The Best Switch 2 Games: Here’s What You Need To Play On Nintendo’s New Console

So, you've got yourself the hottest console of 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 – now, what are you going to play on it? While the launch line-up has been dominated by a certain kart racer, there are plenty of other titles worthy of your time when you're done zooming around the Mushroom Kingdom.

Whether you're looking for epic single player adventures, social multiplayer experiences, or fancy something a bit more mature than you'd expect to find on a Nintendo console, there's plenty to be found. So, from the remastered classics to the hidden gems, by way of the sleeper hits and unlikely arrivals, here's everything you should be playing on your Nintendo Switch 2.

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Mario Kart World

Nintendo's brilliant open-world racer is undoubtedly the best reason to pick up a Switch 2 at launch – indeed, many will have the game bundled with the console. It's a fantastic showcase for everything the new hardware does, from the 4K output when docked to a TV, to the vibrancy of its full 1080p, HDR-capable screen in handheld mode, where the simple but effective controls work phenomenally on a single Joy-Con 2 controller – perfect for two-player races when out and about. Best of all though is that Mario Kart World is as much of a joy to play solo as it is with friends, packed with challenges to complete and collectibles to track down even when you're not racing down the Rainbow Road. An absolute joy of a game.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

The idea that Nintendo consoles have only ever been for kids and families has always been a bit of a myth, but having the violent, cynical, neon-lit world of Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 really does feel like a vibe shift. The Switch 2 release not only delivers the full package – including the chunky, Idris Elba-starring Phantom Liberty expansion – but tailors it to Nintendo's latest machine, with thoughtful implementation of mouse controls. It looks amazing too, despite not using ray-tracing effects, and supports cross-save if you want to pick up your adventure through Night City from another platform. A phenomenal RPG, especially to have playable out of the house, and a clear statement that Switch 2 can extend its appeal beyond the Nintendo faithful.

Sonic x Shadow Generations

The original release of Sonic X Shadow was a delight – hands down, the best 3D Sonic game in years. Unless, that is, you played it on Switch, where the ageing hardware struggled to provide a stable frame rate. A problem, given this is a series built on the phrase "gotta go fast!". Thankfully, the Switch 2 version rights that wrong, and now Sonic's journey through his own history – and Shadow's own intersecting adventure – shine brighter than ever. Unfortunately, there's no upgrade path for those who own the Switch version, making this a pricey double-dip for returning players.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

Sure, these are merely upgrades of two of the original Switch's best games, but Nintendo squeezes a lot out of that "merely". These vast, open-world epics look better than ever, thanks to a higher resolution, HDR support, and rock-solid 60fps performance. They also enjoy some extra features thanks to the new 'Zelda Notes' tool, baked into the Nintendo Switch companion app on your phone, allowing you to do neat stuff like find voice notes from Zelda in Breath and share construct designs in Tears. If you've not played these modern masterpieces before, there's never been a better time – and if you have, the Switch 2 upgrades are the perfect excuse to revisit them.

Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition

As the lengthy full name attests to, this heaving bundle of fighting goodness packs in 2023's base Street Fighter 6 plus every additional playable character, costume, and stage added as DLC since then. It was, and remains, one of the best entries in Capcom's storied brawler franchise, and it's frankly remarkable to have it all running on the Switch 2. Unique to the new hardware are Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest modes, each using the Joy-Con 2s' motion controls, with the latter turning Street Fighter into a goofy workout simulator, burning calories to unleash powerful attacks. They're dumb but fun additions to a sterling package of all things Street Fighter.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess

As masked warrior Soh, you must defend the goddess Yoshiro, aiding her in cleansing a mountain of a demonic infection. This is a game that almost defies comparison, though, blending real-time action, strategy, and tower defence into something truly unique. During daytime phases, you'll sanctify facilities and rescue villagers; at night, you'll fight back hordes of monsters and charge those villagers with aiding the defence. In-between, huge boss fights bring a heavy dose of spectacle. The Switch 2 release adds in optional mouse controls – a good fit for the strategic elements – while its gorgeous new screen makes the most of Kunitsu-Gami's painterly art style. Sadly, overlooked when it launched on other platforms in July 2024, Capcom's feudal Japanese fantasy deserves a fresh look.

Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition

After Hitman 3 saw only a cloud-gaming release for the original Switch, Agent 47's complete modern trilogy comes to Switch 2, running natively on the new console. World of Assassination squeezes in the full campaigns of 2016's Hitman, 2018's Hitman 2, and 2021's Hitman 3, along with a murderous mountain of specialised modes and challenges, and a hefty stack of DLC and cosmetics. Add to that ongoing live events in the game, including the odd celebrity target, and there's a seemingly endless array of content. The best part of Hitman on Switch 2 though is being able to carry out 47's meticulous craft in handheld mode – none of your fellow commuters will ever know how close they came to a merchant of death.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

Sega's cutesy crossover puzzler takes the two best block-dropping games of all time and mashes them into one brilliant package. While the Puyo Puyo half of the equation is less well-known outside of Japan, it's easy to get to grips with – match multicoloured blobs into groups of at least four to clear them - and pairs surprisingly well with the line-clearing mechanic of Tetris. With a bonkers story mode, multiple solo and multiplayer game modes twisting and blurring the component elements, and support for some of the Switch 2's best features – including GameShare to play with friends who don't own the game and a new mode using mouse controls – this is absolutely crammed with content and perfect for big screen or on-the-go play.

Survival Kids

This quarter-century old franchise you've (probably) never heard of makes a welcome return on Switch 2. Originally appearing on the original Game Boy in 1999 and evolving into the Lost in Blue series, the revamped Survival Kids is exactly what it says on the box: a survival game focused on, particularly suited to, kids. It's far friendlier and more easy-going than the genre can be, making a great intro for first-timers, but with just enough challenge and charm for older players. Especially great for families to play together, Survival Kids is an unexpected delight amongst the Switch 2 launch library.

Yakuza 0 Director's Cut

Originally released back in 2015, Yakuza 0 is a 1980s-set flashback to the earlier days of series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu and his best frenemy Goro Majima, diving into Japan's criminal underworld at the peak of the country's bubble economy era. The Director's Cut is more than an opportunity to remaster one of the best entries in Sega's long-running saga, though, it also adds in almost half-an-hour's worth of new cutscenes expanding the surprisingly emotional story, and adds a four-player co-op mode that's a blast to play. The definitive edition, and it looks stunning on Switch 2 whether docked or handheld.

No Man's Sky

After nearly a decade of improving, enhancing, and building on 2016's original release, No Man's Sky is now an undeniably fantastic game – and even better on Switch 2. Having an entire universe to explore, and being able to take that universe with you, is an unrivalled experience. The Switch 2 version not only brings with it all of the additions from developer Hello Games' latest "Beacons" update – expect new settlements and base-building features, plus multiplayer support that the original Switch version wasn't capable of – but adds custom controls for the Joy-Con 2. Even better, it's a completely free upgrade for anyone who owns the original Switch version.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy – HD Remaster

A classic Final Fantasy by any other name would play as sweet – but even in its original Nintento 3DS form, Bravely Default went beyond its inspirations, delivering a very recognisable RPG but one with a dynamic evolution of turn-based combat. Remastered for the Switch 2, the game looks better than ever, and packs in two significant new mini-games – music game Luxencheer Rhythm Catch and dirigible flight sim Ringabel's Panic Cruise! – that make incredible use of the Joy-Con 2's mouse functions. Beneath it all, though, Bravely Default remains a wonderful story packed with quirky characters. Finally free of its 3DS format lock, this adventure is one worth going on.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

If you want a newer Japanese RPG than Bravely Default to put your shiny new Switch 2 through its paces, look no further than Rune Factory. Originally a spin-off of the farming RPGs Story of Seasons, the series has evolved to offer its own brand of fantasy-themed outings. Guardians of Azuma takes players to a world inspired by Japanese mythology, sending them on a quest to revive struggling villages, awaken gods, and restore nature's balance. While essentially the same game as the Switch version, the Switch 2 release noticeably improves visual performance, and allows mouse controls to be used, which prove very useful for farming sections, all making for the best way to experience this spectacular fable.

