Yesterday’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was really something, huh? We had a bunch of big new game announcements (first- and third-party), enhancements to Switch 1 classics, the future availability of GameCube games, a lot of tech demonstrations, and an even some classic Nintendo weirdery. (For a great rundown of every major announcement, check out Amanda’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct recap. For more details on the Switch 2 release lineup, check out David’s roundup of upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games.)
The feedback from players and media alike seems mostly positive (outside of some steep pricing announcements post-stream), but what do all our lovely writers at The Punished Backlog think? It feels like there was something for everybody, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everybody got exactly what they wanted…
Q: How would you rate that Switch 2 Direct out of 10?
Mark Bowers (MB): 8/10. This was a really exciting direct that I’ve been waiting on for a long time. I think I was hoping for maybe one more surprise first-party announcement (more on that below) that prevented me from giving it a 9, but what can I say? Switch 2 is finally here, it’s real, and it’s great.
Gary Wilson (GW): 8/10 with the technical issues, 9/10 without.
David Silbert (DS): I’ll give it a 9/10. It had some terrific moments, including the grand unveiling of Mario Kart World, surprise announcements like Donkey Kong Bananza, and, of course, those three seconds of crucial Hollow Knight: Silksong footage. Still, I would have loved more clarity around pricing: How much do net-new Switch 2 games cost, and what’ll it cost me to upgrade, say, Tears of the Kingdom for a few added bells and whistles?
Amanda Tien (AT): 9/10! So much hype. To be honest, I really don’t watch this kind of thing normally but I found myself riding the high of everyone else in our Discord. I was surprised at how emotional and excited I got! The social aspect of sharing in the enthusiasm was probably the highlight for me, and I started thinking of the people I wasn’t able to share excitement with in real time—notably, David (dentist appointment) and my mom—so I started writing down news updates in bullet point recaps to post on the site.
Clint Morrison, Jr. (CM): Solid 8.5/10! Nice mix of new surprises and games that I’ve played elsewhere.
Kei Isobe (KI): 6/10. I don’t see myself playing anything from this presentation other than The Duskbloods, so while one absolute banger is enough to push it into “positive review” territory, this didn’t do much for me. The Duskbloods also appeared to have a multiplayer focus (confirmed in the trailer’s description), so that also tempered my excitement somewhat. A new 3D Mario or Zelda title would have locked this in as a top-tier presentation; lacking that leaves this in middling territory.
Sam Martinelli (SM): I would say… 8.5/10. Don’t get me wrong: I’m SUPER excited about a new Nintendo console, and I assume all the new games they showed will be a ton of fun. I also appreciate some of the kooky Nintendo ideas, like a dedicated game to just explain how they hardware works and all the mouse-control stuff. At the same time, while I understand why all the third-party stuff was there, I was hoping for a few more teases about upcoming Nintendo-exclusive content, and while I really liked what we got, I wanted more.
Jason Toro (JT): 9/10, honestly. I appreciated the technology showcase, their titles on show were actually quite interesting to me as a Nintendo and RPG fan (Bravely Default remaster, aaaah!), and a surprising amount of gameplay footage. There were a few whiffs, like… the paid product demo tutorial; I found that a bit weird.
Q: What was your favorite announcement?
MB: Mario Kart World! We all knew it was coming, but it truly looks like a reinvention of the game after all these years of Mario Kart 8. I can’t wait to see what else Nintendo has in store.
GW: Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World look incredible, but I have to give it to the tease for Enter the Gungeon 2. One of my favorite games of all time, with a new 3D look but the same tight gameplay you can expect? I am sold already. I was also pleasantly surprised at the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour tech demo. Astro’s Playroom has previously shown that tech demos given game form can be awesome. Hopefully this is too!
DS: I’ll be basic and say Mario Kart World. Sure, we already knew about it, but the reveal that the game is going semi-open (with a full-on free-roam mode to boot) has me excited about off-road strategies and just general multiplayer fun. An easy Switch 2 launch purchase. Count me in!
AT: Mario Kart World looks awesome! Great long trailer. Nintendo’s definitely been cooking. I mean, this is the first new Kart game in over a decade, but it looks like it’ll be worth it. I love the idea of exploring more maps inspired by real places, and the scenic drive feature is so cute. I also fist-pumped at the teaser for Project 007.
