The Nintendo Switch 2 brings a fresh experience compared to its predecessor. Notable upgrades include sturdier Joy-Cons that now attach magnetically, the ability to deliver 4K visuals at 60 frames per second when docked, and the welcome feature of charging during tabletop mode. However, the true value of any gaming console lies in its games; without exciting titles, a new system loses its charm.

Nintendo showcased numerous exclusive titles for the Switch 2 during their recent Direct presentation. Unlike the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, this new console will debut with plenty of games available on day one. Exciting titles are also slated for release in the near future, including a new project from From Software anticipated in 2026!

Launch Titles for the Nintendo Switch 2

What a Surprise!
Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5. While not all newly announced games will be available on day one, several highly anticipated titles will be, including Mario Kart World.

Mario Kart World promises an exhilarating open-world adventure. Players can traverse various landscapes with friends, racing from one competition to another. While not every game needs to be open-world, this concept surely ignites curiosity. Investors are encouraged to explore this expansive Mario Kart environment at a leisurely pace, even snapping selfies during their journey.

The traditional racing mechanics remain intact, allowing competition against others on the racetrack. The game now supports up to 24 racers simultaneously, adding a new dimension to the experience, including the unique “Knockout Tour,” where elimination occurs based on positioning at checkpoints. Players can also enjoy wall-bouncing like a platformer, grinding on rails, and amusingly hopping around as a cow.

Other exciting games launching concurrently include:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• Street Fighter 6

• Split Fiction

• Hogwarts Legacy

• Hitman World of Assassination

• Brave Default Flying Fair (HD Remaster)

• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo Switch Online)

• Soulcalibur II (Nintendo Switch Online)

• F-Zero GX (Nintendo Switch Online)

• Deltarune 1 + 2 + 3 + 4

• Civilizations VII

• Survival Kids

• Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition

• Fortnite

• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER

• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

• Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

• Fast Fusion

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

Upcoming Nintendo Games

Several first-party titles and enhancements have been revealed that will not be available at the Switch 2’s launch on June 5.

Drag X Drive (Projected for Summer 2025)

Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

A brand-new experience for Nintendo, Drag X Drive introduces wheelchair basketball utilizing innovative controls on the Switch 2 Joy-Cons. Players will propel their characters by driving both controllers forward, resembling the motion of moving wheelchair wheels. Additionally, players can emulate throwing a basket by swinging the Joy-Con, a mechanic reminiscent of Wii Sports.

Donkey Kong Bananza (Release Date TBA)

Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

After a series of remakes, it’s time for Donkey Kong to step into the limelight once again with a new adventure. The closing highlight of the Direct, Bananza resembles Super Mario Odyssey in its 3D platforming approach within a seemingly expansive environment. However, players will find themselves smashing through almost everything encountered along their journey.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025)

Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

The third installment in the Hyrule Warriors series takes place before the events in Tears of the Kingdom. Without revealing too much, players will experience the Imprisoning War narrative, even stepping into the shoes of Princess Zelda.

Kirby Air Riders (Scheduled for 2025)

Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

A long-awaited sequel to the 2003 classic Kirby Air Ride is on the horizon. While details remain scarce, glimpses reveal stars, motorcycles, and spacecraft as potential modes of transportation. The project is helmed by Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., ensuring promising gameplay.

Nintendo Switch 2 Editions

In a somewhat traditional manner, Nintendo will deliver enhanced versions of select titles from Switch 1 for the Switch 2. These upgrades may consist of improved graphics, enhanced performance, or innovative features that leverage the Switch 2’s advanced Joy-Con functionalities. Upcoming enhancements include:

• Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (July 24, 2025)

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World (August 28, 2025)

• Metroid Prime 4 Beyond (Release Date TBA)

• Pokémon Legends ZA (Release Date TBA)

GameCube Game Compatibility

For the first time, Nintendo Switch Online will introduce GameCube titles, but exclusively for the Switch 2 model. Though the rationale for leaving earlier Switch models out is puzzling, here’s a list of anticipated releases, alongside three available at launch, which currently lack specific release dates:

• Super Mario Sunshine

• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

• Super Mario Strikers

• Chibi-Robo

• Luigi’s Mansion

• Pokémon Colosseum

Third-Party Titles on Switch 2

Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube

Many third-party developers are gearing up to release their titles on the Switch 2. The lineup includes:

• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (Projected for 2025)

• Hades II (Release Date TBA)

• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (September 5, 2025)

• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Summer 2025)

• Project 007 (Release Date TBA)

• Borderlands 4 (Scheduled for 2025)

• WWE 2K (Release Date TBA)

• NBA 2K (Release Date TBA)

• Enter the Gungeon 2 (Release Date TBA)

• Starseeker: Astoneer Expeditions (2026)

• Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade (Release Date TBA)

• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)

• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 27, 2025)

• Goodnight Universe (2025)

• Silksong (2025)

• Two Point Museum (2025)

• Wild Hearts S (July 25, 2025)

• Witchbrook (Holiday 2025)

• Marvel Comic Invasion (Holiday 2025)

• Star Wars Outlaws (2025)

• Shadow Labyrinth (July 18, 2025)

• RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19, 2025)

• No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (July 25, 2025)

• REANIMAL (2025)

• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025)

• Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27, 2025)

• Human Fall Flat 2 (Release Date TBA)

• The Duskbloods (2026)