Featured Image Credit: Nintendo
2025 is a massive year for gaming, and alongside Grand Theft Auto 6 sure to decimate the industry toward the end of the year, Nintendo is rolling out the big guns with the long-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch. Although it wasn't exactly a surprise ahead of its official January 2025 reveal, that hasn't stopped hype for the Nintendo Switch 2 from reaching an all-time high as it prepares to take over from where the OG Switch left off.
Away from some complaints that Nintendo has failed to innovate with the Switch 2, it's much more than just a bigger 7.9-inch 1080p display, more memory, and redesigned Joy-Cons going on under the hood.
After solving the mystery of the new C button that will bring back a Wii U-inspired chat feature, gamers are picking up on the other perks that the redesigned Switch 2 boasts. A new post on the Nintendo Japan website explains what all the new icons mean, with fans noting that we've got a throwback feature from the old Nintendo DS days.
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Whereas the PlayStation 2 is the best-selling console of all time, the original DS family launched in 2004, comes in second. With 154.02 million units sold, it's just ahead of the Switch's 150.86 million as the best-selling handheld ever made.
The 3DS has an equally impressive legacy, with Switch 2 fans noting how the next generation is bringing back GameShare, which was previously seen when the 3DS XL released in 2012.
Die-hard Nintendo gamers have been calling for the revival of GameShare, which is also known as DS Download Play. Way back when, you could jump into the likes of Mario Kart DS on the DS if only one of you owned the game card but decided to host a session. It's true that GameShare was included up until 2017's release of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, but with it being MIA from the Switch, it's making a welcome comeback.
Switch 2 owners will be able to access GameChat through the Nintendo Switch Online system, and although it's restricted to select titles, it's a big win.
Over on Reddit, one user explained how GameShare is coming back, and it's safe to say, you're happy to see its return. One fan cheered: "I feel like a lot of people aren't talking enough about game share. Like were getting god damn Download Play back."
Better yet, the trailer confirms it's rolling out to the Switch 2, original Switch, and even Switch Lite.
The new GameShare logo even nods toward the DS Download Play icon as it rotates. It's unclear which titles will be covered, but with it promised for 'select' Nintendo Switch 2 games, Mario Kart World could be a strong contender.
We're warned about the 'hidden' costs of the Switch 2 thanks to pricier games, while there are fears that Donald Trump's tariffs could make it more expensive. Still, with the Switch topping the charts as the best-selling console between 2017 and 2022, its successor is likely to be another certified hit. After the Wii U was slammed for being too much of a departure from the success of the Wii, Nintendo is seemingly looking to hit that sweet spot with a few tweaks.
