Switch Launch Games: Your Guide to Anticipated Releases

With the Nintendo Switch 2's imminent arrival, speculation about its launch-day titles is rampant. While an official lineup remains elusive, we can make educated guesses based on Nintendo's history and anticipated releases. Some predictions, like a new Mario title, are highly probable, while others represent hopeful wishes for exciting indie projects.

Genki Nintendo Switch 2 Mockup Images from CES 2025

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While expecting all these games on day one is unrealistic, even a partial appearance would make for a stellar launch. Here's our hopeful (and somewhat speculative) Switch 2 launch lineup:

Mario Kart 9: A successor to the wildly successful Mario Kart 8 is almost guaranteed. Rumors of a "new twist" suggest innovative gameplay, potentially setting the stage for another decade of karting dominance. A Switch 2 launch alongside this title would be a powerful statement.

New 3D Super Mario: The Switch surprisingly lacked multiple 3D Mario titles. A new entry, boasting innovative abilities, level design, and collectibles, would be a welcome addition, complementing (or following) Mario Kart 9. Seven years is long enough to wait for a new 3D Mario adventure.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: After years of anticipation and a developer change, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is primed for release. Its smooth gameplay suggests it might be optimized for the Switch 2's capabilities, making a launch-day appearance a strong possibility.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced: Backward compatibility is expected, potentially with enhanced versions leveraging the Switch 2's power for improved visuals and performance. Experiencing Hyrule in 4K would be a dream come true.

Ring Fit Adventure 2: Nintendo often includes a unique title at launch. A sequel to the surprisingly popular Ring Fit Adventure could showcase the Switch 2's motion control capabilities, offering a fun and fitness-oriented experience.

Resident Evil 4 Remake: While the original Switch lacked the power for this graphically demanding title, the Switch 2 could easily handle it. A launch-day release would demonstrate the console's capabilities and offer a nostalgic return for a horror classic.

Doom: The Dark Ages: Given the success of previous Doom titles on Switch, and Microsoft's cross-platform approach, Doom: The Dark Ages on Switch 2 is plausible. A launch-day release would be a bold move, but a welcome one for fans.

The Haunted Chocolatier: Following the success of Stardew Valley, The Haunted Chocolatier could be a perfect fit for the Switch 2. While a launch-day release might be ambitious, a launch-year window seems more realistic.

Earthblade: A sequel to the acclaimed Celeste, Earthblade could also grace the Switch 2 launch. While updates have been infrequent, a 2025 release isn't impossible.

This lineup represents a blend of likely and hopeful titles. The actual launch lineup may differ, but the anticipation remains high.