The Nintendo Direct April 2025 has officially wrapped up, and it brought a ton of exciting news for fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. From new game reveals to enhanced editions of fan favorites, this showcase gave us the clearest picture yet of what’s coming next for Nintendo’s next-gen console. Here’s a full recap of all the biggest announcements from the event.
1. Mario Kart World Announced – Racing Gets a Major Overhaul
One of the standout announcements was Mario Kart World, a brand-new entry in the iconic racing series. Unlike its predecessors, this game introduces off-track driving, allowing players to explore open environments and take shortcuts through dynamic terrain. Expect online multiplayer enhancements, a global leaderboard, and a fresh lineup of racers and karts.
🗓️ Release Date: Launch title for Switch 2 – June 5, 2025
2. The Duskbloods – FromSoftware’s Exclusive New IP
FromSoftware, known for titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, revealed a Switch 2 exclusive called The Duskbloods. This dark fantasy action game blends gothic horror with steampunk elements, featuring punishing combat, branching storylines, and co-op gameplay. The teaser trailer hinted at blood-fueled magic and massive mechanical bosses.
🗓️ Expected Release: Late 2025
Zelda Returns – Enhanced Editions of BOTW & TOTK
Nintendo is re-releasing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom with enhanced visuals and performance tailored for the Switch 2. The games will feature improved frame rates, faster load times, and new visual effects that take full advantage of the upgraded hardware.
💾 Save transfers from the original versions will be supported.
🗓️ Both titles launch Summer 2025
AI-Powered System Features Revealed for the Nintendo Direct April 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to introduce a new era of gaming with advanced AI-powered system features. While there’s no official confirmation of AI-controlled NPCs, the console will utilize NVIDIA’s DLSS technology for smart upscaling to 4K, enhanced performance, and realistic ray tracing. AI also powers new features like GameChat, which includes face tracking and background removal for smoother video communication. These intelligent enhancements aim to deliver a more immersive, efficient, and visually stunning gaming experience on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
5. Third-Party Titles and Indie Surprises
Nintendo showcased a strong lineup of third-party and indie games set to launch alongside or shortly after the Switch 2:
Launch day
- Deltarune Chapters 1-4
- Fast Fusion
- Survival Kids
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
- Split Fiction
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
- Borderlands 4
- Elden Ring
- Hogwarts. Legacy
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Civilization 7
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade Edition
- EA Sports FC 25
- WWE 2K25
- Madden NFL 25
- NBA 2K25
- Witchbrooke
- Two Point Museum
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Wild Hearts S
- Ridge Racer
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Fortnite
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Street Fighter 6
- Project 007
2026
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
These titles demonstrate Nintendo’s push for stronger third-party support in the next generation.
Final Thoughts
The April 2025 Nintendo Direct proved that the Switch 2 is more than just a hardware upgrade—it’s a bold new chapter for Nintendo gaming. With a mix of beloved franchises, exciting new IPs, and long-awaited tech improvements, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated console launches in years.
