(Image credit: Nintendo)
Josh West here, stepping in to cover while Iain Harris takes a quick coffee break before the highly anticipated Switch 2 Showcase kicks off in just over an hour. If you’re new to these reveals, get ready for an exciting adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Nintendo always knows how to put on a show! Speaking of shows, the Nintendo of America president recently posed the big question on Twitter, “Are you ready?!”
Speculation is rife with the upcoming Switch 2 unveiling, and the era could be both exciting and melancholy for Nintendo. Former marketing heads predict that “everything is about to change” as legendary figures like Shigeru Miyamoto approach the twilight of their careers. Kit Ellis shared on the Kit & Krysta podcast that while this doesn’t mean the games will worsen, they might feel different.
Notably, with veterans like Yoshio Sakamoto and Eiji Aonuma also aging, fresh talent waits to take the reins. Despite the looming transition, it’s an emotional moment for fans. On a lighter note, Josh believes it’s time for a new 3D Mario adventure—since it’s been seven years since Super Mario Odyssey.
Today promises more than just new hardware. In a week filled with Treehouse streams, we anticipate seeing Mario Kart and much more with Switch 2‘s seven hours of gameplay.
Intriguingly, FCC filings suggest the Switch 2 Pro Controller might include a headphone jack, with staff writer Dustin quipping it’s “12 years behind PlayStation and Xbox.” Additionally, rumors swirl about the Switch 2 Joy-Con doubling up as a mouse, quite typical yet daring for Nintendo.
The mysterious new ‘C’ button remains a hot topic, with speculation ranging from ‘community’ to ‘connection.’ As Nintendo teases via their app, anticipation builds.
Concerns about the Switch 2 Direct could prompt some to reach out to Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai, who claims to be in the dark about the revelations, finding humor in his disbelief.
The potential of the Switch 2 may elevate third-party collaborations, building from the successful initiatives witnessed with the Steam Deck. Renowned titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk could find a new home.
We’ve outlined our predictions from enhanced Switch 2 games to third-party heavyweights, foreseeing Nintendo expanding its legacy with this next-gen console. Stay tuned for live stream coverage to catch all the updates and gear up for possible pre-order announcements.
Mark your calendars for today at 6am PT, 9am ET, 2pm BST, 3pm CEST for the grand unveiling, and ensure you’ve got your snacks ready!
Finally, in light-hearted entertainment news, Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai finds camaraderie with Undertale‘s Toby Fox over their cryptic social media exchanges, while after years, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City becomes playable on the Sega Dreamcast, and inspiration from anime led to the creation of Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ memorable flashbacks.