Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Day 3 live: Nintendo Treehouse Switch 2 gameplay

Good morning

Good morning! Are you feeling aflutter with excitement? The time is nearly here. I suppose more to the point: will you be immediately pre-ordering one if, as Rogueywon points out, the opportunity immediately opens following the Direct?

The mysterious "C" button

Meanwhile, Nintendo has lifted the lid slightly on the mysterious "C" button on the Switch 2. A new video posted on the Nintendo Today app shows it being pressed and sounding a little jingle and then... Well, that's as much as we were allowed to see. Could it be a shortcut button to capture gameplay, or to get to social features on the console, and what might they be if there?

themightyant says: What are everyone's last minute hardware predictions. Price? Resolution desktop and handheld? OLED? HDR? VRR? Mine are £399 / 1440p upscaled to 4K on TV, 1080p handheld / no OLED / HDR /no VRR. No doubt all wrong and will age like milk. lol.

Well look: I'll just pin these here and then we can all publicly see how well you did. You are most welcome!

The missing Link?

There's always excitement around a new console, but there's something extra special about a Nintendo console reveal because you can't help but expect something a little different. I'm sure we'll hear something about the system offering something we didn't expect (or at least already know about), but I'm most interested in finding out what games Nintendo has planned.

The original Switch had a brilliant first year, notably launching with the possible game of that decade, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We also got Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Arms. My concern is that Switch 2 won't be able to better that, mainly because there won't be a new Zelda any time soon (barring a monumental surprise). Will the new Mario Kart be able to carry online discussion like Zelda did? We'll see.

Some great questions cropping up in the comments. Will legacy games get a boost if played on Switch 2? Back compatibility is a feature here, remember. Also, what are the chances of a new 3D Mario being teased today, or more? As Tom pointed out in his comment, Switch 1's first year brought us Odyssey - what will Switch 2's first year bring? And where on Nintendo's list of priorities is a new Animal Crossing, as Will rightly wonders?

A new generation does tend to be a great time to introduce new IP, as well, as we saw Nintendo do with Arms on Switch 1 and Splatoon on Wii U. Is there a new franchise waiting in the wings for Switch 2?

Another great point: Nintendo's Switch 2 does face more competition than the Switch 1 did, with the likes of the Steam Deck and Asus' Rog Ally being out there, and the prospect of whatever the Xbox handheld will be. It's a busier market now.

Joy-Contentment?

Nintendo loves a new colour Joy-Con almost as much as it loves making money (maybe the two are linked?). At the OG Switch launch buyers had to choose between the sleek grey or the more fun blue and red. It's hard to believe Nintendo won't launch a whole range of different colours for its Switch 2 Joy-Con range, but I wouldn't be overly surprised to see day one buyers limited to the black we've seen shown off already. They are starkly un-kiddy, which would make sense given early adopters are likely to be kids only at heart, not age. Still, I'd expect some red ones for Mario, green for Pikmin, and blue-ish for Zelda(?) at some point.

Ninginja says: I think people expecting under £400 are in for a bit of a rude awakening, but I'll be the first to admit to being very happy if it comes in lower than that. I expect around £419 personally, translating to around €500 here in Germany. Of course, Nintendo cannot set the price here in Europe, so who knows really.

This feels prescient.

Lots of Ninten-dough

There's lots of speculation about the price of the Switch 2, but whatever it comes in at we're looking at a chunky spend for day one buyers. If we make some reasonable guesses for the prices of the hardware and games, well, it won't be a good day for the credit card:

• Switch 2 console: £400
• Switch 2 Joy-Con Pair: £65
• Switch 2 game: £60
• 512GB Micro SD Card: £40

The console, a second set of Joy-Con, memory card, and two games would be £625. Ouch!

Will Switch 2 enhance original Switch games?

If the Switch 2 does anything to improve original Switch games, there are a few I'd love to see enhanced. BotW and TotK both stand out as games that I'd love to play at 60FPS at a decent resolution on my TV, but who knows if this level of upgrade is possible - well, Nintendo knows, and will hopefully tell us later.

I have a soft spot for Yoshi's Crafted World, which is super soft looking and would benefit from a res boost. But, my biggest wish is that Bayonetta 3 is spruced up as it feels like a game struggling to shine on the OG Switch. What are your hopes?

