New video game hardware announcements can sometimes feel repetitive. With each new generation of consoles, we anticipate familiar upgrades like enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle adversaries.
Even Nintendo, which has consistently delivered these enhancements across multiple console generations—from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the innovative Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's built-in portability—continues this trend with the Switch 2.
However, true to form, Nintendo managed to surprise us with some unexpected announcements during the Switch 2 Direct.
It's 2025 and we finally get online play.
My love for Nintendo dates back to 1983 when I was four years old. My babysitter would roll footballs at me, reminiscent of Donkey Kong rolling barrels at Mario. I'd leap over them, mimicking Donkey Kong's sound effect, then grab a toy hammer and smash them, just like Mario. This long history with Nintendo gives me a bittersweet perspective on their latest revelation.
Nintendo has historically struggled with online play, with only a few exceptions like Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters. The company has barely scratched the surface of a unified multiplayer platform like those offered by Sony and Xbox. Connecting with friends on Nintendo systems has never been straightforward, and even the original Switch required a separate app for voice chat.
But now, things are changing. During the Direct, Nintendo introduced GameChat, which looks promising. It supports four-player chat with noise suppression, video cameras for face-to-face interaction, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing you to monitor up to four different displays on one screen. According to the new Switch 2 accessibility features page, GameChat also offers text-to-voice and voice-to-text options, enhancing communication possibilities.
While we haven't seen a unified matchmaking interface yet, this is a significant step forward. I hope it signals the end of the cumbersome friend code system.
Miyazaki is bringing new blood exclusively to Nintendo
The initial trailer footage made me think I was watching Bloodborne 2. The atmosphere, character design, and environments were unmistakably in the FROM Software style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this was actually The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind some of the most challenging games in recent memory.
It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to create a Nintendo-exclusive game. His dedication is reminiscent of his own game characters, tirelessly working in a gothic prison. But I'm grateful for it. FROM Software rarely disappoints, so I'm eagerly anticipating this new title.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one
In another unexpected move, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai has shifted his focus from Smash to a new Kirby game. It's a surprising pivot, and Sakurai certainly deserves a break.
The original Kirby's Air Ride on GameCube was visually appealing but lacked fun. However, given Sakurai's deep connection to Nintendo's iconic pink hero, his involvement promises a more polished and enjoyable experience.
Control issues
In a seemingly minor announcement, the Pro Controller 2 now includes an audio jack—a feature that's welcome, albeit a decade late. More excitingly, it also features two mappable extra buttons. As someone who loves customizable controls, this small addition is genuinely exciting.
No Mario?!
I was genuinely shocked to learn that Mario won't be headlining the Switch 2 launch. Instead, the team behind Odyssey has been working on Donkey Kong Bananza, a captivating new 3D platformer focused on destructible environments. Nintendo continues to defy expectations, banking on hardcore fans to embrace Donkey Kong's biggest game in years while saving Mario for later.
The Switch 2 will also launch with extensive third-party support and Mario Kart World. While World appears to be a system-seller, I expected it to be released during the holiday season. Nintendo typically relies on Mario, Zelda, or both to attract their core audience in a console's first year. This time, they're counting on Mario Kart 8's record-breaking sales and Donkey Kong Bananza to drive Switch 2 sales at launch.
Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card
Open-world Mario Kart is here, and I'm optimistic about its potential. The chaotic physics, unconventional vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should translate well into an open world where players can battle friends and wreak havoc. The brief glimpse we saw suggests a vast, continuous world similar to Bowser's Fury but on a much larger scale, accommodating numerous drivers.
It’s very expensive
The Switch 2's price tag is steep. 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 weakening yen, and inflation contribute to this, Nintendo's strategy of differentiating through lower prices has historically been successful. With the Switch 2, they're attempting to succeed without this advantage.
