After what feels like a lifetime of leaks and rumors,Nintendo has formally taken the wraps offits next-generation hybrid gaming console, the Switch 2. Aside from a short glimpse of Mario Kart gameplay seen during theSwitch 2 first-look trailerback in January, much of the software side of the equation has been left to open speculation.
Thankfully,Nintendodidn’t hold back during today’sSwitch 2Direct. Without further ado, here are all the titles now officially confirmed to be heading to the much-hyped platform, which is set to launch on June 5.
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s Switch 2 features a more powerful chip, a higher resolution screen, and upgraded Joy-Cons.
Mario Kart World
A globe-spanning, free-roaming journey
We’ve known since January that a next-generation Mario Kart entry would be making its way to the Switch 2, and now we have a clearer picture of what’s to come. The title is launching on June 5, and serves as the premier launch title for the new console.
So far, we know thatMario Kart Worldis a more open-world-style game than previous entries in the franchise, with players able to drive just about anywhere on the map – no longer are you confined to predetermined routes and paved roads. There also appear to be player customizations, new weather effects, and 24 character matches.
A dedicated Mario Kart World Direct is slated to take place on April 17, which is likely where we’ll find out much more about the game ahead of its official launch.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
A dedicated playground for learning about Switch 2 features
Welcome Tour appears to be a tech demo of sorts for the Nintendo Switch 2, in which you can explore a virtual setting and learn about the new console and its various features and technologies. According to Nintendo, the title sprinkles in tiny details and secrets about the Switch 2. Welcome Tour is a paid digital game, and is launching alongside the console on June 5.
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Drag X Drive
Shoot hoops in mouse-wielding mode
We don’t know much about Nintendo’s upcoming Drag X Drive title, but it feels like this generation’s Arms. The game appears to be a sit-down basketball simulator of sorts, with a strong emphasis on duel mouse controls (capitalizing on one of the Switch 2’s major new hardware gimmicks). Drag X Drive will be arriving in Summer 2025, according to the company.
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Kirby AirRiders
A legendary Nintendo Kart Racer series makes a comeback
Kirby Air Ride was a 2003 GameCube kart racing title, which starred the lovable pink puffball as opposed to Mario and friends. Now, it looks like the owners of the Kirby IP, HAL Laboratories, is cooking up a well-deserved sequel. We don’t know much about the game itself yet, but Nintendo has confirmed a 2025 launch window.
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Donkey Kong Bananza
3D DK returns
Set to launch on July 17, Donkey Kong Bananza is the first 3D platformer to star Nintendo’s lovable ape mascot since Donkey Kong 64. I have a soft spot for 3D platforming titles, and my hunch is that a healthy dose of Super Mario Odyssey secret sauce will be applied liberally in this soon-to-come entry.
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Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment
Experience the story leading up to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Set to arrive sometime this winter, Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment is another Zelda and Dynasty Warriors mashup title. This time, you’ll unearth additional backstory that builds upon 2023’s mainline Zelda title, Tears of the Kingdom.
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Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Take advantage of the Switch 2’s mic, mouse mode, and more
Available on the Switch 2’s launch date of June 5, a number of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition re-releases of Switch games will be made available for a yet-unknown upgrade pack fee.
Super Mario Party Jamboree is among the first titles to receive the Switch 2 Edition treatment, with new gameplay modes being added to take advantage of the console’s mouse mode capabilities and external USB camera accessory.
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Editions)
Enhanced visuals, performance, and more
As with Super Mario Party Jamboree, the two mainline Zelda titles from the Switch era will be receiving Switch 2 Edition glow-ups. According to Nintendo, these enhancements include frame rate improvements, HDR support for more vivid visuals, and smoother gameplay.
Both titles will also benefit from a tie-in with Nintendo’s Switch Online mobile ap in the form of a Zelda Notes feature. This tool is exclusive to the Switch 2 Editions of each title, and can help provide guidance on finding in-game locations, sending Zonai schematics to other players, and more.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Kirby’s 3D adventure gets a new exclusive story mode
Also receiving the Switch 2 Edition treatment is Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which served as Kirby’s big 3D platforming debut when it released back in 2022. The base game will receive enhanced visuals and fidelity, and a separate Star Cross World bonus game will be included in the Switch 2 version to sweeten the deal.
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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Metroid extends beyond the original Switch
We’ve been waiting a long time for Metroid Prime 4 to hit the Switch, and at this stage in the game, it’s no surprise to see the title arrive in a cross-platform fashion. In addition to improved visuals and performance on the Switch 2, players can make use of dedicated mouse controls, Nintendo also says that there will be an option to toggle between a 1080p 120fps performance mode, and a 4K 60fps quality mode – both modes will support HDR visuals.
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Pokémon Legends Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Gotta Catch ‘Em All, Switch 2 Edition style
Pokémon Legends Z-A is in a similar position to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, in that it’s a late-stage title for the Switch console. As a result, Nintendo has taken the opportunity to implement cross-generational compatibility. We don’t have much to go off of yet, but Nintendo promises enhanced resolution and improved frame rates on the Switch 2 Edition of the title.
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A flurry of third-party titles
Covering just about every gaming genre under the sun
In addition to all the first-party games confirmed by Nintendo to be hitting the Switch 2 this year, the company went into overdrive in announcing third-party titles set to arrive in the coming months. Here are all the games officially confirmed as of right now:
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