While it’s very exciting to learn about new console hardware, the biggest question many have had is: What are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles?
Thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct that’s just aired, we got nearly an hour of details on the upcoming console, from the release date, to the pre-order details, to the all important games we’ll be seeing on the hardware. Thankfully, Nintendo wasn’t stingy with the details during the Direct, and we got a good idea of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch titles.
It’s worth noting we also know it will be backwards compatible with the original Nintendo Switch.
It was already announced that the Switch 2 will play digital and physical games from the original console. Nintendo said in the first reveal, however, that “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date”. But at least you’d assume recent titles like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will work pretty well.
So without further ado, here are the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 when the console launches June 5, 2025.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World was shown off, giving us some great footage of the upcoming launch title. The essence of Mario Kart is there, but there’s also an open world mode called Knockout Tour where you can ride around at different times of the day. The standard Gran Prix is there, but so is a Battle Royale mode, too. There are 24-player races as well, with footage of new characters like Moo Moo the Cow. Finally, this free roam mode allows you to drive around with friends and take photos together.
While Mario Kart World is the big launch title, here are the third-party titles available at launch:
- Split Fiction
- Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
- Street Fighter 6
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD remaster
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Yakuza Zero: Directors Cut
- Deltarune Chapter 3 + 4
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Nintendo Switch Online)
- F-Zero GX (Nintendo Switch Online)
- Soul Calibur 2 (Nintendo Switch Online)
