The creators of Elden Ring have revealed its next title, The Duskbloods. The upcoming multiplayer game will be exclusive to Switch 2.

The reveal trailer follows From Software’s standard of using out-of-context clips, showcasing various characters such as a swordswoman wielding a ringblade and a rocket-powered flying robot. Scenes of a gothic castle complex and cathedral interiors create an oppressive atmosphere, and things take a turn for the bonkers with clips of a guy biting someone’s neck and draining them of a dark substance. A character is also seen transforming into a T-Rex-like monster. From Software describes The Duskbloods as a PvPvE experience, meaning players will face off against other human-controlled characters in addition to in-game enemies. 

What does it all mean? The vague narration stating that “the moontears will flow for one and one alone” doesn’t illuminate much. However, a developer diary with game director Hidetaka Miyazaki will air on April 4 and should, hopefully, explain more. But until then, color us fascinated given From Software’s stellar track record.

The Duskbloods is coming to Switch 2 in 2026.

Nintendo closed out its big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning with the surprising announcement of a new platformer starring Donkey Kong. The game is called Donkey Kong Bananza and does not appear to be part of the Country series of games, though there were references to the beloved 2D platformer.

Footage of the game showed a new design for Donkey Kong as he explored 3D environments. Donkey Kong runs and jumps, but he can also terraform the environment by ripping up big chunks of the ground and throwing it. According to Nintendo, the game apparently takes place in a “vast underground world”.

Along with lots of 3D platforming gameplay, the trailer also showed 2D sequences, high-speed climbing, rock surfing, minecarts, and other Kongs. Some looked like friends. Some looked like enemies.

Donkey Kong Bananza arrives on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025 for $69.99.

 

Amid a number of other new game announcements today, Nintendo showed off a first look at Kirby Air Riders, the new game from acclaimed director Masahiro Sakurai. Sakurai is the originator of both the Kirby franchise and Smash Bros., so his involvement with the new Air Riders is exciting news. 

Details are scarce on the new game, but footage revealed Kirby flying along on a star beside three of his other-colored Kirby friends. 

The original Kirby Air Ride released on GameCube over 20 years ago. It was a racing game with simplified controls and high-speed course navigation, which also highlighted Kirby’s ability to suck up enemies and absorb their abilities. 

Notably, while some games from today’s Nintendo Direct were highlighted as launch games, Kirby Air Riders features no date of launch on Switch 2.

Today’s Nintendo Direct has brought a wealth of new info about Nintendo’s upcoming console, including an extensive detailing of its hardware tech specs. 

The Switch 2 features a 7.9 inch screen with double the pixels of the original Switch. The 1080p LCD screen allows for up to 120 frames per second and supports HDR, with a focus on smoother gameplay. The system features a USB-C connection port on both the top and bottom, allowing for simultaneous connection of multiple external devices or cables; Nintendo highlighted the ability to connect both the charger in tabletop mode and the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. 

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers can be detached using a magnetic attachment; the magnets are contained inside the console, and the SL and SR buttons (which are larger than before) on the Joy-Cons are metal, leading to a firm connection. A release button on the back of the system allows for release. Joy-con 2 controllers also feature larger control sticks, and an individual Joy Con 2 controller may be used as a mouse for specific games. 

The Switch 2 includes a built-in mic that can pick up your voice from a distance, and that mic features noise-canceling technology in case you’re playing in a loud or busy space. The console also has a kickstand that can be set in multiple tilt positions for best viewing. Switch 2’s audio features 3D audio that has at least some functionality even if you don’t have a dedicated surround system.

Switch 2 boasts larger, faster storage for its 256 GB of internal storage, which is 8 times the storage size of the original Switch. 

While the actual screen on the Switch 2 is 1080p, the new Switch 2 dock allows for up to 4K resolution on a connected TV or other display. The dock also features fan ventilation to keep the console cool. 

While details remain scarce, Nintendo also highlighted that Switch 2 will be able to play compatible original Switch games, both physical and digital, though the choice of that wording suggests not all original Switch games may be compatible. 

As a way to familiarize players with the new console, Nintendo is introducing a new paid digital-only game called Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour. In the game, players control a Mii-like avatar to walk around to different spots on a visualized version of the console itself, with numerous question mark signs. Interact with these question marks to open up various smaller tech demos or minigame experiences that highlight capabilities of the system. In one, we saw the Joy-Con 2 controllers used as a mouse to play a golfing mini-game. 

The new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards are the same shape as the original Switch game cards, but they’re now red in color and feature faster data read speeds. If you wish to add additional storage for your Switch 2, you’ll need to use MicroSD Express cards, which enable high-speed data transfer. Players can transfer data from their original Switch to a Switch 2 by logging into a Nintendo account and transferring over save data and digital games.

The Switch 2 will also have its own new dedicated Pro controller. While it looks similar in many ways to the original Pro controller, the new controller includes the C-button for game chat, and new GR and GL buttons located on the rear grip, which can be used to assign other existing button controls. The Switch 2 Pro controller also includes and audio/headphone jack. 

Players will be able to try out the Switch 2, its various tech features, and the new Welcome Tour game when the console launches on June 5. 

We knew Switch 1 games would be playable on Switch 2 via backward compatibility, but Nintendo confirmed certain first-party games will have enhanced editions to make them play better than ever. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wilds/Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are the first titles confirmed to play better on Switch 2.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom

The Switch 2 editions of the acclaimed titles feature improved resolution and framerates and now support HDR. They’ll also exclusively support a new feature called Zelda Notes, a new feature for the Nintendo Switch app. This app guides players using voice navigation to find hidden Korok and shrines. Players can also share creations with QR codes, which adds it to another player’s game. The Switch 2 versions of each game arrive on June 5. 

For Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members who already own Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch 2 upgrade packs will be included with your subscription.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Switch 2 addition includes Jamboree TV, an expansion introducing new minigames such as Bowser Live, the mouse-controlled Carnival Coaster, and other games utilizing the Switch 2’s hardware features. Super Mario Bros. Jamboree + Jamboree TV launch on Switch 2 on July 24. 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

In addition to a graphical and framerate bump, Kirby’s 2022 adventure is also getting a Switch 2 exclusive story DLC called Star-Cross World. A meteor strikes the Forgotten Land, transforming it into a crystalized version of itself for Kirby to explore and battle newly transformed enemies.  Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Cross World hit the Switch 2 on August 28. 

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The upcoming title can be played with mouse controls on Switch 2. It boasts a 4K/60fps Quality Mode (1080p/60fps HDR in handheld), and a 1080p/120fps HDR Performance Mode (720p/120fps HRD in handheld)

Pokémon Legends Z-A 

Those who play the yet-to-be-released Pokémon title on Switch 2 will enjoy enhanced resolutions and framerates

The Switch 2 versions of these titles will be sold as standalone editions (physical and digital). However, those who own the original versions can purchase an Upgrade Pack to get the new versions. Nintendo has not revealed the pricing for the Upgrade Pack or the standalone versions. 

Alongside the games outlined above, Nintendo also shared a number of other Switch 1 games that will get free updates to make them run better on Switch 2 via backwards compatibility.

• Arms
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Clubhouse Games 51 Worldwide Classics
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• Game Builder Garage
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
• Big Brain Academy Brain vs Brain

In terms of the specifics of how these games will be affected by the update, Nintendo is unclear but writes, "By connecting your Nintendo Switch 2 to the internet, you can download free updates that may improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game."