RealDoubleJ says: I'd looooooooooove a new F-Zero, it's not like it's been a hot minute since the last one, but that might overshadow the only new (racing) game we know is coming out with this console 😅

Mario Kart 9 and new F-Zero double-reveal! I would love that but, as you say, it's probably unlikely.

neddie says: I'm wondering whether the Switch Pro Controller will work, seeing as it doesn't have that C button.

Good point. These are the sort of valuable miscellaneous details we'll scour for if and when product specifications and details become available.

Surprise us

I watched the Switch 2 reveal with a slight tinge of disappointment because I had hoped - even in the face of all the pragmatism - that Nintendo would surprise us. But the Switch 2 form factor, beyond a mysterious button and probable mouse-like controller usage, did not.

Thats fine, of course - slightly disappointing but fine - because it allows games to now come and do the talking, for Nintendo to show us that the creativity it's famed for still crackles through the halls of this celebrated game maker. Toy maker.

What I don't want to see today, then, is a reliance on iterative franchise updates. That's what the hardware is: iterative. I want to see new ideas. I want to see Nintendo reaffirm itself as the company thinking beyond the boundaries of gaming that we're used to, taking apart the concept of play and rethinking it.

And yes I understand that Mario Kart 9 won't necessarily be that - though I'm still holding out hope for some reinvention there - but there's plenty of space for something else to surprise us. Please, Nintendo, surprise us.

wiiiiilllllll says: I'm dreaming here, but the C button could be for "Connect Controllers". In our house swapping/rearranging the joy-cons whenever the kids want to play is a real pain in the bum - exiting a game to go into the "Change grip/order" submenu is not a great experience

An interesting thought!

Wow moment

The only game we can more or less guarantee seeing at the Switch 2 Direct later today is the new Mario Kart, but is that likely to wow people? It's possible, Mario Kart 8 looked great, but I'd be surprised if it turned heads like Breath of the Wild did. So, if there is to be a wow moment, what game will cause it?

An impressive port of a current-gen game would do wonders to sell people on what the Switch 2 is capable of, but would Cyberpunk 2077 make you spill your coffee? Would Assassin's Creed Shadows cause you to spit tea all over your monitor (hopefully not if you're at work)? What game would surprise and delight you if it appeared during the Direct?

Time for some pre-show lunch

It's easy to forget during times like this, but now is the ideal moment to grab lunch before things kick off at 2pm BST. I might make myself a Mario Odysseafood sandwich, some Luigi's Mangetout on the side, with plenty of Donkey Condiments. Look, you try making every thought into a blog post!

Scoopz says: £399 - £429 Friday 6th June launch im guessing.

That would make not-E3 season fun this year!

"One more thing" tease

The "one more thing" reveal to end a showcase is a great way to end a show on a high, especially when very little has leaked beforehand. If Nintendo was to do something like this to cap off its Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, what would make sense? Probably not a game coming this year, but something not too far off. The next major Zelda game would be brilliant, but that's perhaps asking too much. Animal Crossing, perhaps? A new Luigi's Mansion?

Or maybe they'll casually drop a new trailer for GTA 6 and the internet will explode.

Carl Sheen says: Putting expectations in context, Switch 1 direct looked like this: -Hardware overview - Console Launch Date - Switch Online Overview - Controller Overview - 1-2 Switch Reveal - Arms Reveal - Splatoon 2 Reveal - Mario Odyssey Reveal - Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Reveal - Dragon Quest X announcement - Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2 Announcement - Octopath Traveller Reveal - Sega supporting Switch - Skyrim to Switch announcement - Suda 51 talks about not a lot - EA - Fifa announcement - Breath of the Wild Trailer

Did you just recall all of that off the top of your head? Don't break the illusion; that's impressive!

Less than an hour to go

Excitement is building. We need moments like this in video games. I don't want to live in a world where talking about a new console is like talking about a new iPhone or Pixel every 12 months. But how many more of those years have we got?

Kami says: Also going to be weird to have a new Nintendo console show without ol' Reggie Fils-Aime. Ahh Reggie, our bodies were ALWAYS ready...

That E3 where he did the Wii Sports basketball skit and trash talked about his opponent "throwing rocks" is still etched into my mind.

Kami says: Also Satoru Iwata, rest his soul. What a wild eight years it's been, eh?

