Top 10 Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Games

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Introduction

Nintendo has officially ushered in its next-generation handheld-home hybrid with the Nintendo Switch 2. Unveiled in early 2025, this console builds on the immense success of the original Switch (which sold over 146 million units worldwide). The Switch 2 retains the signature portable/tabletop/docked modes of its predecessor but adds significantly more power and new features. It sports a larger 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD display (120 Hz in handheld mode) and can output up to 4K 60FPS on a TV. New “Joy‑Con 2” controllers attach magnetically and even function as a mouse for compatible games. These upgrades — higher frame rates, HDR color, and dedicated peripherals — mark a notable evolution in Nintendo’s hardware, following on from earlier breakthroughs like the Game Boy and original Switch. Such improvements (along with backward compatibility of Switch games) have fans excited that Nintendo is striking a balance between power and portability.

The game lineup for Switch 2 is generating equal enthusiasm. Nintendo is promising new exclusive titles and next‑gen versions of fan favorites. For example, the company touts Mario Kart World as a headline launch game, and previews suggest it blends classic kart racing with free-roam open-world elements. More broadly, gaming outlets note a wide spectrum of upcoming releases: “an exciting 3D Donkey Kong adventure” (Donkey Kong Bananza), a brand-new Pokémon title, Kirby racing, Samus Aran’s long-awaited return in Metroid Prime 4, even the first-ever Splatoon spinoff – plus hints at a Little Nightmares 3 and other surprises. In short, the confirmed and rumored Switch 2 games include everything from family party and platformers to hardcore RPGs and indie hits. This mix of beloved series and fresh ideas is a key reason fans and casual gamers alike are eagerly counting down to the console’s launch.

Nintendo’s iconic ape is back: Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the early hits in the Switch 2 lineup, described as “Donkey Kong’s own Super Mario Odyssey” style 3D platformer.

1. Mario Kart World

Nintendo’s flagship racer launches alongside Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Mario Kart World builds on the series by linking all courses in a single open environment.Official previews emphasize its vibrant, interconnected world and highly expressive characters (e.g. Toad, Pauline).

  1. Developer/Publisher: Nintendo (Nintendo EPD/Nintendo).
  2. Release Date: June 5, 2025 (Switch 2 launch day).
  3. Premise: An open-world Mario Kart experience – race across varied terrains (plains, cities, water, volcanoes, etc.) that are all seamlessly connected. Includes 24-player Grand Prix races and a new “Free Roam” mode allowing exploration between tracks.
  4. Notable Features: Vast connected course map (everything is a course); advanced visual effects and 4K graphics on Switch 2 (up to 120 FPS in handheld possible); new cooperative and photo-mode elements; lively character animations showcasing each racer’s personality.

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

A new entry in the famed strategy series arrives as a Switch 2 launch title on June 5, 2025. Civilization VII expands the turn-based empire-building formula with fresh civilizations and technologies. The Switch 2 Edition supports 4K (up to 30 FPS) and unique Joy-Con 2 motion/mouse controls, ensuring a console-quality experience.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Firaxis Games / 2K Games.
  2. Release Date: June 5, 2025.
  3. Premise: Build a civilization from the ground up, guiding famous leaders through all new “Ages” of history. Your strategic choices shape your empire’s culture and legacy. Includes both solo and online multiplayer for up to eight players.
  4. Notable Features: Designed as a same-day launch title on Switch 2; enhanced graphics and performance on Switch 2 (4K docked, high-resolution handheld); Nintendo Switch 2 “Upgrade Pack” available for existing Switch owners with additional modes and improvements.

3. Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong’s first new major platformer in over a decade arrives July 17, 2025. The game promises classic DK action: barrel-blasting, vine-swinging platform levels filled with bananas. Today’s Direct confirmed beloved characters Diddy and Dixie Kong will join DK in the adventure, along with Pauline and other fan favorites.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Nintendo EPD / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: July 17, 2025.
  3. Premise: A 3D platformer in the style of Donkey Kong Country. You play as Donkey Kong (and possibly rideable partners) smashing through jungle and underground levels. Pauline serves as your companion, and the story involves VoidCorp’s villain Void Kong.
  4. Notable Features: Brings back Cranky, Poppy, Rambi the Rhino, and more; built-in two-player co-op with DK’s sidekicks; motion-control possibilities with Joy-Con (inspired by past “DK Jungle Climb” uses); takes advantage of Switch 2’s power for lush, colorful worlds.

4. Drag × Drive

Nintendo’s original “sports” title, Drag × Drive, comes out summer 2025 (officially Aug 14, 2025). This hybrid action game blends racing and sports: players drive futuristic vehicles and use physical Joy-Con gestures to throw giant balls at goals. The April Direct teased it as a wholly new party-style game using Switch 2’s motion controls.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Nintendo / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: August 14, 2025.
  3. Premise: Team-based vehicle sports. Using Joy-Con 2 motion (sliding controllers to steer and throw), up to four players compete in arenas by scoring goals with explosive balls. It’s a blend of dodgeball and kart racing.
  4. Notable Features: Exclusive to Switch 2; employs new Joy-Con 2 “mouse” aiming control; has a party-game vibe (like Mario Party + sports); built-in multiplayer for up to 8 players (4 vs 4) online or local.

5. Kirby Air Riders

Kirby returns in a new flying adventure slated for release later in 2025. Directed by Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby Air Riders likely has Kirby piloting aircraft or gliding through skies, a throwback to the GameCube’s Kirby Air Ride. Early info is sparse, but Switch 2’s homepage teases it simply as “coming this year”.

  1. Developer/Publisher: HAL Laboratory / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: 2025 (TBA).
  3. Premise: An airborne Kirby adventure. Kirby may fly through courses, navigate sky-worlds, and use new abilities in the air. Given Sakurai’s involvement, expect creative level design and pickup-and-play fun.
  4. Notable Features: Utilizes Switch 2’s graphics for detailed sky-based levels; likely supports motion or touch inputs for flying mechanics; possible multiplayer race modes; a high-profile holiday release for Kirby fans.

6. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

A new Hyrule Warriors entry launches winter 2025. This Zelda-themed Musō game (hack-and-slash battles) is developed by Koei Tecmo with Nintendo’s blessing. Players can expect to control Link, Zelda, and other iconic characters to defeat hordes of enemies in big open warzones.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Omega Force (Koei Tecmo) / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: Winter 2025 (exact date TBA).
  3. Premise: Over-the-top action in Hyrule. The story and characters are fresh (Age of Imprisonment suggests a new legend), but gameplay follows the Warriors formula: one-hit battles against hundreds of foes, with Zelda power-ups.
  4. Notable Features: Likely supports 4K resolution and stable frame rates on Switch 2; may introduce online co-op for the first time in Hyrule Warriors; enhanced graphics (character models and effects) compared to Switch; includes a deep weapons and leveling system as in previous entries.

7. Street Fighter 6

Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 will be playable on Switch 2 (port announced in April 2025). This popular fighting game adds the World Tour single-player mode and the new Drive Gauge system. The Switch 2 edition promises to bring all 40+ fighters (Ryu, Chun-Li, new hero Luke, etc.) to Nintendo’s next hardware.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Capcom / Capcom.
  2. Release Date: 2025 (exact date TBD).
  3. Premise: The latest in the iconic 2D fighting franchise. Fast-paced one-on-one battles, multiple fighting styles (Classic and Modern modes), and global online lobbies.
  4. Notable Features: Anticipated to run at a higher resolution and smoother performance on Switch 2; full roster including guest characters; compatibility with Joy-Con and Pro Controller; likely supports crossplay and rollback netcode. Switch 2’s inclusion means Nintendo fans get parity with other consoles.

8. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Long-awaited Metroid Prime 4 finally resurfaces as a Switch 2 exclusive in 2025. The game follows bounty hunter Samus Aran on the mysterious planet Viewros. As a Switch 2 Edition, it will feature upgraded visuals and performance over any previous hardware.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Bandai Namco (development support) / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: 2025 (exact date TBD).
  3. Premise: First-person action-adventure. Explore an alien world, solve puzzles, and battle Metroids and other creatures. Samus’s mission on Viewros hints at a new chapter in her saga.
  4. Notable Features: Marked as “Switch 2 Edition” (upgrade pack available for Switch owners); expected to run in 4K (docked) with high framerates; likely to include all previously announced content plus new enhancements; Samus’s iconic beam and missile mechanics, with potentially richer environments thanks to Switch 2’s power.

9. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

Level-5’s puzzle-adventure series returns in 2025 on Nintendo platforms. New World of Steam is set in an alternate industrial-steampunk London. The Switch 2 version will launch alongside the Switch version (announced April 2025), giving fans console-quality visuals and touchscreen controls for the game’s famous logic puzzles.

  1. Developer/Publisher: Level-5 / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: 2025 (Switch & Switch 2).
  3. Premise: Join Professor Layton and apprentice Luke in solving a grand mystery involving a ghost train and steam-powered inventions. The game blends story chapters with brain-teaser puzzles and riddles.
  4. Notable Features: First Layton game on a home console since 3DS; Switch 2 Edition expected to add graphical polish (higher-res animations, 4K docked) and optional gyro/touch puzzles; known for rich storytelling and music.

10. The Duskbloods

The Duskbloods is a wholly new title from FromSoftware (creators of Dark Souls and Elden Ring), arriving exclusively on Switch 2 in 2026. Very little is known beyond its cryptic teaser (“the moontears will flow for one and one alone”) and that it’s multiplayer-focused. It represents FromSoftware’s first big project on Nintendo hardware.

  1. Developer/Publisher: FromSoftware / Nintendo.
  2. Release Date: 2026 (Switch 2 exclusive).
  3. Premise: Currently unrevealed; likely a dark-fantasy action game with online components. The title suggests a mysterious, possibly gothic world (FromSoft is known for intricate lore).
  4. Notable Features: Leverages Switch 2’s full power for FromSoftware’s signature detailed environments and fast action; rumored to support high-refresh gameplay; exclusive content – no other console versions confirmed. Fans of Souls-like games will watch this project closely, as FromSoft’s partnership with Nintendo is unprecedented.

Concluding Summary

The titles we’ve highlighted (and many more confirmed) show Nintendo is covering all the bases. Switch 2’s early roster spans genres and audiences: flagship Nintendo franchises like Mario Kart and Zelda (with Switch 2‑enhanced editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) sit alongside big third‑party series such as Final Fantasy VII Remake (debuting at launch), Dragon Quest HD-2D, and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. There are party games (new Mario Party Jamboree), sports titles (Madden NFL 26, NBA 2K), action/RPGs (the revived Metroid Prime 4, Hollow Knight: Silksong), cozy sims (Story of Seasons, farming sims), and quirky indies (Deltarune chapters, mystery adventure Goodnight Universe). This breadth means nearly every gamer will find something to love: from casual families to competitive racers, RPG lovers to puzzle fans. In other words, Nintendo is doubling down on its “blue ocean” approach – offering both familiar franchises and bold new experiences, rather than chasing raw specs.

The strength of this lineup bodes well for Nintendo’s future. Early reports from launch day capture the excitement: fans literally ”snaked around the block” in long lines to be among the first to buy Switch 2. That enthusiasm suggests Nintendo’s hybrid vision still has broad appeal, and developers are keen to support it. With the console now officially released and many big games already confirmed, the Switch 2 looks set to keep the momentum going for Nintendo. As launch approaches and beyond, more announcements are sure to come – so stay tuned for updates on the Switch 2’s expanding game library and launch details.