Summary
- Despite accurate predictions of the new games announced for the Switch 2, I was still left feeling underwhelmed by the whole of Nintendo’s showing.
- The original Switch’s reveal presentation showcased a vision of the future, while the Switch 2’s felt stuck in the present.
- This is only the beginning of the Switch’s lifecycle, and over time the system will likely differentiate itself from the original Switch.
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 that a few predictions out of ten would hit, the ones that did weren’t the ones I most expected.
Donkey Kong’s new design in Mario Kart World unsurprisingly foreshadowed his new platformer Donkey Kong Bananza, yet I didn’t anticipate it being a stand-in for classic 3D Mario platforming. 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 3D Mario classics.
3D Kirby also saw a return in two ways: new levels added to the Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and the fan-desired racing sequel Kirby Air Riders, which franchise creator Masahiro Sakurai has returned to direct. I had figured Sakurai was teasing out a new Kid Icarus: Uprising remaster 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 Crossing didn’t have a presence here beyond backwards compatibility, though the return of Tomodachi Life as unveiled in the Nintendo Direct last week fills this gap. Its trailer even inadvertently fooled people into thinking it was Animal Crossing from its opening shots. I imagine Nintendo hopes the social game will tide over Animal Crossing fans until the Switch 2 gets its own entry. Personally, I wish it was the Switch 2’s GameChat lobby.
We also got some Zelda action with The Wind Waker’s inclusion in the new GameCube emulator app for Nintendo Switch Online. Switch 2 Editions that enhance the visuals and performance of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were 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 that Breath of the Wild is essentially a launch game again, at least.
I’m Surprised These Didn’t Happen
I get that Nintendo wouldn’t want to overshadow Donkey Kong Bananza with a new 3D Mario game. What I don’t get is the lack of a Switch 2 upgrade (paid or otherwise) adding mouse support to Super 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 that Super Mario Maker 3 is in the pipeline and plans to tout mouse mode as one of its major features.
Related
7 Switch Games That Are Crying Out for Mouse Support
Games should be playable anywhere, anyhow, and in any way.
Ring Fit Adventure was a game I was sure would have a presence, either with a sequel or a version of its Pilates ring peripheral to 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 both Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles studio Monolith Soft being absent outside of confirmation that Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance will be added to the GameCube emulator at a later date. I still think we’ll see more Fire Emblem representation in the near future, though. I was also hoping the recently released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition would 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, particularly Mario 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 a Mario Kart they love that they bought at a reasonable price, they think Super Mario Odyssey is optically similar to Donkey Kong Bananza, and there are already two Hyrule Warriors games available that won’t play or look much different than the new Zelda musou entry. Also, while the 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 the paid 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 playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the original Switch. Sure, Mario Kart World looks like it pushes the franchise forward, but it’s also aping the Forza Horizon series 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 of Rhythm Heaven and Tomodachi Life. I’m not going to front like I’m more excited about those games (though, with Rhythm 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-world Zelda and journeying through a return-to-form 3D Mario game 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’s new mode that incorporates live video into gameplay seems impressive, and you can bet I’ll be using mouse controls when playing Metroid 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 for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond running 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: anything Fire Emblem and 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 in Mario Kart World, so actually I take it all back, the future is here.
