Summary
Although there has been no official announcement about when theNintendo Switch 2will be launching, there has been a surge of anticipation among fans. There are quite a few rumors swirling around online about how much it may cost and the potential Nintendo Switch 2 release date, but not a lot about which games will debut with it.
However, fans are well aware that Nintendo has always launched its consoles with an exciting and power-packed game lineup, and expectations are soaring high! Below is a collection ofthe most likely games to debut with the Switch 2.
Updated on November 7th, 2024, by Crystal Martin:According to the latest reports, there’s a chance that fans may still get the much-anticipatedNintendo Switch 2 revealby the end of March 2025. This was reiterated by Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa during an earnings call. Although initially, fans expected a 2024 release, Switch 2 rumors now suggest that the console has been delayed with the purpose of giving Nintendo more time to refine its launch library. Other rumors also claim that production for the Nintendo Switch successor began in August 2024, but an official statement about this or other specifics is still under wraps.
My Time at Evershineis looking like it could be a strong candidate for Nintendo Switch 2’s launch lineup, given that it has been confirmed that the game is being developed for future Nintendo platforms. Although there’s not a lot known about the specifics of the much-awaited console, the game’s release for next-gen systems such as the Switch 2 could be favorable for Nintendo to enhance its lineup with a crowd-pleasing title.
Additionally, since Nintendo is known to appeal to a family-friendly market, the delightful blend of adventure and life simulation in this game, much like what was seen inMy Time at Portia, is a great choice. Currently, there’s no official confirmation that this game will be a launch title, but the confirmed development makes it a likely Switch 2 release.
Yooka-Replayleeis the remastered version of the gameYooka-Layee, and according to recent news, it has the potential to be a launch title for the Switch 2. In thelatest trailer for the game, there’s a subtle hint backing up this rumor—the list of platforms includes the generic Nintendo logo, instead of the current Switch logo, possibly suggesting that it could be a placeholder for the upcoming console.
Moreover, Playtonic Games, the developer behind theYooka-Layeeseries, joked about it on X/Twitter by saying that the remaster is for the new Nintendo Alarmo clock. With the Nintendo Switch successor’s reveal likely coming within months,Yooka-Replayeemay just be one of the first titles to be launched.
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais one of the most anticipated titles reportedly set to launch alongside the new Switch console in 2025. Data that was leaked from the recent infamous “Teraleak” suggested that Game Freak is targeting a dual-release for both the current Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, with connections to the awaited successor which has been codenamed “Ounce”.
Expected to be very similar toPokemon Legends: Arceus, the new game will retain similar themes while also introducing compelling new elements to the franchise. Fans are already excited and can’t stop talking about the potential gameplay details.
Defining thequintessence of Nintendo gaming,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildis, to date, the best-sellingZeldagame in the series. While fans love and cherish the game as it is, there is a chance that they could get a remastered edition with new downloadable content on Nintendo’s next console.
Apart from that, it is likely that players will also get quicker load times and a higher resolution, thus giving the game a great value proposition. Plus, Nintendo Switch 2 leaks claim that this title has reportedly been showcased by Nintendo as a demo on the Switch 2 and is capable of running at 4K 60FPS and supports Nvidia DLSS - die-hard fans are eager to see it come to fruition.
The Wii U was home toa few amazing games, such asXenoblade Chronicles X. However, the title was quite underappreciated solely due to the console on which it was released.
Rebuilding the game on more powerful hardware could be a boon; it could carry the original version while loading it with significant improvements, giving fans and new audiences a chance to experience the game in a more refined state. The majority of the crowd probably expected to play it on the Switch, but the new Nintendo Switch 2 would do it more justice.
Currently exclusive to PC, developers have declared thatHades 2will soon be available on other consoles after its Early Access period. However, the team at Supergiant Games also stated that they could not confirm which consoles these would be.
This gave fans the idea that it may be available on the Switch in the future, or maybe the aim is to have it debut with the Switch 2 - it would be a thrilling release! Compared to its predecessor, the sequel is a little more visually exhaustive, so maybe the existing Switch would not be able to run the game as smoothly as the Switch 2 could.
Due to Nintendo and Capcom’s partnership, theMonster Hunterseries has seen exponential growth in recent years. Capcom has witnessed fantastic success withMonster Hunter Riseon the Switch, and if the rumor regarding the expected performance of the Switch 2 is to be believed, it looks perfectly practical thatMonster HunterWildscould run on it as well.
The game has been scheduledto go live sometime in 2025, and has just been announced for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Once the Switch 2’s hardware is completely revealed, Nintendo’s next console could easily be included in this list. Fans are hoping this happens, as the new title looks remarkable.
Regardless of whether fans liked or hated the game,Donkey Kong 64should never have been the last true 3DDKgame that they got. The last two2D gamesfrom Retro were brilliant - they showcased that the Kongs can still go head-to-head with Mario in terms of platforming.
If the focus is only on Donkey Kong, then the moves, enemies, and world would be distinct enough from Mario’s to add a new experience but still include a sense of wonder and tight controls. Coming to the new and upgraded Nintendo Switch console, this would be the perfect time to reintroduceDonkey Kong Country Returns 3Dwith an exciting adventure in 3D!
5Super Mario Odyssey 2
The Franchise’s Popularity Will Drive Initial Sales
A sequel toSuper Mario Odysseyseems inevitable considering how well it performed - it is also be a likely launch title for the Switch 2, since it could certainly boost sales for fans who enjoyed the original. The sequel will bring creative levels to the table and on the new console, the graphics will be outstanding.
The basic gameplay will probably stay consistent with the previous entry, and the return of some of thebeloved characters from pastMariotitlescan be expected. There will likely be a return of powering up the Odyssey with Power Moons, considering its popularity in the first game.
4Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2
This Title Will Reassert Nintendo’s Family-Friendly Image
Popular Nintendo Switch 2 news that emerged online was that a newAnimal Crossinggame was being developed. A release in 2026 was suggested, which indicates that the game would be released six years afterNew Horizons. Nintendo could be delaying the release purposefully to launch it on Switch 2, which could potentially give it technological improvements, thus enhancing the hardware and taking theAnimal Crossingseries to the next level.
Also, this game on the Switch 2 has the prospect of becoming the first MMO in the series based on the new console’s capabilities. Rather than becoming a full-blown MMO, the Switch 2 could also introduce MMO-like elements to the game, allowing for more powerful multiplayer gameplay and social experiences.
