Here’s the full Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup of games

The Nintendo Switch 2 will have a charming start to life as a new console based on the initial lineup of games.

It’s been known for some time how the Switch 2 will have backward compatibility and support older games. But the Nintendo Direct event on April 4 gave us a glimpse of the first generation of games that will be made for the new-age console.

Complete Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup

So far, we have confirmation about the following games that will launch on the same date as the new console (with the exception of Donkey Kong Bananza).

• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Donkey Kong Bananza (will release later)

Few other first-party titles will be getting enhanced versions in the future.

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
• Pokemon Legends Z-A
• Super Mario Party Jamboree
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Mario Kart World

This game was expected to be part of the launch program since we had already seen a Mario Kart game played on the console’s reveal trailer. We now have confirmation Mario Kart World will be one of the launch titles.

In a fresh trailer, we got glimpses of the general gameplay, as races will be taking place across land and water. Different ecosystems and biomes will provide their unique challenges as players rush their way to the top. Expect the same multiplayer madness but with more competitors, twists, and turns. With a maximum of 24 racers, things have never been more challenging.

Apart from tracks and races, there will be an aspect of open-world exploration. You can roam and travel to different parts of the world alone or with friends and take clicks of your adventures. The new Mario Kart racing game will be launching on the same day as the new console.

Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour

This will be a paid game available on the same day as the new console, and allow you to learn about the finer technological aspects in an intuitive fashion. You’ll be able to unearth how many of the features work, albeit in a fun way. The game world is essentially the Switch console itself, and you can roam and interact with different parts.

The Legend of Zelda

Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be getting enhanced editions, which will have better graphics and smoother framerates. There will be additional support for players with the help of Zelda Notes, which will act as an intuitive guide for all. It will be great for those who might get stuck trying to clear a quest.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The Switch 2 version will have better performance capabilities, and you can choose from two graphic modes. There’s more as the new Joy-Con 2 controller will allow you to get a functioning mouse, which is highly convenient for any type of shooters.

Pokemon Legends Z-A

Similar to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the Switch 2 version of Pokemon Legends Z-A will have greater capabilities. There’s a new battle format to enjoy, which is unlike anything we have seen previously in the series. The new battle format will allow players to use stealth in hopes of catching their enemies unaware. But they will have to avoid getting caught, as that will turn the tides of the battle against them.

Players will be able to escape hurdles by creating a distance between them. Overall, there are plenty of reasons to be excited, and it will be interesting to find out how the gameplay performs on the upgraded hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2.

The Z-A Royale tournament will be taking place every night in Lumiose City. Players will be able to test out their strategic decision-making and knowledge in highlighted battled zones as they fight their way to the top ranks.

All Nintendo Switch 2 Third-Party titles

Plenty of third-party titles will have support for Nintendo Switch 2 from day one. Here’s the list of games revealed so far.

• DragxDrive
• Elden Ring
• Hades 2
• Street Fighter 6
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
• Split Fiction
• EA Sports FC 25
• Madden NFL 25
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
• Hitman World of Assassination
• Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
• James Bond game
• Yakuza Zero
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• Borderlands 4
• Civilization 7
• WWE 2K
• NBA 2K
• Enter the Gungeon 2
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Hollow Knight Silksong
• Kunitsu-Gami
• Fortnite
• The Duskbloods
• Kirby Air Riders

Some of these games will be appearing later in 2025, while The Duskbloods is scheduled for a launch in 2026.

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