Anticipations and Speculations for the Upcoming Switch 2 Nintendo Direct

With just under 48 hours to go until the much-anticipated Nintendo Direct showcasing the Switch 2, the excitement is palpable. Gamers around the world are left wondering about crucial elements such as power specifications, pricing, release dates, and the all-important launch lineup. Will Nintendo stick to its conservative strategy with this new hardware, or does it have some surprises up its sleeve? Could we finally see the return of Punch-Out!! after 16 long years? Is Mario Kart 9 on the verge of becoming an open-world battle royale? And will the Switch 2 have the capability to run Grand Theft Auto 6? Here’s what we’re hopeful for and what we predict Nintendo will unveil in this showcase.

Pricing Predictions

The question of how much the Switch 2 will retail for is a hot topic. Some speculate that Nintendo might take a bold approach. John Walker suggests a price of $350, which seems unlikely considering the technology that will be utilized, like an LCD screen instead of an OLED. Zack Zwiezen, however, asserts that the price will be around $400, a number that seems more feasible given the expected hardware capabilities. Kenneth Shepard’s bid of $599 seems excessive, while Ethan Gach, adhering to game show strategies, predicts $450, including potential game bundles at $500.

Release Date Speculations

Experts believe that June 2025 is the plausible launch window for the Switch 2, echoing the original Switch’s history of a March 2017 launch following a five-month announcement lead-up. However, Ethan Gach hints that delays could push this to August 2025 instead.

What We Want at Launch

Many fans are clamoring for a new 3D Mario game akin to Super Mario Odyssey, which debuted in 2017. Walker wishes for a new title that expands on the open-world experiences found in Bowser's Fury. Others hope for remakes of beloved classics like Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. The interests also stretch to titles like Breath of the Wild 3 and even a Pokémon MMO!

Innovative Features

One major rumor swirling is the potential for using a Joy-Con as a mouse, which could streamline the porting of PC games to the Switch 2. This hypothetical feature has sparked conversations about how practical it would be in actual gameplay.

Game Availability and Online Features

There’s chatter about GameCube titles getting added to Nintendo Switch Online as part of a premium subscription. While NES, SNES, and other classic games could be available, there might be a price jump based on console generation, which would dismay some users.

The Mysterious 'C' Button

Speculation about a new button on the Switch 2’s controller dubbed the 'C' button has led to theories ranging from capturing screenshots to controlling an in-game camera. Whatever its function, users hope it enhances gameplay rather than complicating it.

Performance Expectations

The technical capabilities of the Switch 2 are another point of interest. With advancements in mobile hardware since 2017, the expectation is that the new console will robustly support current games, albeit with some compromises on graphics and performance.

Anticipating Supply and Demand

As for launch availability, there's a strong belief that pre-orders may be a real challenge, especially if scalpers enter the mix. In contrast, others believe Nintendo has worked diligently to ensure sufficient stock, remembering the fiasco surrounding the release of previous consoles where fans struggled to get their hands on one.

As we countdown the hours to the Switch 2 Direct, speculation runs high. What surprises and new innovations will Nintendo reveal? The gaming community is watching closely, waiting to see if their dreams align with reality in this upcoming showcase!