THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2

This week, Video Game Tango covers two major topics: the Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2 and new game reveals from Dream Haven. Andy, Nick, and Josh detail the Switch 2’s hardware upgrades, including 4K/120 FPS support, magnetic Joy-Cons, 256GB storage, and a native Discord-like "Game Chat" system. The console starts at $449.99 (Console only.) Highlights from its extensive lineup include Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4, and third-party titles like Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. The hosts also discuss backward compatibility and paid upgrade options for existing Switch games.

Next, they explore Dream Haven’s upcoming projects, led by ex-Blizzard president Mike Morhaime. Key reveals include Sunderfolk (a phone-controlled couch co-op tactical RPG), Wildgate (a competitive space PvP shooter), Lynked: Banner of the Spark (a robot-building action RPG with roguelike elements), and the tactical auto-battler Mechabellum (already released). The hosts particularly praise Sunderfolk for its innovative blend of tabletop RPG mechanics and Jackbox-style accessibility.

The guys conclude with thoughts on Nintendo’s push for third-party support and the industry’s rising costs, balancing criticism of the Switch 2’s premium pricing with excitement for its features. Dream Haven’s creative risks, like Sunderfolk’s phone-as-controller design, underscore the hosts’ optimism for fresh ideas in gaming. The discussion ends on a hopeful note, anticipating how these developments will shape the future of play.

The Nintendo Switch 2: (Watch the full presentation here)

• Performance: Capable of 4K resolution when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, with 120 FPS support and HDR.
  
  
• Design: Larger screen, magnetic Joy-Cons (eliminating the risk of misalignment), and improved ergonomics for better comfort.
  
  
• Upgrades:
  
  
  • 256GB internal storage (up from 32GB).
    
    
  • MicroSD Express support for faster load times.
    
    
  • Enhanced speakers, noise-canceling microphones, and 3D audio.
    
    
  • Revamped kickstand for stability.
    
    
• Backward Compatibility: Supports "compatible" Switch games, though specifics remain unclear.
  
  
• Game Chat: A Discord-like native voice chat system with screen-sharing for up to four players, plus a webcam accessory for streaming.
  
  
• Launch Price: $449.99 for the console, $499.00 for the console plus Mario Kart World.
  
  

Game Announcements

The Switch 2 boasts an impressive 46 launch titles, including:

• First-Party:
  
  
• Mario Kart World (open-world with platforming elements).
  
  
• Metroid Prime 4 (with mouse-controlled aiming and 4K/120 FPS modes).
  
  
• Upgraded versions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land (via paid "upgrade packs").
  
  
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Third-Party:
  
  
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, and Borderlands 4.
  
  
• Surprises like Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, and an exclusive FromSoftware title.
  
  
• GameCube on Switch Online:
  
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (remastered), Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX (with new online multiplayer).
  
  

Dream Haven’s Upcoming Games

Mike Morhaime’s (ex-Blizzard) studio, Dream Haven, unveiled four intriguing projects:

1. Sunderfolk: A couch co-op tactical RPG where players use phones as controllers. Think "Jackbox meets D&D" with hex-based combat and card-drawn abilities.
   
   
2. Wildgate: A PVP space shooter blending ship combat and FPS action. Teams scavenge for artifacts or eliminate rivals to win.
   
   
3. Lynked: Banner of the Spark: A co-op action RPG where players build a robot town and battle enemies in roguelike missions.
   
   
4. Mechabellum: A tactical auto-battler (already released) where players deploy mechs in strategic warfare.
   
   

Sunderfolk - Sunderfolk is a shared turn-based tactical RPG adventure where your phone becomes the controller. Inspired by gathering around a table with friends, it is built with a couch co-op experience in mind. Up to four players adventure across the magical and dangerous Sunderlands. - Secret Door (Steam, Xbox Series, PS5, Release TBA, Sign up for the playtest here!)

Wildgate - Wildgate is a PVP multiplayer shooter that blends tactical ship-to-ship combat with fast-paced first-person action. Evade deadly environmental hazards, search for powerful weapons and ship upgrades, and be the first crew to escape with the Artifact... or the last crew left flying. - Moonshot Games (Steam, Xbox Series, PS5, TBA 2025)

Lynked: Banner of the Spark - Build a bright new world alongside a band of rescued robot buddies! In this colorful action RPG, battle waves of enemies in solo or co-op, then return home and use their parts to craft a thriving town. Assemble your crew and grow stronger with each new adventure! - (Steam, Xbox Series, PS5, Early Access Available Now)

Mechabellum - Mechabellum is a rewarding tactical wargame where you gain victory by adapting your strategy and outthinking your opponents. Command a mechanized army in battles against humans or AI, customize your units and strategically place them on the battlefield to watch them destroy your enemies. - (Steam, Available Now)

Final Thoughts

The guys praised Nintendo for finally embracing third-party support and modern online features, though the higher price point sparked debate. Meanwhile, Dream Haven’s innovative concepts—especially Sunderfolk—stood out as fresh takes on multiplayer gaming.

Listen to the full episode for deeper dives into each topic and more hot takes from Andy, Nick, and Josh!

Tags: #NintendoSwitch2 #DreamHaven #GamingNews #Podcast #Switch2Games