The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming on June 5, 2025, and the lineup looks stacked. There were over 30 games shown in Nintendo’s full console reveal, and the best part is that the Switch 2 is backward compatible with original Switch games which means players will have a lot to play if they’re upgrading.
The Switch 2’s reveal showed exclusive, multiplatform, and Switch 2-enhanced (Switch 2 Edition) games. It was an impressive showcase, and many of them made me impatient for release day.
1
Deltarune
Deltarune is the latest game from the creator of Undertale. It’s an episodic RPG where you play a human who must save the world. It’s set in a parallel universe to Undertale, featuring the same excellent pixel art, soundtrack, and unique turn-based combat. You will even see alternate versions of characters from Undertale (if you’re familiar with that game). The first three episodes are available on PC/Mac, Switch, and PS4, but a Switch 2 release of the game will launch with episodes three and four.
2
Civilization VII
Civilization VII is a real-time strategy (RTS) game where you grow human civilization from primitive to advanced societies. What is notable about the Switch 2 version, which will be available on launch, is that it takes advantage of the Joy-Cons’ mouse controls, which will make the experience smoother than using a controller. As someone who is not a fan of PC, I have always envied how RTS games are much easier to play with a mouse.
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3
Street Fighter 6
For a while, it seemed like modern Street Fighter games would never make it to Nintendo. That’s why it’s a joy to see Street Fighter 6 making its way to the platform on launch day with two new modes exclusive to the Switch 2. There will also be amiibo figures available for Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly, while other characters will get their own amiibo cards. All this extra content is great for both new and old players to enjoy Street Fighter 6 even more.
4
EA SPORTS FC 25
Switch 2 players will also be able to enjoy the Switch Edition of FC 25 sometime in 2025. Like the Switch version, it will be packed with all the modes available on other platforms, including FUT and Rush. The Switch 2 version looks like it will not only have better visuals but improved performance as well. Other sports games that will be released on the Switch 2 include NBA 2K25 and Madden NFL 25.
5
Borderlands 4
It’s unlikely that Borderlands 4 will be on any last-gen consoles, and the Switch 2 is coming right on time so Nintendo fans don’t miss out. The game takes place on an all-new planet instead of the series’ staple, Pandora. Plus, it features all-new Vault Hunters, skills, abilities, locations, enemies, and, of course, billions of guns. If there’s one thing the Borderlands series gets right, it’s the looting and shooting, and this one looks great for newcomers when it releases on September 23rd, 2025.
6
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
The only FromSoftware game on the Switch is Dark Souls: Remastered, meaning Nintendo fans are pretty much starved of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s greatness. But fret no more, as the massive, open-world soulslike Elden Ring is coming to the Switch 2 sometime in 2025 (via a 30 FPS port). Players can look forward to the vanilla version as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. That’s over 100 hours of FromSoft greatness they can take on the go.
7
Donkey Kong Bananza
We haven’t seen a fully 3D Donkey Kong game since Donkey Kong 64. That changes when Donkey Kong Bananza comes out on July 17, 2025. You will play the titular character, who will punch and smash his way through a beautiful 3D world. From what I have seen from the trailer, everything, including Donkey Kong’s new design, gameplay, and destructible environments, looks amazing.
8
Hollow Knight: Silksong
To say Hollow Knight: Silksong is a highly anticipated game is an understatement. It is a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2D Metroidvania video game Hollow Knight. It was announced in 2019 and has finally been confirmed to be coming in 2025. You will play as Hornet, one of the bosses from the original game, as she fights and explores a whole new kingdom.
9
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Coming this September 5th, 2025 is the fast-paced mech shooter Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion. The game looks like Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon and Anthem rolled into one but with a heavy anime aesthetic. I can’t wait to customize my mech and unleash my arsenal on both hostile robots and aliens while exploring the open world and seeing the epic story unfold.
10
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Both open-world Zelda titles are coming to Switch 2 on launch day. The former is known for its exploration, physics-based gameplay, and freedom to approach challenges in creative ways. The latter expands on the previous game by adding more verticality and building mechanics. I had to stop myself from finishing TotK because I wanted to experience it with better visuals and framerate on the Switch 2, and I’m glad I waited.
11
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom and is expected to come out this winter for the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s the third Hyrule Warriors game, and focuses on Zelda teaming up with King Rauru and other characters that appear in TotK to fight against the forces of Ganondorf. But this isn’t your typical Zelda game; it’s a hack-and-slash game where you fight hordes of enemies like Dynasty Warriors.
12
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a Nintendo Switch game coming later in 2025, and you can play the Switch 2 Edition via an upgrade path. The action takes place in a metropolis called Lumiose City, where humans and Pokémon live together in harmony. During the day, you can explore the city and go to areas called Wild Zones to battle and capture Pokémon. At night, the city becomes a battleground where you fight other trainers to raise your rank from Z to A.
13
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The legendary bounty hunter, Samus Aran, returns in the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will be released at an unspecified time in 2025 for the Switch and Switch 2. It will feature the addictive gameplay loop the series is known for. Basically, you explore a series of interconnected planets while getting suit upgrades that allow you to reach previously inaccessible areas. This is a first-person adventure game, and the added advantage of the Switch 2 version is that you can use the mouse controls.
14
Mario Kart World
The Mario Kart games are known for their fast-paced, chaotic racing gameplay that features iconic Nintendo characters, power-ups, and imaginative tracks. The biggest addition to Mario Kart World is the interconnected tracks and free-roam mode packed with activities for those who want to stray off the beaten path. A new mode called Knockout Tour sees you racing others to reach checkpoints spread out throughout the continent. And if you don’t get there fast enough, you will be knocked out.
Other than that, expect new characters, tracks, vehicles, costumes, and abilities (I saw wall bouncing and rail grinding in the trailers). Mario Kart World is a launch title exclusive to the Switch 2.
15
The Duskbloods
If the Switch 2 Edition of Elden Ring isn’t enough Miyazaki and FromSoftware for Switch fans, we also have The Duskbloods coming in 2026. This Switch 2 exclusive had me excited in particular because it gave off Bloodborne vibes but with a vampire twist. It will be a PvPvE game where you and seven other players (a total of eight) compete to claim what is known as the First Blood.
Many more games are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. Honorable mentions include Kirby Air Riders, Hades II, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Split Fiction, and Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade.
With such an impressive lineup of games spanning various genres, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting platform. This is true whether you’re new to Nintendo or upgrading from the original Switch.