...I think it was Wii Sports anyway. And yes, rest in peace Iwata-san. Gone but never ever forgotten, especially at times like these.

somnolentsurfer says: Metroid Prime 4 at release is a safe bet, surely? And, as someone else said, a hefty Microsoft presence doesn't seem unlikely. They already pledged Call of Duty, but Avowed seems like a good candidate too. And perhaps Starfield?

Interesting thought regarding Xbox. What a strange Nintendo reveal it'll be if it has Xbox games there. Strange but quite exciting.

How are you all doing?

How are excitement levels out there? Are you prepping a pre-order? Does this reveal feel different to those that came before? How are you all doing, basically?

Kami says: Excited. I wonder if it's time for a Splatoon 4 or maybe ARMS 2: LEGS?

Haha! That one caught me off guard. Very good.

15 minutes to go

It's getting real, people! Pop that cup of tea on if you haven't already. Finish that sandwich. Nip to the toilet. We're nearly there.

Kami says: Alexa, play "The Final Countdown" XD

Show opener predictions?

What's going to open the show - Mario Kart? The hardware? A talking head (attached to a person)? How is Nintendo going to kick this thing off?

Ghibli says: @Bertie I’ve brought the job lot of shoes I bought to throw at Sony during the PS5 pro reveal. I’m not expecting to use them, but they’re here just on the off chance.

Nice, nice. Plimsoles? Worker boots? How big are we talking?

Five minutes to go

Tick tock, tick tock. We're nearly there.

The show begins!

And we're off. In an hour's time we'll know - I hope - all there is to know about Switch 2. When it's coming out, how much it costs (please not too much), and what games we'll be able to play on it. Perhaps we'll even be able to pre-order one. Video game excitement returns. Let's do this.

Mario Kart 9 opens the show

Here we go. What's up first? Some bouncing shapes - we were all wrong. They're building the Nintendo Direct logo.

Game trailer! Yoshi's sign spotted. A road. This must be Mario Kart 9. It is!

It's called Mario Kart World

Jet skis! Snow skis! Buffalo? Quad bikes! Motobikes obv. Rail grinding! Wire riding! Super-growth power-ups. Costume changes mid-course! Or are they character changes mid course? A blue whale!

It's called Mario Kart World.

Just me or do the courses in Mario Kart World look a little too open and bland?

The Nintendo team leading the charge on Switch 2 is here to tell us about it.

It's exclusively a Switch 2 title. Wow it's got a huge world map. A kind of globe.

There are times of day and weather conditions that will change the race experience.

You can go off the race track and drive virtually anywhere in the world, Nintendo says.

You'll drive to the next course as part of the traditional competitions. And there's mention of 24-player races. It sounds a bit like Forza Horizon?

There's a Knockout Tour where you race across the world in one non-stop competition. If you're below the placement marker when you reach a checkpoint, you'll be knocked out.

There's a free roam mode where you can explore new areas and routes... for some reason. You can just go for scenic drives with friends.

Mario Kart World is a launch title

That's it for Mario Kart World for now, but a special Direct will follow in the future.

It'll be a day-one launch title for Switch 2.

Nintendo demystifies the C button

We're getting a closer look at the Joy-Con now. The C button! They're going to tell us what it actually does. Hold the front page!

GameChat. That's what it does?

It - get this - allows you to communicate with people during the game. Incredible.

The mic is on the top of the console and even when docked it picks you up, apparently. Nintendo says it'll even work when someone is vacuuming around you. I'd like to see that.

I imagine the C button is the chat button then - it opens these features.

In the chat panel, you also see a stream of other people's gameplay, in a low frame and resolution mode, which seems a bit confusing to me, but it's a nice touch.

Someone in our Slack joked that Nintendo has invented Google Meet. It is reminscent of it!

There's a Switch 2 camera coming

Okay so we're seeing the C button being pressed now. It pulls up the chat menu. You can mute yourself here. Oh there's a Switch 2 camera coming! I guess this uses the new USB-C ports. I wonder how much it will cost.

So the C button takes us back to online gaming from about 20 years ago when people could talk to each other, but the Switch 2 does have a magical microphone that doesn't allow the noise of a blender to come through over your voice. Looks a bit like a MS Teams work call, but with cool people who can be crudely cut out and superimposed over the gameplay. It really is like a work meeting!

