The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal has the GamesNight team looking at what we can expect for the system specs, titles, and our most anticipated. Join us as we speculate on the Nintendo Switch 2!
What are your expectations of the Switch 2 Direct? (system specs, etc.)
Jayden: The Nintendo Switch 2 is going to have its own dedicated market, and honestly, I don’t think they need to worry too much about specs and keeping up with the PlayStation 5 and Series X/S. They’re running their own race and doing just fine. A more powerful Switch is all we need with backwards compatibility. This time round, though, it does look like they’re not changing a large amount and playing it safer than expected.
Kane: I don’t really care about the specs or the guts of the Nintendo Switch 2, so I hope they don’t spend too long on technical details. I just want to see what the big launch games will be and a sneak peek at some games coming later in 2025.
Hope: I think the Nintendo Switch 2 will be quite powerful but slightly beneath the power of the PS5. Nintendo seems to lag behind in power in their consoles but makes up for it in console exclusives and that wacky side that’s exclusive to Nintendo. I always hear Jayden question the voice chat capabilities of the Switch when he’s destroying Kane at Monster Hunter, so surely they’ll address that this time round.
Mohamed: I find myself more excited about unique new features than just raw specs these days. With handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally out there, I’m not buying a Nintendo Switch 2 just for better hardware—I’m looking for something that actually adds to my gaming experience. Whether it’s new features, better portability, or just that Nintendo magic, that’s what’ll get me excited.
What launch titles are we going to see for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Jayden: If we get Mario Kart and a 3D Super Mario at launch, I think that’s going to overdo it and lose some of that momentum over its launch year. I think we’ll get one or the other, and my money is on Mario Kart. That on its own will do numbers.
Kane: We already saw that Mario Kart is coming out on Nintendo Switch 2, but I think they’re going to increase the roster for that game massively with a tonne of crossover characters. I want to drift as Solid Snake and throw red shells at the Final Fantasy guys.
Hope: I think we will have a new Super Mario game on release. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a 3D one, and obviously Mario Kart, right?
Mohamed: Odyssey 2 needs to happen. Nintendo and Mario go hand in hand, and a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey feels like a no-brainer. But more than that, I really want another open-world game from any IP that pushes the Switch 2’s capabilities—just like how Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade 2 showed off what the original Switch could do at launch, but Nintendo slept on those big worlds after that.
Price and Release Date for Nintendo Switch 2?
Jayden: I think we’re going to see it retail for around $700-750 NZD and aim for release in the second half of the year. Let’s go with late July/early August.
Kane: I’m expecting it to release in August/September; I think it would be weird if it launched right at the holiday season. I just checked out EB Games prices, and they’re selling the Switch models for $549 and $639 NZD. I hope the Switch 2 doesn’t sell for more than $750, or that will be hard to justify when the PS5s regularly go on sale for below $700.
Hope: I think the Switch 2 will be announced in the later half of the year and for around $600 NZD. They’ll want to get in before the Christmas period I think.
Mohamed: If it’s $700 NZD and drops around September, I’d be happy. That would give it a nice runway before the holidays, and if Nintendo delivers solid upgrades without going overboard on price, that’s a win.
What titles do you think we’ll see over the course of the first year for Nintendo Switch 2?
Jayden: A “Pokémon Presents” is coming soon which has to have a release date for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Nintendo did a Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! based on the original Red/Blue. I think we also see that happen for Generation 2.
Don’t forget a 3D Mario! It’s been a long time since the last 3D entry, so it’s got to be guaranteed for the Switch 2 launch year!
Metroid Prime 4 is also another lock in I think for the first year, with potentiality the 2nd and 3rd being ported or some sort of remaster to drum up interest.
Kane: It’s weird that Capcom never released a Resident Evil title exclusively on Switch, so I’m expecting something there, maybe episodic/mission-based like Revelations or what Konami did with Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker? Also, Chrono Trigger 2.5D remake, please. 🙂
I want them to port more games from The Legend of Zelda series. It is absolutely criminal that Skyward Sword HD got the full treatment before Twilight Princess or The Wind Waker. The 3DS Zelda remakes would be amazing too.
Something really left-field? Jayden will probably make fun of me for this. Metal Gear Rising 2. Platinum has been working with Nintendo recently, and Konami is reviving their IPs. Crossing my fingers and toes that this happens.
Hope: The announcement of a Legend of Zelda game. Not sure if that will be a new title since Tears was so recent, so probably a remake or remaster. Pleeeease Majora’s Mask. And something similar to Wii Sports would be great. Something that uses the console in a different way.
Mohamed: Probably a new Fire Emblem, plus some fun first-party surprises. Maybe a new take on party games—something like 1-2-Switch, but, you know… actually good. Nintendo always finds weird, unexpected ways to use their hardware, and I hope they lean into that again.
What’s your most anticipated game for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Jayden: Oh man, it’s hard to settle on a solid one. I’ve honestly been a bit lacking with Nintendo in recent years but can’t go wrong with Pokémon. Remake Gen 2, please.
Kane: From the very few games we know are coming in 2025, I’m really excited for Metroid Prime 4. I’m new to playing Metroid games, and Prime Remastered was my first one. Finishing that was incredibly satisfying, and the trailer for Prime 4 had some even prettier environments. I tried Metroid Dread and got my ass beat, so I might stick to the Prime series going forward haha.
I know it’s ages away, but I’m really excited for whenever they reveal the next 3D The Legend of Zelda game. I truly believe Breath of the Wild is the best game ever made, and Tears of the Kingdom only improved on it by adding more outlets for creative use of its various systems. Whatever they’re working on next, I’ll be there day one.
Hope: I love Professor Layton and am hanging out for the next title. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything on it, though.
Mohamed: Nintendo is at its best when it gives us something we didn’t even know we wanted. I never expected Breath of the Wild or Odyssey to be as game-changing as they were, but they completely blew me away. That’s what I’m looking forward to—something that comes out of nowhere and takes me by surprise. But if I have to name a game, I’d love to see Twilight Princess HD—and if they throw in some new content from the manga adaptation, even better.
