Nintendo fully unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 this week, and it sports a bigger LCD screen, updated Joy-Con controllers that can also be used as mice, two USB-C ports, and a better kickstand. It can also play games at 4K resolution on your TV, and 1080p at 120 frames per second on the Switch 2 itself.
Of course, none of that would even matter if there weren’t some killer games on the way. We’ll see a few big ones right at launch, with more to come later—and we’ve combed through the announcements to find the best stuff on the way.
Mario Kart World (June 5)
The first thing that popped to mind when we saw Mario Kart World was, “Hey, it’s Forza Horizon!” Mario Kart World offers a whole bunch of tracks to race on—over 30 of them—but the big idea here is that all of these tracks are part of a unified open world. So you can go for your best time on your favorite track, but you can also spend time exploring the wide world of Mario Kart by free-roaming the map on your own or with friends.
Legend of Zelda upgrades (June 5)
These are two separate games—The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom—but we’re lumping them into one, because what makes them new is about the same for both. It’s a simple list, but it might be enough to warrant diving back in.
The Switch 2 editions of these games will feature enhanced resolution, smoother frame rates, an additional save slot, and faster load times. They’ll also support the new Zelda Notes app, which will help you navigate the world, as well as give you a community-created repository of Ultrahand contraptions to use in your own game.
Better yet, if you already own these games (you do), then you can buy an upgrade instead of having to re-buy the whole game. We wish it was free, but it’s better than having to re-purchase the whole game. However, Nintendo did confirm that the Zelda upgrades will be free if you have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17)
Donkey Kong 64 fans: You’ve been waiting a long time, but your patience is being rewarded with Donkey Kong Bananza, an open-world 3D Donkey Kong game where you’ll be battling the mysterious VoidCo to reclaim the Golden Bananas they stole from you.
One of the most exciting features of this one is the high level of destructibility offered by the environment. With a vibe that recalls the lovely Super Mario Odyssey, this is one to look out for.
Super Mario Party Jamboree NS2 Edition (July 2025)
Super Mario Party Jamboree originally hit in 2024, and this is another example of a game getting the Switch 2 upgrade treatment. It has all of the features of the original, looking better than ever, but it’ll also add minigames to address the Nintendo Switch 2’s unique features.
If you and your friends have the optional camera, for example, then you can see a live portrait of yourself next to your character—plus there are mini-games that take advantage of the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 controllers can act as mice.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Q4 2025)
The latest Hyrule Warriors sequel is exactly what you’d expect: Legend of Zelda characters in the familiar hack-and-slash Dynasty Warriors formula, albeit with Tears of the Kingdom-style graphics. The game takes you back in time to before the cataclysm to a period in Hyrule’s history called the Imprisonment War, and once again lets you fight off enemies by the thousands.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be coming to both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. If you’re playing it on Switch 2, though, you’ll get a bunch of additional features on top of finally getting a new Metroid game (Kept us waiting, huh, Nintendo?).
You can play it at 4K/60fps on your television or 1080P/120fps on your Switch 2. It also has enhanced textures and load times. The most exciting part for FPS fans, though, is that it’ll support using the mouse feature of the Switch 2 controllers.
Drag x Drive (TBA)
This entry is designed to show off the Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers in their best light. Teams of 3 players will battle on a basketball court, playing as futuristic wheelchair athletes. You’ll have to use the two controllers’ mousing functions simultaneously to keep your chair moving, and then when you’re in range, pick one of them up and gooseneck your wrist to put the ball through the hoop.
Pokémon Legends Z-A (2025)
It’s time to head back to Lumiose City from Pokemon X and Y, but in much greater detail. For the first time, though, this series will allow you to battle as a Pokemon trainer in real time, moving around on the battlefield and deploying your Pokemon when you want.
The Duskbloods (2026)
While Sony doesn’t seem keen on resurrecting Bloodborne anytime soon, From Software is still hungering to re-enter the world. Enter The Duskbloods, a multiplayer game exclusive to the Switch 2 from developer From Software.
A quick look at the trailer will show you what we’re talking about. This game has a Victorian horror aesthetic that definitely reminds us of Bloodborne. From Software’s Elden Ring: Nightreign is set to come out this year, and Duskbloods next—it seems like From is going big on multiplayer games right now.
Your multiplatform faves
Alongside the great games above, there are tons of games coming to Switch that have already appeared elsewhere. If you’re one of those gamers who finds that playing a game on Switch or Steam Deck enhances the experience, you’re about to be buried in riches. Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws—these games are all coming to the Switch.
Edited by Andrew Hayward
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