CM: Toss up! I loved seeing Hades II on console! Duskbloods looks amazing! I can’t wait to play what looks to be Bloodborne II. I’ll be buying the console in 2026 for that new FromSoftware title alone.
KI: FromSoftware making a spiritual successor to Bloodborne soon after the 10-year anniversary of Bloodborne’s release, exclusive to a non-Sony console to boot just feels perfect. Recent FromSoftware trailers have done a great job of producing that “what is going on?” mind-racing feeling that few other studios can do, and The Duskbloods certainly did that. Between the symbols, the runes, the vague symbols that hark to older entries in their gameography, and what feels like a stronger lean into the Gothic horror that Bloodborne initially presented, I’m very excited to read more from Miyazaki himself later this week.
SM: Mario Kart World is going to be an absolute blast, but honestly? Donkey Kong Bananza was my biggest “smiling through it all, I can’t believe this is my life” moment. I’m obviously a big DK fan, and I’ve wanted a new attempt at a 3D adventure for OVER 25 DAMN YEARS. The fact that it’ll happen this year, and on a brand-new console, has my hype levels off the charts. 100% a day-one purchase.
JT: I’m a sucker for the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade announcement, but I also really adore Bravely Default’s remaster. If I had to choose, the latter is probably more important to me personally.
Q: What was the most disappointing part of the Direct?
MB: The tech demo was weird. As someone in our TPB chat pointed out, it felt like “we have Astro’s Playroom at home.” You can do better, Nintendo!
GW: The price. $450 for a console is a lot, and given Nintendo’s track record of hardware, this won’t be the beefiest system out there either. The price feels more like a reflection of our current economic state, and less the hardware itself. And, important note: I don’t think this is Nintendo’s fault, or the last time we see console prices jump during the next few years.
DS: Again, I needed more clarity on the prices. There are articles floating around saying Mario Kart World will set consumers back anywhere from $80 to $90 (ouch). Didn’t we just get a price increase when PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S games started selling for $70? I get tariffs are a thing (thanks to the orange) but this just feels like a greasy move on Nintendo’s part.
AT: To be honest, I’m genuinely annoyed that Hollow Knight: Silksong got featured for three seconds, and not because I’m not excited for the game, but because I had it on my Fantasy Gaming team for two years and finally let it go and now all of a sudden, now that it’s on David’s team, it’s here. I also thought the the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera looked a bit lame. I imagine a lot of money is to be had in hardware but this just felt unnecessary.
CM: Seeing a few seconds of Silksong without any real payoff. I can’t wait to play it, but I am so tired of the same few seconds of gameplay every so many years.
KI: I’ll admit that there was a part of me that thought the final trailer that opened with Kirby was a Smash Bros. trailer, and realizing it was just Kirby Air Ride in some form was disappointing. It’s probably a good thing that Sakurai can take a bit of a step back—if not in terms of workload, then at least in terms of the burden of expectation. People love Air Ride, but it isn’t a load-bearing pillar of the Nintendo ecosystem the way Smash is. I also feel some sort of way about Super Smash Bros. Melee not being included in the GameCube catalog, but I haven’t fully sorted those feelings out yet.
SM: I’m super excited about the prospect of playing GameCube games on Switch, but only three games at launch? Now, I ADORE The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur 2, but why do I have to wait for Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi’s Mansion? Also, why weren’t Super Smash Bros. Melee or Mario Kart: Double Dash!! mentioned at all? It’s a classic Nintendo move to drip-feed their classic titles to the most voracious of fans, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a tad disappointed with the planned rollout.
JT: The price tag increase. $80 per game was an inevitability but I wish it didn’t happen so quickly. Outside of that, the doubling-down on the new Donkey Kong design. Classic DK is just not my vibe.
Q: Thoughts on “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades for certain Switch 1 games?
MB: These aren’t huge needle movers for me. I love Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but I also think I’ve played as much of them as I can handle, so an upgrade doesn’t do a lot on that front. Still need to play Super Mario Party Jamboree, though, so I could be into that!
GW: An expected but welcome addition. The Switch has been on its last legs technically since 2021 at least; giving games a chance to shine on newer hardware makes all the sense in the world. At current writing time, we do not know how much these upgrade packs will cost, but this writer expects somewhere around $15-$20. Not bad if that’s the case!
