After an extended period of speculation and anticipation fueled by unreliable leaks, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2. This long-awaited announcement was made in a subtle YouTube trailer on January 16, 2025, bringing joy to many fans. However, many of us want more than just a glimpse of the console; we are eager for detailed insights about its features and upcoming games.
In conjunction with the console’s announcement, Nintendo has also scheduled a Direct presentation, promising to delve into the specifics of the Switch 2 and showcase some of its anticipated games. As we approach this event, discussions and predictions about potential reveals are intensifying, particularly regarding the launch-day lineup. While comprehensive details remain elusive, I am confident that one title, in particular, will be prominently featured during the Direct and is poised to be a day-one release.
Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Scheduled for April 2
A Showcase of the Console and Its Games
The first Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is set for tomorrow, April 4, 2025, kicking off at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET and running for a full hour—marking it as one of the longest Nintendo Directs ever. While fans are buzzing with predictions for announcements, Nintendo has kept the content details under wraps, which is typical for the company as it tends to maintain a sense of mystery around its Direct presentations.
Anticipating a Strong Focus on Mario Kart 9
A Major Highlight of the Direct
Among the various titles expected to be showcased, I believe Mario Kart 9 is a certainty during the April Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. It is logical for Nintendo to spotlight this upcoming installment in the beloved series, especially given the high probability that it will be included in the Switch 2’s launch catalog. In fact, a brief clip of Mario Kart 9 was discreetly included in the initial reveal, which provided just a taste of the gameplay intended to showcase the console’s capabilities.
Die-hard fans, including myself, are eagerly anticipating more substantial gameplay footage. Nintendo understands the importance of following up on a teaser, especially when it comes to rolling out the Switch 2’s game lineup. Moreover, it is notable that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was part of the launch window for the original Switch back in 2017, and outside of downloadable content, fans have been waiting for a new Mario Kart title ever since. This increases the likelihood that the first game we see on the Nintendo Switch 2 will indeed be the highly anticipated Mario Kart 9.
Is MK9 Set for a Launch Title Release?
A Strong Contender for Launch Day
The probability that Mario Kart 9 will be a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 is high, largely stemming from the tremendous success of its predecessor. Given that it has been several years since the last Mario Kart game, there’s substantial public demand for a new installment. Nintendo has already demonstrated gameplay footage from Mario Kart 9 on the Switch 2, heightening anticipation and excitement among fans. However, it’s also conceivable that it might follow a pattern similar to MK8 Deluxe, launching a month or so after the console’s release.
Krysta Yang, a former PR Manager for Nintendo of America, has pointed out that it’s “unlike Nintendo”to include Mario Kart 9 as a launch title. In a recent video on Kit & Krysta, Yang explained that Nintendo often opts for more unconventional titles at launch and reserves established fan favorites for later. This strategy was evident with the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild, which released alongside the original Switch. However, considering the immense popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this could potentially entice Nintendo to deviate from their usual practice.
While the verdict remains to be seen, I am optimistic that Mario Kart 9 will be a launch title, or at least available soon after the console’s release. Given the game’s cooperative nature, it makes for an ideal bundled option with the Switch, not to mention that if the rumored features of MK9 hold true, it will serve as a prime example of the console’s enhanced capabilities. Regardless, it won’t be long before we experience the thrill of racing in Mario Kart 9 on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Source: Kit & Krysta/YouTube