The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, with a strong lineup of titles including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and several third-party ports. The launch library covers a wide range of genres, with more exclusives confirmed for later in 2025 and beyond.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is nearly here. After years of rumors, leaked Joy-Con prototypes, and mounting speculation, Nintendo officially confirmed its next-generation console in January 2025—and the gaming world hasn’t stopped talking since.
What makes a console launch truly exciting, though, isn’t the hardware. It’s the games. And based on what Nintendo has revealed so far, the Switch 2 is arriving with one of the strongest launch lineups in the company’s recent history.
This post breaks down every confirmed and announced Nintendo Switch 2 game worth having on your radar—from day-one launches to major titles coming later in 2025. If you’re searching for an Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Game to add to your wishlist, this guide highlights the biggest releases and most anticipated titles. Whether you’re a lifelong Nintendo fan or a lapsed gamer considering a return, here’s everything you need to know before the console hits shelves.
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What Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Date?
Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will launch globally on June 5, 2025, priced at $449.99 USD. The console introduces a larger 1080p LCD screen, magnetic Joy-Con controllers with a new “C button” for mouse-like input, and improved processing power capable of running games at up to 4K resolution when docked.
Alongside the hardware announcement, Nintendo revealed a robust slate of launch titles and upcoming releases—a smart move to reassure fans that the successor to the best-selling Switch wouldn’t suffer from a slow content rollout.
Which Games Are Available at Nintendo Switch 2 Launch?
Mario Kart World — the Switch 2’s flagship launch title
Mario Kart World is the headline act. This isn’t an updated port of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—Nintendo has confirmed it as a full, original entry in the franchise, built from the ground up for Switch 2 hardware. It introduces open-world elements between races, a new roster of characters, and support for up to 24 players online.
Mario Kart World will also be available as a bundle with the console, making it the de facto face of the Switch 2 launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nintendo is including a pack-in experience called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, designed to showcase the console’s new features—particularly the Joy-Con’s mouse functionality and the upgraded hardware capabilities. Think of it as an interactive demo disguised as a game, similar in spirit to Wii Sports for the original Wii.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land — coming to Switch 2
Kirby and the Forgotten Land, originally released on the Nintendo Switch in 2022, is confirmed to receive a Switch 2 version with enhanced visuals and performance. It’s an accessible, charming platformer that serves as a great entry point for new players joining the Nintendo ecosystem for the first time.
Third-Party Ports Available at or Near Launch
The Switch 2 launch window includes a notable collection of third-party titles, many of which were previously unavailable on the original Switch due to hardware limitations:
- Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt Red’s open-world RPG makes its Nintendo debut
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — already confirmed with enhanced Switch 2 features
- Civilization VII — the strategy giant launches on Switch 2 alongside other platforms
- EA Sports FC 25 — football fans get a dedicated Switch 2 release
The presence of these titles signals something important: third-party developers are treating the Switch 2 as a serious platform, not an afterthought.
What Are the Biggest Nintendo Switch 2 Games Coming in 2025?
Donkey Kong Bananza — July 17, 2025
Arguably the most anticipated exclusive announced so far, Donkey Kong Bananza marks the first major original Donkey Kong title in over a decade. Developed by Nintendo EPD—the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey—the game features fully destructible environments, a new companion character called Pauline, and a vibrant, layered world built around the Switch 2’s improved processing power.
Nintendo has confirmed a release date of July 17, 2025, positioning it as the console’s first major post-launch exclusive.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
One of the most anticipated Nintendo games in years, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2. After years of development (Nintendo famously restarted the project in 2019), the game is now a Switch 2 title, though Nintendo has yet to announce a firm release date beyond 2025.