It's nice seeing people's head and shoulders overlayed on gameplay, but how will it work in practice? There's mention of some games using the camera, too, like party games, as your dynamic icon.

It looks fun but it's amusing to see Nintendo excited about something other consoles have had - and the wider world has had - for a long time.

You'll need a Switch Online membership to use GameChat. The Switch 2 Camera, incidentally, will launch on the same day as Switch 2.

Switch 2 has GameShare

Nintendo is introducing us to a new feature now. GameShare!

You can share games with up to three other Switches from one of them.

It'll only work with compatible games and it's planned to work on several, although there's going to be a free update to enable it on 51 games, Nintendo says.

That screen is LCD and supports 120fps

Now we're taking a closer look at the hardware itself.

It's got a bigger screen but it's the same thickness- we already knew this. It's got approx doubles the pixels Switch does on its 1080p screen. The screen supports up to 120fps. It's an LCD screen and it has HDR support.

The new Joy-Con connect magnetically, as we knew. There's a release button to release them. The SL/SR buttons are bigger, so you don't have to shrink your fingers. The control sticks are larger.

Mouse controls! Each Joy-Con can be used as a mouse in compatible games.

The speakers are improved, and there's a built-in mic, as we know.

The dock now has a fan and 4K res support

More tech specs: there's a stand. There's a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the device.

Switch 2 comes with 256GB internal storage - eight times that of Switch 1.

Reading and writing data is also faster.

The Switch 2 dock has up to 4K resolution for some compatible games. HDR is also supported in TV mode.

The dock has a built-in fan to keep the machine cool - it's a chunkier dock as a result.

The Switch 2 screen not being OLED is kind of expected, but with 1080p, HDR and 120Hz that's a decent upgrade over the standard Switch screen. I'm happy enough, although I expect those of you coming from the OLED Switch might find the transition a little rough.

We also hear that Switch 2 will support backwards compatibility, as we know.

Now we're going to see a new game.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. It's a kind of virtual space that shows you how to use the console? That's what it seems like.

The game has a golf mini-game that uses the mouse controls and lets you shake maracas and scrape paint off of objects.

It'll be a paid digital download available on day one.

MicroSD cards won't work with Switch 2

The Switch 2 memory card has been improved to have faster reading speeds. It will only work with microSD Express cards. Regular microSD cards will not be compatible.

New Switch 2 Pro Controller revealed

There's a new Switch 2 Pro Controller that has a C button, an audio jack, and trigger buttons on the back.

Switch 2 launch date revealed

The launch date is 5th June!

June 5 is a great date if you're not in games media. The summer months are often dry for new releases, but us media types will be pretty busy with Summer Games Fest, IGN Live, and the like.

Super Mario Party Jamboree upgraded for Switch 2

We're hearing about the games we'll be able to play. The first are the new ones, the second are enhanced, the third are the compatible ones. Some Switch games will get upgrades. We're seeing the upgraded edition of Mario Party now.

New features are coming including mouse controls, audio recognition, more "expressive" rumble, and gameplay that uses the camera accessory (if you buy it).

There'll be three new modes. Mario Party mod, which works with a single camera and it'll let you see each other's faces as you play. Or you can do that online (you'll need your own camera).

The next mode is Bowser Live where you have to play mini-games like punch blocks and balance things on your head. Full body movement-related.

Then there's a Carnival Coaster rollercoaster game that uses mouse controls to have you shoot enemies while you feel the bumps of the coaster. Then you start bouldering when you enter a tunnel, for some reason.

It launches 24th July.

You'll need to buy an 'upgrade pack'

But it's not a free upgrade: you'll need to buy an upgrade pack.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is aboslutely not the game anyone wanted to see on Switch 2, but it does at least show off some of the new system features. As an update that costs money, I'm not sure.

Zelda TOTK and BOTW upgraded for Switch 2

Zelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are being enhanced for Switch 2, getting better frame rates and resolutions.

There's a phone app being released as well that has details on all of the upgrades as well as a built-in help section.

Sadlad says: Zelda SatNav!

Haha!

Metroid Prime 4 getting mouse support

Metroid Prime 4 is getting mouse controlls! And 4K60 support when docked. Nice!

Upgrade packs required for all

If you already own the Switch version of the game, again, you'll have to separately purchase an upgrade pack for an as yet undisclosed amount. How much will it be?

