(Image credit: Nintendo)
The anticipation is building for the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase. Nintendo is preparing to unveil an extensive Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on Wednesday, April 2. The 60-minute presentation promises first glimpses of forthcoming Switch 2 games, fresh hardware insights, potential release information, and much more.
This event is thrilling for Nintendo enthusiasts and is expected to draw significant mainstream interest. Since its 2017 debut, the original Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units and 1.3 billion games, surpassing all other Nintendo hardware, except the legendary Nintendo DS. The expectations for the Switch 2 reveal are incredibly high, and there are many unanswered questions surrounding it.
Currently, there is limited information on upcoming Nintendo-developed games for the Switch 2. Rumors are scarce, but Mario Kart 9 is almost confirmed following brief gameplay teasers.
I anticipate we’ll receive a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – likely to feature as a cross-gen exclusive. Given it’s been over seven years since Super Mario Odyssey, a new 3D Mario could be part of the launch window. Additionally, we might see an innovative party game designed to showcase the system’s capabilities, similar to Wii Sports or Nintendo Land.
The launch lineup will be a primary focus, but I also expect Nintendo to reveal its main first-party titles for the following 12 months. Similar to the original Switch’s 2017 unveiling, we anticipate exciting announcements as part of their roadmap strategy.
Nintendo has confirmed full Switch 2 backwards compatibility, with hints towards enhanced cross-generation support for select titles. Recently, Nintendo disclosed a Virtual Card System for digital purchases that could signal more digital improvements. However, a statement indicated that “Switch 2 exclusive games and Switch 2 Edition games can only run on a Switch 2 system,” hinting at enhanced versions of existing titles.
A Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition modder speculates about a hidden 60fps mode, suggesting potential performance boosts for cross-gen releases. If this functionality materializes, the key question is whether enhanced benefits will come at an additional cost, similar to Sony’s PS5 game upgrades.
When the first Nintendo Switch debuted, Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim highlighted its capabilities. I expect Switch 2 will continue prioritizing independent experiences while potentially showcasing enhancements through partnerships with firms like FromSoftware and Ubisoft. Exciting collaborations could present themselves, perhaps even bringing Xbox Game Studios into the mix.
The reveal of the Switch 2 price and release date might occur soon, considering retailers anticipate imminent pre-order launches. Speculation points to an early summer release, allowing retailers about two months to manage stock allocations. The price, however, remains a major unknown variable as we await further clarification.
Although Switch 2’s design has been unveiled, featuring a hybrid form with enhanced Joy-Con controllers and a new magnetic connection, hardware power remains a mystery. Nintendo has typically avoided power struggles, but rumors suggest the system may rival a PS4 or Xbox Series S.
The Switch 2 Direct will likely spotlight the new controllers. Known for their innovative design, these Joy-Cons might include enhanced rumble features, larger shoulder buttons, and a mysterious “C” button, potentially suggesting second-screen functionality. Persistent rumors hint at the controllers serving as a precision mouse, offering revolutionized input handling. Should these rumors pan out, a new WarioWare game might debut to demonstrate these capabilities.