It’s not every day you see two Nintendo Directs in one week. While the March 27 Direct dove into the release dates of games likeShadow Labyrinth, twoPataponremakes, and the latestStory of Seasonsgame, this Direct is all about the Switch 2.
Let’s face it: the hype surrounding the Switch 2 is comparable toGTA 6. Everyone knows it exists but wants to find as much information as possible to decide whether to buy it on day one or wait a while. Let’s dive into the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and everything it has in store.
Everything revealed during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct
Nintendo Switch 2 release date
We have a release date for the Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 will officially launch onJune 5, 2025, alongside several new titles and Switch 1 games getting enhanced remakes for the new console.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart Worldtakes center stage as the first major reveal. While we caught glimpses of it during the Switch 2’s first announcement trailer, this is the first time we have witnessed its gameplay and all 24 of its racers as focal points.
Mario Kart World’sgameplay has multiple changes from previous games in the franchise, from weather changes on each map to costume changes and wall riding. It’ll be released as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title onJune 5.
GameChat
The first key feature update for the Switch 2 is a Discord-like voice chat and screen-sharing system that can be used directly from your console. Using a “C” button on your joycons, you’ll be able to join a voice chat with friends as long as you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
AlongsideGameChat, a Switch 2 Camera is launching the same day as the Switch 2, letting you show your face as you talk in GameChat. There’s be a GameChat open access period until June 29, 2025, letting you trial the feature before deciding on a membership.
Nintendo Switch 2 hardware comparison
A major part of this Direct is comparing the Switch 2 to the original Nintendo Switch. Here are some of the key comparisons made during the presentation:
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Alongside the Switch 2 isNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a paid app that acts as a catch-all tutorial for the system. You’ll learn more about its basic information and some secrets not revealed during this Direct. It also lets you test its controls to get a feel for how its joycons and controls work.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Super Mario Party Jamboree’sNintendo Switch 2 edition will launch onJuly 24. While it score gameplay is the same, it’ll feature mouse control support, audio recognition, and support for the Switch Camera. It’ll also feature three new and updated modes: classic Mario Party, Bowser Live, and Carnival Coaster.
Anyone who already ownsSuper Mario Party Jamboreecan purchase an upgrade pack to feature the Switch 2’s upgraded edition.
Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions
Next on the list isBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom. Both games will feature enhanced resolution and framerate, HDR support to make everything look prettier and smoother, and a Zelda Notes feature to guide you through the game.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition
Much likeTOTKandBOTW,Kirby and the Forgotten Land’sSwitch 2 Edition will have overall enhanced graphics and framerate alongside a new storyline, Star-Crossed World, available exclusively for the new console.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Editions
Metroid Prime 4 Beyondwill feature both Switch 1 and Switch 2 editions, letting you play traditionally using the Switch 1’s controls or try out the latest console’s mouse controls. It’ll also feature a Quality and Performance Mode for smoother frames or higher-quality graphics.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
LikeMetroid Prime 4, Pokémon Legends: Z-Awill also feature Switch 1 and Switch 2 editions later this year. The Direct didn’t reveal a specific release date but confirmed it’ll launch later this year.
Drag x Drive
Drag x Driveis an upcoming game featuring wheelchair basketball. Using the Switch 2’s two joycons as mice, you’ll simultaneously control both sides of the chair as you traverse the arena, shoot the ball into the net, and compete against three other players to win.Drag x Drivewill launch inSummer 2025.
Games coming to the Switch 2
There are multiple games getting Switch 2 ports later this year, as highlighted below:
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
It’s official: a newLegend of Zeldagame is coming out. Well, sort of.Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonmentacts as a prequel toTears of the Kingdom, with Zelda herself taking center stage as its main character. It’ll launch this Winter on the Switch 2.
Nintendo GameCube library
Yup, you heard that right. The Switch 2 is getting a GameCube game library as part of Nintendo Switch Online. It’ll feature the following games:
Although these are the only three explicitly revealed, the Direct also displayed games likeFire Emblem Path of Radiance, Super Mario SunshineandPokémon XD Gate of Darknessas potential future additions to the library.
The Duskbloods
FromSoftware is back again with a new IP,The Duskbloods. This vampire-themed game will launch exclusively on the Switch 2 sometime in 2026, with no further dates revealed.
Kirby Air Riders
It’s time for another Kirby game. AlongsideKirby and the Forgotten Lands’enhanced edition arriving on the Switch 2, we’re also getting Kirby Air Riders as a continuation of Kirby Air Ride. No release date was given, aside from it being a 2025 launch title.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Last but not least isDonkey Kong Bananza. This 3D platforming game in theDonkey Kongfranchise will arrive on the Switch 2 onJuly 17.
That’s it for everything shown during April 2’s Nintendo Direct, including a ton of new info about the Switch 2 and its launch games. With all that said and done, you can now rewatch theMarch 27 Nintendo Directto remember some of its biggest reveals that weren’t captured here.
