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.

10

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World ($79.99) is Nintendo’s Switch 2 flagship launch game, and for good reason. Though Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains 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 the ill-fated Wii U console.

World breaks with tradition, adopting an open-world design that’s seen favorable comparisons with the Forza Horizon series. 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 previous Mario Kart entries (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.

Mario Kart World

Systems

Released

June 5, 2025

ESRB

Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer

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9

FAST 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 the Fast series of racers that started on the Wii with Fast Racing League. The Wii U then saw the release of Fast Racing Neo, which was dressed up and re-released on the Nintendo Switch as Fast RMX.

These games can be most closely compared to the F-Zero series 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 Fusion is 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.

FAST Fusion

Systems

Released

June 5, 2025

ESRB

Everyone

Developer(s)

Shin’en Multimedia

Publisher(s)

Shin’en Multimedia

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer

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8

Cyberpunk 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 2077 is 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.

The Ultimate Edition includes the Phantom Liberty expansion, motion controls, and the ability to use the Switch 2’s mouse mode to aim.

Cyberpunk 2077

Released

December 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Developer(s)

CD Projekt Red

Publisher(s)

CD Projekt Red

Engine

REDengine 4

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7

Deltarune

The long-awaited follow-up to Toby Fox’s wildly successful and critically acclaimed Undertale, 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 of Deltarune, which adds chapters three and four.

The game continues in the style of Undertale, 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 play Deltarune (the game is also releasing on the Switch, PC via Steam, PS4, and PS5).

Deltarune

Released

October 31, 2018

ESRB

Teen // Language, Suggestive Themes, Mild Blood, Fantasy Violence

Developer(s)

Toby Fox

Publisher(s)

Toby Fox

Engine

gamemaker

6

Kunitsu-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.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Released

July 19, 2024

ESRB

Teen // Violence, Mild Blood, In-Game Purchases

Developer(s)

Capcom

Publisher(s)

Capcom

Engine

RE Engine

5

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 was 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, SF6 makes 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.

Street Fighter 6

Released

June 2, 2023

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

Developer(s)

Capcom

Publisher(s)

Capcom

Engine

RE Engine

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4

Fantasy 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 a cozy life simulation set 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 to unlock 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 i is a game that’s already proved its worth on other platforms.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

Released

May 21, 2025

Developer(s)

Level 5

Publisher(s)

Level 5

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op

Number of Players

1-4

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3

Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition

IO Interactive’s modern Hitman trilogy 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 of Hitman 3 and a re-release of the much older Hitman: 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.

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World of Assasination is arguably one of the finest, most content-packed immersive simulations ever 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.

Hitman World of Assassination

Released

January 20, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Use Of Drugs And Alcohol, Blood, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Drug Reference

Developer(s)

IO Interactive

Publisher(s)

IO Interactive

Engine

Glacier engine

2

F-Zero GX (NSO GameCube)

F-Zero fans have been crying out for Nintendo to make another futuristic racing game for years, with battle royale title F-Zero 99 being the closest we’ve come. One thing that might make the wait a little more bearable is the addition of F-Zero GX to the Nintendo Classics GameCube emulator.

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).

Like The Wind Waker, you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack (a $49.99 annual subscription).

F-Zero GX

Systems

Released

August 25, 2003

ESRB

Teen // Comic Mischief, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes

Developer(s)

Amusement Vision

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

F-Zero GX

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer

Franchise

F-Zero

1

The 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 the GameCube Nintendo Classics emulator, you can (finally) play The 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 best Zelda fans can hope for outside of breaking out the GameCube or emulating the game themselves on another platform.

Experience The 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 can make use of the emulator’s save states to suspend the game at any point.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Systems

Released

March 24, 2003

ESRB

E For Everyone

Developer(s)

Nintendo EAD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

Havok

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Even More Games

The Switch 2 is launching with 25 games (if you include enhanced editions of both Switch Zelda titles). Looking for even more to play? Check out Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S if you’re a Puyo Puyo fiend who wants a means to compete in Sega’s esports events, Arcade Archives: Ridge Racer if Mario Kart and Fast Fusion aren’t enough to scratch the racing itch, plus the Switch 2-enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

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