Unveiling Nintendo Switch 2: Key Features and Game Lineup from Nintendo Direct

**Full Broadcast Record**

As promised, today the team at **Nintendo** hosted a one-hour presentation of **Nintendo Direct**, focusing entirely on the Switch 2 console and its launch lineup of games.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit the shelves on June 5th, priced at $449.99. Alongside the primary console, additional accessories like web cameras and controllers will also be released.

Let’s take a closer look at what was unveiled during the broadcast:

The presentation kicked off with an exciting announcement for a new installment in the **Mario Kart** series. The upcoming title, **Mario Kart World**, will feature classic racing across a variety of tracks, boasting a vast roster of playable characters.

Gamer experience is set to evolve with the introduction of non-linear tracks, enabling players to leave the designated paths and freely explore an open world. Additionally, users can participate in mega races, merging multiple levels from different areas of the map into one grand course.

**Mario Kart World** will launch simultaneously with the Switch 2, so players can look forward to it on June 5th. More detailed information about the game will be revealed in a dedicated Mario Kart World Direct scheduled for April 17th at 4 PM Moscow time.

Since the initial announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have speculated about the mysterious C button on the right Joy-Con. It has now been confirmed that the button activates a built-in game chat feature similar to Discord.

Pressing this button activates the console’s noise-canceling microphone, allowing gamers to communicate freely with friends and family while playing. The chat functionality is not limited to voice, enabling users to stream their gameplay in real-time. All participants can stream different games to each other simultaneously or use the chat for cooperative play in a single game.

Alongside the console, **Nintendo** will also release a special web camera designed for the Switch 2, fully integrated into the gaming chat feature. An active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required to utilize the chat, but there will be a free trial available until March 31, 2026, allowing everyone to experience the new features without any additional cost.

On the Nintendo Switch, players can share a Joy-Con with a friend for cooperative play, while the Switch 2 will support multiplayer across several consoles. Users can share their game copy with up to three friends, not limiting this feature to just the Switch 2 as it will also work with the original Switch and Switch Lite.

Initially, Nintendo Game Share will be available for select supported games, including titles such as **Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker**, **Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury**, **Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics**, **Super Mario Odyssey**, and **Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain**. This feature will later be extended to future select titles exclusive to the Switch 2.

To vividly demonstrate the console’s new features, **Nintendo** prepared an exclusive game called Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour, which allows players to explore the console’s functionalities directly within a virtual version of the Switch 2.

Gamers will have the freedom to investigate the console thoroughly and understand its key elements and how they work. **Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour** will be available for sale on June 5, coinciding with the console’s release.

Upon the console’s launch, gamers can expect three types of available games:

To illustrate the last category, the developers showcased gameplay trailers for several upgraded versions of previous-generation games that will also launch alongside the console, including:

**Super Mario Party Jamboree** — Featuring additional mini-games that utilize Switch 2’s new features like the gaming chat with microphone and webcam, as well as utilizing the Joy-Con as a mouse. This updated version will be available on July 7.

**The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild** and **The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom** — The remasters will feature enhanced resolution, increased frame rates, and HDR support. Additionally, a new Zelda Notes section will appear in the Nintendo Switch App, incorporating additional gameplay mechanics like map orientation and structure scanning that can be shared with friends.

**Kirby and the Forgotten Land** — This game will not only have improved graphics and performance but also an additional story arc exclusive to the Switch 2.

**Metroid Prime 4: Beyond** — On Switch 2, the game will support an alternative control scheme using the Joy-Con as an improvised mouse, enhancing shooting mechanics. It will be playable in both «quality» and «performance» modes on the new console.

**Pokémon Legends: Z-A** — The version for Nintendo Switch 2 will boast improved resolution and frame rates.

Unfortunately, the upgrades will not be free for owners of the original versions, meaning interested players will have to pay to access the enhancements.

In addition to the updated titles, **Nintendo** introduced several new games, including both original and ports of existing titles:

**Drag x Drive** — An improvised basketball game featuring robots on wheelchairs. Players will need to use both Joy-Cons in a mouse mode to control their characters. The game is scheduled for release this summer without a specific launch date.

**Elden Ring** — The acclaimed action RPG from **FromSoftware** will officially be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 sometime this year, with the exact date still unconfirmed.

**Hades II** — The sequel to the stylish roguelike from **Supergiant Games** is set to leave early access soon and will be launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 as well, yet no specific release date has been provided.

**Street Fighter 6** — Capcom’s latest flagship fighting game will be available on the new platform from the Switch 2’s launch on June 5. The port will support the console’s gameplay features, including amiibo figures for unlocking additional fighters.

**Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion** — The sequel to the fast-paced mech action game will be released on September 5 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

**Split Fiction** — A critically acclaimed cooperative hit from **Hazelight Studios** will be available on Switch 2 right at the console’s launch. Following the announcement, team members from **Electronic Arts** informed that their sports games, including **FC** and **Madden NFL**, will also be coming to the Switch 2.

**Hogwarts Legacy** — The popular action RPG set in the Harry Potter universe by Avalanche Software will have a new version for Switch 2 when the console launches.

**Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4** — A combined remake of the third and fourth installments from the iconic skating saga will also be targeting the Switch 2. The game launches on July 11 on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and the original Switch without Russian localization.

**Hitman: World of Assassination** — The combined trilogy of modern stealth-action games from **Hitman** will be available on Switch 2 at launch. Additionally, the developers at **IO Interactive** revealed that their future James Bond game, **Project 007**, will also release on the new Nintendo console, with no specific date yet announced.

**Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster** — A remastered version of the classic JRPG from **Square Enix** will launch for Switch 2 alongside the console. This remaster offers enhanced graphics and new gameplay features.

**Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut** — This year marks the 10th anniversary of the renowned **Yakuza 0**. In celebration, developers from **Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio** have announced an expanded edition featuring new cutscenes, localizations, English voiceovers, and a new online mode for four players with 60 unlockable characters. The release of the remaster will coincide with Switch 2’s launch.

**Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment** — **Koei Tecmo Games** revealed a new spin-off related to the last two **Legend of Zelda** entries. Like other titles in the **Warriors** series, this new game will adopt the musou genre with hundreds of enemies to defeat. Following the format of its predecessor, **Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity**, the sequel’s events will lead up to the storyline of **Breath of The Wild**, featuring characters from Hyrule, including Princess Zelda herself. **Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment** will release this winter exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

**Deltarune** — Creator **Toby Fox** finally announced the release date for the third and fourth chapters of **Deltarune**. They will be available on June 5, coinciding with the console’s launch, when the game will become paid.

**Borderlands 4** — The fourth installment of the beloved **Borderlands** series is also confirmed for Switch 2, set to release on September 23 with Russian language localization. It’s also planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series.

**Sid Meier’s Civilization VII** — Despite mixed reception on older platforms, **Firaxis Games** is determined to engage a new audience with the Switch 2 release. The strategy game will be available on the hybrid console starting June 5. Owners of the game on the original Switch will need to pay for the update. Towards the end, representatives from **2K** confirmed that sports games from the **WWE** and **NBA** series will be released on Switch 2 as well.

**Survival Kids** — Another title for fans of cooperative mini-games featuring puzzles is set to launch on June 5 alongside the new console.

**Enter the Gungeon 2** — The 3D sequel to the cult roguelike from **Dodge Roll** is scheduled for release in 2026, currently confirmed only for PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

**STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions** — This new sci-fi action game set in the **Astroneer** universe from **System Era Softworks** offers players a cooperative sandbox experience focused on developing a research base on a dangerous planet. It will be released in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

**Cyberpunk 2077** — The complete edition of the revamped RPG from **CD Projekt RED** will be available to owners of the new console on launch day.

**Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade** — The first part of the beloved Final Fantasy VII trilogy remakes will launch on Switch 2 alongside its Yuffie expansion, though a specific release date has not been disclosed.

**The Duskbloods** — Possibly the most surprising announcement, this new multiplayer game from **FromSoftware** with PvPvE gameplay is expected to release in 2026 exclusively for Switch 2.

**Kirby Air Riders** — A new adventure starring the lovable Kirby is based on the classic racing action game **Kirby Air Ride** from the GameCube era. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, who previously developed the **Super Smash Bros** series, **Kirby Air Riders** will debut this year exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

**Donkey Kong Bananza** — The legendary Donkey Kong is back, and this time, it’s not a remaster but a brand new title. **Donkey Kong Bananza** is a 3D platformer featuring a detailed destruction system, set to release exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17.

To conclude the presentation, a brief list of titles that did not receive individual trailers was shown. Among them:

A new online subscription exclusively for Switch 2 will offer an expanded catalog of classic Nintendo games from the GameCube era.

Specifically, at the launch of the new console, subscribers will have access to **The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker**, **Soulcalibur II**, and **F-Zero GX**. Cooperative games will feature the online capabilities mentioned earlier for Switch 2, alongside enhanced resolution and customizable controls.

Additionally, a new GameCube-style controller will be available alongside the rollout of the expanded subscription.

That wraps up everything shared during the recent presentation.