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom getting Switch 2 updates is more like it. The app integration for guidance seems like it might be useful, too. New Kirby and the Forgotten Land contendt is also great news. Super glad Metroid Prime Beyond is getting a Switch 2 version, too, as it will clearly struggle to shine on the OG hardware.

We're seeing a wheelchair basketball-inspired game now called Drag and Drive which is controlled using the two Joy-Con mouse controlls, but also gesture controls. It's a basic looking game but a neat idea.

It's coming summer 2025, which seems vague.

Elden Ring for Switch 2!

That's Elden Ring!

But, oof, those are some framey shots of gameplay and they seem quite low res. It's due 2025.

Hades 2 is coming to Switch 2

Hades 2 is coming to Switch 2! Neat. It's a perfect fit.

Look out for more "later this year".

Hades 2 is coming to Switch 2

Hades 2 is coming to Switch 2! Neat. It's a perfect fit.

Look out for more "later this year".

Can't wait to buy Elden Ring again and not play it for more than two hours.

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is also coming to Switch 2. It'll be available at launch.

A mech combat game of some sort now. Will Judd will know what this is, I'm sure. I'll just pretend I do when I see the game title. It looks very energetic! Daemon x machina. 9th May or 5th September? I can't work out which date format they're using.

Split Fiction confirmed

Split Fiction confirmed as a launch title for Switch 2.

I'm sorry, I laughed at the end of the mech game trailer.

More games confirmed for Switch 2

Madden NFL will be on Switch 2.

Hogwards Legacy will be on Switch 2. It'll have mouse control support. It'll be a day-one launch title.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 will be on Switch 2. Show us some new games you cowards!

IO Interactive! Hitman World of Assassination is coming to Switch 2. Awesome. There's a natural fit for Nintendo if every I've seen one.

Ooh. IO is also bringing its new James Bond game to Switch 2!

Ludique says: Someone call a bondulance

Ha!

Can't help but get a little tinge of excitement when Bond is on a Nintendo console.

Bravely Default is being remastered for Switch 2. Another day-one launch title.

Ooh and here's Yakuza. I think the message is increasingly clear: companies are excited to put their games on Switch hardware again. But for how long? Elden Ring already looked like it was huff-puffing.

But now: new games!

Tecmo Koei now. Ooh is this Hyrule Warriors 2?

Zelda-focused Hyrule Warriors follow-up announced

No Bertie, it is not. But what is it? That's Zelda as a playable character. It's the story that leads into Tears of the Kingdom. It's Zelda's point of view.

A heavy focus on combat as is Tecmo Koei's thing.

It IS Hyrule Warriors 2, sort of. Hyrule Warriors: Zone of Imprisonment. Coming this Winter.

Hyrule Warriors on Switch was very fun, so I've got high expectations for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment when it releases this winter.

GameCube coming to Switch Online

Switch Online is going to get a new classic game library - the GameCube!

There's Wind Waker - check!

SoulCalibur 2! (And Link's in it.)

F-Zero GX!

They'll have local multiplayer where appropriate, and be available in enhanced resolutions.

They're coming on day-one with Switch 2.

Special GameCube controller being made

And get this: Nintendo is making a special GameCube controller to play all this games on! It even has the coveted new C button on it! It's only available to Switch Online customers though.

OK, GameCube games as part of the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack library is great. F-Zero GX at the launch of the Switch 2 almost makes me want to buy the console on its own.

Firaxis making a Switch 2 edition of Civ 7

Deltarune Chapters is coming to Switch 2 on launch day.

Oh and here's Randy Pitchford wearing a ridiculous blazer. He's here to say Borderlands 4 will launch on Switch 2. He's really doing the rounds at the moment huh. It'll launch this year, at some point.

Firaxis now! They're making a Switch 2 edition of Civ 7 that'll have mouse control. You, again, need to purchase an upgrade.

WWE 2K is also coming to Switch 2, and NBA 2K.

Enter the Gungeon 2 shown

Something called Survival Kids there, which doesn't look unpleasant but not particularly exciting either.

Enter the Gungeon 2! It's now got a 3D art style and it looks delightfully wild.

Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2!

Cyberpunk 2077 is coming to Switch 2! There's one I didn't expect. I wonder how that city runs on the machine. It's coming in an Ultimate Edition available at launch.

