In precisely 4 weeks, we’re all going to know extra about Swap 2 – hopefully much more. Wednesday 2nd April is the day of Swap 2 Direct when Nintendo lifts the lid on its upcoming console and provides us a significantly better concept of what is in retailer past the preliminary reveal.
Will we get a launch date? Are there {hardware} secrets and techniques that have not leaked already? Are we going to see extra video games, perchance? What are you anticipating/hoping to see?
There is a ballot on the backside however first, over to Workforce NL for his or her predictions, expectations, and wildest wishes…
Banger after banger after banger (Ollie Reynolds, workers author)
I am hoping now that Nintendo has ditched the onstage occasions totally for clear, targeted Direct displays, it could possibly keep away from the pacing points that plagued the Swap showcase again in 2017. Granted, with the brand new mouse performance, extra USB-C slot, and mysterious new ‘C button’, there’s nonetheless going to be some technical explanations to sit down by means of, however I think it is going to be delivered in a way more entertaining, brisker method.
With the first-party video games, I am completely satisfied that our subsequent 3D Mario will characteristic a long-awaited correct team-up with Donkey Kong, and we’ll get our first glimpse of it. Splatoon 4 can even be introduced and can characteristic the sequence’ first large leap in graphical high quality and presentation. A correct deep dive into Mario Kart 9 is a given, however I sincerely hope Nintendo has extra up its sleeve. If there’s one showcase that is begging for that “one final thing” second, it is this one.
Third-party publishers must also get their second within the highlight with a mixture of ports and brand-new titles. I think there might be one thing Monster Hunter associated, and if it is not a Swap 2 unique, then it will be a Monster Hunter World: Iceborne port. Video games like Tekken 8, Lies of P, Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldur’s Gate 3 will characteristic in a blood-pumping montage sequence, whereas Microsoft would possibly shock us with that rumoured port of Halo: The Grasp Chief Assortment.
Lastly, we’ll get a roof-raising one-two punch of Hades II and Hole Knight: Silksong, each confirmed for day one. Growth.
Lengthy-awaited returns & cheese galore (Jim Norman, workers author)
I am going to get the boring sport expectations out of the way in which to start out. I believe a better take a look at Mario Kart 9 is assured, one thing gimmicky to showcase the console’s… uhh, gimmick might be within the launch lineup, and I might anticipate to see a ‘Swap 2 Sports activities’ too.
Not essentially the most thrilling slate, I am going to admit, however that is the place my larger picks are available in. I believe the Swap 2 Direct is the place we get our first take a look at a Star Fox, pleasing the Nintendo fanboys and showcasing the facility of the console with a Starfield-style “Look how we fly between planets with no loading screens!!” This might be the place we see a Zelda remaster, too. I am undecided whether or not it is the low-hanging Wind Waker or some candy visible improve on BOTW, however I am telling ya, it is taking place. Please.
Except for that, I am anticipating surprises — a minimum of, I am hoping for surprises. Present me the Swap 2 taking part in in vertical ‘Tate Mode’ on one thing apart from a shmup. Present me some type of community-focused characteristic that brings again a few of that 3DS appeal. Please, for the love of Hylia, inform me that I can use this console at a rooftop celebration or a basketball courtroom or an airport. I am anticipating cheese, lots of it, however hopefully that cheese is a bit more attention-grabbing than gentle, own-brand cheddar.
Swap it, flip it, cross it (Alana Hagues, deputy editor)
I really need Nintendo to go large with the Swap 2 Direct, particularly after these quieter months. Exterior of seeing the mice in motion, please present me what that different USB-C port is for. Some affirmation of upside-down play could be superb, but when it’s not for that, simply something. What does it do Nintendo?!
However I’m not one to get vastly excited over {hardware}, so I want video games. And extra video games than the brand new Mario Kart, too. Earlier than I begin fantasising, I might like to see some Swap 1 Nintendo video games operating on Swap 2, and for Nintendo to enter what truly modifications, if something. Present me Echoes of Knowledge operating persistently at 60fps or one thing. Give me a less-blurry take a look at Xenoblade Chronicles 3 in handheld. Will Swap 2 even enhance Swap 1 video games? I hope so.
Okay, however new video games, proper? Get the third events in. Sq. Enix can deliver Last Fantasy VII Remake to Swap 2, proper? Tango Gameworks can ship Hello-Fi Rush, no? From Software program placing Elden Ring on Swap 2? It is an apparent winner.
Nintendo additionally wants to come back out swinging with its first-party slate. And they’re going to. 3D Mario is a given — one thing wholly unique, not only a straight-up sequel to Odyssey. I do not suppose we’ll get a brand new Zelda title, however we could get a tease. And — prepare for this — a brand new Animal Crossing, coming in 2026. You heard it right here first.
And a launch date, you ask? I believe we’ll get one, and it will be coming in June or July this yr. Fingers crossed.
Some recent, clear, well-seasoned perspective (Gavin Lane, editor)
We’ll get a launch month quite than a particular date, I anticipate. I simply need to be dazzled by a few of that outdated Nintendo magic – which might be fairly a feat if the Direct does not go onerous on video games.
The {hardware} little doubt has an unleaked secret or two hidden inside, and I am itching to see how ‘Mouse Mode’ is applied, however as a widely known amount (a extra highly effective Swap, innit), it is the video games which have to do the speaking. With the Swap 2 Experiences coming shortly after, you’d hope that Nintendo has extra up its sleeve than ‘simply’ the brand new Mario Kart (which we have actually solely glimpsed), too.
Do not get me flawed – I am trying ahead to seeing ‘MK9’ once more and getting a deeper dive on the {hardware}. However now’s the time to shock everybody with new IP, new concepts, one thing recent that solely Nintendo might/would serve up! That is what I am craving.
Which might go properly with a bottle of Rhythm Heaven.
We admire the synergy of the Swap 2 / April 2nd factor, however Nintendo has let Swap 2sday slip by means of its fingers! If it is adequate for Sonic…, truly, let’s not proceed that practice of thought. And hey, Nintendo might nonetheless launch the system on a Tuesday, proper?
However what are you anticipating? 4 minutes 4 seconds of Diana Ross’ 1980 basic Upside Down performed whereas attractive rendered footage rolls of a Swap 2 being repeatedly docked, undocked, rotated 180 levels, and docked once more by way of the highest USB-C slot? Use the ballot and the feedback to tell us your dearest hopes, wildest desires, and deepest fears. (All Swap 2-related, natch.)
Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 earlier than becoming a member of the location full-time the next yr, rising by means of the ranks to develop into Editor. He can at present be discovered squashed beneath a Swap backlog the scale of Normandy.
