Summary
In January, I wrote an article predicting 10 games we’d see in the Nintendo Switch 2’s first year. I was surprised about how many of these showed up during the console’s reveal presentation, yet it’s that same reason that’s left me feeling disappointed.
I Got These Predictions Correct
While it’s likely thata few predictions out of tenwould hit, the ones that did weren’t the ones I most expected.
Donkey Kong’s new design inMario Kart Worldunsurprisingly foreshadowed his new platformerDonkey Kong Bananza, yet I didn’t anticipate it being a stand-in for classic 3DMarioplatforming. The ape looks more expressive and nimbler than ever, giving him a youthful anime appeal that I’m digging more than I expected. His ability to smoothly move through levels with platforming maneuvers is straight out of the plumber’s playbook. My only hope is that the game is given a gameplay identity that separates it from the 3DMarioclassics.
3DKirbyalso saw a return in two ways: new levels added to theSwitch 2 EditionofKirby and the Forgotten Land, and the fan-desired racing sequelKirby Air Riders,which franchise creator Masahiro Sakurai has returned to direct. I had figured Sakurai was teasing out a newKid Icarus: Uprisingremaster or sequel given his various hints, and while I’d have personally preferred that, this sequel is a dream come true for many people.
Animal Crossingdidn’t have a presence here beyond backwards compatibility, though the return ofTomodachi Life asunveiled inthe Nintendo Direct last weekfills this gap. Its trailer even inadvertently fooled people into thinking it wasAnimal Crossingfrom its opening shots. I imagine Nintendo hopes the social game will tide overAnimal Crossingfans until the Switch 2 gets its own entry. Personally, I wish it was the Switch 2’sGameChatlobby.
We also got someZeldaaction withThe Wind Waker’sinclusion in the newGameCube emulator app for Nintendo Switch Online. Switch 2 Editions that enhance the visuals and performance ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomwere also announced, though there’s no new content added, unlike other games in the pay-to-upgrade “Switch 2 Editions” series. It’s a little funny thatBreath of the Wildis essentially a launch game again, at least.
I’m Surprised These Didn’t Happen
I get that Nintendo wouldn’t want to overshadowDonkey Kong Bananzawith a new 3DMariogame. What I don’t get is the lack of a Switch 2 upgrade (paid or otherwise) addingmouse supporttoSuper Mario Maker 2. It’s the single most obvious candidate for that feature and could’ve helped Nintendo drive home why people should be excited about an optical sensor being added to the Joy-Con 2. Perhaps its absence indicates thatSuper Mario Maker 3is in the pipeline and plans to tout mouse mode as one of its major features.
Ring Fit Adventurewas a game I was sure would have a presence, either with a sequel or a version of itsPilates ring peripheralto fit the bigger and magnetic Joy-Con 2. While it may seem trivial given that the original Joy-Cons can still wirelessly connect to the Switch 2, many people will trade in their old systems to help cover the cost of this new one or find it a hassle to keep the old controllers charged.
My first-party RPG hopes were also dashed, with bothFire EmblemandXenoblade Chroniclesstudio Monolith Soft being absent outside of confirmation thatFire Emblem: Path of Radiancewill be added to the GameCube emulator at a later date. I still think we’ll see moreFire Emblemrepresentation in the near future, though. I was also hoping the recently releasedXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Editionwould get a Switch 2 performance boost, though since it appears Nintendo is only choosing a select few titles for paid upgrades, it seems unlikely.
Why I Still Walked Away Disappointed
While I’m plenty happy with the new games Nintendo showed, my excitement was waning by the time the presentation ended. The new games look impressive, particularlyMario Kart World, but there wasn’t a boundary-pushing showstopper here that laid out a vision of the future (at least that we weren’t aware of).
Nintendo is selling the Switch 2 for $449.99 with games costing up to a kinda wild $80. While I’ll begrudgingly shell out for that excessive new game price, I imagine it’ll be a factor as to why your average Switch owner won’t see the value in upgrading.
They already have aMario Kartthey love that they bought at a reasonable price, they thinkSuper Mario Odysseyis optically similar toDonkey Kong Bananza, and there are already twoHyrule Warriorsgames available that won’t play or look much different than the newZeldamusouentry. Also, whilethe new social features available through GameChat are compelling, I’m not sure if it’ll be enough to snatch people away from Discord calls.
Personally, I’m a die-hard fan who will play virtually every new game Nintendo announced, even thepaid system tutorial(just why?). However, if I remove the fact that I need to own one for work, this lineup wouldn’t make the case that I need the Switch 2 day one. There’s no killer app like the revelation of playingThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildon the original Switch. Sure,Mario Kart Worldlooks like it pushes the franchise forward, but it’s also aping theForza Horizonseries that I’ve already played my fair share of.
I couldn’t tell you what exactly I needed to see that would’ve made the Switch 2 something I couldn’t live without rather than something I generally want. It’s the surprise–the x-factor–that drives that feeling. If I’m being honest, the Direct preceding this had a bit of that with the unlikely return ofRhythm HeavenandTomodachi Life. I’m not going to front like I’m more excited about those games (though, withRhythm Heaven, maybe I actually am), but they still surprised me in ways the main event couldn’t.
I know Nintendo doesn’t like to announce games early these days, but one or two announcements of 2026 heavy hitters would’ve gone a long way toward building intrigue. Yet instead of feeling invested in the console’s future, I instead see it as safe and expected.
I’m Not Seeing the Future
Nintendo had a lot to prove with the original Nintendo Switch, and the live presentation where it showcased that hardware and its games presented a vivid vision of my gaming future. Over the next year, I knew I’d be exploring the first open-worldZeldaand journeying through a return-to-form 3DMariogame bursting with creative flair. It helped that the hybrid concept was itself an exciting and original prospect, which on its own changed not only the games I play but how I play them.
This time around, I was still impressed with the hardware updates.Super Mario Party Jamboree’snew mode that incorporates live video into gameplay seems impressive, and you can bet I’ll be using mouse controls when playingMetroid Prime 4: Beyond. If I’m being real, though,using a mouse is hardly a step forward for gaming. I’m hoping Nintendo proves me wrong, but with the game lineup they showed, I’m not seeing that future.
As things stand, I’m staring down the barrel of a $449.99 console that will play expensive games which appear like they could’ve existed on my current Switch at a lower fidelity. Sure, I’m pumped forMetroid Prime 4: Beyondrunning at 60 FPS in 4K, but that was the same underwhelming sales pitch the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S offered.
I’m sure that the Switch 2 will be an amazing console throughout its lifespan. I’m not concerned that Nintendo won’t make great games. I’m just disappointed what it has to show with its front foot forward looks like its back foot.
Granted, this Direct only showed what Nintendo has cooking for 2025, with no glimpses beyond this half year. In fact, enough gaps are left that it’s probable they’re saving a holiday season surprise or three for later Nintendo Directs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more of my predictions come to fruition before June of next year. (Hint, hint, Nintendo: anythingFire Emblemand whatever Monolith Soft is working on are the ones I want.)
I fully expect that my excitement for the Switch 2 will build as it comes time to play it myself. The June 5th release is only two months off, so we don’t need to wait long. Less time than we waited between the teaser and this presentation, in fact!
Also, you can play as the Moo Moo Meadows cow inMario Kart World,so actually I take it all back, the future is here.
