After weeks of rumors and speculation, we finally got a Nintendo Direct devoted to explaining what the mysterious C button on the new Nintendo Switch is going to be.
That’s mostly a joke, although outside of certain game announcements the C-button was a part of a big technological reveal, worth taking into consideration. But let’s do things in order. Read on to see everything shown off during the April 2025 Nintendo Direct. There’s quite a lot, including one thing refueling dwindling hopes.
Let’s a-go!
Mario Kart World
A new Mario Kart! Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, it brings in dynamic weather and open world, making it a little bit of a Forza Horizon of the franchise. Of course, it will roll in with a bunch of modes, such as the 24-driver Shell Cup, or the Knockout Tour, a lengthy race with several checkpoints which will eliminate drivers coming in below a specific placement A car battle royale, of sorts. You’ll also be able to roam the world, explore possible routes or just enjoy the scenery.
Mario Kart World will be a launch title for Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat
NS2 comes with GameChat, a built-in voice chatting feature allowing you to easily communicate with friends whether or not you’re playing the same game. Nintendo claims the microphone will be able to pick your voice clearly even at a moderate distance, or from background noise, which is going to be a major advantage if it truly works that well.
Game Chat will even handle screen sharing, although your friends’ streams might be choppy. A reasonable trade-off.
All at a simple press of the once-mysterious C-button opening the chat menu.
Additionally, there is an optional camera attachment, and it’s been shown as capable of easily picking your face from the background for video chat and various game activities.
The camera attachment will be available for purchase on the same day as Switch 2, but GameChat as a whole will eventually require the Nintendo Switch Online membership, so scout some deals ahead of time.
GameShare
Switch 2 will feature GameShare, a way to, well, share your game to other players’ Switch or Switch 2, instead of just sharing the Joy-Cons like before. The feature will be able to handle up to three extra players for compatible games. It won’t be straightforward interactive streaming, like Steam’s Remote Play Together, as the presentation shows card games with each player seeing only their own hand.
GameShare will also support online sharing, but only with other Switch 2 systems.
It will become available via updates to certain titles, starting with Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics.
General Nintendo Switch 2 features
- Switch 2 screen will clock in at 7,9 inches with a 1080p resolution
- The increased area does not affect the console’s thickness, which remains the same it was for Switch 1
- The screen supports HDR rendering and can go up to 120fps
- The Joy-Cons are connected magnetically, and easily released with a button press
- The sticks and the SL/SR buttons of the individual Joy-Cons are larger for greater comfort
- Joy-Con 2 features mouse functionality for both left and right Joy-Con
- Improved speakers and a built-in microphone
- Built-in, adjustable stand
- Two USB-C ports, one at the bottom and one at the top of the console
- Larger internal storage, at 256 GB
- New dock station with 4k support for compatible games, and built-in cooling fans
- Compatible with certain Switch 1 games
- The game cards for Switch 2 will have the same shape as the ones for Switch, but will be identifiable by a different color (red), and will feature faster data reading.
- Switch 2 will support Micro SD Express cards. The non-Express microSDs from Switch 1 will not be compatible.
- Switch 2 will feature a system transfer option if you want to port your Switch 1 data over you Switch 2.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller will come with its own C-button, an audio jack, and two additional buttons located in the grips
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a playable guide/manual/overview explaining how it works and how it was built. It will have tech demos teaching about the diverse features of the console.
It will be available at launch, but for some reason it will be a paid product.
Nintendo Switch 2 launch date
Switch 2 will be available for purchase on June 5, 2025
Three types of games
The Nintendo Direct specified the three kinds of games which will be available on NS2:
- Nintendo Switch 2 games – made natively for Switch 2, taking full advantage of its performance and features
- Compatible Nintendo Switch games – essentially backwards compatibility for select titles
- Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games – upgraded versions of certain Switch 1 games
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The upgraded version will have mouse controls, audio recognition, and support for the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, which is shown to be able to extract you from the background and put you in the game itself.
From the new and boosted modes, the camera in Mario Party will apparently be able to identify four players in the same space, putting your faces in the game. Bowser Live will revive the promise of Xbox Kinect, bringing you into the game for motion- and voice-based activities. Meanwhile, Carnival Coaster will use mouse controls in a literal on-rails shooter and a number of minigames.
Owners of Switch 1 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree will be able to purchase an upgrade pack to access the new features on their Switch 2.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom: Switch 2 Editions
The system-selling adventures of Link and Zelda will get a technological boost on Switch, including higher resolution and framerates, as well as HDR support.
They will also have a companion smartphone app called Zelda Notes, helping with navigation, keeping track of completion of various objectives, and providing additional lore and stories. You will also be upload your Tears of the Kingdom creation blueprints, and share individual items. There will even be a screenshot editing and sharing functionality, making it easier to show off your photo mode snaps.
The app will also feature daily bonuses and keep track of compatible Amiibos.
The upgraded versions will be Switch 2 launch titles, and owners of Switch 1 version will be able to purchase upgrade packs or gain access through Nintendo Switch Online memberships. There will also be new Amiibos, for Tulin, Yunobo, Sidon, and Riju.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World: Switch 2 Edition
The game will get similar graphical and performance enhancements to BotW/TotK, and it will also get a Switch 2- exclusive additional story for good measure.
It will transform the Forgotten Land and its inhabitants, providing a new adventure.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World will be available for Switch 2 on August 28, 2025
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
There will be both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 editions of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. The Switch 2 will enable mouse controls, as well as (docked) 4k60fps Quality mode and a Performance mode at 1080p 120 fps, with HDR available for both. Handheld mode will, of course, have a lower resolution output.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Switch 2 version of the upcoming Pokémon game with have higher resolutions and framerates.
Drag x Drive
Using both Joy-Con 2’s mouse control feature, Drag & Drive is a game of basketball played by robots using sport wheelchairs. DxD is a bit reminiscent of Rocket League, especially with its acrobatics-enabling arena.
The game will launch in Summer 2025.
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In the second half of Nintendo Direct came the time to show off some non-Nintendo games which will be available for Switch 2. You can watch the video below, or keep reading to check what was featured.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
A good mark of Switch 2’s power is the fact that it gets FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, in a version weirdly negatively called “Tarnished Edition”. It is planned for launch this year, but that’s as far as the specifics go.
Hades II
The sequel to the overwhelmingly popular mythological roguelike is coming to Switch 2. Hades II is already by every metric larger and more complex than its predecessor, and at the time of writing, it isn’t even out of the Early Access on PC yet. More will be revealed later this year.
Street Fighter 6
The spectacular fighting game from Capcom is going to make its NS2 appearance as well, and will include modes exclusive to the handheld. You’ll be able to get both a Standard edition and a Years 1-2 version featuring a larger roster. There will also be associated Amiibos for Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly.
Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion
If you are a fan of 2020’s Deamon x Machina, released exclusively for Switch by Marvelous First Studio, you might be excited to learn it’s getting a sequel, Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion, bringing in thrilling power suit/mecha action, dramatic storyline. It is scheduled to release on September 5, 2025.
Split Fiction
This year’s co-operative hit Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios is not only coming to Switch 2, but it’s also going to be a launch title, letting you enjoy this wildly imaginative game on your brand new handheld.
Madden NFL
Barely more than a passing mention, not even a date reveal, but EA’s American Football simulator will come to NS2.
Hogwarts Legacy
The wizarding world action RPG will be coming to Switch 2, and certain elements will even utilize the mouse controls. It will be one of the launch titles.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
The world’s finest skateboarding sim is making its way to NS2 as well, available summer 20205, which isn’t a lot to go on, but at least it’s something.
Hitman: World of Assassination
Get your finest suit and garrote and prepare to begin your assignment on the day Switch 2 launches. Indeed, IO Interactive’s now iconic assassin sim (assassim?) will be NS2’s launch title.
The same announcement also mentions Project 007, the upcoming James Bond-based game.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy – HD Remaster
The classic RPG from the Nintendo 3DS returns for the first time, remastered for the new Switch and given an improved UI. It will also have new minigames, using mouse controls, which seem to really be a feature Switch 2 wants to promote.
Oh, and it’s going to be one of the launch titles, too.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Seeing how the Yakuza series is more popular than ever, it does make sense to bring Yakuza 0, a prequel to the entire series, to Switch 2. You’ll be able to see the beginning of Kiryu and Majima’s wild journeys on the same day Switch 2 launches.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
We’re also getting a new Zelda-themed Warriors game, showing the events of the Imprisoning War Zelda saw during her story-mandated absence from Tears of the Kingdom. You’ll see, and fight against, Ganondorf’s first invasion, hoping to push against the darkness.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is scheduled for Winter 2025.
[Interrupting the showcase to talk about] Nintendo Switch Online updates
Your membership status will carry over to Switch 2 without hassle.
The NSO+Expansion Pack will bring in a selection of Gamecube games, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, or F-Zero GX. The selection will be growing over time, and titles from previously available consoles will also be accessible.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack featuring Gamecube classics will be available at launch day of NS2. There will be even be a dedicated wireless controller based on the original.
Back to the games.
Deltarune
Deltarune, a successor to Toby Fox’s Undertale, Deltarune, is coming on Switch 2 with four chapters at once. It plays similarly to Undertale and features some of its characters, but is a separate, brand new story, which you’ll be able to experience on Switch 2 at launch day, if you want to.
Borderlands 4
The yet-unreleased new installment of the irreverent gun-looting shooter series will launch of Switch 2 alongside the mightier platforms. The release date is yet unknown, as the game is deep in development, but it’s nice to have a confirmation.