Oh, Cyberpunk 2077 at launch. I got something right earlier, then! If you've played it on the Steam Deck you'll know how good it can look no portable systems.

Final Fantasy 7 remake confirmed

The Final Fantasy 7 remakes are coming to Switch 2. It's a thin announcement but confirmation nonetheless.

Silksong! Like, for real!

We're getting a showreel of all the more incidental games coming to Switch 2 now. What the hell was that a Silksong date!

Silksong is coming to Switch 2 this year!

I need to sit down. I am sitting down. I need to lie down.

Fast Fusion announced for launch was snuck in there. And an arcade archives version of Ridge Racer? Now they're cooking.

From Software announces The Duskbloods

Breather moment.

Now, a bigger game announcement. A spooky game vibe. Bloodlines 2 is a good shout!

No! It's From Software! But what is it? Is this something new? Is it Bloodborne 2?

But wait: you are a vampire in this, sucking people's blood. And there's co-op.

This is wild! A genuine surprise.

The Duskbloods. 2026.

Yes, that is a brand new game from From Software. That's it for Nintendo's partners apparently, and, wait, are we wrapping up?

They'll showcase more in the future. But wait - there's one more thing!

That sound: is that...

Kirby AiRiders announced

It's Kirby, zipping around on a racing star. A Kirby racing game? Kirby AirRiders! It's coming this year.

Kirby Air Riders wasn't on my Bingo card. Was it on anyone's?

Donkey Kong Bananza closes the show

Now for the final trailer of the day. A jungle level. This has platformer written all over it. But which IP? Ingot Isle.

Donkey Kong!

A new 3D Donkey Kong platforming game so they don't have to bloody keep remastering Donkey Kong Country all the time. Donkey is battering his way across and through levels. There's a lovely heft to it. He's an angry fella. Gorilla. Though he's also smiling.

Nintendo has gone for the animated movie look with him here. This looks very energetic and colourful.

Donkey Kong Bananza. 17th July 2025.

PixelHunted says: Bananza is a great title to be fair.

Yeah. Respect.

Big new 3D Donkey Kong this year is super cool, actually.

No mention of a price in all that, of course. That's the big missing piece of the picture.

MrZappa says: No pre-order info?

No pre-order info yet either. There's the suggestion more details might come later today on the official site.

Samarium says: PRICES ARE UP! https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en £395 or £429 with Mario Kart

Good spot!

Samarium says: Pre-ordering from 8th April

Another good spot! Do you want a job?

Standout says: The price is 470 euros for the system, 510 euros for the Mario Kart bundle. Confirmed on official Nintendo website in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile in mainland Europe.

Switch 2 pricing revealed

gaselite says: Nailed it. They seem very well prepared for this launch and the next year, while keeping the powder dry for some major franchises for the next 12 months. Some hugely unexpected and impressive looking ports, though performance is still an open question. Tech breakdown will be interesting. 120fps and HDR also unexpected and suggests that they’re not entirely cheaping out on the LCD panel. Very pleased. Also has that Steam Deck thing of having basically a stacked library when you buy the console if you bought into the platform already. Wasn’t sure before but will buy on launch assuming the price isn’t too egregious.

These are good points. It does seem like a sensible launch plan and I hope the manufacturing pipeline supports it of course.

Kami says: Worth remembering the OG Switch 1 reveal was light on games, and they had a bunch of surprise drops in the first year. Nintendo probably sitting on a few things juuuuuuust in case, you know?

Another thing to bear in mind.

MacH says: All so typically Nintendo, but yes nailed it. The FROM exclusive is quite the sight!

Was it definitely exclusive? Regardless, it was a surprise, and if it's an exclusive, it's all the more exciting. Assuming it turns out well of course, which I expect it probably will do.

As always, expect clarification and other details to flow out of Nintendo following the Direct.

2much says: Just as I was saying to my partner that nothing had made me that excited they announce The Duskbloods! I can't believe it, the one time I don't joke about there being Bloodborne news in the Nintendo Direct they basically announce a sequel

Haha! It is fate.

Seeing a stream of prices for various things coming in courtesy of SuperDannyG there.

