The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially landed, launching on June 5, 2025, and it’s already making waves in the gaming world. With its enhanced hardware, larger 7.9-inch LED display, and support for 4K resolution when docked, the Switch 2 promises to elevate gaming to new heights. But what truly defines a console is its games, and the Switch 2’s lineup for 2025 is packed with titles that are turning heads. From exclusive first-party adventures to third-party ports and enhanced editions, here’s a deep dive into the most exciting Nintendo Switch 2 games you can play now or look forward to this year.
A Stellar Launch Lineup
The Switch 2 hit the ground running with an impressive 23 launch titles, a mix of new games, ports, and upgraded versions of Nintendo Switch classics. The standout is Mario Kart World, the first mainline Mario Kart game since 2017’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This vibrant racer introduces a sprawling open-world environment where courses are interconnected, offering modes like Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, and Free Roam for exploration. Critics are calling it a visual and gameplay triumph, with deeper mechanics and a polished feel that showcases the Switch 2’s power. If you grabbed the Mario Kart World bundle, you’re already racing through Toad’s manufacturing plants and Boo’s cinema with a fresh take on Waluigi’s style.
Other launch highlights include ports of heavy-hitters like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut. These games, previously too demanding for the original Switch, shine on the Switch 2 with improved graphics, faster load times, and Joy-Con 2 mouse control support. Cyberpunk 2077, in particular, has been a promotional darling, with CD Projekt Red handling the port in-house to ensure it’s fully on the cartridge—a rarity for such a massive game.
For fans of Nintendo’s classics, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom received Switch 2 Edition upgrades at launch. These versions boast enhanced visuals, 4K resolution in TV mode, HDR support, and faster load times, making Hyrule more breathtaking than ever. Best of all, if you own the original Switch versions, you can purchase upgrade packs to access these enhancements without repurchasing the full game.
Upcoming Gems in 2025
The Switch 2’s 2025 calendar is brimming with titles that promise to keep players glued to their screens. Here are some of the most anticipated releases:
- Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025): Donkey Kong is back in a groundbreaking 3D platformer, his first major starring role since 1999. This game blends traditional platforming with destructive mechanics, letting DK smash through environments and hurl terrain at enemies. Expect a vast underground world filled with secrets, perfect for fans craving a fresh take on the iconic ape.
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (August 28, 2025): Kirby’s 2022 adventure gets a visual overhaul and a brand-new campaign, Star-Crossed World. This enhanced edition is a must-play for Kirby fans, with improved frame rates and a vibrant new story. Plus, Kirby Air Riders, a sequel to the beloved 2003 GameCube racer Kirby Air Ride, is slated for later in 2025. Directed by Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai, it promises fast-paced multiplayer racing with that signature pink-puffball charm.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025): After years of anticipation since its 2017 announcement, Samus Aran returns in this long-awaited sequel. Available on both Switch and Switch 2, the Switch 2 Edition offers a 120fps Performance mode when docked, making it one of the smoothest Metroid experiences yet. Set on the mysterious planet Viewros, it’s shaping up to be a landmark entry in the series.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 2025): The next chapter in the Pokémon saga introduces new combat mechanics and trainer features. While it’s not a Switch 2 exclusive, its open-world exploration and revamped battles will benefit from the console’s enhanced performance, making it a massive draw for fans.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025): Developed by Koei Tecmo with Nintendo’s support, this new Hyrule Warriors title brings hack-and-slash action to the Zelda universe. Expect epic battles and a fresh story, optimized for the Switch 2’s capabilities.
Exclusives and Third-Party Support
Nintendo is mixing things up with its Switch 2 exclusives. Unlike previous console launches with multiple first-party titles, the Switch 2 leans heavily on Mario Kart World as its sole first-party exclusive at launch, with third-party support filling the gap. Games like Fast Fusion, a high-speed anti-gravity racer from Shin’en, and Drag x Drive, a unique 3-on-3 basketball game using Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, showcase the console’s innovative side. Fast Fusion lets players fuse vehicle parts for customized rides, running at a smooth 60fps, while Drag x Drive blends Rocket League vibes with wheelchair basketball precision.
Third-party developers are also stepping up. Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws arrives in September 2025, bringing open-world action-adventure to Nintendo fans. FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods, an eight-player PvPvE action game, is set for 2026 but has Switch 2 exclusivity, hinting at Nintendo’s growing appeal to hardcore developers. Rumors swirl of Microsoft bringing titles like Halo: Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, alongside ports of Grounded, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves, signaling a robust multiplatform future.
Enhanced Experiences and Backward Compatibility
One of the Switch 2’s biggest strengths is its backward compatibility with most original Switch games, letting you carry your existing library forward. Select titles, like Splatoon 3, have received free updates for improved visuals and performance on Switch 2, with new content like stages and weapons added as recently as June 13, 2025. However, some games, like Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, are incompatible due to hardware differences, and others may have minor issues under investigation.
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack adds another layer of value, offering access to GameCube classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-ZERO GX exclusively on Switch 2. The GameChat feature, requiring a Nintendo Account and USB-C camera, enhances social play with voice chat and screen sharing, making multiplayer sessions more immersive.
Why 2025 Is Nintendo’s Year
The Switch 2’s game lineup reflects Nintendo’s strategy to blend innovation with accessibility. The console’s launch titles cater to casual and hardcore gamers alike, while upcoming releases like Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A ensure a steady stream of must-play experiences. Third-party support is stronger than ever, with ports and exclusives that rival offerings on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a $10 playable tech demo, even turns learning the console’s features into a quirky adventure, proving Nintendo’s knack for creative fun.
As we move deeper into 2025, expect more announcements—possibly at a June Nintendo Direct—to flesh out theSwitch 2’s library. With over 3.5 million units sold in its first four days, the Switch 2 is already the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever, and its games are poised to define this next chapter.
Get Ready to Play
Whether you’re drifting through Mario Kart World’s open-world tracks, smashing through Donkey Kong Bananza’s underground realms, or awaiting Samus’ return in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the Nintendo Switch 2’s 2025 games offer something for everyone. Check out the Nintendo eShop for digital downloads or grab physical copies to build your collection. And if you’re eyeing future releases, pre-orders for titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Switch 2 Edition are live now.
What’s your most anticipated Switch 2 game? Drop a comment below and let’s get the conversation racing! For the latest on Nintendo Switch 2 games, visit Nintendo’s official site or stay tuned for more updates.
Note: Release dates and details are subject to change. Always check official sources for the latest information.