New video game hardware announcements can often feel predictable. With each new console generation, we anticipate staples like enhanced graphics, quicker load times, and fresh iterations of beloved franchises, such as those featuring a certain plumber and his turtle nemeses.

Nintendo, renowned for its consistent innovation across generations—from the N64's analog controller to the tiny GameCube discs, the Wii's motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U's tablet screen, and the Switch's inherent portability—continues this tradition with the Switch 2.

True to form, Nintendo introduced several surprising features during the Switch 2 Direct.

It's 2025 and We Finally Get Online Play

As a lifelong Nintendo fan since my earliest memories in 1983, when I would mimic Mario's adventures by jumping over rolling footballs and smashing them with a toy hammer, I approach this reveal with a mix of excitement and long-held frustration. Nintendo's history with online play has been less than stellar, often lacking the seamless multiplayer experiences offered by competitors like Sony and Xbox. Even the original Switch required a separate app for voice chat.

But change is on the horizon. The Direct introduced GameChat, a promising four-player chat system that includes noise suppression, video capabilities, and screen sharing across consoles. This feature allows you to monitor up to four different displays simultaneously. Moreover, GameChat supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, enhancing accessibility and communication options for players. While we haven't seen details on a unified matchmaking system yet, this is a significant leap forward, hopefully signaling the end of the cumbersome friend code system.

Miyazaki is Bringing New Blood Exclusively to Nintendo

The trailer for "The Duskbloods" initially fooled me into thinking it was a sequel to Bloodborne. The unmistakable style of FROM Software, led by Hidetaka Miyazaki, was evident in the ambiance, character design, and environments. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I learned that this is a new multiplayer PvPvE game exclusive to Nintendo. It's astonishing that Miyazaki found time to direct this amidst his other projects. Given FROM Software's track record, "The Duskbloods" is poised to be a compelling addition to the Switch 2 lineup.

A Surprise to Be Sure, But a Welcome One

Another unexpected announcement was Masuhiro Sakurai's shift from Super Smash Bros. to a new Kirby game. The original Kirby's Air Ride for GameCube was visually appealing but lacked excitement. However, Sakurai's deep connection with Kirby suggests this new title will be a more refined and enjoyable experience.

Control Issues

A seemingly minor detail turned out to be a delightful surprise: the Pro Controller 2 now features an audio jack and two mappable extra buttons. These additions, arriving a decade later than expected, are genuinely welcome enhancements, especially for fans of customizable controls.

No Mario?!

Perhaps the most shocking revelation was the absence of a new Mario game. Instead, the team behind Odyssey is working on "Donkey Kong Bananza," a 3D platformer with destructible environments. This move showcases Nintendo's willingness to defy expectations, trusting that fans will rally around Donkey Kong's biggest game in years while saving Mario for a future release.

The Switch 2 will launch with robust third-party support and "Mario Kart World," a system-seller that might have been expected as a holiday release. Nintendo's confidence in Mario Kart 8's sales success suggests that "Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza" will be enough to drive initial Switch 2 sales.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo Was Not on My Bingo Card

An open-world Mario Kart game is a surprising addition to the lineup. The chaotic physics, unique vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart seem well-suited for an expansive world, reminiscent of Bowser's Fury but on a larger scale, accommodating multiple drivers.

It's Very Expensive

The Switch 2's price tag of $449.99 USD is a significant jump from its predecessors, marking it as the most expensive launch in Nintendo's history in the US. With a $150 increase over the original Switch and $100 more than the Wii U, the Switch 2 enters the market without the traditional price advantage that has often been a key differentiator for Nintendo's consoles and handhelds. This bold pricing strategy will be crucial to monitor as it challenges the company's historical approach to market positioning.