Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles: 14 Must-Play Games

With the Switch 2 officially out, the big question is simple: what should you play first? Mario Kart World is the obvious pick for a lot of players, but there’s way more packed into Day One than just kart racing. The good news is, this launch lineup has something for just about everyone. Whether you’re into platformers, RPGs, co-op chaos, or something totally offbeat, these brand-new Switch 2 games are worth checking out right away. Let’s jump in and break down what stands out.

14 Must-Play Games for Nintendo Switch 2

14 Must-Play Games for Nintendo Switch 2

I’ve pulled together 14 Switch 2 games that show exactly why this console is off to such a strong start. Some are brand-new titles built around the hardware, others are enhanced versions of recent hits, but every one of them feels like something worth playing in 2025 — not just another cross-platform filler. If you’re wondering what to dive into first, this list is for you.

New AAA Nintendo Exclusives

These new Nintendo games were built from the ground up for Switch 2. You’re not getting ports or quick follow-ups. You’re getting bigger maps, new mechanics, and a real sense of momentum. If you’ve been waiting to see what Nintendo’s own studios can do with stronger hardware, start here.

1. Mario Kart World

Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Genre: Kart racing
Multiplayer: Yes, up to 23 players

Mario Kart World is Nintendo’s biggest swing yet for its flagship racer. The old circuit-based format is out. Now you’re racing across a giant open world where courses flow into each other, and you can drive around freely between events. You can hit cities, forests, deserts, even volcanoes—all without a loading screen. The new Knockout Tour mode throws 24 racers into long-form races where players get eliminated round by round. There’s also Free Roam, where you can explore the world without any time pressure, picking up side challenges and collectibles as you go.

According to early previews, characters feel more distinct than ever. Lightweights really do zip around faster, and heavier characters finally throw their weight around. New tricks like wall jumps and rail grinding also open up different ways to cut corners mid-race. Nintendo says over 50 racers will be available, including some who used to just be background obstacles. And yes, built-in voice chat means you can actually talk to your friends this time, no extra app required.

2. Donkey Kong Bananza

Developer: Nintendo EPD
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Genre: 3D platformer
Multiplayer: Yes

Donkey Kong Bananza is the first new 3D Donkey Kong game in over a decade, and it looks like it’s worth the wait. The game drops DK into Ingot Isle, a massive underground world packed with lava flows, minecart tracks, and gold-coated ruins. There’s a clear callback to Donkey Kong Country, but this one’s built for the Switch 2 from the ground up. Movement feels chunkier, more momentum-based, and you can actually see DK’s fur ripple as he barrels through rock walls and swings across rope lines. The lighting engine gives the whole thing a rich, moody glow, and the frame rate holds steady even when everything’s breaking apart around you.

It’s not just a nostalgia trip. This looks like a full-scale return to form with a new physics system and a bigger world to move through. If you grew up with the SNES trilogy or even dipped into Tropical Freeze, Bananza feels like the next logical step.

3. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Developer: Nintendo, Retro Studios
Release Date: 2025 (exact date TBA)
Genre: First-person adventure
Multiplayer: No

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally coming straight to Switch 2 with the kind of power this series has always deserved. The story picks up after Metroid Prime 3, with Samus once again facing off against Sylux, but this time the scale is way bigger—think sky battles, giant mechs, and full-on space pirate fleets. Preview footage shows a more cinematic feel and bigger environments, but still keeps that eerie, isolated energy that makes Prime feel like Prime.

This version is also making full use of the Switch 2’s hardware. It supports up to 4K in TV mode, runs at 120 frames per second, and even introduces a new “Joy-Con mouse” aiming setup. You can aim by flipping the controller flat like a pointer, or switch back to sticks instantly. It’s the kind of thing that’s perfect for longtime FPS players who want that Wii-era precision without losing modern control options.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition)

Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Switch 2 Edition)
Genre: Action-adventure
Multiplayer: No

Tears of the Kingdom may not be new, but the Switch 2 version gives you a solid reason to return to Hyrule. This upgraded edition runs smoother, looks sharper, and adds a handful of features that genuinely change how you play. The most interesting addition is Zelda Notes, which is a new companion feature through the Switch Online app that lets you use voice commands, track your progress in real time, and view an interactive map on your phone while you explore.

What really stands out is the Autobuild sharing system. You can now upload your custom builds and download other players’ creations straight into your game. Nintendo also confirmed that Breath of the Wild will support the same feature, which means both games are about to become a whole lot more collaborative.

5. Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Switch 2 Edition)

Developer: Game Freak
Release Date: 2025
Genre: Action-RPG
Multiplayer: No

This game takes full advantage of the Switch 2 right out of the gate. Lumiose City now feels alive in a way the old hardware couldn’t pull off. It has crowded sidewalks, glowing billboards, sharper textures, and lighting that actually gives the place depth. The whole game moves more fluidly, with real-time battles that play out in open city streets instead of static fields. You’re not waiting around for turns anymore. You and your Pokémon move freely, land attacks, dodge, and react in the moment.

That change alone makes Z-A feel like something completely new. You’ll start your journey in Hotel Z, an old inn in the heart of the city, and choose between Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as your starter—a nod to longtime fans. AZ, the towering figure from X and Y, returns with his Eternal Flower Floette, and Zygarde is already being teased as another major piece of the story. Between the shift to action-RPG combat and the return to Kalos, this looks like a serious evolution for the series. If you’ve been out of the Pokémon loop for a while, Z-A gives you a reason to jump back in.

Massive Open World RPGs on Switch 2

This is where Switch 2 flexes its power. These games aren’t just big—they’re demanding. Massive open worlds, real-time combat, cinematic pacing. The kind of stuff the old Switch couldn’t touch. Now, the hardware’s finally caught up, and these titles show what it can really do when it stops playing catch-up.

6. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Developer: CD Projekt Red
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Genre: Open-world RPG
Multiplayer: Single-player

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is launching day one on Switch 2, and yes, it’s the full version. That means the entire base game, the Phantom Liberty expansion, the big overhaul updates from PC and current-gen consoles, and all the bug fixes baked in. Night City, with all its neon grit and dense storylines, is finally playable on a Nintendo system without compromise. On the original Switch, this would’ve been laughable. But Switch 2 has the muscle to run it smoothly and make it look good doing it.

Thanks to the upgraded hardware, textures look sharper, framerates stay solid, and loading screens barely get in the way. Sneaking through corpo towers, trading fire in crowded alleys, or just cruising through Night City at midnight—all of it runs smoother and feels more locked in. This is the most mature, graphically intense game in the launch lineup, and that alone says something about how far Nintendo’s willing to go this time around. If you missed Cyberpunk the first time or dropped off early, this version is the right one to come back to. And if you’ve already played it? Being able to carry Night City around in your bag changes the whole vibe.

The only catch is how quickly the battery can drain, as Cyberpunk isn’t built for short sessions. But a low battery doesn’t have to mean the game’s over — you can keep playing with Energy Pack. It snaps on to the back of your Switch 2 and charges it while you play—no cables, no bulk, no interruptions. It even has a built-in screen so you always know exactly how much charge you’ve got left.

7. Hogwarts Legacy (Switch 2 Version)

Developer: Avalanche Software
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Genre: Open-world action RPG
Multiplayer: Single-player

Hogwarts Legacy was supposed to hit the original Switch, but it never made it. That version was scrapped, and honestly, it was probably for the best. Now it’s launching on the Switch 2, and this time, the console can actually handle it. You’re getting the full experience—open-world exploration, spell combat, the castle, the forest, and everything in between—running closer to the PS5 and Xbox versions, not the low-res compromises we saw on last-gen systems.

This version is expected to include all the post-launch updates and content, and it could become the best way to play the game on the go. Visuals will be sharper, the environments will load faster, and the whole world should feel more alive. There’s even talk of motion-based wand aiming, which feels right at home with the Joy-Con setup. If you grew up with the books or introduced them to your kids, this one’s a no-brainer. Hogwarts on a handheld has been a dream for years, and now it’s actually happening—with the horsepower to back it up.

8. Star Wars Outlaws

Developer: Ubisoft Massive
Release Date: September 4, 2025 (Switch 2 version)
Genre: Open-world action-adventure
Multiplayer: Single-player
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

A brand-new, open-world Star Wars game is coming in 2025, and it’s bringing the galactic underworld to Switch 2. Star Wars Outlaws, from Ubisoft’s Massive Entertainment, puts you in the boots of a scoundrel in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Think Grand Theft Landspeeder—it’s the first proper open-world Star Wars title, and yes, the Switch 2 will run it. The game’s hitting other high-end consoles in 2024, but the Switch 2 version drops on September 4, 2025, likely as a cleaned-up definitive edition.

