Nintendo Switch 2 games: All rumoured and expected launch titles
What games are coming to the Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 now finally has a release date confirmed, and alongside that we have a clearer view of the games it'll feature.
Some of Nintendo's biggest franchises are making a comeback, while some truly heavy hitters in the industry are bringing third-party games to the system.
And despite everything we know for sure, there's still a seemingly endless number of rumoured and predicted games still to hear about.
So, if you need some help figuring out what's real and what's not, we've put together a list of all the games confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Take a look at our Nintendo Switch 2 deals and Nintendo Switch 2 UK stock availability guides.
What will the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles be?
Nintendo has now confirmed a few games for launch alongside the console, as well as a couple more that are set to arrive later in the year.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World was first shown during the Switch 2 reveal trailer, but it wasn't officially announced until the Switch 2 Direct in April.
As one of Nintendo's best-selling franchises, expectations are high for the newest game in the series, and it looks like there's a lot to get excited for.
The game is going for an open-world feel, where players can drive around an entire island taking part in races across the world's diverse biomes.
It also appears to support more racers, with fans spotting up to 24-player races in some of the scenes in each trailer.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4 is another game that had been teased before its confirmation.
While it had initially only been confirmed for the Switch 1, most fans had assumed that it would inevitably feature on the Switch 2.
This was later confirmed during the Switch 2 Direct in April, with some gameplay shown featuring the Joy-Cons' new mouse functionality.
Fingers crossed Metroid Prime 4 being on Switch 2 means we're in for some incredible graphics.
Pokémon Legends Z-A
The relationship between Pokémon and Nintendo is one that has spanned decades, and with Pokémon Legends Z-A also set to launch in 2025, there's a strong chance of Z-A being the first Pokémon title to launch on the Switch 2.
Aside from the presence of Mega Evolutions and its release year, little is known about what Game Freak has in store.
We expect it to be one of the Switch 2's most popular titles when it is released on the platform. As with Metroid Prime 4, this one could end up on the original Switch and Switch 2, but it hasn't yet been confirmed as a launch title.
Kirby Air Riders
After 20 years since the release of Kirby Air Ride on the GameCube, a brand-new follow-up called Kirby Air Riders has been confirmed.
The game is being developed by legendary Nintendo veteran and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai.
Unfortunately, while we know that the game will be releasing in 2025, we don't know much else as the trailer didn't show any gameplay, so we'll keep an eye out for any more information about it.
Donkey Kong: Bananza
While many were expecting a new Mario title in the vein of Super Mario Odyssey, what we actual got was a Donkey Kong game instead.
Donkey Kong: Bananza, featuring the new retro look we first saw in Mario Kart World, is a new 3D platforming game set to release for the Switch 2.
While it features all the hallmarks of platforming that we saw in Odyssey, the game naturally leans more towards highlighting DK's strengths and abilities.
We've seen clips of DK climbing up walls, swinging around, and even digging huge bits of dirt and rock out of the ground, smashing everything in his way with his brute strength.
Sadly, this won't be launching with the Switch 2, and will instead come a month later on 17th July.
GameCube ports
Alongside the NES, SNES and Nintendo 64 games that have previously been added to Nintendo Switch Online, players will be able to play GameCube games via the service on the Switch 2.
At the moment, only three games have been confirmed - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur 2 and F-Zero GX - but there are certainly going to be more on the way.
Rumours are already circulating of games like Pokémon XD and Colosseum hitting the system, as well as Metroid Prime 1 and 2.
Which third parties will support Switch 2?
The Switch 2 has already confirmed a whole host of major third-party titles, many of which are set to show off just how powerful the new console is.
Here is a list of every third-party game currently confirmed for the Switch 2:
- Borderlands 4
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion
- Deltarune
- The Duskbloods
- EA Sports FC
- Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
- Enter the Gungeon 2
- Hades 2
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- NBA 2K
- Project 007: James Bond
- Reanimal
- Sid Meier's Civilization 7
- Street Fighter 6
- Split Fiction
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
- Survival Kids
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4
- WWE 2K
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
While these are the games that have been confirmed so far, there are certainly more to come, as the original Switch made heavy use of third-party titles - especially when it came to indies.
One potential game that has fans excited is the prospect of GTA 6, and it looks like there may be some truth to these rumours.
Take-Two chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick has said the following: "While we have nothing specific to report, we actually would fully expect to support Switch [2]."
EA, too, seemed to bring many titles to the first Switch; from EA FC to It Takes Two.
CEO Andrew Wilson has suggested this will continue with Nintendo's next-gen hardware, saying about the Switch 2 (via videogameschronicle): "Any time a new console comes into the marketplace, that’s of a benefit to us. It gives us the ability to access and acquire new players. Typically, we’ve had franchises perform very well on Nintendo platforms."
Heads of other consoles have also expressed a desire to work with Nintendo. Xbox boss Phil Spencer said of the Switch 2 (via The Gamer): "I know we'll get more detail over time. Really looking forward to supporting them with the games that we have."
So, it looks like there's a lot of scope for third-party releases on the Switch 2. A few other titles we might expect to drop are the following:
- Aurascope
- Bestiario
- Littlelands
- My Time at Evershine
- Secret Forest
- Synth Beasts
- Yooka-Replayee
Expected Nintendo Switch 2 games
While it's now unlikely that we'll see any of these games at launch, there are a few unconfirmed or unannounced games that we would predict will show up during the Switch 2's lifetime.
New 3D Mario game
It's been eight years since Super Mario Odyssey was released on Nintendo Switch. We think it's about time we got an all-new 3D Mario game.
Nintendo likes bringing 3D Mario games to its new consoles as early on in their lifespans as possible. It's practically a guarantee they're working on a new one for the Switch 2.
What tricks it will have up its sleeves, however, is anyone's guess. Nintendo likes bringing out its best for a flagship 3D Mario adventure.
New big Zelda game
It wouldn't be a Nintendo console without a brand-new big Zelda game. We can't wait to see what Nintendo can do following the majestic Breath of the Wild and its stellar sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.
Expect to wait a while for a new big Zelda game, though!
10th Generation Pokémon RPGs
The 10th Generation of Pokémon RPGs will be coming to Switch 2 at some point. That only seems logical.
But again, Nintendo hasn't given us much of a tease yet on that front. Instead, they've been promoting the next entry in the Legends spin-off series.
New Animal Crossing
It would be daft for Nintendo to not release a new Animal Crossing game on Switch 2.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was monumentally popular and Nintendo will definitely want to follow that up at some point.
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Splatoon 4, Pikmin 5 and new Xenoblade
Finally, we think it's very likely Nintendo will treat us to a new Splatoon, Pikmin and Xenoblade game on the Switch 2 at some point. Those franchises have been great successes on the OG Switch.
A new Fire Emblem, too, seems a sure bet.
Below, you'll find some more firm rumours about big games that could be coming to the Switch 2 sooner rather than later.
Predicted Nintendo Switch 2 games
Doom: The Dark Ages
We imagine that Doom: The Dark Ages will make its way onto the Switch 2.
Doom and Doom Eternal both got ported to the original Switch, so we think it's highly likely that The Dark Ages will follow suit on Switch 2 where it will perform better and look nicer than the two latest Doom games on Switch 1.
Mario spin-offs
Some fans are already asking for a new Mario Maker, as well, to make the most of the improved Switch 2 features.
Could the console make use of its rumoured mouse-controls? A new Mario Paint game could be in the works.
A new Luigi's Mansion seems a good bet, as to does another new Mario Party – we're sure we'll get new Mario sports games, too.
Check out more of our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage:
- Nintendo Switch 2 price - how much does it cost?
- Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders - where to buy
- Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer - see the console here
- Nintendo Switch 2 Experience - how to try out the new console in person
- Do Switch 2 games work on Switch 1? - are there Switch 2 exclusives?
- Mario Kart 9 - everything we know!
Rumoured Nintendo Switch 2 ports
Microsoft Flight Simulator
In 2023, Microsoft signed a 10-year deal with Nintendo to bring Xbox games onto its platforms.
As a flagship title for the company behind Xbox, adding Microsoft Flight Simulator to Nintendo's handheld console would be a great addition to its already vast selection of games.
Halo The Master Chief Collection
It's rumoured that Halo The Master Chief Collection is being ported to the Switch 2. Halo being played on anything but an Xbox or PC. We never thought we'd see the day.
Fallout 4 and Starfield are also rumoured to be in the works for Switch 2.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy
Microsoft isn't the only company looking to branch out onto other platforms. Square Enix's Final Fantasy series was traditionally a PlayStation joint, but rumours suggest that the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy could be coming to Switch 2.
With the first chunk of the trilogy and the second (Rebirth) already confirmed for a PC launch, it doesn't seem that wild to suggest that Square Enix is also trying to broaden its reach onto Switch 2.
Red Dead Redemption 2
One of the most critically acclaimed releases of recent years is Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2.
With the Switch 2 expected to contain improved hardware to handle more graphically intensive games, RDR2 is the perfect game to test Nintendo's console to its limits. Rumours suggest is could happen!
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Despite its launch being pushed back to March, Assassin's Creed Shadows is another third-party release that's heavily rumoured to arrive on the Switch 2.
Assassin's Creed Mirage is rumoured for the platform, too.
The improved hardware should ensure high enough frame rates are maintained without compromising any graphical detail Ubisoft has included in the latest instalment of the hugely successful franchise.
Metal Gear Solid: Delta Snake Eater
Another prominent rumour suggests that Metal Gear Solid: Delta Snake Eater will be ported onto Switch 2. It's a remake of MGS 3, and it's already announced for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
If the rumours are true and this one does come to Switch 2, that'll be another proof point that Nintendo's new machine is capable of keeping up with PlayStation and Xbox for the rest of this generation.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is an excellent RPG from the creators behind Persona and Shin Megami Tensei.
It's rumoured that it will be ported to the Switch 2 during its launch window.
Other ports rumoured to be coming to Switch 2
- Tekken 8
- Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order and Survivor
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Alan Wake 2
- GTA 5
- GTA 6
- Mario and Rabbids Collection
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Call of Duty
- The Division
- Diablo 4
- Latest Resident Evil games
- Twilight Princess HD port
We'll keep this list updated as we hear more rumours!
Read more on Nintendo:
- Nintendo Switch OLED review - handheld gaming levels up
- The very best Nintendo Switch games
- Nintendo Switch 2 release date - the latest rumours
- Best Nintendo Switch games for kids
- Nintendo Direct - when is the next live stream?
- Best Nintendo Switch micro SD cards to buy
- How to charge Nintendo Switch controllers
- The best Nintendo Switch Lite games - take these on the go
- How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV
Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Make sure you look at the official Nintendo Switch 2 UK release date and Nintendo Switch 2 UK stock updates.
Authors
Ben Huxley is a freelance contributor to Radio Times, with bylines also in TechRadar, WhatCulture, GAMINGbible, and Live Science. A writer of fiction, too, he has a few short stories published and a novel on the way. He has a BA in English Literature, and an MA in creative writing.
