Top 25 Nintendo Switch 2 Games You Need to Watch

25 Most Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Nintendo Switch 2 is looking stacked. Whether you’re a hardcore Zelda fan, a Pokémon purist, or just here for some high-octane kart racing, 2025 and beyond are going to be wild for Nintendo gamers. With the next-gen Switch set to drop some time this year, we’ve rounded up 25 confirmed or heavily rumored games that’ll define the next phase of portable (and docked) play.

Ready to dive in? Let’s power up that hype meter.

1. Mario Kart World

The beloved kart-racing franchise is back and bigger than ever with Mario Kart World, launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. This isn’t just another batch of fun tracks and power-ups—it’s a full-on racing odyssey that stretches across the Mushroom Kingdom, other Nintendo realms, and even interdimensional tracks. The story mode introduces a new threat: Bowser’s KOAC Kart Syndicate has stolen the Grand Stars that power the racing circuits, causing chaos throughout the world. As racing tracks destabilize and warp in real time, players must race not only for first place but to restore balance. Mario Kart World features expansive multiplayer modes, real-time track transformations, and a deeper customization system for karts and characters. Expect returning favorites like Rainbow Road, as well as brand-new tracks inspired by Nintendo IPs like Splatoon, Metroid, and Animal Crossing. This is Mario Kart at its most ambitious—and it’s going to be wild.

2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Get ready to return to a bold new take on the Pokémon universe with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, an ambitious follow-up to Legends: Arceus that promises to push the open-world formula even further. Set in the mysterious Z Region—an ancient land filled with ruins, wild zones, and dormant legends—this game will explore the origins of iconic features like Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves. You’ll take on the role of a young explorer navigating the balance between humans and Pokémon in a world where ancient forces are awakening. Massive wild zones allow for real-time Pokémon encounters, stealth mechanics, and dynamic weather affecting battles. Plus, a reimagined Pokédex system ties into lore-heavy side quests and region-specific legendaries. The stakes are high as factions clash over ancient relics and long-forgotten powers. For fans of Pokémon lore and open-world adventures, this is shaping up to be one of the most captivating titles on the Switch 2.

3. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Set centuries before Breath of the Wild, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment dives into the legendary conflict known as the Imprisoning War. This war paved the way for the rise of Ganon and reshaped Hyrule as we know it. Players will experience large-scale, strategic battles as King Rauru unites the forces of light to battle a dark entity rising from the Sacred Realm. You’ll command armies, forge alliances, and fight alongside powerful characters including early incarnations of sages, warriors, and Hylian royalty. True to the Warriors formula, the game is filled with frenetic hack-and-slash action, but it also includes real-time tactical elements like base control and resource management. With beautifully stylized visuals and lore-rich storytelling, this entry offers new insights into Zelda canon while giving us the most epic battles in Hyrulean history. Whether you're a lore junkie or a fan of high-action combat, this is a must-play for Switch 2.

4. Survival Kids

A blast from the past is getting a serious upgrade. Originally released in 1999 on the Game Boy Color, Survival Kids is being reimagined exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The new version brings modern graphics, dynamic environments, and deeper survival mechanics to the cult-classic concept. After a violent storm destroys your ship, you're stranded alone (or in co-op mode with another survivor) on a mysterious island archipelago filled with secrets, dangerous wildlife, and limited resources. Players must forage, craft tools, build shelter, and find food—all while unraveling the island’s strange mysteries. There's a nonlinear progression system, with multiple endings based on your survival strategy and exploration choices. Weather effects, day-night cycles, and an evolving ecosystem force players to adapt constantly. The remaster keeps the spirit of the original while bringing it into a whole new era of gaming. For fans of survival sims and nostalgic storytelling, this is a hidden gem reborn.

5. Madden NFL 25

EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is making its long-awaited debut on Nintendo’s next-gen console, and it’s bringing a fully optimized experience with it. Built on new tech developed specifically for the Switch 2, Madden 25 offers the deepest version of “Face of the Franchise” to date. You begin as a high school star with scouts from powerhouse colleges tracking your every move. Your performance affects your draft prospects, college scholarships, and NFL career path. With fully voiced cutscenes, dynamic story decisions, and skill-based progression, it plays more like an RPG than a sports game. On the field, gameplay features upgraded physics, sharper AI, and next-gen visuals. Whether you're calling plays or grinding through the Pro Bowl, Madden 25 on Switch 2 finally delivers a true console-quality experience on a portable system. This isn’t a stripped-down port—it’s the real deal for football fans ready to hit the gridiron anywhere.