• £59 for the GameCube controller.
• £75 for the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
• £50 for the Switch 2 Camera
• £50 for the microSD Express card (but you can use other microSD Express brands I think?)
• £67 for Mario Kart World (digital)
• £59 for Donkey Kong Bananza (digital)

How much will Switch 2 game upgrades cost?

FTJT says: I'm mostly apprehensive about how much the upgrades are going to be. I'd like them to be a tenner. I fear they'll be £30-£35.

Yes! This will be a key piece of information to come. What is a reasonable price? I mean, I'd like the updates for free - didn't we get them for free on the other consoles? But otherwise, something like £15? However, I fear closer to £30 will be what we get.

Pre-orders restricted to Switch Online members

superweeble says: To reward the most dedicated Nintendo Switch players in Europe and the UK, the opportunity to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console from My Nintendo Store will initially be offered on an invite-only basis to selected Nintendo Switch Online members.

Take note. You'll need a Switch Online membership to pre-order a Switch 2, at least initially.

Additionally: you'll apparently need to have been a member for at least two years continuously as of 31st March 2025. So if at any time you let it lapse, it seems like you'll miss out, which seems harsh. You'll also have to have spent "a certain amount of time" playing Switch games, according to the Nintendo website. I wonder what the hidden number there is.

Rogueywon says: Those pre-order restrictions do NOT align with the rumours of healthy launch supply. They make sense as an anti-scalper measure but they absolutely imply that Nintendo doesn't have enough stock that it can just swamp the scalpers.

This is a good point.

A handy recap of everything announced

Our wonderful Lottie has put together a handy recap of everything announced during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct and afterwards, revealed via the Nintendo website. Thanks Lottie!

A closer look at the Switch 2 pre-order requirements

Here's a closer look at the Switch 2 pre-order restrictions and details, too.

Switch 1 Pro Controllers will work on Switch 2

This just in: Switch 1 Pro Controllers will work on Switch 2. It's a small detail clarified in Nintendo's press materials sent out after the Direct. Switch 1 Joy-Con will also work on Switch 2.

Also, there'll be some new accessibility features on Switch 2 including scalable font sizes (yay!), a screen reader, and speech-to-text.

Thanks everyone for joining us for the Switch 2 reveal. Keep an eye on the front page of Eurogamer for breaking news and our opinions about what we saw today. There's plenty more to come.

Some Switch 2 physical releases will just have a download key on the card

Switch 2's big old Direct might be over, but new info is continuing to trickle out from the mass of material Nintendo has shared online post-broadcast. We now know, for instance, some Switch 2 physical releases will just have a download key on the card - which isn't especially enouraging news for physical media fans.

Looks like Switch 2 is streamlining screenshot and video capture sharing

And for the avid screenshot sharers and gameplay clippers out there, it looks like Switch 2 could be streamlining screenshot and video capture sharing so it's less of a faff.

Switch 2's battery life is worse than the original Switch

Nintendo has confirmed the battery life for its upcoming console, the Switch 2.

Nintendo's next console will house a Lithium ion battery, with a battery capacity of 5220 mAh. Meanwhile, its battery life is "Approx. 2 - 6.5 hours". Nintendo notes this is just an "estimate" life span, and adds "the battery life will depend on the games you play and usage conditions". Charging time for the console, meanwhile, is approximately three hours while in sleep mode.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a Switch 2 launch title

Night City is coming to Nintendo, with the news that Cyberpunk 2077 will be a Switch 2 launch title.

Achievements can be earned in Switch 2 editions of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

Switch 2 editions of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will include a number of new features, including achievements.

Is Switch 2 actually cheaper than the original console cost in the UK, and what's the situation with Switch 2 pricing globally?

Judging by reactions online across the world, the cost of the Switch 2 and its software has proven to be controversial. But accounting for inflation, does the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle work out to be a better deal than the original Switch? What's more, how does that pricing compare with Europe, Japan, and the US?

The Moo Moo Meadows cow is the true star of Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct

There was plenty for us to pore over during yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, but there is one character in particular that has caught the hearts and minds of everyone who watched: Mario Kart World's cow on scooter.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now live at select UK retailers

Switch 2 pre-orders have gone live at select online retailers, here's where to buy the console, games and accessories.

Hands-on with Switch 2

Tom P got his hands on the Switch 2 yesterday, which means we have a bunch of new impressions for you. Take a look at his thoughts on the Switch 2 itself, plus detailed impressions of Mario Kart World. Oh, and what about Joy-Con drift on the new controllers?

