Predicting the Switch 2 Launch Games

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, speculation about its launch lineup is rampant. While an official list remains elusive, we can make some educated guesses, combining likely Nintendo titles with anticipated releases from beloved indie studios.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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While a day-one inclusion of all these games is a hopeful fantasy, even a partial realization would make for a stellar launch. Here's our wishlist (and somewhat realistic predictions):

Mario Kart 9

Over a decade since Mario Kart 8's Wii U release, its Switch iteration, bolstered by DLC, boasts 96 tracks, solidifying its status as a best-seller. A sequel is highly anticipated. While a "new twist" was rumored in 2022, official confirmation is pending. We hope this "twist" innovates the series, ensuring another decade of success, ideally launching alongside the Switch 2. A new Mario Kart is practically a guaranteed system seller.

New 3D Super Mario

The Switch's 3D Mario offerings are surprisingly sparse. Beyond Super Mario Odyssey (2017) and a Super Mario 3D World port, a new 3D platformer is overdue. The Switch 2 launch would be the perfect stage for a new adventure packed with inventive level design and collectables. While hoping for both this and Mario Kart 9 on the same day might be greedy, either would be a fantastic launch title. Seven years is long enough to wait for a new 3D Mario!

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4, initially announced in 2017, experienced a lengthy development period, transferring from Bandai Namco to Retro Studios. Now titled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, its gameplay reveal showcased smooth action, fueling speculation about a Switch 2 release. We hope this long-awaited title finally arrives on launch day.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are Switch juggernauts. Backward compatibility is hoped for, ideally with an enhanced mode leveraging the Switch 2's rumored power. Experiencing Hyrule in crisp 4K with flawless frame rates would be a dream come true.

Ring Fit Adventure 2

Nintendo often includes quirky titles in its launch lineups. Ring Fit Adventure, despite being a late-comer to the Switch, sold over 15 million copies. A sequel, showcasing the Switch 2's capabilities, would be a welcome surprise.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

The original Switch lacked the power for Capcom's Resident Evil 4 Remake, but the Switch 2 might change that. Including this critically acclaimed title would showcase the console's capabilities and offer a poetic return to Nintendo for a horror classic.

Doom: The Dark Ages

While ambitious, Doom: The Dark Ages on Switch 2 is plausible, considering previous Doom titles' presence on the Switch and Microsoft's cross-platform strategy. A Switch 2 release alongside a reveal at an upcoming event would be a significant coup.

The Haunted Chocolatier

Following the success of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe's The Haunted Chocolatier is a highly anticipated title. While a launch day release might be optimistic, a launch year release on the Switch 2 seems feasible, offering a compelling, hours-long handheld experience.

Earthblade

Earthblade, the successor to Celeste, is another strong indie contender. With a 2025 release window, a simultaneous launch with the Switch 2 isn't impossible.