The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally hit the shelves, almost five months after that first-look trailer which almost broke the internet. But what games can you play on it from the get-go?
In this article, we’ve listed every single title that launched alongside the Switch 2 on 5 June 2025. We’ve also highlighted the top three games we reckon you should fire up first. Plus, given you a heads up on what’s coming to Nintendo’s new console later this year and beyond.
Our top 3 Nintendo Switch 2 launch games
There’s an amazing line-up of console games to play on Nintendo Switch 2. But if we had to pick three must-haves, it’d be these…
1. Mario Kart World
Go full throttle around the globe in Mario Kart World, where every circuit is connected in one vast map. Tear through grassy plains, bustling cities, fiery volcanos, and more in this main launch title for Switch 2. It’s not just about sticking to the same tracks — you’ll have to beat your rivals in rallies between events too.
Ride rails, hop off walls, and surf across water to outmanoeuvre the competition. But with random weather shifts to contend with, you can never coast your way to the finish line. Thick snow and sandstorms will always keep you on the edge of your seat when going for the win. And with up to 24 drivers on track, there’ll be plenty of shells and bananas to avoid!
Earn the most points in the classic Grand Prix mode. Or avoid elimination in the marathon Knockout Tour, where only the fastest driver will remain after a series of checkpoints. You can also race or free roam online with up to 23 other players, across both new and reimagined courses with extra routes. Plus, there are loads of new drivers, vehicles, and items to master.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild & Tears of The Kingdom (Switch 2 Editions)
Alright, we know these technically count as two. But how can you possibly start life on the Switch 2 without having one of these epic The Legend of Zelda games? Both have had the Switch 2 Edition treatment, which means they’ve been graphically enhanced to take advantage of the new console’s upgraded features.
We know, it’s hard to imagine these near-perfect games being much better. But Nintendo’s increased the resolution and frame rates for even smoother, detailed visuals. They’ve added HDR support for more vibrant images too. Plus, shortened the load times between warping so you’ve got more time to explore Hyrule.
Halfway through a quest on one of the original Nintendo Switch games? No problem. You can transfer your save data to the Switch 2 Edition and carry on your adventure. By making the jump, you’ll also get exclusive access to Zelda Notes via the free Nintendo Switch app. It‘ll help you get even more out of your journey with tips, commentary, and more.
3. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is a standout launch title for Switch 2. It's not just considered one of the best open-world RPGs ever made, but it's also proven its performance on other handhelds consoles. So, we reckon it’ll run superbly on Nintendo’s new system.
If you don’t know the story, this game will have you surviving and thriving in a huge criminal underworld. It’s brimming with power, danger, glamour, and body modifications. And in the Ultimate Edition, you can experience the original gripping story as well as the Phantom Liberty expansion — a high-stakes spy adventure set in a deadly district.
The game offers endless possibilities with various skills to learn and cybernetic enhancements to add to your character. Not to mention a huge arsenal of weapons to discover and make your own. Plus, with the Joy-Con 2 motion controls, you can slice and dice enemies with ease thanks to gyroscope aiming. Or for pin-point combat precision, just use the right controller as a mouse.
More Nintendo Switch 2 launch games
Here’s a list of all the other games you can play on the Nintendo Switch 2 from launch. Including Switch 2 Edition titles and even some GameCube classics!
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
This interactive exhibit showcases all the console's cutting-edge features. Explore everything from the magnetic connectors on the Joy-Con 2 controllers to advanced tech details. Then wander through halls where you can uncover hidden facts, take quizzes, and play fun minigames. It’s the perfect intro that’ll help you get the most out of your Switch 2.
Split Fiction
Discover the power of friendship in this co-op adventure from the creators of It Takes Two. Play as Mio or Zoe and navigate through whimsical stories born from their wild imaginations — jumping between breathtaking sci-fi and fantasy worlds.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
In this stunning HD remaster of the 3DS classic, you’ll follow four Warriors of Light on a quest to restore the power of the elemental crystals and save their world. Delve into strategic turn-based battles, customise your characters, and play two new minigames using the Switch 2’s dual mouse controls.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Shadow the Hedgehog joins Classic and Modern Sonic in this collection featuring two high-speed adventures. Play Shadow's new story campaign packed with iconic stages and thrilling battles against his nemesis, Black Doom. Or roll into a remaster of Sonic Generations with upgraded visuals and bonus content.
Hogwarts Legacy
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter. If you haven't tried this hit game yet, now's the perfect time with the extra power of Switch 2. You can learn spells, attend Hogwarts classes, tame magical beasts, and save the school from an evil threat (don’t worry, it’s not Voldemort).
