Switch 2 Nintendo Direct April 2025: All The Biggest Announcements

After a short teaser a few months ago, Nintendo revealed more details on the Switch 2 console today in an hour-long presentation. Not only were a ton of new games shown off, but Nintendo also revealed crucial information on the Switch successor, including its release date and accessories. After the presentation, the price for the Switch 2 was also revealed, and preorders for it are now live.

In terms of games, there were quite a few surprises as Nintendo showed off new Donkey Kong and Kirby titles, the next Mario Kart was officially unveiled, and several Switch games will be getting upgraded for the Switch 2. On the third-party side, From Software revealed its new game The Duskbloods, Gearbox confirmed that Borderlands 4 will be coming to the system, and several other publishers have some big games lined up for a Switch launch as well.

In case you missed it, you can catch up on all the big announcements below.

Nintendo kicked off the Switch 2 Direct with a fresh look at Mario Kart World, which will be an exclusive launch title for the Switch 2. The big twist with this entry is that players will be able to go off the track and can drive "virtually anywhere" in the game.

Mario Kart 9 Officially Confirmed For Switch 2 As Mario Kart World

One of the big mysteries about the Switch 2 has been the C button and what its function is. It turns out that the C button activates a GameChat feature alongside several other social features. Located on the right Joy-Con controller, the built-in mic allows for clear audio and it can filter out background noise. While a Nintendo Switch membership will be required to use it, Nintendo will offer this function for free for a limited time after the Switch 2 launches.

Nintendo Switch 2's C Button Is All About Video And Voice Chat

For a full audio-visual setup, Nintendo will also launch a webcam-like device for the Switch 2 that'll allow you to stream your face in GameChat lobbies and games.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Accessory Revealed, Releases Same Day As Console

According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 LCD screen is 1080p, supports up to 120fps, and offers HDR support.

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support HDR, 4K, And 120FPS

The Switch 2 Joy-Cons can work like a PC mouse when you turn them on their sides.

Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Joy-Cons Have Mouse-Like Functionality

Other hardware details regarding the Switch 2 include a 256GB internal storage capacity, up to 4K 60fps visuals for games in docked mode, and a new stand that allows for more viewing angles.

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support HDR, 4K, And 120fps

You won't have to wait too long to get a Switch 2, as it'll launch on June 5.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5

Nintendo revealed the price for the Switch 2--$450--and two SKUs. You'll be able to pick up a console-only bundle or a Switch 2 with Mario Kart World included, which has an MSRP of $500.

The Switch 2 physical game cart will be the same size as the Switch game cart, and these will have red shells to help differentiate them from their predecessors. Nintendo says they have faster read-speeds, and if you need to increase storage capacity, MicroSD express cards will be compatible with the Switch 2. The catch here is that only high-speed MicroSD cards will work with the system.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards Are Faster And A Different Color Than Switch 1

GameShare--the new Switch feature that allows players to join up and play together locally using just one copy of a compatible game--will be functional across both Switch systems, Nintendo has confirmed. Additionally, GameShare will also support the new GameChat feature.

Nintendo Announces Game Sharing For All Switch Consoles

The new Pro Controller has an updated design, as well as a C Button for the GameChat feature.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Has Remappable Back Buttons

Transferring game data, purchased games, and more can be done via a system transfer process between Switch consoles.

To get owners up to speed with the Switch 2, there'll be a paid digital-only game available on launch day, and it will see you explore the internal Switch 2 hardware through a series of minigames.

Nintendo Announces Switch 2 Welcome Tour, A Paid Game That Explains The New Console Features

The two Legend of Zelda games that helped define the original Switch console will be enhanced for the Switch 2. The upgrades include HDR support, higher resolutions, and better frame rates.

Switch 2 Upgrades Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild And Tears Of The Kingdom Revealed

Samus Aran's next adventure will also feature some Switch 2 enhancements. Nintendo says the game will run at 4K 60fps in docked mode and 1080p 120fps in handheld mode.

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Get Upgraded Original Switch Games, Including Metroid Prime 4 And Pokemon Legends

The Switch 2 edition of this fun Kirby adventure will add a new story and powers that takes place in the Forgotten Land.

Just like the other games mentioned, Pokemon Legends Z-A will have a higher resolution and frame rate on Switch 2.

The Switch 2 edition of Super Mario party Jamboree will launch on July 24 and has been upgraded to take advantage of the new Switch 2 hardware. If you already own the game, you can purchase an upgrade pack for it.

This cool-looking 2v2 basketball game will be out in Summer 2025 and uses the Switch 2 mouse-like controls as part of its gameplay.

Nintendo Announces Drag X Drive, A Switch 2 Game That Relies On Mouse Controls

Fans of musou games can look forward to a new Legend of Zelda game set in that genre. A Tears of the Kingdom prequel, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprsonment is scheduled to arrive in Winter 2025.

A GameCube library is coming to the Switch 2, as part of the Switch Online subscription service for the console. The first batch of titles includes The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2, and F-Zero GX.

Upcoming titles include:

• Super Mario Sunshine
• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
• Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
• Super Mario Strikers
• Chibi-Robo
• Luigi's Mansion

Switch 2 Will Get GameCube Games Through Nintendo Switch Online, New GameCube Controller

This new GameCube controller is the spitting image of the original, and it has a C Button. This will be sold through the My Nintendo Store the same day as the Switch 2.

In a sizzle reel, Nintendo showed off several of the third-party games confirmed for the Switch 2:

Launch day

• Deltarune Chapters 1-4
• Fast Fusion
• Survival Kids
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
• Split Fiction

2025

• Borderlands 4
• Hades 2
• Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Elden Ring
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade Edition
• Civilization 7
• EA Sports FC 25
• Madden NFL 25
• WWE 2K25
• NBA 2K25
• Two Point Museum
• Witchbrooke
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Wild Hearts S
• Ridge Racer
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Fortnite
• Tamagotchi Plaza
• Street Fighter 6
• Hitman: World of Assassination
• Project 007

2026

• Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions

A brand-new game From Software game called The Duskbloods was announced during the Switch 2 Direct. While more details on it will be revealed soon, the brief teaser did show off Steampunk technology, Gothic architecture, and a whole lot of blood-related gameplay for this Switch 2 exclusive.

From Software Announces The Duskbloods, A New RPG Exclusive To Switch 2

The Duskbloods: Breaking Down All The Details In From Software's Switch 2 Exclusive

Nintendo has a few more exclusives lined up for the Switch 2, including a new Kirby racing game that's a sequel to the GameCube classic Kirby Air Ride. While Nintendo is keeping details on Kirby Air Riders under lock and key, the cinematic reveal trailer for it did confirm a 2025 release date and that Smash Bros. Ultimate lead Masahiro Sakurai is directing it.

Nintendo Switch 2 Is Getting A Kirby Air Ride Sequel

Ending the stream with a bang, Nintendo dropped a trailer for Donkey Kong Bananza. This new Donkey Kong game looks like a 3D platformer where you can literally smash through levels thanks to destruction physics, and it has a release date of July 17.

New Donkey Kong Game Bananza Coming To Switch 2 In July