With only 2 weeks to go until the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, anticipation for the event has reached an all-time high. While new console reveals always stir up excitement among players, the Switch 2 also finds itself under a heap of expectations with its presentation. As Nintendo transitions out of one of the most successful eras in its history, the company must prove that it can maintain the same level of success with the Switch 2 as it did with the console's predecessor.

As such, the Switch 2 Direct is likely going to include a wide array of huge announcements. From details on the Switch 2's price point and release to the games set to launch with the console, the Direct will need to cover a lot of ground. Although it's impossible to say what exactly will be shown off during the Switch 2 Direct, a few potential announcements are a safe bet for the presentation.

10 Clarification On Backwards Compatibility

Certain Switch Games Will Not Be Playable On Switch 2

One of the biggest questions players will have going into Switch 2 Direct is the new console's backward compatibility. The Switch 2's backward compatibility with original Switch games has been well-documented for several months. However, the Switch 2's announcement trailer by Nintendo, released in January, added a concerning disclaimer stating that not all Switch games would be backward compatible with the Switch 2.

Unfortunately, the Switch 2 reveal trailer failed to provide more details on what this disclaimer means and what games will be excluded. This allows the Switch 2 Direct to address one of the major concerns surrounding the new console. Providing reasons for there being certain game exclusions will give players some much-needed clarity, along with the reassurance that most of their Switch game library will remain intact.

9 Additional Joy-Con Functionalities

Could The Switch 2 Joy-Cons Allow For Mouse Controls?

One of the biggest rumors surrounding Switch 2 has focused on the additional functionalities of the updated Joy-Cons. One of these additional functionalities includes mouse controls for the new Joy-Cons, allowing for more varied control styles on the Switch 2. These rumors were only fueled by the Switch 2 announcement trailer, which showed the new and improved Joy-Cons sliding across the floor on their side, suggesting the controllers will indeed include mouse controls.

Rumors have also circulated surrounding the additional button that can be found on the right Joy-Con for the Switch 2. One rumor suggests the button allows the player to cast onto the TV, resulting in dual screens.

With this in mind, the announcement of Joy-Con functionalities seems like a safe bet for the Switch 2 Direct. That does not even mention how the announcement would help broaden Switch 2's appeal. The additional functionalities of the Joy-Cons will prove the more varied control styles that the Switch 2 can offer compared to its predecessor, showing how the new console is a worthy upgrade for players to invest in.

8 Switch 2 Accessories

A New Pro Controller Seems Likely

Speaking of control styles, it seems likely that the Switch 2 will include a range of different controllers and accessories at launch. The range of different joy-cons on offer was not only essential to allow for local multiplayer on a single console, but the multiple colors meant players could customize their Switch to make it their own. Moreover, other accessories, such as the Pro Controller, served as a sturdier and more comfortable alternative for players than the more nimble Joy-Cons.

Undoubtedly, confirmation of Switch 2 accessories will certainly be a benefit to include in the presentation. It would once again assure players of the freedom they'll be granted to play games on the Switch 2 in a way that suits them. Moreover, the announcement of accessories such as charging ports or chargeable Joy-Con grips will assure players of the console's accessibility and ease of use, broadening the Switch 2's appeal.

7 Confirmation Of Cross-Gen Releases

Pokémon & Metroid Could Be Coming To Switch 2

There's a huge possibility that Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could serve as cross-gen releases for both the original Switch and the Switch 2. This is mainly due to the uncertainty surrounding either game's release, as both titles have yet to be given specific launch dates. It has caused speculation to grow over whether the release dates have been held back over the reveal that both Pokémon and Metroid will be released on the Switch 2.

The most recent Pokémon Presents provided a narrower window for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, revealing that the game would launch in late 2025. However, no specific release date was given.

A cross-gen release for Pokémon Legends and Metroid Prime would also be a huge benefit to both titles. Relegating the games as Switch exclusives with the launch of Switch 2 looming could harm both titles' potential success, even with the new console's backward compatibility. Therefore, a Switch 2 release would ensure that both Pokémon and Metroid receive the recognition they deserve.

