The launch for Nintendo Switch 2 is nearly upon us, and we have an exciting launch lineup. We have a good mixture of first party titles, Switch 2 editions and upgrades, plus some fantastic 3rd party titles too. Today I want to cover my top 10 most anticipated launch games for Nintendo Switch 2.

All of the following games are available on launch day, which is 5th June 2025. Without any delay, let’s dive in.

Welcome Tour

This is a quirky game where you walk around the inside of the Nintendo Switch 2, getting information related to Switch 2 features. One way of demonstrating the resolution of the Switch 2 includes looking at an original Super Mario Bros level, and stretching that out to fit the new Switch 2 screen. The whole game is a similar POV to Diablo or Hades, and you can walk around with the little character and inspect various features of the Switch 2 hardware. Nintendo’s decision to charge for this, rather than include this as a pack in game seems quite strange, however, I still think it’s going to be a fun little game.

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition

Both Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild are getting Switch 2 Editions. I’ve put Tears of the Kingdom lower down the anticipated list, given I played that one more recently comapred to Breath of the Wild. Both are getting optimised visuals for the new hardware and high-res TVs, plus HDR support. In addition to the performance upgrades, we’re also getting new features via Zelda Notes, which offer map navigation and additonal lore – however, this is provided through a companion mobile app. It would be better if the Zelda notes features were in-game… but maybe we’ll see that for the next mainline Zelda. If you already own the game, and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion then you’ll get this upgrade for no additional cost.

Split Fiction

Split Fiction is our first 3rd party game. This is the latest game from Hazelight Studios, creators of It Takes Two. In Split Fiction we take on the role of two writers; one science fiction and one fantasy, and in classic Hazelight fashion we play in split screen. This is a fantastic game, and if you haven’t played one of Hazelight’s games before, then I recommend it playing with friends or family.

Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition

Cyberpunk 2077 originally released in a technical mess, which led to PlayStation pulling the game from the PlayStation store. CD Projeckt Red have stayed dedicated to the game and have developed it since launch, and now we have a great game, and one of the best RPGs on the market. While the game has been out for a few years, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best games of the last decade, plus the development team are taking advantage of motion controls.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Final Fantasy used to be a mainstay on Nintendo consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo, however, Final Fantasy hasn’t featured on recently Switch consoles as prominently for new titles. That all changes with the Switch 2 with Final Fantasy 7 arriving on the console for launch day.

Soul Caliber

Soul Caliber is one of the games being featured on the Gamecube Classics via Nintendo Switch Online. This is a classic fighting game, plus it includes Link from Legend of Zelda as a special guest character. If you’re old enough to remember Gamecube games, then this is going to be a trip down memory lane, but if you haven’t experienced this and like fighting games, then it’s worth jumping in too. Gamcube classics will be exclusive to Switch 2, plus you can get a Gamecube controller to play the games.

F-zero X

F-zero X is another Gamecube game for launch of Gamecube classics. This is oneof the best F-Zero games, even though the Super Nintendo version of the game still holds a place in my heart as the best F-Zero game. This is a fast racing game, and offers up a different flavour of racing if you want a break from Mario Kart World.

Wind Waker

Finally we get Wind Waker on the Switch platform. However, there are a couple of caveats… It’s only available on Switch 2 via Gamecube classics, and it’s not Wind Waker HD, it’s the original Gamecube version before the game was optmised for Wii U. Personally, I don’t mind so much, I like the look of the original Gamecube version. As a huge Zelda fan, I’m glad we’re getting closer to the whole Zelda catalogue on a Switch platform. You could imagine Twilight Princess won’t be far away.

Zelda Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition

Breath of the Wild is getting an update to address higher resolution, improved frame rates, and HDR support. I’m more excited about this one compared to Tears of the Kingdom. While it’s going to be strange going back to Hyrule without Ultrahahd and Fuse. But it’s going to be good battling those Guardians again and using the Sheikah powers. I can’t wait to jump back into Hyrule. If you already own the game, and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion then you’ll get this upgrade for no additional cost.

Mario Kart World

This is the big one for launch day and the flagpole that Nintendo are placing down in the ground. This is a brand new Mario Kart, following on from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch. Deluxe sold 67 million copies, which is absolutely incredible. Mario Kart World introduces an open-world to Mario Kart. We have traditional GP modes, plus the new knock-out mode which seems like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Players race and the sloest players get knocked out over time, similar to a battle royale but in kart-racing form. There’s also a free roam mode where players can explore Mario Kart World and take photos, plus discover secrets. I imagine Nintendo will have hidden loads of secrets all over the environment, and personally I can’t wait to discover them.

Available later

Donkey Kong Bananza
Release date: July 17th

Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
Release date: July 24th

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-crossed World
Release date: August 28th

Pokemon Z-A Switch 2 Edition
Release date: TBD

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond
Release date: TBD

Let me know in the comments what you think, and what you are exited about for launch on Nintendo Switch 2.