The recent Nintendo Switch 2 showcase has confirmed the console’s entire launch line-up of games, including the new Mario Kart and a surplus of third party ports.
One of the big questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 was what its line-up of launch games will be. Thanks to the recent Nintendo Direct, we now have our answer.
There was some chatter that Nintendo would prioritise its own games for the console’s launch period over third party titles, but that’s not the case. For the Switch 2’s launch, which is scheduled for June 5, only four of the console’s games are from Nintendo (two of which are enhanced versions of Switch games), with the rest from other publishers.
It’s still an impressive line-up, though, consisting of some exciting ports of games that had to skip the original Switch due to hardware limitations. So, we’ve compiled every Switch 2 game that will be available the same day as the console.
Every Nintendo Switch 2 launch game
Mario Kart World
Nintendo’s big first party title for the Switch 2’s launch will, of course, be the new Mario Kart it teased during the console’s January reveal. As the name suggests, Mario Kart World is taking the series open world and is generally set to be even bigger than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with a huge roster of playable characters (including a regular cow) and up to 24 players per race.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
The only other original first party game at launch, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is what it says on the tin: a guide to the many functions and features of the hardware. Featuring a collection of minigames and tech demos, it’s like the Nintendo equivalent of the PlayStation 5’s Astro’s Playroom… except it’s not free and will be sold for 990 yen, which is about £5.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
There was talk of an enhanced version of The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild running on Switch 2 back in 2023 and soon it’ll be something you can experience for yourself. If you already own the game on the original Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for a fee or subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service to access it.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Similarly, The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom’s Switch 2 version will be available from day one. It will have all the same visual upgrades and be included with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriptions. Both it and Breath Of The Wild will also be compatible with a new Zelda Notes service, which serves as both a guide and a means of sharing items with other players.
Street Fighter 6
Having skipped the original Switch, Capcom is bringing its premiere fighting game to Switch 2 in a big way. This edition will not only include the first two season passes of DLC, but also cross platform play, promising smooth 60fps online matches. There’ll even be three Street Fighter 6 amiibo figures for Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly.
Split Fiction
Nintendo fans had to wait over a year to experience Hazelight’s superb co-op game It Takes Two. The wait for its even better follow-up, Split Fiction, thankfully won’t be as long, with its Switch 2 port slated to arrive alongside the console. With the console’s GameShare feature, two people can enjoy it locally with just one copy of the game and while you’ll still need to buy EA’s Friend’s Pass for online play, cross platform support means you and a friend can play together on different platforms.
Hogwarts Legacy
When Hogwarts Legacy was ported to the Switch, it was unsurprisingly a compromised version of the original game, with it forced to run at 30fps and with far less detailed visuals. Those issues won’t be a thing in the Switch 2 port, which looks to be on par with the other versions of the game and also make use of the new mouse controls.
Hitman Word of Assassination – Signature Edition
While IO Interactive’s modern Hitman trilogy is playable on the original Switch, it’s only a cloud version, meaning it requires a constant and reliable internet connection to work. Thankfully, the collection of all three games will run natively on Switch 2. Pre-orders also come with exclusive cosmetics and items themed around Mario and Luigi.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Sega’s Yakuza series had already debuted on Switch with a port of Yakuza Kiwami (a remake of the very first Yakuza game) and it’s set to make a new home for itself on Switch 2 as well. Prequel game Yakuza 0 is widely considered one of the best entries in the series and this director’s cut aims to make established fans double dip by promising new story content and an online multiplayer mode.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
After its disappointing Switch sequel, it’s very exciting to see the original Bravely Default escape the confines of the 3DS after more than a decade. Aside from the fancy HD graphics, this full remaster naturally includes a redesigned interface (since the original game made use of two separate screens) and retooled online functions. Two new mini-games are also being added as well as a fast forward feature to speed through cut scenes.
Deltarune
The first two chapters in this episodic follow-up to Undertale have been out for years, leaving fans wondering just when the story would continue. To their delight, both chapters three and four are launching alongside the Switch 2. With chapters one and two also seeing Switch 2 ports on the same day, latecomers can experience the entire Deltarune saga thus far.
Civilization 7
Anyone who purchased Civilization 7 for the original Switch must be kicking themselves now that the game’s confirmed for Switch 2. Aside from benefitting from the stronger hardware, this port will make use of the new mouse controls for a more intuitive experience. Developer Firaxis Games has said Switch owners can pay to upgrade to the Switch 2 version, but no price has been shared yet.
Survival Kids
Konami’s streak of reviving its old franchises continues with a new entry in its Survival Kids series (or Lost In Blue as it was called in the West). This Switch 2 exclusive, simply dubbed Survival Kids, is billed as a co-op survival game where up to four players make use of the console’s communication features to explore a series of islands. It will offer both local and online co-op.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Nintendo fans who’ve been forced to miss out on Cyberpunk 2077 all these years will finally get to see what all the fuss is about when the Ultimate Edition launches on Switch 2. It comes with both the base game and Phantom Liberty DLC, but unique features like motion controls for the combat and gyroscope aiming. You’ll also be able to use the right Joy-Con as a mouse and playing in handheld mode lets you use touch controls for menu navigation.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess
Capcom’s unique blend of action and real-time strategy, Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess, is getting a second life on Switch 2. Although not especially difficult to begin with, the game stands to benefit from the new mouse controls and Capcom is also teasing entirely new content. Details on this Otherworldly Venture content are scarce, but it is confirmed to come as a free update to other platforms too.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
This second crossover between Sega’s Puyo Puyo puzzle series and the iconic Tetris already launched for the original Switch in 2021. Like with Yakuza 0, Sega hopes to make fans double dip by adding an all-new doubles mode that has two teams of two compete against each other. Unfortunately, there’s been no mention of Sega offering an upgrade path for those who own the original version.
Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma
The newest entry in the Rune Factory series was originally scheduled to launch for Switch and PC on May 30. However, with it now seeing a dedicated Switch 2 version as well, the game will be delayed an extra week so that all three versions launch simultaneously. There’s been no mention of the Switch 2 version making use of any of the console’s distinct features, but it should at least run slightly better on the newer hardware.
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Aside from making a new Hyrule Warriors for Nintendo, Koei Tecmo is bringing strategy game Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening to Switch 2 (as well as PlayStation 5) for the console’s launch. Aside from including all the DLC and mouse control support, it comes with new six new story scenarios. The original Switch version will also see a free update that adds a new Decisive Battles feature, but you’ll need to pay extra to upgrade to the Switch 2 version.
Fast Fusion
There may have still be no new F-Zero game for Switch 2, but developer Shin’en Multimedia is back with the next best thing: a new entry in its FAST series. It’s been eight years since FAST RMX arrived on Switch and its successor, FAST Fusion, is coming exclusively to Switch 2. FAST RMX managed 60fps on the original Switch, but FAST Fusion can take full advantage of the Switch 2’s 4K capabilities, which should allow for even more striking visuals.
Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
After making a name for itself in the arcades, Ridge Racer was ported exclusively to the PlayStation 1 console and has remained there ever since. So, it was very surprising to learn that its upcoming re-release is scheduled only for Switch 2. Not only that, but this is the original arcade version, meaning it won’t have the same visual downgrades as the PlayStation 1 version.
Fortnite
Possibly the least surprising announcement from the Switch 2 Direct, it would’ve been stranger if Fortnite didn’t see a release on Nintendo’s new console. We imagine most Fortnite fans on Switch will jump ship to Switch 2 since its stronger hardware will allow for better performance and graphics, and hopefully less technical issues too.
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