This Nintendo Switch 2 Direct highlight came as a complete surprise

Among the many things announced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday, my favourite moment was a 30-second trailer for an indie game that'll likely be available in other places. That’s not to dampen my excitement for the Switch 2 console itself which feels like a great step forward in some ways, albeit one that still holds many of the seemingly ‘out of touch’ aspects Nintendo has become known for.

Countless other writers have, and will, write about the shocking jump in prices for software; many will lambast the DRM keys sold on otherwise redundant cartridges; and I’ve no doubt that you’ll read a think piece on whether those mouse controls in the Joy-Con 2 are even that innovative. Personally, I came away from the Direct feeling energised, and it’s always nice to see new Nintendo games, with their vibrancy and emphasis on fun.

Among all the glitz and glamour though was that 30-second trailer that I mentioned, for a sequel, I might add, that I never saw coming. Enter the Gungeon 2 has been on my ‘most-wanted’ list for years. As a die-hard fan of roguelikes, and roguelites, I became obsessed with the first game. It has the chaos of a bullet-hell shooter, with the item synergies seen in other roguelikes, such as The Binding of Isaac (my actual favourite game of all-time).

It helps that Enter the Gungeon evokes a kind of arcade sensibility, using lush pixel graphics, with a slanted view, much like we would have seen in retro arcade cabinets of the 1990s. Add to this the option for quick, short runs through the titular gungeons, as well as the engaging gameplay loop of unlocking secret areas, bonkers and bombastic weapons, and you’ve got a game you can sink hundreds of hours into.

Shortly after Enter the Gungeon got its final update, Exit the Gungeon released to much quieter applause. The first game was such a success, and the spin-off lost some of its magic. It was still fun, but the essence of the game got lost. The developer, Dodge Roll, and publisher Devolver Digital, explored other options for the franchise, including an actual arcade machine I’ve yet to ever get my hands on. And I honestly thought that I’d never see another game in the series; not because I didn’t think it was something Dodge Roll was avoiding, but with such a wealth of items, weapons, and design in the original game, I wondered what more could be created to expand upon its amazing roots.

Enter the Gungeon 2 is coming to Switch 2 and PC

The new trailer showcases a shift to 3D models, which makes a lot of sense. If Enter the Gungeon was an homage to 1990s arcade games, then the sequel would emulate arcade cabinets of the 2000s and their jump to 3D. There’s little knowledge to be gained from the short trailer, beyond the cute little Bulletkin joining together to create an amorphous giant version being shattered by the hero’s weaponry.

The description below the YouTube trailer notes, “Battle through areas familiar and unknown as the ruined Gungeon reveals its secrets to those brave enough to enter. Discover, unlock, and master fantastic weaponry within its procedurally-generated halls and destroy the legions of Gundead pouring forth from within.” This suggests, and I might be huffing copium, that players may be able to upgrade weapons this time around, perhaps through mastery.

It also hints that we’re returning to the Gungeon of old, possibly after the victories of past heroes, only to find it in ruins - which means we’ll get to dig through the old maps, but still find something new. Consider me thrilled.

The game will come, obviously, to Nintendo Switch 2, but also PC. I’m sure it will eventually make its way to Xbox and PlayStation, but for now, it’s great to see that this even exists, even if that’s on limited platforms for now.