Civilization VII
The latest release of the venerable 4X series will be a Switch 2 launch title, letting you command, conquer, and culture-victory your way into global relevance, one turn at a time.
WWE 2K and NBA 2K
Clothesline and slam dunk on the go, as both the wrestling and basketball sims from 2K will be available on NS2.
Some day. Nintendo Direct didn’t offer exact details on these two.
Survival Kids
Survival Kids is a co-operative game about four kids stranded on an island and having to craft their way to survival. It’s lighthearted, filled with puzzles, and will be coming at launch day.
Enter the Gungeon 2
The beloved 2D roguelike now stretches into the third dimension and looking pretty shiny already. No release date was provided, as the development is still ongoing, but it will be coming to Switch 2.
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
Where Astroneer is more or less a survival game with extremely fun terraforming, its spin-off, Starseeker, is more oriented towards co-operative exploration. Its scheduled for release sometime in 2026, not just for Switch 2.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
CD Projekt Red is no stranger to Switch. The Witcher 3 had been ported to Switch 1, and Switch 2 will be your handheld portal to Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City, with all the bells and whistles. And all of that on launch day!
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Precious few details were offered, but the first part of the incredible, expansive remake of Final Fantasy VII will be available on NS2. Nintendo Direct didn’t say when exactly, but more updates will be coming in the foreseeable future.
The next batch of games was shown as a sizzle reel, so we won’t get into details either:
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Action-packed quasi-tower defense inspired by Japanese mythology. Available on launch day.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Can you imagine? The sequel to phenomenal metroidvania allegedly comes at some point this year, if you dare to hope.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
A remake of Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar is coming on August 27, 2025.
Goodnight Universe
If you’ve ever wanted to be a psychic baby while on a bus, Goodnight Universe for Switch 2 will let you this year.
Two Point Museum
You’ll be able to begin your career as a museum manager on NS2 later this year.
Wild Hearts S
Master your weapons, build helpful installations and kill huge monster when Wild Hearts S cxomes to Switch 2 on July 25, 2025.
Witchbrook
A cozy witch-themed life-sim is planned to launch of “Holiday 2025”, so… late winter?
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
The fun blend of Puyo Puyo and Tetris will be a launch title.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Restore a land slowly eaten by a maleficent Corruption when Run Factory: Guardians of Azuma launches on the same day as Switch 2.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
The Marvel comics-themed beat’em up is coming “Holiday 2025” as well.
Star Wars Outlaws
Go on a crime-filled adventure in the Galaxy far away when Star Wars Outlaws releases later this year
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening – Complete Edition
Unite Japan when the Switch 2 version of the wargame becomes available on the console’s launch day.
Fast Fusion
Also on launch day, Fast Fusion will challenge you to a hig-speed science fiction race.
Shadow Labyrinth
An unusual spin-off from the Pac-Man franchise teased by that cool Secret Level episode will launch for NS2 on July 18, 2025.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
The action RPG set in a fantasy version of the 1930’s Japan will launch its remastered version for Switch 2 (and beyond) on June 19, 2025.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
Examine crime scenes and seek evidence in people’s dream when the game becomes available on July 25, 2025.
REANIMAL
Help two little kids run away from monsters when REANIMAL launches later this year.
Fortnite
No introduction needed. It will be a launch title.
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
The retro racing game will be a launch title as well.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Solve mysteries with a dapper professor, when the game launches for Switch 2 at an unspecified date this year.
Tamagotchi Plaza
The shop simulator starring bubbly creatures will become available on June 27, 2025.
Human Fall Flat 2
A sequel to a delightful physics-based puzzle game about clumsy humanoid blob people will come… some time. The Sizzle Reel didn’t provide anything approaching a date.
The Duskbloods
Hey, we’ve got Bloodborne on a Nintendo! Kind of. The Duskbloods, coming from FromSoftware themselves, is going to be a techno-gothic, vampire-adjacent action game with emphasis on multiplayer. It will also feature jetpacks, at least one dinosaur transformation, and a very creepy moon, which automatically make it more interesting.
The Duskbloods launches in 2026, exclusively on Switch 2.
After the partnered developers showcase, the Direct shifted back to internally-developed games.
Kirby Air Riders
From Masahiro Sakurai himself come Kirby Air Riders, later in 2025.
It’ll be a follow up to Gamecube’s Kirby Air Ride. Took them a while.
Donkey Kong Bananza
A brand new Donkey Kong? Sweet. DK Bananza will be an 3D platforming./action game set in a very punchable and destructible environment.
The Bananza begins on July 17, 2025.
And that’s it for all the stuff presented an announced during the April Nintendo Direct. That was a densely packed stream.
Source:
- https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/4-2-2025/
- https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/featured-games/