A number of weeks again, we gathered our ideas and put down in phrases what we on Staff NL predict from the upcoming Swap 2 Direct. We’re mere days away from the presentation now, so we’re republishing this text, up to date with our beautiful video crew’s hopes and goals above. Take pleasure in!
In precisely 4 weeks, we’re all going to know extra about Swap 2 – hopefully a lot extra. Wednesday 2nd April is the day of Swap 2 Direct when Nintendo lifts the lid on its upcoming console and offers us a a lot better thought 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 Staff NL for his or her predictions, expectations, and wildest wishes…
Banger after banger after banger (Ollie Reynolds, employees author)
I am hoping now that Nintendo has ditched the onstage occasions completely for clear, targeted Direct displays, it may 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 take a seat via, however I believe it will likely 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 function a long-awaited correct team-up with Donkey Kong, and we’ll get our first glimpse of it. Splatoon 4 may also be introduced and can function the collection’ first huge 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 believe there will likely 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 function in a blood-pumping montage sequence, whereas Microsoft may 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, employees author)
I will get the boring sport expectations out of the way in which to start out. I believe a more in-depth have a look at Mario Kart 9 is assured, one thing gimmicky to showcase the console’s… uhh, gimmick will likely be within the launch lineup, and I would anticipate to see a ‘Swap 2 Sports activities‘ too.
Not essentially the most thrilling slate, I will admit, however that is the place my greater picks are available. I believe the Swap 2 Direct is the place we get our first have 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 will likely 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 — not less than, I am hoping for surprises. Present me the Swap 2 taking part in in vertical ‘Tate Mode’ on one thing aside from a shmup. Present me some type of community-focused function 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 social gathering or a basketball courtroom or an airport. I am anticipating cheese, numerous it, however hopefully that cheese is a bit more fascinating than delicate, own-brand cheddar.
Swap it, flip it, cross it (Alana Hagues, deputy editor)
I actually need Nintendo to go huge with the Swap 2 Direct, particularly after these quieter months. Outdoors of seeing the mice in motion, please present me what that different USB-C port is for. Some affirmation of upside-down play can be superb, but when it’s not for that, simply something. What does it do Nintendo?!
However I’m not one to get massively excited over {hardware}, so I would like video games. And extra video games than the brand new Mario Kart, too. Earlier than I begin fantasising, I would like to see some Swap 1 Nintendo video games working on Swap 2, and for Nintendo to enter what truly modifications, if something. Present me Echoes of Knowledge working constantly at 60fps or one thing. Give me a less-blurry have 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 carry 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 return out swinging with its first-party slate. And they’ll. 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 might 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 12 months. Fingers crossed.
Some recent, clear, well-seasoned perspective (Gavin Lane, editor)
We’ll get a launch month moderately than a selected date, I anticipate. I simply wish to be dazzled by a few of that previous Nintendo magic – which will likely be fairly a feat if the Direct does not go arduous on video games.
The {hardware} little question has an unleaked secret or two hidden inside, and I am itching to see how ‘Mouse Mode’ is carried out, 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 wanting 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 may/would serve up! That is what I am craving.
Which might go properly with a bottle of Rhythm Heaven. [Update: They only bloody went and did it!… but it’s coming out next year?!?! – Ed.]