel to Boktai: The Sun is in your Hands).
This is your 20 minute warning. If you’re tuning in from the USA, good morning – it might be early, but it’s a good time to grab some coffee. To those in the UK and Europe, I hope you’ve found a good excuse to skip work or school this afternoon.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on YouTube is gearing up, and fans are hyped about the potential to stream in 4K. Does this suggest that the Switch 2 may actually support 4K while docked, as previously rumored? The speculation is alive, isn’t it?
Xbox has openly shown its desire to enhance relations with Nintendo. We’re in an era where Xbox Game Studios has largely moved away from exclusive titles, evident with upcoming releases like Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle anticipated on PS5. This opens up a world where Xbox might commit to promoting strong collaborations with Nintendo right from the outset.
When Nintendo first presented the original Switch, they used The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim to illustrate its capabilities. I can envision Nintendo leveraging partnerships with studios like FromSoftware, Ubisoft, Xbox, and more to showcase significant hardware advancements.
Recently, there’s been chatter about Halo: The Master Chief Collection making an appearance among the Switch 2 game announcements today—though it may be in a more limited format. This likely means no multiplayer, which would be disheartening, but I look forward to revisiting the Halo trilogy nonetheless.
Fans are anticipating a release date confirmation during the Switch 2 presentation. There have been whispers about the console launching in June 2025, and hopefully, Nintendo will validate this soon.
June could turn out to be a complex month for releases. How do we accommodate Switch 2 news alongside Summer Game Fest and the release of Death Stranding 2 on June 26? It’s a nice dilemma to have!
I’m especially eager for information on the Nintendo Switch 2’s price point. The current market conditions are vastly different than in 2017, and it may be challenging for Nintendo to hit a competitive price of $299 again.
For your reference, here’s how the competition looks:
- PS5 Digital Edition – $399
- PS5 (with disk drive) – $499
- Xbox Series S – $299
- Xbox Series X – $449
- Steam Deck – Starting at $399
Josh West signing off for a moment to let Iain Harris grab a coffee before the Switch 2 Showcase begins in just over an hour.
Having covered numerous Nintendo reveals throughout the years, they consistently provide both joy and curious surprises. If this is your first time, prepare for a delightful experience!
I’m with you on that, Doug. Definitely!
To rekindle the vibe, here’s a query from the President of Nintendo of America, stirring anticipation.
Are you ready?! April 2, 2025
Regardless of what the Switch 2 offers, it could mark a significant transition for Nintendo. With seasoned marketing veterans suggesting “everything is about to change” as long-time contributors like Shigeru Miyamoto likely approach retirement age.
This doesn’t necessarily imply a decline in quality, but it may indeed feel distinct,” said Kit Ellis during a podcast session.
Notably, alongside Miyamoto, names like Metroid’s Yoshio Sakamoto and Zelda’s Eiji Aonuma are also inching toward retirement age, although fresh talent is on the horizon. Having such iconic developers transition away is understandably bittersweet.
As predicted for the Switch 2, it’s high time we see a new 3D Mario game. It’s been seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, making this speculation more valid. Additionally, we’d expect something to showcase the console’s unique features, akin to Wii Sports, Nintendo Land, and 1-2-Switch.
Excitingly, regardless of our enthusiasm for the new hardware and Joy-Con innovations, we are also anticipating a variety of games today. Mario Kart seems like a certainty, but surely there will be much more on display. Nintendo has just announced that there will be a total of seven hours of gameplay reveal this week via Treehouse streams.
What are you hoping to see, assuming it’s not just one giant Mario Kart tournament?
For those who believed we were finished discussing random Switch 2 features, think again. An early detail from an FCC filing hints at the Switch 2 Pro Controller coming with a headphone jack.
How significant is that? Well, reportedly enough for our staff writer Dustin to “overlook Nintendo’s 12-year delay relative to PlayStation and Xbox.” A hopeful spirit of reconciliation is in the air here at GR+!
We’re indeed acquiring a lot of queries heading into the Direct. Rumors suggest the Switch 2’s Joy-Con could potentially function like a mouse. While that would be a surprising move, it doesn’t feel completely out of character for Nintendo.
Another significant talking point leading into this showcase is the enigmatic new ‘C’ button. There have been speculations regarding its purpose, with conjectures it could represent ‘community’ or ‘connection.’ Nintendo is evidently aware of the buzz, having teased it on their newly launched app.
Fortunately, our queries are about to be answered soon. I hope?
One person you shouldn’t consult about the Switch 2 Direct is Masahiro Sakurai, the lauded creator of Smash Bros. He admits he’s quite out of the loop regarding upcoming reveals, even doubting anyone would take him seriously. The length of the upcoming broadcast also took him by surprise, though it’s worth noting that the original Switch Direct was similarly timed at an hour.
We’ve reached the point of no return – preparations are in motion for the grand showcase ahead!
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