In Outlaws, you’ll travel across planets like the desert moon Toshara and the neon-lit city of Akiva, pulling off heists and bounty jobs along the way. You play as Kay Vess, a young outlaw with her alien sidekick Nix, trying to survive the galaxy on her own terms. No Jedi powers, no lightsabers—just blasters, speeder bikes, shady deals, and choices that actually shape your path. The game blends on-foot third-person combat, high-speed chases, and space dogfights in your personal ship.

Action Roguelike Games for Switch 2

This is the Switch 2 at full throttle. These games throw you into fights that test your reflexes, push the hardware, and keep your thumbs working overtime. It’s all high-stakes, high-speed stuff—from precision shooters to roguelikes that punish every mistake. If you like your games intense, these are the ones to boot up first.

9. Hades II

Developer: Supergiant Games
Release Date: 2025
Genre: Roguelike action-RPG
Multiplayer: Single-player (multiplayer not confirmed)
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2, PC

Hades II is coming to Switch 2 in 2025, and it’s one of the most exciting returning indies on the list. The original Hadesbecame a hit on the Switch thanks to its fast-paced combat, rich storytelling, and replayable structure that worked perfectly in short sessions. The sequel picks up with a new protagonist—Melinoë, sister of Zagreus—who’s taking on Chronos, the Titan of Time. The setting is still steeped in Greek myth, but the world is darker and more layered this time around.

On Switch 2, the game is expected to run at higher frame rates and resolutions, which means smoother combat and sharper animation as you dodge, dash, and slash through the underworld. That alone will make it feel better in moment-to-moment play. There’s talk of new systems too, like witchcraft mechanics, a more detailed hub world, and possibly even multiplayer down the line. But even if it stays single-player, the formula is built to last—each run brings something new, and the challenge always keeps you coming back. You can pick it up for a quick run or lose hours to it in one sitting. Either way, Hades II delivers fast, responsive action that feels right at home on the go.

The only thing that might slow you down is the hardware in your hands. Anyone who’s played a twitchy game on Joy-Cons knows the deal. The triggers feel soft, the sticks aren’t always reliable, and the shape just doesn’t hold up when the action gets serious. The PocketPro fixes what Joy-Cons can’t. Its Hall-effect sticks don’t drift, the triggers respond cleanly, and the grip actually fits your hands. It’s built for fast, high-pressure games like Hades II—where one missed input can mean the end of a run.

10. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Genre: Action-RPG
Multiplayer: Single-player

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is launching day one on Switch 2, and that’s a big deal. It’s the first time this remake series is coming to a Nintendo console, and the Switch 2 version runs on a custom engine built to hit higher frame rates, cleaner visuals, and faster load times. If you played the original FF7 on PlayStation back in the day, seeing Cloud, Tifa, and Barret show up here feels like everything coming full circle—especially considering where Square Enix started back in the SNES days.

This version covers the full Midgar arc and includes the Intermission DLC, which gives Yuffie her own side story and adds more variety to the combat. Speaking of combat, it’s all action-based now, with real-time dodging, spell casting, and some wild cinematic finishers that look especially sharp on the new hardware. The soundtrack also hits harder with the Switch 2’s upgraded audio tech, so those sweeping battle themes and soft piano interludes finally sound the way they should. If you’ve never played this remake before, this is the best way to start. And if you’re coming back for nostalgia? Get ready to see Midgar like you’ve never seen it before.

Soulslike Games on Nintendo Switch 2

These are the heaviest hitters on the Switch 2—built for players who want a challenge that doesn’t hold back. From brutal boss fights to unpredictable multiplayer showdowns, these games test your reflexes, your builds, and your ability to adapt under pressure.

11. The Duskbloods

Developer: FromSoftware
Release Date: 2026
Genre: Multiplayer action (PvPvE)
Multiplayer: Up to 8 players, online

The Duskbloods is being built specifically for the Switch 2. FromSoftware’s gothic art style looks cleaner and darker than anything we’ve seen on a Nintendo console before. Early footage hints at a dense cityscape with shifting fog, glowing lanterns, and creatures hiding in alleys—stuff that just wouldn’t have worked on the old Switch. This is also one of the first Switch 2 games leaning into full multiplayer action. It’s not a solo Soulsborne. Instead, it’s an 8-player PvPvE experience where hunters fight each other and the monsters lurking in between.

