The dust has settled on the highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo switch 2, and gamers are eager to know which titles truly shine on the powerful new console. With backward compatibility opening up a vast library and a growing collection of new and enhanced games, navigating the early landscape can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise to reveal the absolute best games you can play on your Switch 2 right now, highlighting everything from essential launch titles to stunning upgrades and hidden gems. Whether you’re a longtime Nintendo fan or a newcomer, discover the experiences that make the Switch 2 a must-own system in Summer 2025.
The Unmissable Launch Flagship: Mario Kart World
It’s no surprise that the console’s primary launch title, Mario Kart World, sits at the top of many players’ lists and the eShop best-seller charts. As Nintendo’s sole original first-party game available right at launch, it delivered the familiar kart-racing thrill the series is known for, but with a bold, expansive twist. Mario Kart World moves towards more open, point-to-point races set within an open-world map, a significant evolution for the franchise. While it might stir mild debate among hardcore fans, its lavish production, thoroughly enjoyable racing mechanics, and robust local multiplayer make it a clear “no-brainer” purchase for new Switch 2 owners and potentially even a reason to buy the console itself. The game boasts larger races, more characters, and expanded tricks, invigorating the core formula. Data shows its immense popularity, consistently holding the number one spot for digital sales based on recent revenue.
Visual & Performance Masterpieces: Switch 2 Enhanced Editions
One of the most exciting benefits of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its ability to breathe new life into existing masterpieces. Several acclaimed games have received dedicated “Switch 2 Edition” upgrades or significant free patches that leverage the new hardware’s capabilities.
Stunning Upgrades for Genre-Defining Adventures
Two titles stand out immediately: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These are already considered two of the greatest games ever made, but their “gorgeous Switch 2 Editions” offer a compelling reason to revisit or start anew. Playing them at a flawlessly crisp 60 frames per second in higher resolution feels dramatically better, making the sensations of exploring Hyrule’s vast open world and unleashing powerful attacks truly exhilarating. While Tears of the Kingdom is the larger sequel, Breath of the Wild offers a simpler, tougher foundational experience. These upgrades are often available as separate purchases or “Upgrade Packs” which have appeared high on best-seller lists, indicating player demand for these enhanced experiences.
Other titles have also received notable Switch 2 editions. Kirby and the Forgotten Land includes a new story mode, “Star-Crossed World,” specifically for the Switch 2, alongside performance boosts. The Ultimate Edition of Cyberpunk 2077 is also listed, showcasing the hardware’s ability to handle graphically demanding third-party open worlds surprisingly well in handheld mode, though the Phantom Liberty expansion’s performance can be inconsistent.
Free Performance Patches Revitalize Existing Libraries
Beyond dedicated paid upgrades, Nintendo and third parties have released free patches that significantly improve performance for select existing Switch games when played on the Switch 2. This highlights the value of the console’s strong backward compatibility. Most notably, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which suffered from well-documented performance issues on the original hardware, finally run proficiently on the new console thanks to these updates. Other games like Super Mario Odyssey and Splatoon 3 look significantly crisper. Additional titles benefiting from free patches include Arms (improved to 4K, 60fps), Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics (gaining GameShare support), and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom, whose performance issues from the original Switch are now smoothed out. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury sees the Bowser’s Fury expansion running at a smooth 60fps, giving this sizable add-on a fresh feel.
Essential Third-Party Experiences on Switch 2
The Switch 2 isn’t just about Nintendo’s own franchises; it’s also becoming a fantastic platform for third-party hits, offering unique portability advantages.
Cyberpunk 2077 stands out again here. Its open-world structure is ideal for handheld play, and the Switch 2 version holds up brilliantly for the base game, providing stable performance and clear resolution. The new control options, including surprisingly effective motion controls and mouse control via Joy-Con 2 in tabletop mode, are a bonus. Street Fighter 6 is another major fighting game that finds a great home on the Switch 2, benefiting from the console’s portability. It’s one of the most welcoming fighting games ever created, featuring detailed tutorials and a vast roster, looking exceptional even in handheld mode. Other notable high-profile third-party games appearing on the best-sellers list include Hogwarts Legacy and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Digital Deluxe edition, showing the breadth of experiences available.
