The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and a new console means a whole new slate of exciting video games. Nintendo’s next generation of hardware is coming out of the gate strong with an incredible 23 launch games, among which includes long-awaited ports such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, alongside the titanic Nintendo first-party launch game in Mario Kart World.
Beyond that, there’s plenty of juicy games coming to the Switch 2, including Donkey Kong’s big, brand new game, a new Hyrule Warriors game, and a FromSoftware exclusive in 2026. And we’re sure Nintendo has more and more to announce as we go through the year — so we’ll be keeping this list as up to date as possible (and yes, we know there’s more than 27 here — shh!).
Reminder, this isn’t a list of every single game coming to the new console — just the cream of the crop. You can check out our complete Switch 2 game list for every single game coming to the console.
Here are the game’s we’re most excited to play on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Switch 2 Upcoming Games
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Switch 2)
Publisher: Activision / Developer: Iron Galaxy
Launch date: 11th July 2025
Physical?: Code in a box
While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is coming to Switch, the Switch 2 version is surely the way go. We know very little about this version at the moment, including only a vague release window, but smoother framerates and better visuals are surely on the cards.
Otherwise, this will likely be the same of the Switch version — a bundle on two of the best skating games of all time. 4 has seen some significant changes — its biggest being the replacement of career mode’s more open-ended structure — but early reports have been raving about the games.
Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2)
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
Launch date: 17th July 2025
Physical?: Yep!
While Nintendo’s first-party output on launch day is relatively small, we won’t have to wait long for its second. Yes, finally, Donkey Kong is getting a brand new game — the first in a decade — and it looks utterly phenomenal.
Donkey Kong Bananza takes the new DK design to a brand new 3D platforming world where you can destroy (almost) everything. Destruction is the name of the game here. And with Pauline by DK’s side, the duo seem unstoppable as they dive towards the Planet’s Core.
Shadow Labyrinth – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)
Publisher: Bandai Namco / Developer: Bandai Namco
Launch date: 18th July 2025
Physical?: Code in the box, but the Switch 1 is physical, and Bandai Namco has confirmed you can upgrade the game for free
A Pac-Man Metroidvania seems like a no-brainer, right? But Shadow Labyrinth’s aesthetic was not on our bingo card. Early impressions have been incredibly positives on this one, and the Switch 2 release will ensure the darker, edgier Pac-Man will look better than ever.
Do you associate an intergalactic conflict or apex predators with Pac-Man? Well, you will once you play this one. And yes, you can eat things.
Mario Party, Kirby (Switch 2 Editions)
Launch date(s):
Physical?: Yes, and it’s all on the cart. Or you can buy the upgrade packs separately (if you own the game on Switch 1 already)
Nintendo’s first-party Switch 2 Editions have, so far, mostly been about graphical and performance updates, but we have two more coming very soon that go beyond that.
Mario Party Jamboree is getting brand new minigames that are compatible with the new camera and Mouse Mode, while Kirby is getting a completely new campaign in Star-Crossed World. We had a blast with the camera in Jamboree TV, and we’re always happy for more Kirby.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES (Switch 2)
Publisher: Spike Chunsoft / Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Launch date: 25th July 2025
Physical?: It’s a Game-Key Card, but full physical release is coming to Switch
A surprise third game for the AI: The Somnium Files series is coming out this summer, but things are a little different. No Sleep For Kaname Date gives us a ton of new gameplay mechanics as we aim to save the Idol Iris from an alien abduction. Though, if you’ve played the other games at this point, you know things aren’t that simple.
Alongside Somniums we’ve got escape rooms, which are a little reminiscent of scenario director Kotaro Uchikoshi’s earlier series, Zero Escape. We expect mind-bending, time-twisting stuff too, of course.
Drag x Drive (Switch 2)
Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
Launch date: 14th August 2025
Physical?: Nope, digital only
There’s always one big first-party game that embraces the main “gimmick” of a new Nintendo console. Drag x Drive is that game for the Switch 2, a 3v3 wheelchair basketball game that is entirely controlled with the Joy-Con 2’s Mouse Mode.
While it may look a little simple on paper, it’s a real test of reflexes and control, and takes a lot of practice. At least, from what we’ve tried. We’ve only seen one or two stages at the moment, so we’ll have to wait until the summer to see what awaits on the court.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)
Publisher: Marvelous Europe / Developer: Marvelous Inc.
Launch date: 18th August 2025
Physical?: Yes, Marvelous has confirmed this
Promised as “more than just a port”, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar looks to modernise an oft-overlooked DS entry in the Harvest Moon / Story of Seasons series.
This new remake completely overhauls the visuals and adds full voice acting, a first for the series. We bet it looks gorgeous on Switch 2, too, so we’ll be gliding all across town and setting up our market stall later this summer.
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Dear me, I was… (Switch 2)
Publisher: Arc System Works
Launch date: Summer 2025
Physical?: TBC
Arc System Works, who worked on the recent Another Code remake for Switch, has teamed up with the director of Another Code and Hotel Dusk, Taisuke Kanasaki to bring a gorgeous-looking visual novel to Switch 2
Dear me, I was… is a beautiful watercolour tale with rotoscope animation and follows the ups and downs of the life of a young woman. If it’s as heartfelt as it looks, we could be in for a tearjerker.
Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2)
Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft
Launch date: 4th September 2025
Physical?: Game-Key Card
Long gone are the days of Ubisoft’s trepidation of Nintendo’s new consoles — it’s kicking its partnership off in style with 2024’s Star Wars Outlaws, which comes complete with the (recently released) DLC.
While its open-world structure is familiar, and it received a lot of pre-launch “discourse”, our very own Jim Norman has actually played this on PS5 already, and he thinks this port is the second chance the game deserves.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Switch 2)
Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square Enix
Launch date: 30th September 2025
Physical?: Seemingly in Japan
This one’s been bubbling in the rumour mill for a while, but we finally know when one of the greatest tactical RPGs is getting a remaster, and it’s coming to both Switch 1 and Switch 2.
The original PS1 version is also part of the package, but with the remaster, you’ll be getting balance tweaks, new voice acting, updated visuals, and more. We promise, this is a special video game, and we can’t wait to replay it. Worth noting that the Switch 2 version is a code in a box, but the Switch 1 version will get a free Switch 2 upgrade. Go that route, instead.
That’s a busy 2025 so far, right? Well, there’s more to come this year and beyond so make sure you keep reading!
Up Next: All Confirmed Games & Release Dates
See Also
Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first love, Nintendo is a close second. She enjoys nothing more than overthinking battle strategies, characters, and stories. She also wishes she was a Sega air pirate.