The Switch 2 Has Landed — Here’s What You Can Actually Play
After months of leaks, hype trains, and one very suspicious Reddit post that turned out to be weirdly accurate, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here (as of June 5, 2025). And let’s be real: new hardware is only as good as the games you can boot up on day one. Luckily, the Switch 2 doesn’t just show up to the party—it crashes through the wall like the Kool-Aid Man with a launch lineup that’s surprisingly stacked.
Whether you’re into sweaty kart races, cozy farming sims, or turning Night City into your personal playground, here’s every confirmed game you can buy or download right now.
🏎️ First-Party Fire: Nintendo’s Heavy Hitters
Mario Kart World
Nintendo’s golden goose is back, and this time it’s global. Mario Kart World is the Switch 2’s crown jewel at launch, and it isn’t just a prettier version of MK8. We’re talking:
- Open-world track exploration
- 24-player online races
- Off-road mechanics and dynamic weather
- An elimination mode that’s basically Mario Kart meets battle royale
Also: voice chat is finally a thing (yes, for real), and you can unlock costumes like “Cyberpunk Mario” and “Zelda Kart Link.” This is the future.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Less a game, more a “here’s how to Switch 2” tutorial, but it’s slick. Think Wii Sports meets a tech demo—interactive, polished, and oddly fun to show off to your non-gamer aunt.
🤺 Old Flames, New Heat: Enhanced Switch 2 Editions
Nintendo knows its fans don’t mind a re-release if it’s done right. And these two Zelda bangers are getting full love on Switch 2:
- Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition
- Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
Expect:
- 60 FPS silky-smooth gameplay
- Faster loading and better draw distances
- A new “Zelda Notes” app that tracks Korok seeds, recipes, side quests, and gives daily Hyrule trivia like it’s a fantasy Fitbit
🧙♂️ Third-Party and Indie Launch All-Stars
Not just a first-party parade—Switch 2 brings serious third-party firepower out of the gate. Here are the biggest non-Nintendo launches you can grab:
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Believe it. The once-infamous RPG is now buttery smooth on a Nintendo handheld, and it actually looks great. DLSS magic + full Phantom Liberty included = portable Night City chaos.
Street Fighter 6
Joy-Con drift won’t save you here. Smooth, responsive, and perfect for couch battles. Pro tip: the new “Rush Mode” lets you duke it out with instant super meters. It’s cracked.
Split Fiction
From the creators of It Takes Two, this one’s a narrative-driven co-op trip through multiverses, betrayal, and a sentient talking stapler. Instant classic.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Classic turn-based combat meets modern polish. Looks gorgeous, and the updated music slaps.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Now you can lose sleep conquering the world… from your couch. Controls are shockingly smooth on Joy-Cons.
Deltarune
Toby Fox finally dropped more chapters, and yes, the dog still steals the show.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Majima everywhere. Karaoke still bangs. Bonus: you can now switch between Japanese and English VA instantly.
Hogwarts Legacy
All the magic, all the murder spells. It runs well and looks better than you’d expect on a handheld. Just don’t ask how it fits in the cartridge.
Fantasy Life i
Farming, fishing, fighting—this chill life sim RPG is the ultimate cozy grinder.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Basically Stardew Valley with swords. Deeper combat and more anime hair than ever.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Puyo vs. Tetris, now with online ranked and four-player chaos. It’s brain fuel for puzzle fiends.
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Old-school arcade vibes, 60FPS. Retro never looked so sharp.
Fortnite
Still free, still sweaty, but now smoother and with better battery optimization. Welcome to the island, again.
🔮 On the Horizon: Coming Soon to Switch 2
Not playable yet, but these upcoming titles are already making noise:
- Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17, 2025)
- Super Mario Party Jamboree (July 2025)
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Switch 2 Edition (August 2025)
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 2025)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (late 2025)
Yes, Metroid fans, it’s actually happening.
🎯 Final Verdict: Is Day One Worth It?
Absolutely. This isn’t your typical half-baked launch lineup. Between Mario Kart World, Zelda upgrades, and legit third-party support, the Switch 2 is not just a sequel—it’s a power move.
Whether you’re chasing triforces, drifting through Rainbow Road, or getting KO’d in Street Fighter, there’s already something on this machine to sink hours into.
What game are you booting up first? And how many Joy-Cons will you break in Mario Kart World? Let us know below.