6. Wild Hearts S

Wild Hearts S is a sweeping action-hunting adventure set in the mythical land of Azuma—once peaceful, now overrun by corrupted nature beasts known as Kemono. The game combines intense, tactical monster battles with open-world exploration and crafting systems powered by ancient tech called “Karakuri.” These mechanical tools can be built and modified mid-combat, offering traps, launchers, gliders, and more, transforming every fight into a creative challenge. The Switch 2 version includes upgraded visuals, larger hunt zones, and seamless co-op with up to three friends. The story follows your rise from a humble hunter to a guardian of nature as you uncover the mystery behind the Kemono corruption. With lore inspired by Japanese mythology and fast, fluid gameplay reminiscent of Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts S is shaping up to be a flagship action game for the Switch 2. Get ready to hunt, build, and survive in a beautifully broken world.

7. The Duskbloods

Dark, brutal, and dripping with steampunk vibes, The Duskbloods is one of the most original PvPvE experiences heading to the Nintendo Switch 2. You play as a Bloodsworn—elite fighters who’ve been altered by ancient blood-based rituals. In each match, up to eight players compete for objectives while also battling AI-controlled monstrosities in cursed Victorian-esque cities. Think Bloodborne meets Escape from Tarkov, with a little Dishonored flair. The unique blood mechanic allows you to evolve your powers mid-match, tailoring your build depending on how much risk you take. Matches can shift dramatically with dynamic weather, collapsible environments, and shifting objectives. It's all tied together with a narrative backdrop involving rival factions, forbidden science, and a war for immortality. Whether you prefer solo infiltration or chaotic team play, The Duskbloods offers heart-pounding thrills and deep replay value. This one’s a bold step for Switch 2 into the world of gritty, hardcore gaming.

8. EA SPORTS FC 25

The FIFA name may be gone, but EA SPORTS FC 25 is leveling up the franchise in bold new ways—and it’s fully optimized for the Switch 2. The game introduces Rush Mode, a 5v5 arcade-style experience perfect for quick sessions and couch co-op. On the realism side, FCI IQ brings smart player movement, adaptive AI, and situational decision-making that feels closer than ever to real-life football. Build your dream club, conquer international tournaments, or drop into career mode and manage your way to the top. Cross-play support, online leagues, and advanced customization tools make this one of the most versatile footy sims ever released on a Nintendo console. And yes, the graphics and animations finally live up to next-gen standards thanks to the upgraded hardware. Whether you're scoring solo goals or running midfield with friends, FC 25 makes sure the beautiful game looks and feels better than ever on Switch 2.

9. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

After years of radio silence, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally landing—and it’s going interstellar. The next chapter in Samus Aran’s saga takes players deeper into the unexplored edges of the galaxy with a bold new narrative and gameplay mechanics that push the boundaries of the franchise. Built from the ground up for Switch 2, Beyond features stunning first-person visuals, upgraded combat systems, and atmospheric world design that rivals any sci-fi shooter on the market. Samus must unravel a mystery linked to an ancient power source that predates even the Chozo. Expect fresh gadgets, a new free-aim system, space exploration segments, and intense boss fights that demand real strategy. Nintendo is keeping story details under wraps, but this entry promises to explore Samus’s connection to the cosmos like never before. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks to be a flagship title for the Switch 2’s lifespan.

10. Hades II

Hades II brings back the underworld action with new characters, new gods, and an even more ambitious narrative. This time, you play as Melinoë, the immortal daughter of Hades and sister to Zagreus, who takes up arms to fight against Kronos—the god of time himself. With Supergiant Games once again at the helm, expect razor-sharp combat, dynamic boons from a fresh pantheon of Olympians, and deeply woven lore in every run. The roguelike formula is back but expanded with more layered systems like spellcraft, upgraded weapon paths, and story events that respond to your decisions in subtle (and sometimes devastating) ways. The art and music? Just as stunning and stylish as ever. Hades II builds on everything that made the first game a breakout hit and goes even deeper into Greek mythology’s shadowy corners. If you loved the first game’s emotional depth and breakneck gameplay, this sequel is going to feel like coming home—only deadlier.