DS: I love the performance enhancements and new content. I hate the fact that we could be paying potentially anything from $10 (which was pseudo-standard for PS5 upgrades like the Last of Us Part II remaster) to $20 or even more. Hopefully I’m wrong, but this seems like a shameless cash grab.
AT: I mean, I respect the hustle but I wouldn’t personally pay for any of those. I’m sure if one of those games is your favorite of all time, you might be happy with the excuse to replay it again with more pizzazz.
CM: I can’t wait to revisit Breath of the Wild.
KI: It would be nice if Nintendo had followed in Microsoft’s footsteps and made all next-gen upgrades free, but if it’s in the $10 range that Sony has been following for their games, then I won’t complain (too much). It’s great to see Nintendo actively pushing 120fps/60fps options instead 60fps/30fps, which is all too common.
SM: Visual/performance upgrades? Cool, sure, why not. Tears of the Kingdom looks amazing on Switch 2, so I might get back into that. HOWEVER, the biggest announcement of this nature for me was that new Switch 2 content is coming to the excellent 2022 platformer Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and I absolutely will devour that up. Otherwise, it’s a cool feature, and I’m glad Nintendo is catching up to its peers in that department.
JT: Cool with it. The fact that BOTW and TOTK require the “upgrade pack” system is a bit heinous, considering the other games they showcased added new areas or mechanics while those games look like it’s just the graphical update.
Q: What do you think of the new Chat features?
MB: It’s nice to have a native chat. I can’t say too much about it until I see it in action, though. Until further notice, I’ll see you in Discord.
GW: Sure! I would have preferred a proper Discord integration, but Nintendo has always been shy about offering “other people’s toys” onto their systems. The demo seemed functional, and I’m glad we’re ditching the original Use Your Phone method Nintendo wanted before. I’ll probably never get a Switch camera for the video chat function, but I’m glad it is there for people who want to relive the Vision Camera times.
DS: I think GameChat will surprise a lot of folks and really take off. Sure, it’s essentially Nintendo’s take on Discord, but there are some features I find particularly enticing, like the ability for multiple players to screenshare simultaneously. I can already envision late nights chilling with folks at The Punished Backlog, just vibing out while playing (and sharing) our own adventures.
AT: I’m super excited for GameChat! I love playing games like Overcooked and Mario Kart with my friends and family, and GameChat seems like it’ll be such a nice function. Nintendo’s user interface is always impeccable, so I’m sure they’ll make it super easy, especially compared to, say, PlayStation’s chat feature which is a pain to get set up.
CM: I don’t know if I want more Zoom calls in my life. In all seriousness, these are cool features that I’m not sure that I’ll ever use.
KI: I’m someone who’s pretty entrenched in the Discord voice chat ecosystem at this point, so this probably won’t convince me to move off of that. Most Nintendo games are not games that I find are conducive to group online multiplayer or the “chill in voice chat while playing” genre, so I doubt I will use it much if at all. And given Nintendo’s history with online functionality, it will probably be terrible anyway.
SM: Some parts look a little fun and cool (I especially like that the console has a built-in microphone), but others look… rough. I like the idea of bringing up little screens to see what my friends are playing while we chat together, but I have zero interest in buying that camera. I don’t need to see the look on everyone’s face while I CRUSH them in Mario Kart. Moreover, I don’t want them to see ME while I’m in the zone. Leave me alone.
JT: I can’t see myself ever using them, since I have Discord on my phone, but could be a nice way to stay in touch with my Nintendo-loving family without trying to navigate new software. The Kinect Camera is going to be a fun ride.
Q: What do you think of the new Joy-Con and hardware overall?
MB: Sometimes I worry that things can be a gimmick—the mouse feature certainly feels up that alley to me—but I’m holding out hope. Any time we have a weird new mechanic from Nintendo, I doubt it, and then, boom, Mario drops and we start seeing things we couldn’t comprehend before.
GW: I’m not much of a hardware junkie, but I am very excited for a 1080p/HDR screen in handheld mode. I almost exclusively use my Switch in handheld mode, and a bigger/brighter screen is exactly what I am looking for. As for the claim that the Switch 2 will be able to output 4K when in dock mode: I’ll believe it when I see it.
