The Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s latest console, has finally arrived, sparking renewed excitement across the gaming community. As with any major new hardware launch, one of the most pressing questions is simple: what should you play first? The answer is more interesting than ever, as Nintendo and third-party developers alike are making sure the Switch 2 launches with both spectacular new experiences and remastered classics that take advantage of the system’s impressive specs.
Whether you’re a longtime Nintendo fan or a newcomer drawn in by the promise of cutting-edge handheld gaming, the Switch 2 has an exciting lineup of games waiting for you. This article will walk you through the very best Nintendo Switch 2 games available right now, along with the biggest and most promising upcoming releases you’ll want to keep on your radar.
The Launch of the Nintendo Switch 2: A New Era for Handheld and Hybrid Gaming
Nintendo officially released the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. The system represents a significant leap forward from the already beloved original Switch. Sporting 4K resolution when docked, HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate in handheld mode, and dramatically boosted internals, the Switch 2 delivers the kind of experience fans have been hoping for. This new power means better visuals, smoother gameplay, and the ability for developers to bring more ambitious titles to the platform.
But hardware is only half the story. What truly defines a great console is its games, and the Switch 2 is already building an impressive library. Nintendo has leaned into the formula that made the original Switch a hit: a blend of beloved Nintendo franchises, strong third-party support, and innovative new IPs.
The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games Right Now
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
No Nintendo console is complete without a Zelda game. Tears of the Kingdom, initially released on the original Switch, has been given a lavish upgrade for the Switch 2. The new edition runs in glorious 4K with enhanced visuals and performance. The addition of HDR breathes new life into Hyrule, making every sunrise, storm, and dungeon crawl look even more breathtaking.
What’s truly special, however, is how the Switch 2’s improved hardware allows the vast world to run at a consistent 60 frames per second, eradicating the frame drops that sometimes plagued the original. Nintendo has also included new accessibility features and the handy “Zelda Notes” companion app, letting players jot down clues and screenshots as they explore. This re-release doesn’t just make an incredible game look better—it makes it feel fresh and exciting again.
2. Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World is Nintendo’s headline launch title and the next evolution in the iconic racing series. For the first time, Mario Kart goes open-world. You can explore sprawling city hubs, rural villages, and fantastical landscapes between races, making the whole experience feel more dynamic and immersive.
Races now support up to 24 players, both locally and online, and new modes like “Knockout Tour” add layers of strategy and replayability. The visuals are vibrant, and the driving physics are more refined, benefiting from the Switch 2’s horsepower. Mario Kart World is both a showcase for the console and a social experience that will dominate living rooms and online communities for years to come.
3. Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Agent 47 lands on Switch 2 with one of the best stealth games of the last decade. The Signature Edition isn’t just a port: it’s a fully optimized version, taking advantage of the Switch 2’s power to deliver crisp visuals, shorter load times, and fluid gameplay.
Hitman’s deep, sandbox-style missions are a perfect match for portable play, letting you sneak, disguise, and improvise your way through exotic locations at home or on the go. The replay value is tremendous, with countless ways to approach each mission.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition
Nintendo didn’t stop at Tears of the Kingdom. The original Breath of the Wild—still considered by many the greatest open-world adventure ever made—has received a Switch 2 remaster. The upgrades are striking: 4K textures, a rock-solid 60 frames per second, and refined controls. There’s also new content and integration with the Switch 2’s online services. For veterans, it’s the definitive way to re-experience a masterpiece; for newcomers, it’s the perfect starting point.
5. Fortnite (Switch 2 Edition)
Epic Games’ battle royale phenomenon has become a mainstay on every platform, and Switch 2 is no exception. The new edition brings 60fps gameplay, enhanced textures, and full support for the system’s new mouse-mode (perfect for competitive play). With its ever-evolving collection of modes, user-generated content, and cross-platform play, Fortnite on Switch 2 offers immense value—whether you want casual fun or hardcore competition.
6. Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s latest fighter is a technical marvel on Switch 2, running at a smooth 60fps and featuring a robust online suite. The controls feel great, especially with the Pro Controller or the system’s new input options. If you love fighting games, this is the best portable version you can buy, and the active community ensures plenty of opponents.
7. Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios brings its signature brand of inventive, story-driven co-op gameplay to Switch 2 with Split Fiction. Designed to be played with a friend, either locally or online, this beautifully animated adventure features clever puzzles and heartfelt storytelling. The “Friend’s Pass” lets you invite a friend to play for free, making it an ideal pick for anyone who enjoys couch co-op or long-distance gaming with loved ones.
Highly Anticipated Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Games
While the current lineup is already strong, Nintendo and its partners have a host of upcoming titles that promise to push the Switch 2 even further. Here are the games everyone is talking about:
Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
This new 3D platformer is set to be the first major Donkey Kong title for Switch 2. With sandbox-style levels, destructible environments, and a playful art style, Bananza aims to reimagine classic Donkey Kong gameplay for a new generation. Early previews suggest it will be a must-play for platformer fans.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Late 2025)
The long-awaited return of Samus Aran comes with significant upgrades. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will offer both 4K/60fps and 1080p/120fps modes, enhanced controls, and expanded environments. It’s being built from the ground up for the Switch 2, making it one of the year’s most anticipated releases for action-adventure fans.
Drag x Drive (Summer 2025)
One of the more unique upcoming titles, Drag x Drive is a sports game inspired by wheelchair basketball. It also introduces the innovative mouse-mode feature, offering an accessible and competitive twist to local and online multiplayer. With its summer 2025 release, it’s set to be a sleeper hit, especially for fans looking for something different.
A System for Every Kind of Gamer
What makes the Switch 2’s library so special is its diversity. Are you an explorer at heart? Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild offer hundreds of hours of open-world adventure. Do you thrive on competition? Mario Kart World and Street Fighter 6 will keep you battling for the top spot. Prefer story-driven experiences? Split Fiction is tailor-made for you. If you love ongoing content and global communities, Fortnite brings endless variety.
The system’s power also means you don’t have to sacrifice performance or graphics for portability—something the original Switch sometimes struggled with. Now, Nintendo’s hybrid model truly feels next-gen, both at home and on the move.
The Future Is Bright: What’s Next for the Switch 2
With the Switch 2’s robust third-party support, Nintendo’s unmatched first-party output, and the promise of innovative new features like mouse-mode and expanded online services, the future looks very bright for Switch fans. Titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will expand the library in bold new directions, while remasters and upgraded classics ensure that the best of Nintendo’s past is always close at hand.
As the year unfolds, expect more surprises, new IP announcements, and plenty of reasons to keep coming back to your Switch 2. For gamers of all kinds, there’s never been a better time to jump into Nintendo’s world.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has launched with a powerful and varied library that appeals to every type of player. Whether you’re revisiting Hyrule, drifting through the streets of Mario Kart World, sneaking through international assassinations as Agent 47, or exploring what’s next for Donkey Kong and Samus, the Switch 2 proves itself as Nintendo’s most compelling and complete console yet. With its unique blend of innovation, nostalgia, and sheer fun, the Switch 2 is poised to define the next era of gaming—one great game at a time.
Ready to dive in? Which game will you play first on your Switch 2?
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