TheNintendo Switch 2Direct has to be one of the most anticipated events in gaming history, with many expecting it to not only be the best Direct of all time but also prove that the Switch 2 can live up to the hype. Of course, there’s a lot that needs to be announced in order for this to happen, including a strong lineup of first-party games, interesting features for the console itself, and impressive enough specs that warrant buying a whole new console in the first place. There is a lot riding on the Switch 2 Direct’s shoulders.
However, among all theSwitch 2 Direct predictionscirculating online, there are a handful that, if true, would absolutely break the gaming industry. From rumored Switch 2 functions to the inclusion of third-party software on the console itself,if Nintendo were to announce any of these elements in the run-up to the consoles' launch, it would not only be industry-defining moments but also make fans incredibly happy. Naturally, we’re still yet to see whether Nintendo does intend to reveal these features during the Direct or otherwise, but if it did, it would make history.
5A Brand New Nintendo IP
Nintendo Introducing A New Mascot To The Gaming World
Nintendo used to release brand-new IP on a fairly regular basis, often one a year. This was done not only through its own label but also by its first-party developers and third-party partners, including Intelligent Systems, Hal Laboratory, and Monolith Soft. However,a memorable new IP hasn’t dropped since 2019 with the launch ofRing Fit Adventure, and that likely only saw such mainstream popularity due to people finding it helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we’ve had a handful of smaller releases, likeGood Job,Game Builder Garage, and the Japan-exclusiveBuddy Mission Bond.
While there are plenty of obvious choices for theSwitch 2’s first-party lineup, including the likes of a new 3DMarioadventure,Zeldatitle,Mario Kart, and aSplatoonsequel,a brand-new IP, one that leverages the console’s improved tech, would be incredible. The majority of Nintendo’s recent new IP, save for the frankly excellentAstral Chain, have all been smaller indie releases. If Nintendo revealed a new AAA IP that could serve as the console’s defining launch title, that would undoubtedly set the internet ablaze.
A new open-world adventure that leverages Nintendo’s innovative creativity and Monolith Soft’s technical know-how could create an IP worthy of joining Nintendo’s best.
The obvious choice to create a new Nintendo IP is Monolith Soft, the developers of theXenoblade Chroniclesseries. It has consistentlypushed Nintendo’s hardwareto its limit, getting the most out of their limited specifications, such as by cramming the entireXenoblade Chroniclesexperience onto the 3DS or boasting one of the biggest open-worlds in the Wii U classic,Xenoblade Chronicles X. A new open-world adventure that leverages Nintendo’s innovative creativity and Monolith Soft’s technical know-how could create an IP worthy of joining Nintendo’s best.
4The Return Of A Classic Nintendo IP
Star Fox, Advance Wars, Or Even Earthbound
Of course, while it would be incredible to see Nintendo create an entirely new IP,the easiest way to break the gaming industry and get fans talking is by bringing back a dormant IP. There are plenty ofNintendo series that deserve a sequel, ranging from the much-loved yet severely underappreciatedStar Foxto the cult classicEarthboundthat fans have been clamoring for more of since, seemingly, its inception. Were Nintendo to announce that one of the Switch 2’s first ever games was a new entry in any of its older franchises, everyone would be ecstatic.
The safest bet to get everyone excited would be to release anewEarthboundgameor finally localizeMother 3, a game that Nintendo seems determined never to bring to the West, despite fans desperately wanting a port of it. 2024 marked the 30th anniversary ofEarthbound, so it would make sense for Nintendo to have been developing something for the long-dormant franchise.Even a full-blown remake of the original would make a huge splash in the industry, especially as it has gone on to inspire some of thebest indie RPGsof all time.
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Nintendo is fond of re-releasing its older games, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see it bundle together oldZeldatitles or even remaster a few of the more requested ones. Many are anticipating aWind WakerorTwilight Princessremake, which would also be a smart move to generate a lot of hype and sales. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo decides to stick to the past with the Switch 2 or pushes on with new IP. However,it is undeniable that were Nintendo to resurrect one of its more popular franchises, fans would be overjoyed.