It’s a big shift for FromSoft. You’re dropped into a cursed city where you’ll likely have to balance co-op and competition—teaming up to take down giant enemies, then turning on each other once the threat is gone. There’s not much concrete info yet, but Hidetaka Miyazaki is directing, and that alone makes it worth watching. The fact that this is exclusive to Switch 2 says a lot about where Nintendo wants to go this generation. If you spent the better part of your gaming life chasing echoes of Bloodborne and Dark Souls, this might be the one you’ve been waiting for.

12. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition

Developer: FromSoftware
Release Date: Late 2025
Genre: Open-world action RPG
Multiplayer: Online co-op and PvP

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition brings the full package to Switch 2. This means the base game, the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and a bunch of new weapons, armor sets, and talismans—all running natively on the console. This isn’t a cloud version or a slimmed-down port. It’s the real thing, launching at around the same time as on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and built to take advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.

The new expansion opens up a fresh region called the Land of Shadow. It’s packed with over 70 new weapons, new magic spells, and some of the toughest bosses FromSoftware has ever made. The map is huge, easily on the level of Limgrave from the base game, and the enemies hit harder and fight smarter. You’ll need to rethink your builds and rely on all the combat tricks you’ve picked up from the original game if you want to survive.

We haven’t seen final performance numbers yet, but the Switch 2 is strong enough to run big open-world games like this without the constant stuttering or long load times you’d get on the original Switch. Elden Ring’s combat relies on tight timing—rolling through attacks, countering, managing stamina—and all of that needs quick, responsive controls. If this version plays as smoothly as early reports suggest, this could be one of the best ways to bring a game like this on the go.

Co-Op & Couch Multiplayer Games for Switch 2

Switch 2 has a few solid picks if you’re planning to play with someone else. These aren’t solo adventures—they’re built for two or more, with split-screen, shared puzzles, and full-blown shootouts made for teaming up. Grab a friend and dive in.

13. Borderlands 4

Developer: Gearbox Software
Release Date: 2025
Genre: Co-op looter-shooter
Multiplayer: Online and local, up to 4 players
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Borderlands 4 is the first mainline entry in the series to hit a Nintendo console, and it’s dropping day one on Switch 2 alongside every other platform. That alone is huge. Previous entries either came late or skipped Switch entirely, but this time Nintendo players are in from the start. The cel-shaded art style looks crisp and bold on the new hardware, and the faster load times mean smoother transitions between zones. Gearbox is also hinting at deeper weapon customization and maybe even a new twist like base-building or expanded vehicle combat.

If you’re planning to play handheld for hours, especially with a game this fast and combat-heavy, you’ll want a grip that keeps your hands relaxed and your inputs consistent. The Attack Vector is designed exactly for that. It’s a modular case with three swappable grip styles, so you can choose what feels best—low-profile for travel or full anchors for long, high-focus sessions. The textured finish adds stability, and the slim shell docks without needing to come off. Every piece snaps on magnetically, so switching grips or adding a battery mid-play only takes a second.

14. Split Fiction

Developer: Hazelight Studios
Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2 launch)
Genre: Co‑op Action‑Platformer
Multiplayer: Local and online co‑op, 2 players (Friend’s Pass supported)

Split Fiction is the follow-up to the beloved It Takes Two, and it brings two-player split-screen cooperative gameplay to Switch 2 on day one. You’ll play as rival authors Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped in each other's sci-fi and fantasy stories—so you’ll team up to leap between dragon-riding fantasy scenes and cyber ninja sci-fi levels. Hazelight nailed both the variety and polish: GameSpot called it “one of the best co-op games you can play today,” and it scored a rare 10/10 from critics.

The Friend’s Pass makes it easy for anyone to jump in, even without owning the game themselves. Expect tight puzzles, fast-paced platforming, and clever, level-specific mechanics that reward communication and sync. It’s designed for shared play—whether you're mastering gravity-bending rides or coordinating laser sword combat, Split Fiction delivers creativity and charm, all running smoothly at 60 FPS on Switch 2.

Conclusion

A big part of what makes the Switch 2 lineup stand out is how well these games actually run in practice. Titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 were never even possible on the original Switch, but now they load fast, look sharp, and feel fully playable in handheld mode. And for games returning with Switch 2 upgrades, the boost in stability and performance is immediately noticeable. If you want to take your gaming with this new handheld even further, Genki’s new line of Switch 2 accessories is worth checking out. Some of these tools don’t just add comfort: they can completely change how long and how well you play.

What New Games Are Coming with the Nintendo Switch 2?

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