Aura Kasih
The gaming landscape of 2025 was irrevocably reshaped with the arrival of Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 console in June. This generational leap forward not only introduced a powerful new platform but also catalyzed a vibrant ecosystem of both groundbreaking new titles and significantly enhanced experiences for existing Switch library owners. From beloved Nintendo franchises reimagined for this advanced hardware to ambitious third-party ports that breathe new life into established classics, the Switch 2 has quickly proven itself a formidable contender, offering a diverse and compelling software library. This analysis meticulously examines the eleven essential games that have defined the Switch 2’s inaugural year, serving as benchmarks for the console’s capabilities and essential acquisitions for any discerning owner.
1. Mario Kart World: A Global Phenomenon Reimagined
Even with its inclusion in the $499 Switch 2 bundle, Mario Kart World stands as an unassailable recommendation for any new console owner. This latest iteration of Nintendo’s perennially popular kart-racing series masterfully blends accessibility with depth. Mario Kart World transcends the familiar track-based racing by introducing a robust open-world single-player mode, offering players unprecedented freedom to explore interconnected courses that dynamically shift and evolve. The addition of a significantly expanded roster of beloved characters, each with unique driving attributes, further enriches the competitive landscape. This evolution not only appeals to the casual player seeking immediate fun but also caters to dedicated enthusiasts eager to master its intricate level design and discover hidden pathways. The core gameplay loop remains as addictive as ever, characterized by its signature blend of skillful driving, strategic item usage, and unpredictable chaos, ensuring that every race, whether against AI or human opponents, is a thrilling and engaging affair. The Switch 2’s enhanced processing power allows for a visual fidelity that surpasses any previous Mario Kart title, with stunning environmental details and fluid character animations that bring the vibrant world to life.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong – The Metroidvania Masterpiece Ascends
The original Hollow Knight found a natural home on the Nintendo Switch, celebrated for its intricate world design, challenging combat, and evocative atmosphere. It was therefore anticipated that its long-awaited sequel, Silksong, would likewise find a perfect platform on the Switch 2. This expectation has been gloriously met. Silksong is a side-scrolling action-exploration game that pushes the boundaries of its genre, featuring breathtakingly gorgeous animations and environments that are even more captivating on the Switch 2’s advanced 120Hz refresh rate display. The fluid movement, precise controls, and the sheer artistry on display make the demanding yet rewarding gameplay loop of exploration and combat an absolute joy. The game’s narrative depth, combined with its challenging boss encounters and vast interconnected world, offers dozens of hours of captivating gameplay, solidifying its status as a must-have title for fans of the Metroidvania genre and beyond.
3. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – An RPG Epic Reborn
Before Larian Studios captivated the gaming world with Baldur’s Gate 3, the studio had already established a formidable reputation with its Divinity series. Divinity: Original Sin 2, a sprawling and critically acclaimed RPG originally released in 2017, has received a remarkable free update for the Switch 2, breathing significant new life into its complex world and intricate systems. This update not only elevates the game’s visual presentation, taking full advantage of the Switch 2’s graphical capabilities, but also addresses performance issues, notably reducing slowdown in demanding scenarios. For players seeking a deep, narrative-driven role-playing experience with unparalleled player agency and a rich, reactive world, Divinity: Original Sin 2 on the Switch 2 is an essential choice. Its tactical turn-based combat, coupled with a branching storyline where player choices have tangible consequences, offers an immersive experience that rivals even the most cutting-edge RPGs.
4. Donkey Kong Bananza: A Symphony of Destruction and Innovation
The development team behind Super Mario Odyssey has delivered another masterpiece with Donkey Kong Bananza, a title that showcases an ambitious and playful approach to platforming. This game is a testament to inventive level design, providing Donkey Kong with a diverse array of transformative powers that fundamentally alter gameplay mechanics. Beyond the ingenious traversal abilities, Donkey Kong Bananza embraces a delightful sense of kinetic destruction, empowering players to unleash Donkey Kong’s raw strength through powerful punches and ground-shattering slams to overcome obstacles and clear paths. This emphasis on visceral interaction, combined with the game’s vibrant art style and infectious energy, creates a uniquely satisfying and exhilarating platforming experience. The Switch 2’s power allows for stunning visual detail and smooth animations, making Donkey Kong’s destructive rampages a feast for the eyes.
5. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – A High-Fidelity Port for a New Era
The arrival of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2 is a significant testament to the console’s capabilities, marking a watershed moment for third-party AAA releases on Nintendo hardware. This first-person shooter and role-playing game hybrid performs exceptionally well on the new platform, offering a compelling experience that rivals its PC counterpart, especially when utilizing the enhanced Joy-Con 2 controllers in their new mouse-emulation mode. This mode provides a level of precision that significantly enhances the aiming and tactical combat aspects of the game, making it feel remarkably akin to playing on a desktop. The Ultimate Edition includes the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, which not only adds a substantial amount of new content, including a thrilling narrative expansion and compelling new characters like Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed, but also refines the core gameplay experience. The Switch 2’s advanced hardware ensures that Night City is rendered with impressive detail, vibrant lighting, and fluid animations, delivering a visually stunning and deeply immersive open-world experience.
