Switch 2 Platform Update Highlights Hardware Ecosystem Growth With New Games

Nintendo announcements include Mario Kart World update clues, Mario Day discounts, Kena Switch 2 release, and Pragmata schedule change.

Hardware by Okazaki on Mar 07, 2026

There have been several new updates and leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2, including news on Nintendo's sales, upcoming games, and a rumored new game mode for Mario Kart World.

Some promotional material for Mario Day mentions a feature that isn't in the game yet. Nintendo has also shared details about the 2026 Mario Day sale. Kena: Bridge of Spirits is now available on Switch 2, and Pragmata's release date has been pushed back.

Switch 2 Platform Update, Highlights Hardware Ecosystem Growth, With New Games, NoobFeed

Mario Kart World May get a New Battle Mode

We are starting with the information we found in ads for Mario Day. It looks like Nintendo accidentally hinted at a new feature for Mario Kart World. Nintendo posted a screenshot to announce the Mario Kart World My Nintendo Open Series tournament, and the hint was in it.

The picture doesn't look strange at first. But if you look closely, you'll see a Bob-omb icon under the option for Battle Mode. There is no icon like that in the current version of the game.

Right now, Mario Kart World has two battle modes: Balloon Battle and Coin Runners. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, on the other hand, had five battle modes, including Bob-omb Blast. The bomb icon suggests a comparable option might return in a future release.

There is no proof that this discovery is connected to DLC. Nintendo has, however, released several free updates for Mario Kart World since its release. One of the biggest changes to the game so far would be a new battle mode.

We already know the game launched at $80, and many people thought it would have more content, like new characters, styles of play, and courses. In that case, we need to know if Nintendo plans to add more content through free updates or a paid expansion like the Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Mario Kart World is a good choice for long-term support if any Switch 2 game gets it. There will likely be more characters and courses, either through DLC or regular updates.

Another piece of information makes that more likely. Some voice performers are linked to characters that are not currently in the game, according to the credits. Updates could include those characters later on. We might learn more about this at the Mario Day announcements in 2026. The anticipated battle option will be a free update or a DLC expansion.

Mario Day 2026 Sale Information and Discounts on Games

Nintendo has also listed the key Mario Day deals for 2026. Usually, the corporation gives a short presentation at this event, but a lot of news has already come out. The digital deal is running now through March 15. There are sales on several games on the eShop.

You can get Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury for $39.99 instead of $60. That's 33% cheaper. Bowser's Fury adds an open area to the original game that is like a sandbox. Mario vs. Donkey Kong is now $39.99, which is 20% off. But the savings on the physical version are bigger. Right now, Super Mario Maker 2 costs $40 instead of $60. The online level system still works with new content supplied by users.

The Gold Edition of Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope is on sale for $8.99, which is 90% off. The main game and all the DLC are included in the Gold Edition. The price of Super Mario Party Jamboree is $41.99; you may save 30%. You may get the Switch 2 version with more material for $61.98.

The remake of the SNES game Super Mario RPG is also on sale for $41.99. You can get Luigi's Mansion 3 for $39.99, and there are savings on the multiplayer DLC bundle. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD costs $41.99, but it's on sale for 30% off. Recently, the game received a Switch 2 update that added new features, including Dixie Kong as a playable character and a challenge mode.

The price of Mario and Sonic at the Tokyo Games is now $29.99, which is half off. Starting on March 8, some of the biggest reductions will be available in stores.The prices of Mario and Luigi: Brotherhood and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door have been cut in half, from $60 to $29.99. The physical copy of Mario vs. Donkey Kong also costs $29.99.

More physical discounts are: For $39.99, you may get Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury. $39.99 for Super Mario Odyssey $39.99 for Luigi's Mansion 3, Mario Party Jamboree for $39.99. Discounts on first-party Nintendo games are rare; thus, Mario Day is one of the few occasions a year when these games go on sale.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is now on the Nintendo Switch 2

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the subject of another announcement. The game is set to be out for Nintendo Switch 2 later this spring. Switch 2 edition will include the full game, the anniversary DLC update, and the New Game Plus mode. Ember Lab said the release will include all previously added content updates to the game.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits was released for PC, PS5, and PS4 in September 2021. It came out on Xbox platforms in 2024. Metacritic gave the game an 81 on PS5 and an 83 on PC. The title is all about story-driven action-adventure gameplay, featuring exploration and combat. Josh and Mike Grier started Ember Lab as an animation studio in 2009. The studio's first big gaming project was Kena: Bridge of Spirits.

There is already a sequel, Kena: Scars of Cosmora, planned for release on PS5 and PC later this year. The release date for Pragmata has been moved up. Capcom has also changed the release date for Pragmata. The game will come out on April 17 instead of April 24. The title will be available at the same time on PC, PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Switch 2 Platform Update, Highlights Hardware Ecosystem Growth, With New Games, NoobFeed

In the business world, it's more common for things to be delayed than for release dates to be moved up. The modification means that the launch will happen a week earlier than expected. Pragmata features a third-person shooter with puzzle mechanics. When you fight, time slows down, and a puzzle shows up on the screen. The outcome of battle actions and damage output changes when you solve the problem.

The game takes place in a science-fiction world, and the tale follows a character who is caring for a little friend. Capcom has released a playable demo, but people will have to wait until the full game comes out to get their full impressions. Capcom has recently released games on many platforms at the same time, and Pragmata follows that pattern with a launch on all systems on the same day.

Final Thoughts

There may still be more developments about Mario Day. Nintendo has used the event in the past to showcase trailers, give updates on new games, and discuss smaller feature additions.

Updates for games without release dates yet, like Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, could be among the announcements. Other announcements could be about media initiatives related to the Mario franchise. During the event, there may be further news concerning Mario Kart World updates or DLC.

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