DS: I’m underwhelmed. I’m glad the hardware got an update (please god, let there be no drift), but the main enhancements—the “C” button and the mouse controls—don’t exactly seem game-changing. The mouse controls in particular remind me of the Wii Remote’s pointer, just minus the pointing and the sensor bar. Maybe that’s an overall usability improvement, but I liked the novelty of past Nintendo hardware gimmicks.
AT: I think it all sounds good. Like, yeah, more storage, better screen, improved resolution, all the good stuff. One thing that kind of bummed me out is the color palette/bevel details on the new Joy-Cons—it looks like they’re imitating similar vibes from PlayStation and Xbox, like trying to go for that Big Serious Console Gamer energy. We talked about this in our Retro Games episode of The Punished Podcast, but about 20 years ago, all of these consoles all started feeling the same, and there’s something aesthetically that I see here too of the hardware feeling a little less “silly” than the OG Joy-Con. Otherwise, I don’t have super strong opinions on the tech. Like yeah, neat.
CM: It all looks solid!
KI: I strongly prefer traditional controllers or keyboard and mouse, and I disliked using the Joy-Con for the Switch. It’s possible that the stick + Joy-Con mouse combo will be something I can adapt to, but overall I’d really rather just play with keyboard + mouse or a controller. I don’t always play on a smooth surface to use a mouse for when I play console games as well (I do love my beanbag chair), so while it’s a fun novelty it doesn’t move the needle for me.
SM: The Switch 2 largely appears to be a bigger and better version of the first Switch, and I’m happy with that. The mouse controls open up a world of possibilities though, and I’m excited to see what we get out of that. (Drag X Drive already looks pretty compelling, and I appreciate the option for mouse controls for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as well.) Mostly, though, I just hope the new controllers are less fragile and broken than the Switch 1 Joy-Con.
JT: Cool enough. Seeing Nintendo push the mouse features on like three different games is classic Nintendo stuff, but the actual specs (screen size, HDR support, magnetic Joy-Con, fan-cooled dock) look like they’re going to be really important for people who use this as their primary console.
Q: What’s something you were hoping to see that didn’t happen?
MB: 3D Mario. I wanted 3D Mario so bad. I let myself get teased so hard. Please Nintendo. I’m begging you. Give me that sweet, sexy 3D Mario for Switch 2.
GW: The proper HD remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess that have been rumored for years now. I am very excited to replay Wind Waker via the GameCube emulation on Switch Online, but I would have preferred a port of the Wii U version.
DS: I really, really wish we’d received a release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s being intentionally held back for release in the fall/winter season. Thankfully, we’ve got Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza to tide us over… but I want to play as our favorite spacefaring bounty hunter.
AT: I’m not sure about things I was HOPING for, but there was a lot that I was surprised that I didn’t see. No Fire Emblem, no Smash-type game, no serious look at any new mainline Pokémon. I also know there will be more indie games to come once those dev kits get sent out, but I was sad not to see anything. Like, where’s ConcernedApe talking about Stardew Valley on Switch 2, you know what I mean? He’s our indie king.
CM: Final Fantasy IX remake!!! Bravely Default looks cool though.
KI: The lack of a new 3D Mario or Zelda I think was on everyone’s mind, but Nintendo certainly has enough leeway to drop something for the holiday season specifically, so upon reflection it’s not surprising that they held back. I kind of wanted at least one bizarre celebrity bit, but we’re past that point for digital presentations, sadly.
SM: I’m sure the answer most people will give is a brand-new 3D Mario game (which I assume is very much on the way), but I was hoping to get a few more teasers about other Nintendo properties. Not to sound greedy—we are getting new Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Metroid games this year—but… nothing on Fire Emblem? Animal Crossing? Splatoon? Super Smash Bros.? Even just some hints at the future would have been welcome.
JT: The next Smash Bros. Yeah, I know, there’s probably a lot of headcounting going on that will prevent the next game from coming out anytime soon, but I can gamble on nothing! More realistically, not seeing news on Monster Hunter Wilds was unsurprising but still sad.
Q: Are you going to buy a Switch 2 ASAP? Why or why not?
MB: Yes, first of all because I’m a sicko and need these things out the gate, and second because I saw how hard it was to get a PS5 and I’m not falling behind this time.
GW: I am! I love a proper Nintendo console, and there was definitely enough to excite me. While the price is a burden, I know the time spent will be worth it.
