The Major Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Is Just About Here — Let’s Speculate on the Launch Lineup
Nintendo enthusiasts, get set — the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is fast approaching. Scheduled to air Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. ET, the event is anticipated to finally reveal the Switch 2’s pricing, release date, and — most thrillingly — its games.
Although Nintendo has kept information about the complete launch lineup under wraps, we have gathered a few hints, including a brief preview of one game in the January teaser video. Beyond that, it’s mere speculation — but that certainly won’t deter us from making some informed (and not-so-informed) predictions about what may be available once the Switch 2 arrives in stores later this year.
Nintendo Switch 2: Launch Game Speculations
Let’s explore what we might witness at the Switch 2’s debut.
Mario Kart 9 (or Whatever It Ends Up Being Called)
The only somewhat confirmed title is the next game in the Mario Kart franchise. In the January teaser, Nintendo showcased a few moments of gameplay featuring a brand-new Mario Kart installment. While it might not officially bear the name Mario Kart 9, it’s evidently the next entry in the main series.
The teaser offered some intriguing insights: races can now accommodate up to 24 competitors (increased from 12), the racetracks seem considerably larger, and there are subtle design updates such as new fuel tanks on the karts and an enigmatic glowing orange item pickup. Donkey Kong even appears with a fresh new look.
All indicators suggest this will be a launch title, and we’d wager real money on it.
A Fresh 3D Super Mario Game
It’s been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey debuted alongside the original Switch. That’s quite a gap without a new 3D Mario escapade. Considering the franchise’s significance and the necessity to exhibit the Switch 2’s capabilities, it makes perfect sense for Nintendo to introduce a new Mario title early on in the console’s lifespan.
Whether it launches simultaneously with the console or comes shortly afterward, anticipate seeing Mario jump into a new realm sooner rather than later.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
This one’s somewhat unpredictable. Metroid Prime 4 has been stuck in development purgatory for years, and just last week, Nintendo unveiled a new trailer during a Switch 1-centric Direct, dropping a vague 2025 release window.
That could imply it’s still a Switch 1 title — or it may be a strategic tactic to generate excitement before announcing it as a Switch 2 launch title. A Metroid Prime game would offer the Switch 2 a more hardcore, mature option to counterbalance family-friendly offerings like Mario Kart.
Significant Third-Party Titles
Nintendo will likely highlight at least one or two major third-party games to showcase the Switch 2’s technical capabilities. According to leaks from insider NatetheHate, titles such as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, and recent Assassin’s Creed entries (Mirage and Shadows) are all making their way to the Switch 2.
These would be significant acquisitions for Nintendo — especially since Final Fantasy VII Remake has yet to arrive on Xbox. Ubisoft has historically supported Nintendo hardware early on, so don’t be shocked if one or more of these titles are available at launch.
And here’s a long shot: Elden Ring. No gossip, no leaks — just an instinctive hunch. If it materializes, it will be a monumental occasion.
A Zelda Remaster (Perhaps)
Don’t hold your breath for a completely new Zelda title just yet. With both Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom launching in the last two years, it feels too soon for another original installment.
However, reports indicate that Nintendo showcased an upgraded version of Breath of the Wild to demonstrate the Switch 2 behind closed doors. Given Nintendo’s penchant for re-releasing classics, a remastered Breath of the Wild — and possibly even Tears of the Kingdom — could launch early in the Switch 2’s lifespan.
Dark Horse Predictions
Now we’re venturing into pure speculation. But several franchises could make a comeback sooner than expected:
– Animal Crossing: New Horizons made a massive splash in 2020. While a new installment may not be ready for launch, an announcement could be imminent.
– Fire Emblem: Following the success of Three Houses in 2019 and the lukewarm reception to 2023’s Engage, a new Fire Emblem (or a remake of a Japan-only title) could be on the horizon for Switch 2.
Final Remarks
Of course, all of this could be inaccurate — but these predictions are based on logic, history, and a hint of hopeful thinking. Whether Nintendo meets these expectations or completely surprises us, one thing is clear: the Switch 2 Direct is bound to be a must-see event.
And if none of these forecasts