10 Most Surprising Switch 2 Direct Reveals

The April 2, 2025 Switch 2 Direct was packed with game unveilings and details about the upgraded Switch 2 console, most of which had been a secret until their official announcement during this event. While we received additional info on some previously known games, there were numerous unexpected revelations about the Switch 2 that took gamers by surprise.

The Switch 2 Direct presentation unveiled a host of exciting updates, including a fresh title from FromSoftware, a potential successor to Kirby Air Ride, the intriguing functions of the Switch 2 Joycon’s optical sensor and C button, and even a hint about Hollow Knight Silksong – it seemed like there was an endless stream of big announcements. Here are some of the most intriguing new details and surprising games that were introduced during the Switch 2 Direct presentation.

10. The Switch 2 C Button Is For GameChat…

A New Group & Communication Service From Nintendo

For several months, gamers have been curious about the purpose of the new C button on the right-hand Joycon. It has now been revealed that this button serves as a gateway to Nintendo’s novel communications service, GameChat. This feature allows for group voice chat within games and screen share functionality, making it seem like you’re all playing together in the same room. Remarkably, this new service supports groups of up to 12 individuals.

With the latest Switch 2 USB Camera, both the C button on Switch 2 and GameChat functionality will now be compatible. This camera allows players to have a shared visual experience during gameplay, effectively removing the background as if you were using a green screen.

Many people had various ideas about the purpose of the Switch 2’s C button, but it wasn’t widely anticipated that it would be linked to a proprietary chat feature similar to Discord.

9. …And The Joycons Have PC Mouse Capabilities

Many Switch 2 Games Can Use Joycon Mouse Functionality

Though it had been speculated that the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons might incorporate an optical sensor since their unveiling, the ability to use them as a mouse remained a hypothesis – until now, when the unexpected reveal of the Switch 2 confirmed this functionality.

Indeed, they provided a detailed explanation about the various capabilities of the new Joycons when used with their enhanced mouse function, even showcasing multiple games that stand to gain from precise cursor movements.

An update for Mario Party Jamboree is going to utilize the latest capabilities of the Joycon mouse, introducing fresh minigames. Meanwhile, the long-awaited first-person shooter game, Metroid Prime 4, will offer precise aiming in first person, leveraging another innovative feature added to these iconic Nintendo Switch controllers. This is just one more enhancement among many for these well-known Joycon controllers.

8. Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour

A Paid Overview Of The New Switch 2 Console

  • Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour Release Date:

New gaming consoles usually come with a starter game designed to familiarize players with the system’s fundamental controls and features. This introductory game is often set in a distinctive world tailored to showcase the console’s unique capabilities.

The PlayStation 5 initially included the highly praised platformer, “Astro’s Playroom,” which later became the TGA 2024 Game of the Year, “Astrobot.” On the other hand, the Steam Deck is capable of running “Desk Job,” an introduction to Valve’s innovative handheld PC gaming experience that carries Aperture Science and Portal-inspired themes.

It appears that the “Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour” resembles its accompanying games in certain aspects, but there’s an important distinction. Unlike the initial Nintendo Switch titles which come bundled with the console, the “Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour” is a separately purchased game that does not come included with the console. If you’re interested in exploring the specifications of the Switch 2 hardware, this game could be worth investigating.

7. Drag x Drive

An Extreme 3v3 Wheelchair Basketball Game

  • Drag x Drive Release Date: Summer 2025

Among the initial titles unveiled during the Switch 2 Direct presentation was “Drag x Drive”, a sports game where you maneuver your in-game wheelchair using the new mouse functionality of the Switch 2 Joycons. Specifically, the right Joycon is responsible for spinning the right wheel, while the left Joycon controls the rotation of the left wheel.

This game appears quite unique and unlike any sports game we’ve encountered so far. However, if I were to draw a comparison, it might resemble Rocket League the most.

6. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Silksong Mentioned – But Only For About Five Seconds

  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date: 2025

There’s hardly a game as eagerly anticipated as Hollow Knight Silksong, given its long-awaited updates and missed release dates in the past. Fans are now starving for any fresh news about it. As per the Switch 2 Direct, it appears that we can expect Silksong to drop this year.