Fast Fusion

If Mario Kart World seems too cartoony, or you're simply hankering for a modern take on Nintendo's own sci-fi racer F-Zero, look no further than Fast Fusion. A high-speed, zero-gravity racer, it builds on developer Shin'en Multimedia's earlier Fast Racing Neo and Fast RMX to deliver a blend of lightning-fast vehicles and sensational tracks. It's a more traditional racing game than Mario Kart's open-world adventure, and its polarity shifting mechanic – swapping between red and blue phases to take advantage of boost pads – should keep genre fans on their toes. At £13.49 on Nintendo's eShop, it's an absolute steal, too.

Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios' co-op-only epic, where authors Zoe and Mio try to escape a VR simulation of their own fantasy and sci-fi stories, is already one of the best games of the year, but it takes on new life on Switch 2, feeling tailor-made for Nintendo's new GameChat features. Being able to voice chat with your partner from the comfort of your couch, without having to so much as pick up a phone, makes figuring out puzzles and discussing strategies a breeze, and makes sharing in the bizarre, often laugh out loud situation the game throws at you feel all the more authentic. There is little else that showcases how spectacularly social the Switch 2 is than Split Fiction.

Now available to pre-order

These aren't leaks or maybe-someday titles. Below, we've outlined every Nintendo Switch 2 game you can pre-order. No digging or guesswork. These are real listings with live pages you can lock in right now. We'll keep this list updated as more games finally move from vague announcements to concrete pre-orders (Silksong, we're looking at you).

Want the complete list? Keep scrolling. Even if some titles aren't up for grabs just yet, it's good to know what's coming and what to get ready for.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong barrels back with his first proper 3D outing since the N64 days, and Bananza goes full chest-thump. You're smashing through mines, ruins, and collapsible jungles in a platformer that's equal parts chaos and craftsmanship. There are ancient secrets, bananas with lore, and a villainous tech cult called VoidCo stirring up trouble. It's shaping up to be a heavyweight for DK loyalists and anyone still dreaming about Mario Odyssey's level design. It drops just over a month post-launch on 17 July, marking Nintendo's first major follow-up for the Switch 2.

Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV

More boards, sharper visuals, and mini-games that make full use of the new Joy-Con's mouse controls and optional camera. Likewise, GameShare support means your friends can jump in without needing their own copy.

No Sleep For Kaname Date

AI: The Somnium Files series returns with an abduction, aliens, and dream-diving detective work.

Madden NFL 26

Expect MUT's Cover Athlete Elite Player, coach upgrades, and a Super Star XP boost in Madden NFL 26. There's also a Deluxe Edition on the way.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

Farm life gets a glow-up with sharper visuals and thoughtful tweaks. If you've already tilled the soil on the Switch 1, there's an upgrade path waiting. There's also a Premium Edition floating about, complete with a huggable sheep and an art book that smells like rainy Sundays and fresh-baked bread.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World

Kirby's post-apocalyptic picnic returns for seconds, because one end-of-days buffet just wasn't enough. This spruced-up edition bundles the full Forgotten Land quest with a shiny new side dish: the cosmic chaos of Star-Crossed World.

Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition

This scruffy, open-world scoundrel sim lets you step into the boots of Kay Vess, a lock-picking thief with a blaster, a conscience (sometimes), and a handy alien sidekick. The Gold Edition packs a Jabba the Hutt mission in both story expansions and enough cosmetics to make the Trailblazer feel less "borrowed".

Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion

Giant mechs. Faction wars. Endless customisation. Titanic Scion cranks the Daemon x Machina formula up to eleven with full offline and online co-op. There's also a Limited Edition packed with extras for anyone who wants their mech warfare served with flight tags, an acrylic stand, and an art book worth saluting.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Switch 2 Edition

Calling all trainers. Return to Lumiose City this October and experience it in all its revamped glory. Battles run smoother in real-time, while the city's vibrant parks and arcades look sharper and more charming than ever.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Wrapping classic quests in a fresh pixel-perfect glow that feels both ancient and new, the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D remake serves up nostalgia that hits different. Like what the Link's Awakening remake did for fans of the original, the rolling 2D landscapes, character designs, and beautifully adorned interiors have never looked more magical.

When did the Nintendo Switch 2 launch?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available now, following its worldwide release on 5 June 2025.

What about backwards compatibility?

For those who don't know, backwards compatibility means last year's best games and your old favourites will still run on the new console – no need to buy new versions. That said, while there are new versions (as above), Nintendo's made it clear: these won't just be more of the same. You can buy "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" of games like Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild and Metroid Prime 4 for higher resolution and smoother frame rates, but others – like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza – are Switch 2 exclusives.