DS: Yep. The $450 price point seems reasonable (even if the game prices don’t) and I want to play Mario Kart World with my partner. Add in Donkey Kong Bananza (which looks like a welcome blend of 3D Mario and Donkey Kong Country), Metroid Prime 4, and just the sheer quality-of-life improvements the new hardware brings to the fold, and this is a no-brainer purchase for me, despite my misgivings.
AT: Honestly, I’m super tempted. The cost is high with those new international tariffs, and the whole first-come, first-served thing is lowkey wild and I don’t think I qualify for that hahaha. I also just bought a Steam Deck (a long awaited gift to myself as a prize for a personal milestone on a creative project). But by the end of 2025, I’m sure I’ll have one in my house.
CM: Nope. I’ll wait until 2026. My Steam Deck will carry me there.
KI: The Duskbloods is a 2026 release and the only game that is currently motivating me to obtain a Switch 2. I can’t imagine that anything that is going to be available at launch wasn’t already announced here, so barring something major being announced for the launch window within the next two weeks, it seems unlikely.
SM: (sigh) I know that $450 price is a bit steep, even understanding the macroeconomic realities that result in such a price. Who am I kidding, though? I love Nintendo, and I’ve never once regretted paying full price for Nintendo hardware. I don’t want to wait one more second to play Mario Kart World than I have to, and if I have to shell out a bunch of cash for that, so be it. Life’s too short.
JT: Almost certainly. My roommate just bought a massive TV that I don’t use at all. Using it to blast Bravely Default into my brain seems like the perfect option.
What were your reactions to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct? Let us know in the comments!
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Mark is a contributor to The Punished Backlog, often promising articles and occasionally delivering when he actually commits to it. Mark games mainly on his PS5 and his Switch, and some of his favorite games include God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and his all time favorite, Red Dead Redemption 2. When not gaming, Mark is an avid fan of all Boston sports teams and his Villanova Wildcats. He also loves hiking, skiing, and traveling across the U.S.
Huge video game, comic book, and anime fan. Spends way too much time watching things he doesn’t like. Hates Zack Snyder. Mains Falco.
Sam has been playing video games since his earliest years and has been writing about them since 2016. He’s a big fan of Nintendo games and complaining about The Last of Us Part II. You either agree wholeheartedly with his opinions or despise them. There is no in between. A lifelong New Yorker, Sam views gaming as far more than a silly little pastime, and hopes though critical analysis and in-depth reviews to better understand the medium's artistic merit. Twitter: @sam_martinelli.
Clint is a writer and educator based out of Columbus, OH. You can often find him writing about Middle English poetry, medieval games, or video games. He just finished a PhD in English at the Ohio State University. You can find his academic and public work at clintmorrisonjr.com.
David is the founder of The Punished Backlog. He has a problem finishing games he starts. Just beat: Nine Sols, UFO 50. Working on: Metaphor: ReFantazio. Can't wait for: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Follow David on Twitter at @David_Silbert to keep up to date with all things The Punished Backlog.
Amanda Tien (she/her or they) loves video games where she can pet dogs, punch bad guys, make friends, and have a good cry. She started writing for the site in 2020, and became an editor in 2022. She enjoys writing about mystery games, indies, and strong femme protagonists. Her work has also been published in Unwinnable Monthly (click here to read her cover feature on Nancy Drew games), Salt Hill Journal, Poets.org, Litro Magazine, Public Books, and more. She was the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Columbia University's Culinarian Magazine, and served for two years as the Managing Editor of Aster(ix) Literary Journal. She recently graduated with a MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her writing, art, graphic design, and marketing work can be viewed at www.amandatien.com. She does not post a lot on social, but you can find her on X and on Instagram.
Jason graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in English and Game Design. For him, video games are not just an art form, but one of the greatest mediums to tell a story.
When not perpetuating the game journalist stereotype of being awful at a game and blaming the game for it, Jason likes writing short fiction novels that never get past chapter two, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Gary is a jack-of-all-trades video game enthusiast based in Boston, MA. A semi-professional fighting game player, even less professional Apex Legends player, and even less professional adult, he spends most of his time poking at strange indie gems and reading about the need for more diverse voices in gaming criticism. He invites anyone to recommend anything he's missed in the gaming world via Twitter or BlueSky, where he can found under the username @grtnpwrfl. When he isn't spending his time playing games, Gary is an avid New England Patriots fan and frequent hiker.
