Festivals - Japan Expo 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 Booth Unleashes Next-Gen Magic 

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord, 05 july 2025

Right now at Japan Expo 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 booth in Hall 6 is one of the most electrifying attractions at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. As soon as attendees step into this bustling corner of the convention, they’re drawn into a vibrant, immersive space that perfectly captures the energy of Nintendo’s next big leap. Crowds are constantly gathering around demo stations, laughter is echoing from multiplayer zones, and there’s a palpable sense of wonder in the air—especially from those lucky enough to experience the Switch 2’s revolutionary features for the very first time. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers with built-in “mouse mode” are quickly becoming the talk of the show floor, with attendees of all ages marveling at the smooth, intuitive way it transforms gameplay.

Among the most popular titles on display is Mario Kart World, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and already stirring up friendly rivalries. The new Survival Mode adds unexpected chaos to the race, and it’s common to see parents and kids high-fiving or shaking their heads in disbelief after dramatic finishes. I spot a teen enthusiast confidently announcing his ranking to anyone who’ll listen, having just set a top lap time with surgical precision thanks to the enhanced frame rate and upgraded controller feedback. Across the aisle, another crowd gathers around Drag x Drive, a flashy new sports title making its worldwide public debut here. The fast-paced, 3-on-3 gameplay is deceptively deep, and more than once, strangers are teaming up mid-queue, strategizing before they even grab their controllers.

Further in, the energy softens into awe at the solo game booths, where fans are lining up for their first hands-on sessions with Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Both titles are clearly designed to showcase the Switch 2’s raw power and visual clarity. Players in the Donkey Kong area are grinning as they smash through destructible environments and uncover secrets in this lush, hyper-colorful platformer set to launch officially on July 17. Over at the Metroid station, I catch a hushed moment where a player, locked into the 120 FPS space combat of Samus Aran’s new journey, quietly mouths “Wow” as she fires a perfectly timed charge beam using mouse-precision aiming. These aren’t just demos—they’re proof-of-concept moments that show Nintendo’s vision for the future is already here.

Of course, the magic doesn’t end with gameplay. The new Nintendo Pop-Up Store, located right beside the main booth, is a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise that has collectors racing to the registers. Items from Nintendo TOKYO and Nintendo OSAKA are flying off the shelves—especially the unique plushies and T-shirts that feature special Japan Expo 2025 branding. One longtime fan, wearing a 2006 Twilight Princess cap, excitedly tells me she’s been saving for this trip just to shop this pop-up. Another kid walks out clutching a giant Yoshi plush that’s almost as big as he is, eyes wide with joy. The shop’s clever layout and crowd-friendly design help keep the flow smooth even during peak hours.

Tournaments are constantly running throughout the day, with players signing up on the spot for adrenaline-pumping competitions in Mario Kart World. Spectators cheer from the sidelines as the best racers in the crowd battle it out for bragging rights—and sometimes surprise goodies from Nintendo. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, surprise guests drop in. Today, a well-known French streamer unexpectedly joined the crowd, drawing cheers and snapping selfies with fans. These appearances add an unpredictable, communal vibe to the booth—Nintendo clearly wants this to be more than a demo stop; it’s a place to celebrate a shared passion.

With three more days to go before the event wraps on July 6, there’s still plenty of time to visit what’s shaping up to be the beating heart of Japan Expo 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2 booth is doing more than just showcasing a new console—it’s demonstrating how games can continue to evolve while staying rooted in joy, connection, and creativity. Whether you're setting lap records, unlocking secrets, collecting merch, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Nintendo’s presence here proves that the magic is very much alive—and it’s leveling up.

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Photos: Boiris Colletier / Mulderville