6 A Huge Expansion To Nintendo Switch Online

GameCube Games Could Be Added To The Service

Nintendo Switch Online desperately needs an expansion. While the service has managed to curate an impressive catalog of retro titles, demand continues to grow for fan-favorite titles and consoles currently missing from the library. Now, with confirmation that NSO will be carried over to the Switch 2, now is the perfect time for the service to receive a major expansion.

Adding another classic console's game library, such as the GameCube, would be beneficial for several reasons. Not only will it ensure NSO's continued success on Switch 2, but it will also ensure the commitment of current of Nintendo to the service in this new era. With an NSO expansion feeling inevitable, the Switch 2 Direct seems like the perfect time to make such an announcement.

5 A Full Reveal Of Mario Kart 9

Mario Kart Could Be A Major Focus Of The Direct

Out of all the games that could be shown off during the Switch 2 Direct, a full reveal of Mario Kart 9 is arguably the safest bet. Of course, the new Mario Kart game is currently the only major Nintendo game confirmed to be releasing for the Switch 2, making its appearance during the Direct incredibly likely. Moreover, with Mario Kart serving as one of Nintendo's most popular series, a significant focus on the new game will certainly help to attract the attention of a wide range of players.

The main question concerning Mario Kart 9 is what new features the game will include. While players saw the game's more cartoonish art style and expansive roster in the Switch 2 announcement trailer, not much else is known about Mario Kart 9. The Switch 2 Direct seems like a perfect time for Nintendo to show what Mario Kart 9 offers and how it looks to expand on previous titles.

4 A Huge Amount Of Mario News

A New 3D Mario Game Could Be Announced

Speaking of Mario, 2025 is a massive year for the red plumber. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., a monumental milestone for any video game franchise to achieve. Such an impressive achievement deserves celebration, and Nintendo could reveal some of these plans during the Switch 2 Direct.

While Mario Kart 9 would certainly fall under these celebrations, it might not be the only Super Mario game that Nintendo has prepared. For example, it's been quite some time since the franchise received a fully-fledged 3D title, with Super Mario Odyssey being released over 7 years ago. In this case, the timing lines up perfectly for Switch 2 Direct to reveal what Mario's next grand adventure could look like while strengthening the console's software line-up.

3 The Cost Of The Switch 2

How Affordable Will The Console Be?

Alongside the console's capabilities and software library, the pricing of the Switch 2 will be an important factor to address at the April Direct. It's no secret that consoles have continued to soar in cost, most notably with the PlayStation 5 Pro and its high price tag. Despite this, Nintendo has made a concerted effort to make its consoles affordable, with the original Switch costing only $299.99 USD at launch.

Unfortunately, concern about the cost of the Switch 2 has grown in recent months. The US tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada mean that the cost of the Switch 2 is more expensive in the U.S., making the new console less accessible. Nintendo will surely want to address this concern during the Direct to put players at ease.

2 An Increase In Third-Party

Many Beloved Titles Have Been Rumored To Release On The Switch 2

A common weakness that Nintendo has struggled to overcome is the lack of third-party . Nintendo's consoles lack power and performance, so they regularly miss out on some of gaming's biggest releases, failing to pique the interest of many players. However, the Switch 2 could possibly resolve this, ending one of Nintendo's biggest criticisms.

Rumors have been circulating about a large array of popular third-party titles making their way to the Switch 2. From Red Dead Redemption 2 to Elden Ring, Switch 2 could see greater third-party than even its predecessor was capable of. If this is the case, then the Switch 2 Direct would be crucial to unveil this increased , ensuring a much larger appeal from players that would subsequently benefit the new console's success early on.

1 When The Switch 2 Will Release

A Release Date For The Console Is Most Likely

One of the most important and likely announcements from the Switch 2 Direct will be the console's release date. The launch date is critical information that the initial Switch 2 announcement trailer sorely lacked, giving a vague 2025 release window. With the April Direct just around the corner, the company can formally announce when the new era of Nintendo will begin.

While the Switch 2 has no confirmed release date, its announcement trailer revealed the Switch 2 Experience, which allowed NSO to try out the hardware before launch.

It's hard to say when the Switch 2 will be released. While its predecessor could launch just two months after its full showcase, which would be in June, Nintendo might also save the console for the end of the year, allowing it to dominate during the Holiday season. Regardless, the release date will likely be a major part of the Switch 2 Direct in April, leaving players in anticipation until then.

Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube