The Nintendo Switch 2 is here along with a surprisingly stacked line-up of launch games. Though many are available on other platforms, there are a few exclusives that stand out and a few special editions that are unique to the Switch 2 to boot.
Though not everyone has the same taste in games, we expect there will be at least something on this list that you’ll walk home with (or download later) if you’re picking up a Switch 2 on launch.
10Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World($79.99) is Nintendo’s Switch 2 flagship launch game, and for good reason. ThoughMario Kart 8 Deluxeremains the original Switch console’s best-selling game (shifting more than 68 million copies at the last count), it was originally designed and released for theill-fated Wii U console.
Worldbreaks with tradition, adopting an open-world design that’s seen favorable comparisons with theForza Horizonseries. There are 50 playable characters and up to 24 can compete in a single race. There are also new gameplay elements like rail grinding and wall jumping to master, plus off-road and water sections.
The game features fan favorite Battle Mode, returning tracks from previousMario Kartentries (which have been reimagined), unlockable costumes, and a free roam mode in which you can traverse the continent, complete missions, and find collectibles. The game is available through fall 2025 as a limited edition bundle with a Switch 2 console for $499, saving $30 on buying the console and game separately.
9FAST Fusion
What’s a new console without a new racing game? Ok, make that two new racing games.Fast Fusion($14.99) is the latest game in theFastseries of racers that started on the Wii withFast Racing League. The Wii U then saw the release ofFast Racing Neo, which was dressed up and re-released on the Nintendo Switch asFast RMX.
These games can be most closely compared to theF-Zeroseries in which futuristic-looking vehicles travel at breakneck speeds around sci-fi-themed tracks. Hit boost and jump pads and avoid obstacles to stop yourself from wiping out. The series is doing a lot of heavy lifting for anyone who pines for a new version of Nintendo’s legendary racer.
Fast Fusionis exclusive to the Switch 2, with this being the first entry to feature 4K HDR visuals at 60 FPS, a four-player split-screen mode, and a new mechanic that allows you to combine vehicles to create unique racing machines.
8Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
The first of many Switch 2 re-releases,Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition($69.99) is arguably the unofficial technical showcase for what Nintendo’s new hybrid console can do. CD Projekt RED’s immersive open-world is an incredibly demanding game, and though it already runs on handhelds like the Steam Deck, this is the first time it’s appeared on a Nintendo-branded console.
For the uninitiated,Cyberpunk 2077is a first-person action RPG set in the vibrant and dangerous Night City and its surrounds. Design your character, pick a backstory, and head out into the world. You can specialize in three different play styles that focus on hacking, combat, and machinery. Augment your character with implants, sweet talk your way around situations, or go in blasting—how you tackle this digital adaptation of a tabletop titan is up to you.
TheUltimate Editionincludes thePhantom Libertyexpansion, motion controls, and the ability touse the Switch 2’s mouse modeto aim.
7Deltarune
The long-awaited follow-up to Toby Fox’s wildly successful and critically acclaimedUndertale,Deltarune($24.99) has so far only been released as a demo featuring the first two chapters. Conveniently coinciding with the Switch 2 launch is the paid release ofDeltarune, which adds chapters three and four.
The game continues in the style ofUndertale, with a story that takes place in parallel to the breakout hit. This top-down RPG dabbles in a variety of gameplay styles, from bullet hell combat sections to puzzles and narrative exploration through conversations with a returning cast of characters.
The game features Fox’s signature musical stylings, beautiful pixel graphics, and lots of secrets to find (and eventually, more than one ending to discover). The game is set to conclude with the addition of chapter five, which will be released as a free update for owners of the game. It’s worth noting that you don’t need a Switch 2 to playDeltarune(the game is also releasing on the Switch, PC via Steam, PS4, and PS5).
6Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess
Capcom’s sleeper hit of 2024,Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess($39.99) is a surprisingly innovative and addictive throwback. The game fuses elements of tower defense with third-person hack-and-slash combat, as you take control of a warrior called Soh who must defeat oncoming hordes of enemies and cleanse the environment of corruption.