Switch 2 in action on Nintendo Treehouse Live

Nintendo is broadcasting hands-on gameplay of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and more on the Nintendo Switch 2 from 3pm BST as part of Nintendo Treehouse. Catch the stream here or watch at the top of this article page.

The Mario Kart World gameplay demo on Treehouse is showing how you drive between the courses that take place in the game's open-world.

Marios's hat gets wet in the rain and so does the track. Driving from one course the next is actually pretty cool. You can see the next course in the distance as you approach it, then you seamlessly start racing on the course when you get there.

I was worried the courses in Mario Kart World would look sparse compared to Mario Kart 8, but they don't from what we've seen on the Treehouse gameplay. The driving from course to course scenery is less exciting visually, but the coruse areas themselves look great.

Free-roam in Mario Kart World lets you explore all over, inclduing the courses. What's not obvious yet is what you actually do in this mode, other than drive about. There's a Mario Kart World Direct in two weeks, so presumably there's a lot more to find out.

DK Bananza has a nice modern look, but also reminds me of classic N64 3D platformers.

DK's handslap move works as a kind of sonar so you can locate bananas hidden inside rock or in places that aren't visible. The frequent collection of bananas defintely gives the game a Mario Odyssey vibe, even if it's not really similar in terms of gameplay.

Digital Foundry on the Switch 2

If you've been waiting to hear what our resident tech experts from Digital Foundry think about the Switch 2 Direct, wait no more. DF's Switch 2 thoughts are now live.

Nintendo has said that the Joy-Con 2 used as a mouse will work fine on your trouser leg, and doesn't need a flat surface, but we'll see about that. Maybe that'll work for slower paced games, but I'm not convinced for first-person shooters.

Here's how Mario Kart World's Grand Prix and Free Roam modes work

Mario Kart World is going open world and in its Treehouse presentation, Nintendo showed how its Grand Prix and Free Roam modes will work.

Switch 2 Treehouse: Live viewers have very clear message for Nintendo

Just over an hour ago at the time of writing, Nintendo kicked off the first of its two Treehouse: Live presentations focusing on the Switch 2.

While the games are the main focal point of today's presentation, there is one comment that is dominating the live chat: "Drop the price."

What comes in the Switch 2 box

davidjalill says: The OG Switch came with a joycon grip so that when playing docked you could use the joycon as a single controller. It looks to me like this grip is now sold separately and isn't packed with the console - anyone else noticed this/can confirm?

This is what Nintendo states comes with every Switch 2 console:

• Nintendo Switch 2 console
• Joy-Con 2 (L) / (R)
• 2 x Joy-Con 2 straps
• Nintendo Switch 2 dock
• Joy-Con 2 grip
• Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter
• Ultra High Speed HDMI™ Cable
• Nintendo Switch 2 Important Information leaflet

Switch 2 game sizes revealed: how much internal storage will you need?

Nintendo has revealed the size of its Switch 2 games, so you can calculate how much storage is required and how quickly you'll fill up the 256GB of internal storage.

Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't actually run original Switch games natively

Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console doesn't actually run the original Switch's games natively, as the two hardwares are incompatible.

Nintendo is about to kick off its second Treehouse: Live stream

The second Switch 2 focused Treehouse: Live presentation is about to get going. You can watch along with us here.

Switch 2 LCD screen decision took "a lot of consideration"

It sounds like the decision to revert back to an LCD screen for Switch 2 wasn't an easy one for Nintendo. Switch 2 using LCD over OLED took "a lot of consideration", Nintendo said in a developer roundtable interview attended by Eurogamer.

Nintendo delays US Switch 2 pre-orders due to tariffs

Nintendo has taken the unprecedented decision to delay Switch 2 pre-orders in the US.

Switch 2 pre-order delay: Nintendo says no current impact to UK plans

Eurogamer has confirmed with Nintendo that there are no current plans to adjust the ongoing Switch 2 pre-order process here in the UK.

Here's how Kirby's being expanded for its Switch 2 release

Before this busy week of Nintendo news comes to an end, here's a closer look at the remixed and expanded worlds Nintendo's adding to the delightful Kirby and the Forgotten Land for its enhanced Switch 2 relase.