6. Metroid Prime 4 – The Saga Continues with Unprecedented Fidelity
After nearly a decade of anticipation and development, Metroid Prime 4 has finally arrived, marking the first new installment in the beloved series in almost twenty years. This release represents a monumental achievement for the Switch 2, showcasing the console’s power with glorious 4K resolution and an astonishing 120 frames per second in 1080p mode. Beyond its impressive visual presentation, the game successfully recaptures the essence of what made the original Metroid Prime so captivating: exploration, environmental puzzle-solving, and intense first-person combat. The return of Samus Aran to the franchise is met with renewed vigor, as she navigates diverse alien worlds, utilizing her iconic suit and an array of advanced weaponry. A notable addition is the Vi-O-La motorcycle, a futuristic vehicle that enhances traversal across the game’s expansive desert terrains, adding a dynamic new element to exploration. While the narrative and exploration might not perfectly replicate the groundbreaking magic of the original Prime, the sheer quality of its core gameplay, coupled with the unparalleled technical prowess displayed on the Switch 2, makes Metroid Prime 4 an essential experience for any fan of the series or a compelling entry point for newcomers.
7. Splatoon 3 – An Inklings’ Paradise Enhanced
Splatoon 3, already a celebrated title on the original Nintendo Switch, has been profoundly enhanced by a complimentary update for the Switch 2. This upgrade delivers significantly faster loading times, allowing players to dive into the chaotic ink-slinging action with greater immediacy. Furthermore, the visual fidelity has been noticeably improved, with sharper textures, more vibrant color palettes, and smoother animations that make the already stylish world of Splatoon pop with renewed brilliance. The core gameplay, which revolves around territorial battles with ink-based weaponry, remains as addictive and unique as ever. The engaging single-player campaign, brimming with creative challenges and a surprisingly deep narrative, is complemented by the robust online multiplayer modes, where teams of Inklings and Octolings vie for dominance. The Switch 2’s performance boost ensures a consistently fluid and responsive experience, making Splatoon 3 an even more compelling proposition for players seeking a colorful and competitive multiplayer adventure.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – A Masterpiece Reforged
The advent of the Switch 2 has provided an opportunity to revisit and reimagine some of gaming’s most cherished titles, and few benefit more from this technological leap than The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This groundbreaking open-world adventure, originally a launch title for the Switch, has been revitalized with a dedicated Switch 2 Edition. For existing owners, the upgrade is a mere $10 if they possess the original Switch game, or a free enhancement for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Those new to Hyrule can acquire the full experience for $70. The improvements are transformative: frame rates are significantly boosted, leading to smoother exploration and combat; loading times are drastically reduced, minimizing interruptions to the immersive experience; and visual fidelity is enhanced, bringing the expansive landscapes of Hyrule to life with greater detail and clarity. A particularly ingenious addition is a GPS-style mobile app feature, which streamlines navigation and adds a layer of convenience to exploring the vast world. This refined version of Breath of the Wild not only honors the legacy of the original but also elevates it, offering a fresh and profoundly engaging experience that feels both familiar and entirely new.
9. Red Dead Redemption – A Western Classic Reawakened
Rockstar Games’ seminal open-world Western, Red Dead Redemption, a title that arrived somewhat belatedly on the original Switch, has been dramatically revitalized with a free Switch 2 update. This enhancement capitalizes on the new console’s superior processing power, delivering a visual and performance upgrade that imbues the rugged landscapes of the American West with newfound clarity and fluidity. Beyond the graphical enhancements, a particularly welcome addition is the implementation of a PC-like mouse control mode. This feature significantly improves the precision of aiming and targeting, making the game’s iconic shootouts and hunting mechanics more engaging and accessible. The combination of improved visuals, smoother gameplay, and refined controls transforms Red Dead Redemption into a more immersive and enjoyable experience, allowing players to fully appreciate the richly detailed world and compelling narrative of John Marston’s journey.
10. No Man’s Sky – An Infinite Universe Unfolding
For those who have yet to embark on the interstellar journey of No Man’s Sky, the Switch 2 offers an unparalleled entry point into this continuously evolving universe. The game’s core premise—exploring an procedurally generated galaxy with an effectively infinite number of unique planets—remains its most compelling aspect. No Man’s Sky stands as a remarkable testament to developer resilience and continuous improvement, having transformed from its initial release into one of gaming’s most celebrated success stories. The developers at Hello Games consistently deliver substantial updates, each adding new features, expanding gameplay mechanics, and refining the overall experience. Whether players seek a tranquil exploration of alien worlds, engage in resource management and base building, or participate in thrilling space combat, No Man’s Sky offers a deeply rewarding and endlessly replayable experience. The free Switch 2 update for existing owners further enhances the game’s visual presentation and performance, making this vast digital cosmos more accessible and breathtaking than ever before.
11. Fortnite – The Free-to-Play Phenomenon Reimagined
While Fortnite remains a free-to-play title, its inclusion on this list underscores its cultural significance and the substantial advancements made in its Switch 2 port. Epic Games’ battle royale juggernaut has transcended its genre origins to become a dynamic social platform, consistently integrating a vast array of beloved characters and franchises from across popular culture. The Switch 2 version of Fortnite represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, offering a vastly improved visual experience and smoother performance that injects new life into the familiar gameplay loop. Players can now drop into the island as iconic characters from Dragon Ball Z, The Simpsons, or even as real-world celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Kim Kardashian, among dozens of other crossover collaborations. This constant influx of new content, coupled with the enhanced fidelity of the Switch 2, ensures that Fortnite remains a vibrant and continuously evolving entertainment experience, accessible to all and offering endless opportunities for creative expression and competitive play.
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