Nintendo Switch 2 Direct – Everything Announced

It’s finally here: The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, complete with a look at the console’s features and titles coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.

We got a great number of reveals and a closer look at the expected upcoming Mario Kart previously shown at the official reveal of the console in February.

There was a lot of info dropped, so be sure to stay tuned to GamesNight as we cover more of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its upcoming games. Let’s take a look at everything announced at this morning’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will officially release on June 5th, 2025. Honestly, that’s a lot sooner than anticipated and GamesNight is more than excited to dive into the new system! There were no official price announcements, but keep an eye on your local storefronts for a glimpse of prices and what we can expect.

Mario Kart World

Launching exclusively with the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th, Mario Kart World is the next title in the historic Mario Kart franchise.

Allowing up to 24 players in one race and introducing new modes such as Knockout Tour and Free Roam. Yes, that’s right; Mario Kart World is going open world, allowing players to travel between races to different courses, even travel with friends, and take photos as you explore the vast world of Mario Kart.

More details on Mario Kart World will be revealed at a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation later this month, April 17th.

The Duskbloods

The next title from FromSoftware, Bloodbor.. I mean The Duskbloods. A PvPvE (player vs player vs enemies) multiplayer action Switch 2 exclusive coming 2026.

This reveal gave off heavy Bloodborne vibes, full of gothic locations and eerie monsters. This may be just what eager fans have been waiting for. More details on the game will be available soon, so be sure to stay tuned as we hear more!

Kirby Air Riders

Next we got a reveal trailer for the next Kirby game , Kirby Air Riders, coming later in 2025. The original game, Kirby Air Ride, was originally released on the GameCube over 20 years ago. This new title will be the next step for this racing-action series.

Doneky Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong is back in Donkey Kong Bananza in this new 3D platforming action title. Releasing on 17th July, we got a reveal showcasing a bunch of new biomes to explore and a new purple companion on his shoulder. This trailer showcased various ways of navigating the environment: climbing, rolling, diving, throwing, and destroying destructible environments.

Nintendo Switch 2 Features + Specs Overview

A large portion of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct covered a number of console specs and features. Here is an overview of the features and system details.

Nintendo Switch 2 Features Overview

• Game Chat (chat with friends and share your game screen as you play)
• Built-In microphone with noise cancellation
• C Button (allowing for quick access to game chat functions)
• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (available on system release)
• GameShare (share games with other players locally and online)

Nintendo Switch 2 Specs Overview

• The Nintendo Switch 2 will have a bigger 1080p LCD screen supporting up to 120fps and HDR in compatible games. 
• Joy-Con 2s will attach magnetically, have larger control sticks and can also be used as a mouse for certain supported games.
• Enhanced audio capability, supporting 3D audio and noise cancellation when using the inbuilt mic.
• A freely adjustable stand, two USB-C ports, and an expanded internal storage of 256GB.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 dock will allow for 4K support and have an inbuilt fan for improved system cooling.
• Additional storage will only work with Micro SD express cards for faster read/write speeds.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Types + Card Info

The Nintendo Switch 2 will support three types of games:

Nintendo Switch 2 Titles – These games will take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2 power and features.

Nintendo Switch Titles – These games from the original Nintendo Switch will work on the Switch 2 but will have no improvements/additions.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Titles – Original Nintendo Switch titles that will offer improved visuals and new ways to play.
An example is The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom + Breath Of The Wild will offer improved visual resolution and frame rate + a new feature called Zelda Notes.

Most of these titles can be purchased as a Nintendo Switch 2 edition when available, or if the original game is already owned, players can purchase an upgrade pack, with prices later to be determined.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards will be the same size as the original game cards, except they will be red and support much faster read/write speeds.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a game that introduces the many new additions to the Nintendo Switch 2. Travel virtually on the Switch 2 and examine different icons to see how each console feature works.  Along with a virtual Switch 2, there were a number of mini-games and tech demos that showcased various features in action. Think a Nintendo version of Astro’s Playroom; Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will launch as a paid digital game on console release.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

Super Mario Party Jamboree gets a Nintendo Switch 2 edition, with improved graphics and frame rate, along with a new game mode: Jamboree TV.

The Legend of Zelda – Nintendo Switch 2 Editions

Two of the greatest games ever made are also getting Nintendo Switch 2 editions, with enhanced resolutions, frame rates and HDR support. A new feature called Zelda Notes will also be available, helping players explore Hyrule and even share their own creations via a QR code.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Kirby and the Forgotten Land will also be getting a Switch 2 update, adding improved graphics and frame rate, along with a new story: Star Crossed World, struck by a meteor causing some mysterious changes.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be getting Nintendo Switch 2 editions, providing enhanced resolutions and frame rates. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond allowing up to 120fps in 1080p.

Drag x Drive

Drag x Drive is a brand new 3v3 sports title that uses the Joy-Con 2’s mouse feature to great effect. Players will use each Joy-Con as corresponding hands to move and interact on the court. Releasing later this year.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Nintendo and Koei Tecmo continue their collaboration with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, coming later this year. Defend Hyrule in a leadup to the story of The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom.

Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics

GameCube titles are making their way to Nintendo Switch 2, available on console release! The Nintendo Online Expansion Pack membership will now support the GameCube classic library.

Including titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX.
More titles will make their way to the GameCube library over time. This is a great way to relive the GameCube library, complete with visual improvements.

Nintendo Switch 2: Partner Spotlight

Rounding out this packed Nintendo Switch 2 direct, we got a look at a large number of 3rd party titles coming to the console. Take a look below at all the upcoming titles, including their release dates.

• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)
• Hades 2 (2025)
• Street Fighter 6 (Console Launch)
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (September 5th)
• Split Fiction (Console Launch)
• EA Sports FC (2025)
• EA Sports Madden NFL (2025)
• Hogwarts Legacy, enhanced graphics and support for mouse control. (Console Launch)
• Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3+4 (2025)
• Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition (Console Launch)
• IO Interactive also revealed Project 007 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Console Launch)
• Yakuza 0: Directors Cut (Console Launch)

• Deltarune (Console Launch)
• Borderlands 4 (September 2025)
• Civilization VII (Console Launch)
• WWE 2K & NBA 2K (2025)
• Survival Kids (Console Launch)
• Enter the Gungeon 2 (2025)
• Starseeker – Astroneer Expeditions (2026)
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (Console Launch)
• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2025)

• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Console Launch)
• Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)
• STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar (August 27th)
• Goodnight Universe (2025)
• Two Point Museum (2025)
• Wild Hearts S (July 25th)
• Witchbrook (2025)
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S (Console Launch)
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (Console Launch)
• MARVEL Cosmic Invasion (2025)
• Star Wars Outlaws (2025)
• NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition (Console Launch)
• Fast Fusion (Console Launch)
• Shadow Labyrinth (July 18th)
• RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19th)
• No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25th)
• REANIMAL (2025)
• Fortnite (Console Launch)
• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER (Console Launch)
• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025)
• Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27th)
• Human Fall Flat 2 (2025)

Phew! That was a packed Nintendo Direct. We got a ton of great announcements and a good look at many of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 features. Be sure to stay tuned to GamesNight as we cover more of the Nintendo Switch 2 leading up to release!