(Credit: Nintendo)
The Nintendo Switch is about to receive a huge upgrade in the form of the Switch 2, with a Nintendo Direct dedicated to that console on April 2. However, Nintendo shocked the gaming world with a new Nintendo Direct for the original Switch today. It spotlighted the many exciting Switch games coming to the hybrid system, but a few surprising themes emerged.
1. Cult Classics Return: Rhythm Heaven and Tomodachi Life
The end of the Switch's life is the perfect time for Nintendo to release new entries in small yet fiercely beloved franchises. Today’s biggest reveals were aimed at a specific stripe of hard-core fans.
Rhythm Heaven Groove is a new title in the series, essentially "musical WarioWare." In it, you complete wacky and psychedelic mini-games by hitting buttons in time with the beat. Meanwhile, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream takes the quirky simulation series in an even more surreal direction. You create a Mii character and hang out with your friends on an island.
Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream are slated for 2026 releases.
2. Bangers Are Coming: Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends
The biggest upcoming games confirmed for the original Switch are Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Nintendo didn't provide a firm release date for either title. However, more gameplay was on display.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes place in a new jungle world called Viewros. Samus Aran gains new psychic abilities, such as psychically guiding her energy blasts during combat, that will probably help you solve puzzles as she backtracks across the planet. There was also a glimpse of her slick, new crimson armor.
The Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer revealed that trainers can participate in high-stakes battles across Lumiose City during the night. It offered a better look at the game's new real-time combat as Pokémon deftly dodged attacks before unleashing their own. I hope more Mega Evolutions are on their way.
3. Cool Tech's on the Way: Virtual Game Card and Nintendo Today
Between the game news, Nintendo announced two new features. The Virtual Game Card is DRM software coming to the Switch via a system update in April. It’s a virtual version of a physical card replicating loaning games to friends and family members who own a Switch or Switch 2. However, the loan only lasts two weeks.
At the end of the show, Shigeru Miyamoto showed up to reminisce about the Nintendo Direct format and how the presentation delivers news directly to viewers. He then revealed that later today, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can download Nintendo Today, a mobile news app for delivering daily Nintendo news. Who needs Twitter? Expect Nintendo Today to get a lot of use once Switch 2 is formally unveiled.
More Nintendo Switch Games on the Horizon
As usual, the Nintendo Direct highlighted many, many games. Shadow Labyrinth puts an evil spin on Pac-Man. Dragon Quest I and II are getting the HD-2D treatment. Marvel: Cosmic Invasion is a new beat 'em up from the makers of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Comedy shooter High on Life is coming to Switch, as are the three Monument Valley games. Even Sony PlayStation games are jumping to Switch thanks to Patapon 1+2 Replay and Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots.
For more on Nintendo Switch 2, check out our Switch 2 game wishlist and learn why we’ll be bummed if Switch 2 lacks these features.