Summary
So far, it seems like theNintendo Switch 2will have five exclusive games at launch, along with four ports of existing games that will have some notable Switch 2-exclusive functionality and content. TheNintendo Switch 2release date is set for June 5, and it looks like the next-generation home console/handheld hybrid will be launching with at least 22 games.
Initially,Nintendo confirmed 20 Switch 2 launch games. Since then, a couple more games have been confirmed for the lineup. Sega announced thatSonic X Shadow Generationswould be a Switch 2 launch title, and it was also revealed thatSuikoden 1 & 2 HD Remasterwill be available for Switch 2 on day one as well. Those lucky enough to have secured Switch 2 pre-orders may be wondering what launch games are exclusive to the new system so they can prioritize those, and as it so happens, there are five Switch 2 exclusives confirmed at the time of this writing.
When the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, it will be doing so withBravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster,Mario Kart World,Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, andSurvival Kidsas its exclusive launch games.Mario Kart Worldis clearly the crown jewel of the Switch 2 launch lineup, with a special $499.99 bundle available that includes the console and a digital copy of the game.Fast Fusion, a futuristic racing game, will also be available for racing game fans on the Nintendo Switch 2 launch day.Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, meanwhile, is a remaster of the 3DS JRPG classic with some new mini-games and fresh quality-of-life improvements thrown in the mix.Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris effectively a tech demo/tutorialof sorts that walks players through the Switch 2’s unique features, whileSurvival Kidsis a co-op survival game from Konami.
Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive Games at Launch
Four other games coming to the Switch 2 at launch aren’t technically “exclusives,” but they will have noteworthy exclusive content. Puzzle gamePuyo Puyo Tetris 2Sincludes the exclusive new 2v2 Puyo Tetris Doubles mode, while bothZelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare getting significant performance boosts alongside compatibility with theNintendo Switch app’s Zelda Notes feature. And finally,Yakuza 0: Director’s Cutis an enhanced port ofYakuza 0that comes with brand-new cutscenes and the Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode that comes complete with 60 playable characters.
Launch Games With Notable Switch 2 Exclusive Content or Features
The rest of the Switch 2 launch games are titles that are available on other platforms, but are definitely still worth a look.Split Fictionis one of the highest-rated new game releases of the year, and it will be on Switch 2 day one, whileCyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editiongives Switch 2 owners the chance to take the critically-acclaimed CD Projekt Red game on the go.
All Other Switch 2 Launch Games
Some of these games feature special controls on Switch 2, like howCivilization 7supports the Switch 2 mouse controls.
It’s entirely possible that even more Switch 2 launch games will be revealed between now and the console’s launch on June 5. But if we want to look beyond the launch date, Nintendo has confirmed some major titles that are coming to the Switch 2 by the end of the year. These games include enhanced Switch 2 versions of existing Switch 1 titles likeSuper Mario Party JamboreeandKirby and the Forgotten Land, as well as upcoming Switch 1 games likeMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandPokemon Legends: Z-A.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Switch 2 Edition especially seems worth it, as players can look forward to 4K at 60 frames per second or 1080p at 120 frames per second when playing the game on Nintendo’s new handheld.
As far as pure Switch 2 exclusives go, there is the new sports gameDrag x Drivelaunching this summer, as well as the highly-anticipated 3D platformerDonkey Kong Bananzaon July 17.Hyrule Warriors: Age of ImprisonmentandKirby Air Ridersare releasing for the Switch 2 this holiday season, while 2026 will see the launch of the brand-new FromSoftware PvPvE gameThe Duskbloods. Nintendo is clearly coming out swinging when it comes to the Switch 2, and it will be very exciting to see what the new console brings to the table in the months and years to come.