Fast Fusion
Even F1 cars are no match for the “antigrav” machines in this blisteringly fast game. With out-of-this-world tracks, hyper jump tech for vaulting over rivals, and vehicle-merging tricks that help you unlock more performance — it’s not for the faint of heart.
Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition
This thrilling package brings together the best of Hitman and its two sequels. Take on the role of Agent 47 across 20+ locations, using your creativity to unlock lethal new gear. Snipe through the full campaign, play bounty hunter in Contracts mode, and enjoy all the expansion and deluxe content from Hitman 2 and Hitman 3.
Street Fighter 6
The Game Awards 2023’s ‘Best Fighting Game’ winner lands on Switch 2 with exclusive new content and modes — including local wireless multiplayer. Choose between the Standard Edition or the Years 1-2 Fighters Edition featuring 26 combatants from across the game's DLC releases. It’ll be compatible with Amiibo figures and cards too!
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
Face off against rival Yakuza factions through the streets of Tokyo and Osaka in this expanded version of the 2015 crime drama. Master unique combat styles and experience new cutscenes that tell more about the main characters. And with the Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode, you can join forces with friends to take down hordes of enemies.
Deltarune: Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4
Plunge into the unknown in this parallel story to Undertale, with chapters 3 and 4 offering totally new adventures. Create your avatar and explore a mysterious world alongside fresh and familiar characters. All while engaging in nail-biting battles where you can choose to fight or spare your foes.
Survival Kids
In this fun co-op survival game, four kids end up stranded in a hidden world after discovering an ancient map. They must work together to find food, build shelters, and solve puzzles that’ll reveal their route home. Survival Kids takes full advantage of Switch 2’s game-sharing features to boost the multiplayer fun.
Extra Nintendo Switch 2 launch games
Fortnite
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games available at launch
The original Nintendo Switch spawned some awesome games. And now with the extra power of the Switch 2, Nintendo’s tweaked a few of its top Switch 1 titles to take advantage of the new system’s capabilities.
Dubbed ‘Switch 2 Edition’ games, these offer sharper graphics along with some exciting new ways to play. They’re your fave Switch games, but better:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild (Switch 2 Edition): Link’s heroic adventure has been updated to run on Nintendo’s latest console with improved frame rates and HDR support.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition): This modern classic’s been enhanced for Switch 2, too. We’re talking smoother and more vibrant visuals that’ll make Hyrule really shine.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII (Switch 2 Edition): With new intuitive mouse controls, you can quite literally shape your dream empire in the Switch 2 version of Civ 7. Build cities, advance technology, and choose whether to conquer or cooperate with rival factions.
If you own the original Switch version of one (or all) of those games and fancy the enhanced Switch 2 Edition, just get an upgrade pack. It’ll cost way less than buying the full Switch 2 Edition game.
Wait, there’s even more…
These won’t be the only titles you can play on your new Switch 2 from launch. It’s backwards compatible, so if you’ve got some OG Switch games you love — you can revisit them on the new console.
What’s more, the recently announced Virtual Game Cards feature for Switch allows you to transfer digital games from your old system onto the Switch 2. That way, you can pick right up from where you left off.
GameCube games available on Switch 2 at launch
Yep, that’s right. The Nintendo Switch 2 will let you rewind time and play some GameCube-era goodies from the early 2000s. Just add the new Expansion Pack when you buy a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and you'll be all set for some retro gaming fun.
These Nintendo Classics will feature sharper graphics and higher resolution. And in games that support multiplayer, you can go head-to-head against up to four of your mates locally or online.
Here are the GameCube titles you’ll get to play on Switch 2 at launch:
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker: Set sail across the Great Sea in this beloved, cartoon-styled masterpiece. Use a mysterious baton to control the elements and navigate the vast waters in search of Link’s lost sister.
Soulcalibur II: Dive into the 2002 button-masher where souls and swords collide. Win 1v1 battles to gather all the pieces of the shattered Soul Edge — a legendary yet cursed weapon as powerful as it is dangerous. Link makes a surprise cameo too!
F-ZERO GX: Get ready to test your reflexes in this futuristic racer. Steer plasma-powered machines through a series of intergalactic Grand Prix at speeds over 2,000 kph. And keep your vehicle upgraded to outpace 30 fierce competitors.
Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games
We’ll be seeing lots of brand-new titles, ports, Switch 2 Editions, and GameCube classics arriving on Switch 2 later this year and beyond. Here are all the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games to look forward to…
Want to learn more?
That’s it. There are plenty of epic games you can play straight away on the Switch 2, with loads more on the way. If you want to find out everything the new Nintendo console can do, check out our Switch 2 release date, price, specs & more article.