The trailer shown during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct showcased Samus in expansive alien environments with significantly upgraded visuals compared to previous Metroid Prime entries. For longtime fans of the series, this is the game that justifies the hardware upgrade.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Pokemon Legends: Z-A was originally announced for the Nintendo Switch, but Game Freak confirmed it will also release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Set in the redesigned Lumiose City from Pokemon X and Y, the game focuses on an urban redevelopment project and promises a more action-forward battle system, building on the mechanics introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
A 2025 release window has been confirmed, though a specific date has yet to be announced.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Set in the timeline of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a musou-style action game developed by Koei Tecmo. The game follows Zelda and other characters during the ancient Imprisoning War referenced in Tears of the Kingdom’s lore.
Nintendo confirmed the title for Switch 2 with a 2025 release window.
Drag x Drive
A new IP from Nintendo, Drag x Drive is a basketball-inspired competitive title that uses the Joy-Con’s mouse functionality as a core mechanic. Players use the controllers to move and aim simultaneously, creating a twin-stick-style experience unique to the Switch 2 hardware. It’s the kind of experimental title Nintendo is known for—and it signals that the C button isn’t just a gimmick.
What Switch 2 Games Are Confirmed for 2026 and Beyond?
The Legend of Zelda (new mainline entry — untitled)
Nintendo showed a brief teaser for an entirely new Legend of Zelda title during the Switch 2 reveal presentation. No title, no release date, and very little context—but the footage confirmed it’s a first-party Nintendo project in active development. Given the success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, a new mainline Zelda is arguably the single most anticipated game in Nintendo’s pipeline.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership
Mario and Luigi: Brothership, the beloved RPG series’ return after years of dormancy, was confirmed to come to Nintendo Switch 2 following its original Switch release. Enhanced performance and visuals are expected, though Nintendo hasn’t detailed the specifics yet.
Will Nintendo Switch Games Work on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo confirmed full backward compatibility with the existing Nintendo Switch game library. Physical cartridges from the original Switch will work in the Switch 2, and your digital library will carry over as well. Some titles may receive free or paid Switch 2 upgrade patches, similar to how Microsoft handles Xbox upgrades.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, and thousands of other Switch titles will be playable on day one—making the Switch 2 a strong value proposition even before considering its new exclusives.
How Does the Switch 2 Game Lineup Compare to the Original Switch Launch?
The original Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as its anchor title—widely regarded as one of the greatest launch games in console history. The early Switch library was thin, but that one title carried the console through its first year convincingly.
The Switch 2’s launch lineup is broader by comparison. Mario Kart World is a crowd-pleaser rather than a prestige single-player experience, but the combination of a strong first-party racer, several premium third-party ports, and confirmed heavy hitters like Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4 arriving within the first year gives the Switch 2 a more well-rounded opening than its predecessor.
Your Switch 2 Game Plan Starts Now
The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching with genuine momentum. Between Mario Kart World on day one, Donkey Kong Bananza in July, and tentpole releases like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A later in the year, Nintendo has built a compelling case for early adoption.
Keep this list bookmarked—Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 game announcements are expected to continue through 2025, and the library will only grow from here. For the latest updates, Nintendo’s official Nintendo Direct presentations remain the most reliable source of release dates and new reveals.
FAQs About Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Games
What Nintendo Switch 2 games will be available at launch on June 5, 2025?
Confirmed launch titles include Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and several third-party ports including Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization VII. Mario Kart World is available as a console bundle.
Will my existing Nintendo Switch games work on the Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 is fully backward compatible with the physical and digital Nintendo Switch game library. Some titles may receive optional Switch 2 enhancement patches.
When does Donkey Kong Bananza come out on Nintendo Switch 2?
Donkey Kong Bananza is confirmed for July 17, 2025, making it the first major Switch 2 exclusive following the console’s June launch.
Is Metroid Prime 4 coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 title with a 2025 release window. A specific date has not been announced by Nintendo.
Is Pokemon Legends: Z-A a Nintendo Switch 2 game?
Pokemon Legends: Z-A will release on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, with a 2025 release window confirmed by Game Freak and Nintendo.
How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 USD. A bundle including Mario Kart World is also available.
