Nintendo held its Direct Event on April 2nd, 2025, at 2pm UK time on its official YouTube channel. It was a one-hour event focused on the upcoming Nintendo Switch, as well as additional accessories and video games.
Related blog: Xbox Handheld Vs Nintendo Switch 2 Comparison
What is Mario Kart World?
The event began revealing Nintendo's latest Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World which will be released April 17th, 2025. The name of this video game came as quite a surprise because many fans were expecting a standard game name of Mario Kart 9. In the game, racers can travel around different locations with different weather conditions. Besides racing, a new feature has also been added, simply called Free Roaming, where gamers can explore different racetracks and levels without a time limit. Another new feature we are interested in is called 'Knock Out Tour', which is one long race and each lap the players in the final couple positions are eliminated, it's a great concept if you want to continually race but still want that competitive factor. The final big change with this Mario Kart game (although already speculated) is that the number of racers in one game has changed from 12 players to 24!
What accessories were revealed?
Next up, we heard about some random accessories and added features coming to the Switch 2. Firstly, was the Switch 2 camera, which we'll discuss further on in the blog.
Next up, it was revealed that a paid, digital game would be released called Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a 'game' much like the PlayStations 'Astros Playroom' that allows gamers to get an understanding of the controls and buttons on the new Joycon 2. The only thing about this 'game' that we don't quite understand is why do we have to pay for it? Surely it's easier to search online how the controllers work rather than purchasing a game guide?
And finally, we heard about the iconic Nintendo Game Cube making a return. For the Switch 2, if players sign up for a monthly online subscription, they'll receive a series of special games including Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II and F-Zero GX. Anyone who does also subscribe receives a special edition Nintendo Game Cube controller, similar to the 2001 edition!
Will Switch 2 Joy-Cons be a mouse?
Nintendo Direct quickly moved onto it's main feature, the Switch 2 console, beginning with the Switch 2 controllers. Named the Joycon 2, we finally got an understanding of that infamous 'C Button' that has been caught up in rumour after rumour. It was revealed that the C Button is a Gamechat button, allowing gamers to interact with each other by talking/gaming together. Pressing the C Button pulls up the chat menu, gamers can then communicate whilst playing games, enable voice recognition, share their screen whilst gaming, expand other players screens and much more! It's important to note however that an online membership is needed when using Gamechat.
Nintendo also mentioned that, like with the Switch, they would be releasing a Switch Pro controller, which offers a C Button and Gamechat!
Another infamous rumour, Mouse Mode, was also mentioned by Nintendo Direct. In the official reveal in January, it was hinted that the Joycon 2 controllers could be used as a mouse, and this has proved to be true. When playing mini-games like min golf and puzzle games, the mouse feature can be used to get more intricate gameplay and controls.
Will Switch 2 be as powerful as PS5?
And now let's get onto the main event, the Switch 2 console. The Switch 2 will be released on June 5th 2025 for £395.99. The console offers a 7.9" vivid LCD display that supports HDR and offers 120fps for smoother gameplay. Like the original Switch, the Switch 2 has the same thickness measuring 13.9mm.
The Joycon 2 controllers attach magnetically to the console, released by pressing a release button and the top and bottom of the console both have USB ports. You may be wondering why? Well, the Nintendo Switch 2 camera we mentioned earlier can plug into the top of the console, so when you play in Gamechat mode, you can capture your reactions with your friends. Obviously the bottom USB port is for standard charging.
Further features:
- Built-in stand
- 256GB storage
- Red SD card design
- Backwards compatible
- 3D audio
Related blog: Having Trouble With Your Nintendo Controller
Conclusion:
We also found further information on the upcoming Switch 2 video games. But we'll have further details on these games when their release dates get closer. Until then, what do you think of the Switch 2? We think it certainly has great potential and some of the added features are definitely worth the wait!
If you'd like any further information regarding the Switch 2 or want live updates as we release them, make sure to head on over to our social media pages!
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