Nintendo Switch 2 games: All rumoured and expected launch titles
What games are coming to the Switch 2?
Now that we know the Nintendo Switch 2 is a real thing, it's time for some launch title predictions.
As per tradition, we expect a new 3D Mario game to drop (although it seems the next in the Kart series might come first), along with a new Zelda (even though Tears of the Kingdom is barely two years old).
This is all speculation based on what Nintendo has previously released with a new console, but what's actually been announced?
Not a whole lot, but there are a few rumours, and people in high places have said some things that, perhaps, give us a sign of what's to come.
But enough preamble, let's take a look at the possible Switch 2 launch titles!
What might the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles be?
At the time of writing, Nintendo is yet to confirm the Switch 2 launch titles. But here are a few games we think could launch alongside the console.
Mario Kart 9
Although Nintendo hasn't directly mentioned it, an unreleased Mario Kart was seen running on the Switch 2 during the reveal trailer.
Mario Kart 8 has become one of the best-selling games in history following its re-release on the first Switch, so there's a strong possibility Nintendo cashes in once again by launching Mario Kart 9 as a first-party title for the Switch 2.
Aside from Mario Kart 9, no other games have been announced for the Switch 2 yet.
Despite the lack of new games appearing, Nintendo has already confirmed the Switch 2 will feature backwards compatibility, meaning all of your existing games will work on the new console.
Once we hear of any confirmation, we'll be sure to update the page with the latest information.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4 is an obvious guess, in terms of what Nintendo is likely to bring to its shiny new platform.
We like to think that Metroid Prime 4 is due to be released on both the Switch and Switch 2, just as Breath of the Wild was on Wii U and Switch.
Fingers crossed Metroid Prime 4 is a Switch 2 game for the shiniest graphics possible.
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.
Which third parties will support Switch 2?
It looks like the Switch 2 (like its predecessor) will have a good few third-party titles, too. The remastered Grand Theft Auto PS2 trilogy dropped on the first Switch, so does that mean we'll get GTA 5 on the Switch 2? Or even GTA 6?
Well, 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
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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New Kirby, Splatoon 4, Pikmin 5 and new Xenoblade
Finally, we think it's very likely Nintendo will treat us to a new Kirby, 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.
Elden Ring
A port of Elden Ring is rumoured to be coming to Switch 2, which should make for a fantastic handheld experience!
Other ports rumoured to be coming to Switch 2
- Tekken 8
- EA Sports FC
- Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order and Survivor
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Alan Wake 2
- GTA 5
- GTA 6
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Mario and Rabbids Collection
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Call of Duty
- The Division
- Diablo 4
- Latest Resident Evil games
- Breath of the Wild enhanced port
- Twilight Princess and Windwaker HD ports
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.
Authors
Jon Nicholson is a Freelance Gaming Writer, specialising in the Call of Duty franchise. He previously worked for Gfinity, GGRecon and Red Bull writing a variety of gaming news and guides. Alongside his previous work, he's a Freelance News Writer for Esports Insider.
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.