11. The Donkey Kong Bonanza

DK is back, and this time, he's jetpacking into a full-blown jungle tech war. The Donkey Kong Bonanza sees the titular ape and his crew facing off against the Void Corporation, a powerful tech conglomerate that has stolen all of the golden bananas from Donkey Kong Island. The theft throws the natural order into chaos and unleashes robotic beasts and environmental hazards. Armed with upgraded gadgets, new allies (including a gadget-savvy chimp sidekick), and that iconic DK swagger, players will swing, smash, and blast their way through beautifully animated levels. With a mix of traditional 2.5D platforming and creative puzzle-solving segments, this game reboots the Donkey Kong series in the best way—honoring the classic vibes while adding just enough chaos to keep you on your toes. Oh, and yes, the mine cart levels are back and more unhinged than ever. Get ready to collect, crash, and conquer.

12. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

CD Projekt Red is bringing Cyberpunk 2077 to Switch 2—and they’re not holding back. Ultimate Edition includes the Phantom Liberty expansion, all patches, and enhanced visuals built specifically for Nintendo’s new hardware. Night City looks stunning on Switch 2, and performance is smooth enough to make you forget the game’s rough early years. You play as V, a mercenary stuck in a high-tech hellscape where gang wars, corrupt corporations, and underground tech rule the streets. With the Phantom Liberty storyline, you’re recruited into a dangerous conspiracy tied to the new government powers and experimental implants. Stealth, hacking, hacking people’s minds—it’s all fair game here. Customization is deeper, and the RPG elements are more meaningful than ever, with branching storylines and multiple endings based on your moral compass. This is Cyberpunk reborn—and it’s portable. Who would've thought Night City would be a great commute buddy?

13. Nobunaga's Ambition – Awakening

Step into the war-torn Sengoku era of Japan with Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening, a deep strategy title where your choices shape the fate of an entire nation. As a powerful daimyo like Oda Nobunaga—or a lesser-known rival—you'll build armies, manage cities, negotiate alliances, and conquer rivals to unify the land under your rule. With political tension, economic management, and turn-based warfare all in play, this isn't just a strategy game—it's a living history simulator. The Switch 2 version introduces enhanced visuals, a new diplomacy system, and AI that reacts dynamically to your moves, making every campaign feel unique. Fans of grand strategy games like Civilization or Total War will feel right at home. But Awakening also brings a surprising level of accessibility for newcomers, thanks to its intuitive UI and in-game tutorials. It's part war game, part political chess match—and it's going to absorb so many of your hours.

14. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

The JRPG that helped define the 3DS era is getting the glow-up it deserves. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster updates the beloved classic with polished visuals, voiceovers, and quality-of-life features that breathe new life into its rich turn-based combat and story. You’ll follow Tiz Arrior, a humble shepherd, as he joins a ragtag group of heroes to restore balance to a world thrown into chaos by the collapse of elemental crystals. The game’s signature "Brave" and "Default" system still shines—allowing you to stack moves or defend strategically—but now it plays smoother than ever with adjustable speed and difficulty. Fans of classic Final Fantasy will feel all the right nostalgia, while newcomers will be treated to one of the finest RPG experiences from Square Enix's modern era. On Switch 2, with its enhanced handheld power, this remaster becomes the ultimate way to experience this gem.

15. Street Fighter 6

Capcom’s premier fighting franchise is unleashing its most stylish entry yet on the Switch 2. Street Fighter 6 brings high-energy martial arts mayhem, explosive visuals, and an ever-growing roster of iconic fighters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and newcomer Kimberly. The Switch 2 version doesn't skimp either—it features full online functionality, dynamic stage destruction, and a buttery-smooth 60FPS framerate in docked and handheld modes. The new "World Tour" mode gives players an open-ended single-player experience where you create your own fighter and explore urban environments to learn moves and challenge masters. It’s the most welcoming Street Fighter ever for beginners, thanks to modern control options and real-time combo assists. Whether you're jumping into ranked matches or messing around in the battle hub, Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 promises fast-paced, accessible fun and competitive depth all in one sharp-looking package.

16. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom (Enhanced Editions)

Two of the most beloved open-world adventures in gaming history are returning to the stage in stunning fashion. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are receiving enhanced editions tailored for Switch 2’s improved processing power and screen fidelity. That means higher resolution textures, faster loading times, more stable frame rates, and improved lighting effects that make Hyrule feel even more alive. For those who never experienced these two Zelda epics, this is the definitive way to explore a world of divine beasts, sky islands, and open-ended storytelling. Returning players will appreciate quality-of-life tweaks like better inventory management and optional guided quest markers. Whether you’re paragliding through the clouds or shield-surfing down snowy mountains, the magic of these games only gets more powerful in their upgraded form. It’s the perfect excuse to return to Hyrule—or visit for the very first time.

17. NBA 2K25

NBA 2K25 is dunking its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2—and for the first time, it’s bringing the full next-gen experience with it. Powered by ProPlay tech, which translates real NBA footage into lifelike animations, this version plays and looks closer to its PS5/Xbox counterparts than ever before. Whether you’re running drills in MyCareer, managing a dynasty in MyNBA, or assembling a superteam in MyTeam, every mode has been fine-tuned for Switch 2’s performance boost. The visuals are crisp, the movement fluid, and the load times practically non-existent. On top of that, the MyCareer narrative is getting an overhaul, letting your created player rise through the ranks in a modern story mode filled with rivalries, sponsorships, and career-defining choices. For basketball fans who’ve been waiting for a legit portable version that doesn’t feel like a downgrade, NBA 2K25 is the slam dunk they’ve been hoping for.

18. WWE 2K25

Ready to step into the squared circle on the go? WWE 2K25 brings suplexes, stunners, and storyline drama to the Nintendo Switch 2 with surprising polish and power. This year’s game includes a unified MyRise mode, allowing male and female superstars to climb through the same cohesive storyline—no more split paths. The story features a dramatic power struggle in WWE’s NXT brand, with Bayley and Kevin Owens leading a full-on coup. The action is fluid and flashy thanks to the improved engine running on Switch 2, and character models finally do justice to the real-life Superstars. You can build your own wrestler, cut promos, forge alliances, or betray your tag team partner in a fully voice-acted campaign. Oh, and of course, Universe Mode and GM Mode return with deeper features. If you’ve ever wanted to powerbomb someone through a table while riding a bus—2025 just made that dream come true.

19. Split Fiction

What if fantasy and sci-fi were forced to coexist? That’s the question Split Fiction answers with a jaw-dropping, dimension-hopping RPG built around branching timelines and fractured realities. You play as a protagonist whose world was torn apart by “The Splitting,” a mysterious event that shattered reality into countless versions of itself. Now, you must navigate through multiple timelines—each with their own factions, versions of characters, and unfolding histories—to piece together the truth and prevent the collapse of existence. Think Chrono Trigger meets Disco Elysium, but with stylish visuals and a focus on narrative choice. Combat blends turn-based and real-time elements, and every decision can ripple across timelines, opening or closing entire paths. Whether you align with the futuristic tech cities or the mystical fantasy empires, your actions determine the fate of everything. It’s ambitious, brainy, and unlike anything Nintendo’s ever hosted before.

20. Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition & Project 007

Double the stealth, double the intrigue. Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition and Project 007 are bundled together in a stealth-action combo that will have Switch 2 players sneaking, disguising, and dispatching like never before. The Signature Edition includes the full Hitman trilogy with all DLC, remastered visuals, and optimized controls for the Switch 2’s new tech—making it the smoothest handheld Hitman experience to date. You’ll globe-trot as Agent 47, eliminating targets in creative, often hilarious ways using the environment, disguises, and timing. But the real curveball? Project 007. Developed by IO Interactive, it offers an original origin story for James Bond in an all-new universe. It promises to blend cinematic flair with tactical gameplay, giving players a taste of Bond’s early days as a spy. Whether you're garroting guards in Dubai or sipping martinis in Monaco, this combo pack is a must-have for fans of secret agents, espionage, and world-class action.

21. Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Enhanced Edition)

One of the most charming adventures on the original Switch returns with a powerful facelift in the Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Enhanced Edition. This version takes everything that made the original great—its adorable charm, inventive environments, and satisfying platforming—and cranks it up. With improved textures, smoother framerate, and enhanced lighting, the world feels more alive and magical than ever. Kirby’s 3D movement, a first for the series, shines even brighter on Switch 2 hardware, making exploration more fluid and combat more dynamic. The beastly new enemy faction, the Beast Pack, still provides a solid challenge, and the expanded co-op mode lets a second player jump in as Bandana Waddle Dee with seamless local multiplayer. Plus, the enhanced edition adds new post-game content, bonus challenges, and secret areas for veterans to dive back into. Whether you're vacuuming up vending machines or floating through post-apocalyptic cities, Kirby is here to prove that pink puffballs pack serious power.

22. Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

Farming meets economic revival in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, a cozy-yet-ambitious entry in the classic simulation franchise. You take on the role of a young farmer trying to breathe life back into both your inherited land and a struggling desert town known for its once-famous weekly market. Every week, the Grand Bazaar opens, and it's up to you to stock it with fresh produce, artisan goods, rare flowers, and whatever else you can grow, raise, or craft. The catch? The village's economy depends on you. Build relationships with quirky villagers, host festivals, upgrade your farm with new tools and livestock, and slowly bring the town back to glory. Switch 2 hardware allows for more interactive townsfolk, dynamic weather systems, and visually lush seasons that change in real-time. There’s even an online trade system where you can barter goods with other players around the world. This is comfort gaming at its finest—and a great excuse to get your hands dirty.

23. Borderlands 4

Explosions? Check. Loot? Check. Irreverent humor and utter chaos? Double check. Borderlands 4 is kicking down the door of the Nintendo Switch 2 with a new villain, new vault hunters, and a galaxy that’s somehow even more unhinged than before. Set after the fall of the Calypso twins, the game introduces a new threat: the Void Vanguard, a mysterious faction capable of bending the laws of reality. You’ll explore fractured worlds, tear through enemy mobs with wild elemental weapons, and dive deep into an expansive co-op campaign filled with outrageous side quests and surprisingly emotional moments. This entry leans harder into dimensional warfare, meaning expect missions that shift gravity, twist environments, and send you across bizarre alternate zones. On Switch 2, the cel-shaded style pops with sharper detail and smoother frame rates, while co-op play finally feels seamless. If you're ready to loot, shoot, and laugh through total mayhem, this one's calling your name.

24. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade

The iconic RPG reborn gets its definitive treatment on Switch 2. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade brings Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and Aerith’s emotionally charged journey to Nintendo’s next-gen console with all the stunning graphics and upgraded combat mechanics originally featured on PS5. This edition includes the Yuffie-centered Episode INTERmission, providing more backstory, extra boss fights, and fan-favorite side content. What sets this apart isn’t just the visuals—it’s the real-time action blended with strategic ATB elements, making every battle a high-stakes, cinematic experience. With the Switch 2’s hardware, load times are nearly nonexistent, and the dynamic environments of Midgar feel richer than ever. Players can toggle between Performance Mode (for smooth 60fps gameplay) or Graphics Mode (for maxed-out visuals). Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the FFVII story, this remake honors the original while carving its own bold path. Grab that Buster Sword—it’s time to save the planet, again.

25. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered

Let’s be real: if you didn’t grow up pretending to be Tony Hawk while grinding rails in your kitchen, were you even a gamer? Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered brings back the gritty, glorious world of skateboarding in a two-for-one deal that combines nostalgia with next-gen polish. Featuring fully overhauled visuals, tight control schemes, and every track, trick, and skater from the originals, this package is pure skate culture in motion. But it doesn’t stop there—new challenges, customizable parks, and expanded multiplayer modes (both online and local) ensure that even veterans have something fresh to master. Whether you’re grinding through LA, busting combos in Rio, or just trying to land that one elusive kickflip-to-900, this is the definitive way to relive—or finally experience—skating’s golden age. Switch 2’s responsive controls make nailing combos buttery smooth, and yes, the iconic punk rock soundtrack is still intact. Skaters never die—they just respawn.

Nintendo isn’t just playing the sequel game—it’s rewriting the playbook. From brand-new experiences to enhanced classics, the Switch 2 is looking like the most exciting Nintendo console in years. Whether you’re battling Titans in Hades II, riding warp tracks in Mario Kart World, or just chilling in Story of Seasons, there’s something for every kind of gamer here.

Ready to level up? Stay in the game with more Switch 2 coverage and epic gaming roundups at Land of Geek Magazine!

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