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Is Metroid Prime 4 going to be a cross-gen title?
Previously, with the Wii U and Nintendo Switch, the company released significant first-party titles for both the last and current-gen systems, such as The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond officially set for a 2025 release, questions arise about whether this game will be available on both Switch 1 and Switch 2.
This scenario is plausible. Initially announced for the original Switch, it would be seen as a setback if its original version were sidelined for a successor. Given that over 150 million Switch units have been sold, making this highly anticipated title accessible on the current system seems a smart move for Nintendo.
While this remains speculation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ultimately turns out to be a cross-gen title enjoyed by both Switch 1 and Switch 2 users.
Nintendo’s strategy to combat Switch 2 scalpers
As reported earlier, Nintendo has stated that it is “making preparations” to ensure that the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 is not disrupted by scalpers.
During a discussion with Japanese outlet Nikkei, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, was questioned about the company’s strategies to ensure smooth transitions and prevent the kind of stock shortages that affected the original Switch’s initial years on the market.
Furukawa emphasized, “We will implement every possible measure based on our past experiences with scalpers.” While details were not provided about these “measures,” it is reassuring to know that Nintendo is aware of the potential issues and taking steps to address them. The effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen.
Purchase Switch 1 games while anticipating
The Switch 2 Direct is scheduled for later this week (on Wednesday, April 2), so you might be searching for something to occupy your time. Currently, an epic Nintendo Switch sale offers deals starting from just $3.
Keep in mind that the Switch 2 is expected to offer backward compatibility, so any Switch 1 games purchased now could still be playable on the next-gen console when it’s released later this year. Therefore, buying first-gen Switch titles may not be a waste of money; you’ll be able to carry them with you!
One of the most appealing deals currently available is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom priced at $44 at Woot, which is a significant discount from its $69 retail price and it’s such a remarkable game that it was worth the full price to begin with.
Comparing Switch 2 to Steam Deck
It’s important to note that the Nintendo Switch 2 will enter a significantly altered handheld gaming market compared to its predecessor. When the original Switch launched in 2017, the options for portable gaming were largely limited, primarily to mobile games or the 3DS, with the aging PlayStation Vita as a backup. However, the popularity of portable PCs has surged, largely thanks to the excellent Valve Steam Deck.
So, can the Nintendo Switch 2 compete in this increasingly competitive market, and does its hallmark of portable gaming still hold the same appeal as it did eight years ago? The battle between Switch 2 and Steam Deck will be intriguing to observe.
One of my all-time favorite games might be coming to Switch 2
I absolutely fell in love with Elden Ring when I first played it back in 2022. It turned me into a fan of Souls games. Now, three years and three playthroughs later, I am eager to revisit the Lands Between.
The encouraging news is that a rumor, noted by Notebookcheck, suggests that Elden Ring could be making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2. This would serve as an ideal launch title to showcase the significant advancements in gaming performance compared to the original Switch, which likely wouldn’t handle Elden Ring without issues.
The origin of this rumor is once again attributed to Spanish YouTuber eXtas1s, a source I’m not well-acquainted with, so I am treating this information as “unverified” for now. However, I remain hopeful that it is true because Elden Ring is a title I’d purchase for every platform it is launched on. It is genuinely a masterpiece.
Desired launch games for Switch 2
Your gaming console is only as good as the titles available for it, which is why I have been brainstorming my ideal lineup of launch games for Nintendo Switch 2. The obvious selections, such as a new Mario Kart and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, are certainly on my list, but I would also love to see some new concepts from Nintendo, along with ports of major titles that were too large for the original Nintendo Switch, like Elden Ring and perhaps even GTA 5!
Switch 2 rumor suggests a revival of the Wii U (in a way)
While it’s wise to approach every Switch 2 rumor cautiously, this particular rumor might require even more skepticism. A new report suggests that the mysterious “C” button, said to be located on the right Joy-Con controller, will facilitate a connection from the Switch 2 to another Switch unit, enabling a dual-screen experience, reminiscent of the Nintendo Wii U.
This rumor originates from Spanish YouTuber eXstas1s, who provided insights into the potential applications of the C button. Historically, Nintendo has experimented with dual-screen gaming during the 2000s to the 2010s, particularly with the Nintendo DS line and the aforementioned Wii U.
While I prefer not to dismissal rumors casually, I must admit that this particular concept seems far-fetched. The capability to sync a Switch 2 with a Switch 1 through a designated button comes across as highly improbable.
Switch 2 could gain insights from the 3DS
As we discuss features for the Nintendo Switch 2, staff writer Martin Shore posited that the Switch 2 needs a more customizable user interface compared to its predecessor (which has limited theme options).
The current Nintendo Switch provides just two themes: the default white and a secondary option effectively mirroring a Dark Mode. This is a far cry from the Nintendo 3DS era, where the home screen could boast various colors, and users had the option to select specific music for the background.
Five features that could make Switch 2 the ideal handheld
Over the weekend, contributor Daryl Baxter assembled a list of five essential features the Nintendo Switch 2 needs to be the ultimate gaming handheld. These suggestions go beyond standard requests like enhanced internal components or extended battery life. Daryl’s list includes some quite unique ideas, such as illuminated Joy-Cons, solar-powered charging, and even a revival of Street Pass (yes, really). Read through the complete list via the link above and share your thoughts on which features you think are must-haves for the Nintendo Switch 2 to succeed as a handheld device.
Switch 2 pre-orders may open next week
Currently, there is growing anticipation regarding the timing of Switch 2 pre-orders. According to Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming, there might be some insight into this topic.
This established industry insider claims to have accessed internal emails and documents from a prominent U.S. retailer, indicating that Switch 2 pre-orders could commence on April 9. Although this is later than earlier forecasts, it allows excited gamers a week to prepare after the Direct event.
Additionally, reports suggest that retailers expect pre-order allocations for Switch 2 to sell out on the first day, so make sure to bookmark our Switch 2 pre-order hub for the latest updates and important retailer links.
The story of Switch 2 thus far
If you’ve been out of touch regarding the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s much to catch up on. Our dedicated Switch 2 launch hub offers a comprehensive guide from the earliest rumors to the console’s unveiling earlier this January.
However, if time is of the essence, the essential information is presented in the linked video above: the Switch 2’s “first-look trailer.” This two-minute clip gives us our initial glimpse of Nintendo’s upcoming console and appears to confirm the release of a new Mario Kart title for the system.
Welcome!
Welcome to Tom’s Guide’s live coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Here, we will walk you through the entire reveal event, from start to finish, and cover the latest rumors, forecasts, and expectations as we build towards the highly anticipated moment when the details on the Switch 2 are finally disclosed. This will surely be an unmissable event for Nintendo aficionados, and we will be present every step of the way.