There’s nothing unique to the Switch 2 version that wasn’t included in the previous cross-generation PlayStation and Xbox releases. The game is also on the PC and can be played handheld via devices like the Steam Deck. Still, if you’re yet to try it out and you’re picking up a Switch 2, now is a great time to give it a shot.
Being level-based, the game lends itself particularly well to short bursts of play. Despite the concept being a unique fusion of genres, the game feels a lot like a missing PS2 title with modern visuals thanks to its simple gameplay loop.
5Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6was a hit in 2023 when it was first released on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Since then it has blossomed into what is arguably the best modern fighting game out there, and now it’s available in handheld form on the Switch 2. Though the game may feel like old news at this point, the quick burst pick-up-and-play nature of a beat ‘em up is perfectly suited to the Switch 2’s portable form factor.
Rather than just offering more of the same,SF6makes some big changes to the formula. A new “modern” control scheme makes it easy for new players to execute moves at the cost of complexity, though “classic” controls (in addition to an offline-only “dynamic” fusion control scheme) are also available. Also new is the “Drive Gauge” system, a risk-reward mechanic that allows for more powerful moves that can leave the player vulnerable to attacks.
Perhaps the most interesting change is the addition of World Tour, a single-player story mode in which players design their own fighters and explore a 3D environment, completing challenges and battles along the way.
4Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time($59.99) is a follow-up to the 2012 Nintendo 3DS title, offering acozy life simulationset on an island called Reveria. Pick from 14 job titles and undertake various tasks including fishing, cooking, and slow-paced exploration.
The game was released earlier in 2025 on the original Switch (among others), with a $2.59 upgrade available for Switch 2 owners tounlock improved visuals and faster load times. If you slept on the game the first time around and you’re looking for a relaxed experience that takes advantage of the handheld’s improved grunt,Fantasy Life iis a game that’s already proved its worth on other platforms.
3Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition
IO Interactive’s modernHitmantrilogy kicked off in 2016, but none of these games ever received a native Nintendo Switch port on account of the system’s limited power. The closest Nintendo fans got was a cloud version ofHitman 3and a re-release of the much olderHitman: Blood Money.
Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition($59.99) bundles every scrap of the trilogy’s content into a neat package and makes it available to Nintendo Switch 2 owners. This includes the additional content from the second and third games, including Freelancer mode which combines randomized objectives with roguelike elements.
World of Assasinationis arguably one of the finest, most content-packedimmersive simulationsever released. The objective is simple: find your target, take them out, and escape unnoticed. Use stealth and the environment to your advantage in these masterful and infinitely-replayable sandboxes.
2F-Zero GX (NSO GameCube)
F-Zerofans have been crying out for Nintendo to make another futuristic racing game for years, with battle royale titleF-Zero 99being the closest we’ve come. One thing that might make the wait a little more bearable is the addition ofF-Zero GXto theNintendo ClassicsGameCubeemulator.
This is arguably the GameCube’s best racing game, with critics heaping praise on it for its visuals, controls, engaging difficulty level, and the sheer volume of content included. It supports four-player local split-screen multiplayer (and you can even play online with this release).
LikeThe Wind Waker, you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack (a $49.99 annual subscription).
1The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Finally, we have the second of two beloved retro titles that are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 owners who have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership with the expansion pass ($49.99/year). With access to theGameCubeNintendo Classicsemulator, you’re able to (finally) playThe Wind Waker.
While it might seem odd to buy a brand new console in order to get access to a version of a game that was released back in 2002, this is the bestZeldafans can hope for outside of breaking out the GameCube or emulating the game themselves on another platform.
ExperienceThe Wind Waker’s timeless cel-shaded visuals as you explore the overworld by boat while fighting to save your sister Tetra from the evil sorcerer Ganon. Best of all, you may make use of the emulator’s save states to suspend the game at any point.
Even More Games
The Switch 2 is launching with 25 games (if you include enhanced editions of both SwitchZeldatitles). Looking for even more to play? Check outPuyo Puyo Tetris 2Sif you’re a Puyo Puyo fiend who wants a means to compete in Sega’s esports events,Arcade Archives: Ridge Racerif Mario Kart and Fast Fusion aren’t enough to scratch the racing itch, plus the Switch 2-enhanced versions ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom.
