We've finally gotten our first look at Nintendo’s new console, the Switch 2. There were many new features they wanted to show us, such as how the Switch 2's new graphic capabilities and the size comparison against its predecessor. But there were a few games they showed that really took the show, including one from an unexpected studio. Let’s get into more detail about the game and reception from fans.

FromSoftware’s next great challenge for the Switch 2

The trailer shows a gothic horror to die (a lot) for

Source: Nintendo

One of the more intriguing game trailers we got from Nintendo during its Switch 2 presentation was the surprise reveal of The Duskbloods, a game coming to us in 2026 from renowned developer FromSoftware. It definitely shocked the gaming world because many, including myself, noticed a gothic theme. The last game that FromSoft released with the same theme was PlayStation 4’s exclusive Bloodborne. Many are even calling this a spiritual successor to that title.

Now, more information is coming to us via FromSoftware themselves and many reports are leaving fans of the company with mixed emotions. Many praise the Switch 2’s ability to showcase the dark, grimy world that often takes place in FromSoftware’s games, but others are rumor milling that it will be a multiplayer title. If true, this will be a detour from the usual MO that FromSoft games have been known for. Will it release with its almost abusive difficulty, or lax it more for casual fans to be able to pick up and play with friends?

👁 Eldin Ring.
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Speaking of gothic horror

Many seem to think that this setting feels awfully familiar to another FromSoft game

First things first: let’s talk about the trailer and what it showed. In true Soulslike fashion, there were a variety of landscapes that will need exploring (and dying in). But instead of the wide fields and black bogs that Elden Ring showcased, it seems to be more late gothic. There were large piercing cathedrals, sewers with large amphibians hopping about, and the many walkways and bridges that seemed to connect throughout the unknown city.

As mentioned above, many are dubbing this the spiritual successor to Bloodborne, or my personal favorite: “True Blood x Bloodborne”. Speaking of which, many FromSoft fans aren’t too thrilled to have to spend money on a new console to play the latest and greatest game from their favorite publisher. And the fact the original, Bloodborne, was a console exclusive while The Duskbloods, the “sequel”, will also be a console exclusive, has not been lost. Many forums on Reddit and X have said generally the same sentiment: why this long and why so much? Not to mention, many aren’t too thrilled that it may be multiplayer-oriented.

👁 Elden RIng player stabbing corpse above limgrave backdrop
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Will the difficulty be in true FromSoftware fashion?

Fans of FromSoft have a love/hate relationship with FromSoft’s library

Source: Nintendo

To say FromSoftware games are difficult would be like saying fish like to swim in the ocean. It’s pretty much a given at this point. One of the most famous streamers, Kai, once streamed his playthrough of Elden Ring with his death counter reaching 1700 (even his DLC playthrough for Shadow of the Erdtree death counter went up to 1070). But why would fans be upset over the latest trailer teaser? Well, Bloodborne has been stuck in the PlayStation library for a decade at this point, so those who wish to see a sequel or reinvigorated version of the classic will still have to wait if they decide Duskbloods isn’t for them.

A timeline of games from FromSoft since Bloodborne was released to give context:

Release Date

Game Released

April 2015

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (remaster of the original)

March 2016

Dark Souls III

November 2018

Deracine (a PS VR game released on PS4)

March 2019

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

August 2019

Metal Wolf Chaos XD (a remaster of the original 2004 version)

August 2023

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
👁 Dark Souls game bosses gathered around Anor Londo
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Switch 2’s launch/early lineup looks strong

The Duskbloods, Mario Kart World, and Donkey Kong Bananza are great foundations

Source: Nintendo

Nintendo really showed up and showed out with a lot of the announcements they showed at their initial Direct about the Switch 2. Many of the original Switch library seems to be able to be played on the new console. Also, it appears that some of the more popular games from the original Switch will get the HD upgrade. We've seen many other ports do mid-console generation. I personally can’t wait to see Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 4k 60 fps that the Switch 2 announced it can be capable of.

Those were just the games we knew and/or owned already however. Nintendo, alongside Duskblood, also showed off Mario Kart World. This new entry into the series seems to be an open-world Mario Kart game that you and your friends can joyride together with. Never thought we’d see the day when we could say that. Additionally, hats off to bringing Donkey Kong back and (possibly) better than ever in Donkey Kong Bananza. The Mario Odyssey-style gameplay that we saw in the initial trailer was definitely the curtain closing act for that Nintendo Direct. These three titles lay down great groundwork for the first year of the Switch 2, and we can't wait to see it.

  • Games showcased or announced by Nintendo for the Switch 2 so far:
  • Games getting a Switch 2 edition so far: