After waiting nearly three months, the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct is finally here! For those of you who aren’t caught up, Nintendo’s newest console, the Switch 2, was explained in-depth through their recent presentation; giving information towards how the hardware operates and future games.
With hardware changes, one of the intriguing new additions was the “C” button. It represents GameChat, a brand new feature to the console that allows you to voice chat with friends, screenshare, and take pictures in-game together. It’s similar to having a Discord-esque software but exclusively Nintendo related. On top of this, the joy-con controllers have a new feature where you can place them flat on a surface and use them like a desktop mouse. This is a stranger and gimmicky feature, allowing you to switch up how you interact with games. This could be useful towards games such as shooters, or in general allow you to have more accurate aim.
The new game announcements were incredibly exciting, directly starting off with the reveal of Mario Kart World. It’s a brand new Mario Kart game with fresh maps, vibrant music, and completely enhanced graphics. What makes this entry to the series unique, however, is the fact that it takes place in a ginormous open world. This means that although you can play races as per usual, you’re able to go off the road and free roam the entire map. All of the tracks are placed in specific regional locations, so it’s entirely possible to bump into them out of order. This is a super cool twist that breathes infinite possibilities for fun and creativity.
Donkey Kong: Bananza was also a brand new featured title, stylized as a 3D platformer where you play as Donkey Kong and venture through an underground land full of crystals and enticing bananas. Other games were announced with the likes of Kirby Airriders, Duskbloods, Deltarune Chapters 3-4, and so much more.
The only major letdown with all this numerous excitement is the hefty price changes, with the Switch 2 costing $450 alongside Mario Kart being $80. Many extra attachments as well are also incredibly expensive. At the very least, the console was announced to be released June 5th, 2025, so mark your calendars Nintendo fans!
Zachary Bayers
Sports Editor