It’s hard to comprehend, but the only glimpse we got of “Silksong” was a few seconds in a compilation trailer showcasing numerous games coming to the Switch 2. In that brief moment, “Silksong” was unveiled as slated for release in 2025. Given the long period without significant updates, fans of “Silksong” weren’t anticipating any news, let alone a specific release date, for this much-awaited sequel.

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5. Deltarune Chapters 3+4

The Next Two Chapters Of Deltarune, Released At The Same Time

  • Deltarune Chapters 3+4 Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Switch 2 launch title)

Over the past few years, Toby Fox, the mind behind the hit game Undertale, has been gradually sharing segments of his upcoming title, Deltarune. This much-anticipated game has garnered a strong following among dedicated fans. However, up until now, players could only experience Chapters 1 and 2.

As a thrilled fan, I can’t contain my excitement after witnessing the unexpected reveal during the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2! A charming figure in a Toby Fox dog costume unveiled not just Deltarune Chapter 3, but also hinted at Deltarune Chapter 4. This stunning surprise has left gamers buzzing with anticipation, as we’ve been given more than we dared to hope for. However, we must remember that the epic journey won’t be fully complete until the enigmatic Deltarune Chapter 5 makes its appearance at an as-yet undisclosed date.

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4. Mario Kart World Will Be Open-World

The Crew Meets Mario Kart In An Open-World Setting

  • Mario Kart World Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Switch 2 launch title)

I got a sneak peek at the upcoming Mario Kart title during the unveiling of the Switch 2, but what they showed didn’t reveal the game’s name or its open-world aspect.

It’s been revealed that the upcoming game, Mario Kart World, will follow an open-world structure similar to games like The Crew. Essentially, this means it’s a new twist on the classic Mario Kart concept. This seems like a logical step forward for the series, and Mario Kart World will be included in a special bundle for the Switch 2, which comes with a digital copy of the game.

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3. Kirby Air Riders

The Air Ride Sequel We Didn’t Know We Needed

  • Kirby Air Ride Release Date: 2025

One surprise title that came up during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was none other than “Kirby Air Riders,” a highly anticipated sequel to the GameCube cult favorite “Kirby Air Ride.” Developed by Masahiro Sakurai, the creative force behind Kirby and notably, the Super Smash Bros. series, “Kirby Air Riders” aims to modernize the original game’s thrilling, high-speed races.

Despite the unexpectedness of introducing a racing game like Kirby Air Riders alongside Mario Kart World in the same Nintendo Direct, dedicated Kirby enthusiasts are bound to enjoy this revival of a long-slumbering series.

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2. The Duskbloods

FromSoftware’s Switch 2 Exclusive That’s Totally Not Bloodborne 2

  • The Duskbloods Release Date: 2026

As a diehard fan, I must confess that the most jaw-dropping unveil during the Switch 2 Direct was none other than “The Duskbloods”, an entirely novel IP by FromSoftware, exclusively available on the Switch 2. Contrary to some speculations suggesting it as a spiritual sequel to Bloodborne, The Duskbloods appears to be a PvPvE multiplayer game, seeming to trace its steps closer to Elden Ring: Nightreign rather than FromSoft’s traditional single-player titles.

The upcoming video game is expected to hit the market in 2026, with Hidetaka Miyazaki taking charge as its director. Details about this latest project from FromSoftware are scarce at the moment, but given their past successes, it’s plausible that

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1. Donkey Kong Bananza

Otherwise Known As Donkey Kong 65

  • Donkey Kong Bananza Release Date: July 17, 2025

The recently unveiled title during the Switch 2 presentation took everyone by surprise. At first glance, it appeared to be a potential new 3D Mario game, but upon closer inspection, players quickly realized that it was actually a fresh Donkey Kong game. The giveaways were the bananas, monkeys, and a massive ape violently breaking through a barricaded mine shaft.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a true 3D platformer featuring Donkey Kong, and Donkey Kong Bananza appears to be following in the footsteps of the beloved cult classic Donkey Kong 64 from Nintendo 64 – the trailer even includes DK saying “ooh, banana”.

Among the many exciting unveilings in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, one particularly surprising fact stands out: it’s been quite some time since we last had a solo, fully-fledged Donkey Kong game as our protagonist. So, discovering a new title featuring this iconic character is not just unexpected but potentially very successful.

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2025-04-03 01:53