The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th, just a few days away, and people are already buzzing with excitement about Nintendo’s latest hybrid console.
While the console won’t release with every major title on day one, a solid lineup of launch games will test the system’s capabilities.
We rank each launch title based on how well it suits Nintendo's latest console.
These games showcase how Nintendo's new system will utilize the improved hardware and software functionalities, marking a new future for their franchises in the latest hybrid console.
Here are all the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games ranked:
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Easily the weakest entry in the launch lineup. Not only is this essentially a tech demo for all things related to the Nintendo Switch 2, but it’s also not free.
Since its announcement, the Welcome Tour has sparked considerable online debate. Nintendo’s decision to charge for what is essentially a hardware demonstration, especially in comparison to Sony’s free Astro Bot offering, baffled fans.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Another crossover between two iconic arcade titles. Puyo Puyo and Tetris continue their collaborative efforts on Nintendo’s new console.
Unfortunately, this entry acts as a standalone title rather than an expansion to the existing Puyo Puyo Tetris games available on the original Nintendo Switch.
Sonic x Shadow Generations
One of the best 3D Sonic titles returns, with Sonic and Shadow speeding onto the Nintendo Switch 2. This full remaster of the 2011 classic also includes the highly anticipated Shadow expansion.
Unfortunately, those who already owned the original Switch version won’t get a free upgrade, leading to some online backlash, as fans are forced to purchase the game again.
Arcade Archives: Ridge Racer
While not a Triple-A offering, this classic 3D racing game hits the new console on launch day. It features four game modes, three difficulty levels, and intense one-on-one battles against rival cars in time trials.
The game retains its signature retro visuals, but quality-of-life improvements help it feel more modern.
Fast Fusion
The closest thing we’re getting to another WipeOut title. Fast Fusion borrows the anti-gravity racing aesthetic of Psygnosis’ classic and spins it into a vibrant spiritual successor.
If Mario Kart World isn’t your thing, the neon-soaked chaos of Fast Fusion should be on your radar.
Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Say goodbye to the cloud versions that plagued the original Switch. The entire Hitman trilogy is now fully playable on the Switch 2, and it even includes a handful of Nintendo-themed cosmetics.
Yes, Agent 47 can now wield a mushroom as a weapon.
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Relive the chaos of Japan’s Warring States period in the palm of your hands.
This definitive edition of one of the most celebrated real-time strategy games now features native support on the Switch 2, including full Joy-Con mouse functionality, making conquest more intuitive than ever.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Much like Nobunaga’s Ambition, Joy-Con mouse support elevates real-time strategy gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Micromanaging and macromanaging become far more intuitive without having to awkwardly hover using analog sticks.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Capcom’s unique action-strategy game makes its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2. Regarded as one of 2024’s most underrated titles, the game blends the charm of Pikmin with the aesthetic of Okami.
You play as a warrior guiding a shrine maiden as she purifies a blighted world.
Deltarune
Nearly a decade after the release of Chapters 1 and 2, Toby Fox’s Undertale spin-off finally continues.
Chapters 3 and 4 will be available at launch, bringing more surreal, emotional storytelling and quirky humor to the Switch 2.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
This upcoming spin-off from the beloved Rune Factory series launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
Build your own cozy Japanese sanctuary and befriend an eclectic cast in this charming mix of management sim and RPG.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
What many initially mistook for a Final Fantasy VIII remaster turned out to be something else entirely: a polished update of one of the most beloved entries in the Bravely Default series.
It lands on Switch 2 at launch, ready to charm fans both old and new.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster – Nintendo Switch 2
The JRPGs that defined an era return, now launching on Nintendo Switch 2.
Widely considered some of the best in the genre, this dual pack offers an unforgettable journey filled with epic political drama and emotional storytelling.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
The critically acclaimed origin story of the Yakuza franchise arrives on Switch 2.
This release marks RGG Studio’s deeper commitment to Nintendo’s ecosystem, and hints suggest that the full Yakuza series may follow soon.
Street Fighter 6: 1-2 Fighters Edition
Capcom’s flagship fighting game comes to the Switch 2, complete with all Season Pass content, including new fighters like Elena and Mai Shiranui.
Reports even suggest that SF6 runs better on the Switch 2 than on the PlayStation 5.
Split Fiction
A strong Game of the Year contender, Split Fiction is the latest co-op experience from Hazelight Studios, creators of It Takes Two.
Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game allows players to jump between fantasy and sci-fi worlds in inventive, genre-bending co-op gameplay. Hand over that extra Joy-Con as this one’s meant to be played with a partner.
Hogwarts Legacy
An upgraded version of Hogwarts Legacy will be available at launch.
Owners of the notoriously underwhelming original Switch version can upgrade for $10, gaining improved visuals, faster load times, and drastically better performance.
Fortnite
At last, Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 won’t feel like it’s running on a PlayStation 3. Gone is the terrible optimization of the original Switch version.
This is Fortnite powered by Unreal Engine 5, the same version enjoyed by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players.
GameCube Classics
On launch day, a new wave of classics arrives for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
Subscribers can purchase a slick new GameCube controller and access to iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II.
Survival Kids
Konami’s take on the survival genre gets a fresh start. Survival Kids is no longer just a nostalgic Game Boy memory, it’s a brand-new game built around cooperative online play for up to four players.
Survive together on a mysterious island in a Lord of the Flies-style adventure, minus the violence.
Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Red’s futuristic open-world RPG comes to Switch 2, and somehow, it works. Running surprisingly well, even outperforming some modern consoles.
Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 feels like a technical miracle, a testament to how far handheld gaming has come.
Mario Kart World
Nintendo’s flagship racer goes open-world. Mario Kart World takes full advantage of the Switch 2’s hardware, delivering seamless races with up to 24 competitors.
Easily the most impressive launch title, though its $80 price tag has raised some eyebrows. Still, most Mario Kart fans won’t bat an eye.
These games are poised to make a big splash when the Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves.
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