Equally, titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land are getting additional content (Jamboree TV, Star-Crossed World), including new game modes, features, and side quests. So, the perfect excuse for diehard Kirby fans to dive back in, or a greater jumping-in point if you're new to the game.

Here are all the Switch 2 titles which have been available since the console was launched:

• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• Civilisation VII
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Deltarune
• Fanatasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Fortnite
• Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• No Man's Sky – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
• Shine Post: Be Your Idol!
• Sonic X Shadow Generations
• Split Fiction
• Street Fighter 6
• Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
• Survival Kids
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut

Post-launch, Donkey Kong Bananza swings in on 17 July, with Kirby Air Riders and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment coming later in 2025, while FromSoftware's The Duskbloods arrives in 2026.

Here's the confirmed list of post-launch titles so far:

• 007 First Light (TBA)
• AFL 26 (2025)
• Aurascope (TBA)
• Bestiario (TBA)
• Borderlands 4 (12 September, 2025)
• Castle of Heart: Retold (TBA)
• Cookie Clicker (TBA)
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (5 September, 2025)
• Donkey Kong Bananza (17 July, 2025)
• Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (30 October, 2025)
• The Duskbloods (2026)
• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (2025)
• Enter the Gungeon 2 (2026)
• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (TBA)
• FUR Squadron Phoenix (2025)
• Goodnight Universe (2025)
• Hades II (2025)
• Hollow Night: Silksong (2025)
• Human: Fall Flat 2 (TBA)
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025)
• Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road (21 August, 2025)
• Kirby Air Rider (2025)
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (28 August 2025)
• The Legend of Dark Witch Episode 4: Thoughts Delivered (TBA)
• Madden NFL 26 (14 August, 2025)
• Marvel Cosmic Invasion (2025)
• Maseylia: Echoes of the Past (2026)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (2025)
• Mouse Work (2025)
• My Time at Evershine (TBA)
• No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files (25 July, 2025)
• Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek (2025)
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (16 October, 2025)
• PowerWash Simulator 2 (TBA)
• Professor Layton and The New World of Steam (2025)
• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (19 June, 2025)
• Reanimal (2025)
• Shadow Labyrinth – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (18 July, 2025)
• Spine (TBA)
• Star Wars Outlaws (4 September, 2025)
• Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (2026)
• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (27 August, 2025)
• Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (24 July, 2025)
• Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (27 June, 2025)
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (11 July, 2025)
• Two Point Museum (2025)
• Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O (TBA)
• Wild Hearts S (25 July, 2025)
• Witchbrook (2025)
• Ys X: Proud Nordics (31 July, 2025)
• Yooka-Replaylee (2025)

Can the Nintendo Switch 2 share games?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 system can share compatible games with another Switch 2 or Switch gamer.

If I have two Switch 2 consoles do I need to buy two copies of the same game?

You can share digital games across more than one account, but to play the same game, at the same time, across more than one console you'll need to buy more than one copy.

What accessories are available for the Switch 2?

While you're here, now's a great time to lock in some key Nintendo Switch 2 accessories. The Joy-Con 2 Wheel Pair levels up your Mario tournaments, while the Pro Controller offers comfort, mappable buttons, and GameChat support. The all-new Switch 2 Camera takes co-op mayhem to new heights, while the Carry Case (complete with screen protector) is a must for keeping things safe on the go. For more, including top third-party picks, check out our full Nintendo Switch 2 accessories guide.

What is the most bought game on the Switch?

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best-selling Nintendo Switch game. No surprise then that, other than the Switch 2 console-only deal, the other main Switch 2 option comes with a download code for Mario Kart World.

Matt Kamen is a media, video games, and technology journalist.

Harvey Isitt is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for Empire, What's The Best, and other brands. He specialises in soundbars, speakers, TVs, cameras, and home cinema setups – if it makes your movies look or sound better, he's tested it. From Dolby Atmos sound systems to multiroom audio, he's all about finding the best setups for film lovers.

Besides reviewing tech, Harvey is a devoted cinephile with an ever-growing movie collection and a borderline reckless number of streaming subscriptions. He runs @filmsyoushouldbewatching on Instagram, where he shares his love of film with over half a million followers.