3The True Function Of The C-Button
It Could Involve The Original Switch
The NintendoSwitch 2’s C-Buttonhas remained a mystery since the console was first announced. Initially, the button was just an empty space on the Joy-Con, but Nintendo recently revealed that it is indeed the C-Button. However,outside of a cryptic video displaying a finger pressing the button, fans know very little about it. It isn’t a capture button, as much as the “C” would imply, as the screenshot button remains present on the left joy-con as it was on the original Switch. Its function could really be anything.
One rumor has speculated that theC-Button could be used to pair the original Switch to the Switch 2 as a second screen. This is according to leakerextras1s, who posits that this could be one of the C-Button’s functions. Essentially, the idea would be to use the Switch almost as a Wii-U gamepad, giving it some functionality when used in conjunction with the new Nintendo Switch 2. It isn’t the most outrageous idea, especially as Nintendo is known for this kind of creativity, although it would make the Switch a very expensive accessory for the Switch 2.
Other rumors have claimed that the C-Button is to enable theSwitch 2’s online chat functionality. This ties in with additional rumors that the console will feature a chat client called Campus. Of course, whether it is a push-to-talk button, for a new Pictochat-esque chatting app, or indeed, to connect the original Switch to the Switch 2, this button has everyone excited, andNintendo finally unveiling what it does will almost certainly break the gaming industry, especially if it does something unique for a Nintendo console.
2Xbox Game Pass On Switch 2
It Would Be A First For The Industry
Perhapsone of the biggest things Nintendo could announce for the Switch 2 is Xbox Game Pass launching for it. This would be a bold move for both Nintendo and Xbox, especially as, so far, Xbox hasn’t put Game Pass on any of its competitors' consoles, and Nintendo was famously hesitant to put third-party apps on the Switch. However, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially with Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, frequently discussing howXbox will support Nintendoby putting its games on the Nintendo Switch 2.
When Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard, Xbox pledged to put its games on other platforms, including the Switch 2. It has already begun porting games to the PS5, and players can access PC Game Pass on certain handheld PCs, including the ROG Ally. It certainly seems like Xbox is increasingly opening up its vast library of games and features to its competitors in an effort to pivot to being predominantly a publisher.This move could see it put Xbox Game Pass on the Nintendo Switch 2, maybe even at launch, to help bolster its launch lineup and increase its value.
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With the rumoredmouse-like Switch 2 Joy-Consallowing players to access PC-focused experiences on the handheld, this would also ensure that the majority of the PC Game Pass exclusives would also be playable on the Switch 2. Of course, there’s no guarantee that Nintendo or Xbox would do this, but were they to come together and put Game Pass on the Switch 2,not only would it be an industry-defining moment, but it would also be the nail in the coffin for console exclusivity.
1Silksong Being A Switch 2 Launch Title
A Release Date Would Break The Internet
If there is one word that is synonymous with Nintendo Direct, it isSilksong. Every time a new Nintendo Direct airs, people immediately begin to speculate that it is where Team Cherry will finally announce whenSilksongis releasing. Somehow, the long-anticipated sequel toHollow Knightstill does not have an official release date, despite rumors andminor updates giving players hopethat it could be coming soon. So,what better time to announceSilksongthan during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct?
Of course,it would be even more groundbreaking and surprising if Team Cherry announced thatSilksongis a day-one title on the Switch 2. Frankly, at this point, that may very well be the case. Either way, considering that outside ofGTA 6,Silksongis the most anticipated game of the year, a release date would blow people’s minds and set the internet ablaze. Team Cherry should definitely take all the time it needs to makeHollow Knight: Silksonginto the best game it can possibly be, so it would be understandable if it skipped the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
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IfSilksongskips the Switch 2 Direct, then Nintendo fans would likely be happy to see any major third-party game on the Switch 2, including the likes ofBaldur’s Gate 3andCyberpunk 2077. However, according to rumors, theSwitch 2’s bizarre release strategymeans that third-party games may not be coming to the console until the end of the year. Therefore, Nintendo may not focus on them during the first Switch 2 Direct and could announce more later in the year. So, it is very possible thatSilksongwon’t get announced for theNintendo Switch 2until late 2025.