Discover Unique Gems and Genre Benders
The Switch 2 library also includes quirky, innovative, and highly addictive games that offer something different. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a strong contender for the “ultimate comfort-gaming experience,” blending RPG and life-sim mechanics into an adorable, engrossing package perfect for cozy play sessions. Its unique “Lifes” system (swappable jobs like crafting or combat) creates endless possibilities for self-improvement. Deltarune, from the creator of Undertale, is a playground of ideas focused on touching character moments and inventive dark worlds with a stand-out, narrative-driven battle system. For racing fans looking for something beyond Mario Kart, Fast Fusion is an exhilarating and strategic futuristic racer that is visually gorgeous on Switch 2, with a unique coin-collection boost mechanic. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess offers a unique blend of Japanese folklore, real-time strategy, and tower defense, requiring constant adaptation. Finally, for purists, Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer provides a slavishly authentic, pixel-perfect recreation of the 1993 arcade classic, running flawlessly on the new hardware. These diverse titles contribute significantly to the Switch 2’s appealing early library mix.
Unlocking the Vault: GameCube Classics via NSO
A major highlight of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch is the introduction of GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) retro library service. While not all announced titles are available immediately, the launch brought long-awaited classics to the platform. Initial NSO GameCube titles included fan favorites like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the lightning-fast racer F-Zero GX, the weapon-based fighter SoulCalibur II (featuring Link!), and the arcadey sports game Super Mario Strikers. Nintendo has announced plans to bring more GameCube games to the service in the future, totaling ten titles confirmed so far, including Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, and the highly sought-after RPG Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. This new NSO tier provides access to beloved GameCube experiences, offering significant value for subscribers and expanding the console’s retro appeal.
Building Your Switch 2 Library: What to Consider
With a mix of brand-new releases, significant upgrades to existing titles, and access to a growing retro library via NSO, choosing your next Switch 2 game involves considering several factors.
Think about the types of games you enjoy most. Are you looking for the flagship experience everyone is talking about (Mario Kart World)? Do you want to see how powerful the new hardware is by playing enhanced versions of demanding games (Zelda Switch 2 Editions, Cyberpunk 2077)? Are you interested in picking up older Switch games that now run better (Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Super Mario Odyssey)? Or are you keen to dive into the new GameCube classics available through NSO? The backward compatibility means you can also play the vast majority of the original Switch’s library, although not all of these will have received specific Switch 2 performance patches. Look at best-seller lists like the eShop’s for popular choices, but also consider critically acclaimed titles that might not be massive sellers but offer unique experiences, like Fantasy Life i or Deltarune. The Switch 2’s strength lies in its versatility, offering top-tier experiences across many genres and eras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the absolute best games to buy first for the Nintendo Switch 2?
Based on early reception and sales data, Mario Kart World is the top recommended first purchase, being the flagship launch title and #1 eShop seller. If you missed them or want the best performance, the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions are essential for their stunning 60fps visuals. For third-party variety, Cyberpunk 2077 or Street Fighter 6 offer impressive experiences leveraging the new hardware.
How does the Switch 2 improve existing games like Zelda or Pokemon?
The Switch 2’s enhanced hardware allows many existing Switch games to run better. For major titles like the Zelda games, this means achieving higher resolutions and a smooth 60 frames per second. For games that previously had performance issues, like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, free updates fix problems like stuttering and low frame rates, making them run proficiently. Other games like Mario Odyssey and Splatoon 3 simply appear much sharper.
Can I play old GameCube games on the Switch 2?
Yes, the Switch 2 introduces access to a library of GameCube games through a new tier of the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription service. At launch, key titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and SoulCalibur II became available, with more titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance announced for the future. This significantly expands the retro gaming options on the console beyond previously available GameCube remakes or ports.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived with a strong lineup of games that immediately showcase its capabilities and versatility. While its library is a mix of essential new titles, stunningly enhanced versions of classics, and a vast back catalog benefiting from improved performance, there is already a wealth of high-quality experiences available. From the open-world evolution of Mario Kart World to the silky-smooth 60fps adventures in the Zelda Switch 2 Editions, and the exciting addition of GameCube classics via NSO, the console offers something for every type of player. As more dedicated Switch 2 titles are released and further updates improve the performance of existing games, this impressive early library is only set to grow, solidifying the Switch 2 as a premier platform for gaming.
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