Potential Launch Titles for Nintendo Switch 2

After months of speculation, leaks and rumors, Nintendo has finally unveiled the successor to their latest video game console. In an effort to maintain the critical acclaim of the first version, Nintendo has gone the simple route and dubbed it the Switch 2, with a rumored release date sometime in June 2025. But before that, Nintendo has scheduled a Direct to focus on Switch 2 for April 2nd, 2025, and it’s here that the launch year of their next console will start to come into focus.

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Just what those games are remains a mystery, but the first year of Switch 2 has a lot to live up to, as the first console launched with the landmark release of Breath of the Wild, followed by Super Mario Odyssey in October. Some of these are huge first-party games in Nintendo’s most popular franchises, while others are seemingly impossible third-party ports that could alter the perception of the console for the entirety of its lifecycle. Certain impossible dreams could come true, as the launch year of the Switch 2 is bound to be packed with some truly incredible experiences.

10

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Master Chief Could Debut On Nintendo Hardware This Year

Systems

Released

November 11, 2014

It’s hard to believe, but the console wars that dominated the 2000s and 2010s have come to a rather quiet end, as Microsoft has veered deeper into software and started publishing their games on rival platforms. But as strange as it is to see Sea of Thieves and Pentiment on Sony and Nintendo systems, it’s possible that Microsoft’s star character, the legendary Master Chief, will debut in the launch year of Switch 2.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is heavily rumored to release on both PS5 and the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, an enormous shift in the industry, as Microsoft’s transition from hardware to software has been a slow burn. It would be an absolutely incredible game for the first year of the Switch 2, signaling just how much the industry has changed in the 8 years since the first console. Although it’s not confirmed, it’s possible Microsoft could announce it as early as their Developer Direct on January 23rd.

9

A New Star Fox Game

A Brand-New Star Fox Game Is Long Overdue, As It’s Been Near-9 Years

Rail Shooter

Shoot ’em Up

Systems

Released

April 22, 2016

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Fox McCloud and the gang have been quiet since their last mainline entry, Star Fox Zero for the Wii U, which launched during the final year of the console’s life in 2016. This nine-year gap between entries isn’t entirely unheard of for the series, but Star Fox is still long overdue for a new game and the Switch 2 would be a perfect place to put Fox and his Arwing back into action.

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That said, a simple rail shooter that uses the Switch 2’s motion controls may not be enough. In an ideal world, Star Fox for Switch 2 would combine all the best elements from the previous games, including both Arwing and on-foot sections. Taking influence from Star Fox Adventures and Assault, a combination of open-world exploration and thrilling rail shooter combat could be one of the most incredible holiday titles for Switch 2.

8

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The Return Of Samus Aran

Systems

Metroid Prime 4 was first announced for the original Nintendo Switch at E3 2017, but through multiple delays and a developer change from Bandai Namco to Retro Studios, it has had a long road to completion. Seven long years later, Nintendo would finally re-introduce the project as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, set for a 2025 release date.

Although it’s set for 2025, a game with this many delays could still ultimately slip into 2026, and the real question is whether Metroid Prime 4 will get a next-gen version in the same way that Breath of the Wild was released both for Switch and the Wii U or simply be a Switch 2 game that plays on the new console. Regardless, Samus’ latest adventure is sure to be one of the year’s most anticipated games, and the return of the Prime series after a long eighteen-year wait since 2007’s Corruption is equally exciting.

7

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 4K

A Next-Gen Upgrade For Link’s Greatest Adventure

Systems

Released

March 3, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EPD

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a key part of what made the first year of the Switch so fantastic, as it is still one of the best launch games of all time and a monumental entry for the franchise, becoming the best-selling entry in the series with over 30-million units. A direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, followed in 2020 and since then, producer Eiji Aonuma has stated that the next mainline entry will be decidedly different.

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While details of the next Zelda game remain mysterious, it seems likely that the Switch 2 will release an updated version of Breath of the Wild that will take advantage of the new hardware in order to display the full power of their next-gen machine. And with rumors of 4K output and 60fps while docked thanks to DLSS, Breath of the Wild is a perfect candidate for showing off just how much of a leap Switch 2 is. It’s also possible Tears of the Kingdom will get a next-gen update, though it may be saved for a later year.

6

Red Dead Redemption 2

The Dying Days Of The Old West Could Come To Switch 2 In Year One

As hard as it was to believe, Rockstar managed to get their open-world Wild West game running on the original Switch, as the first Red Dead Redemption launched for the console in August 2023. And while there was absolutely no hope for its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, to be released on Switch, its 2025 successor looks like it will be the perfect landing spot for Arthur Morgan’s story of redemption.

While the Switch 1 was comparable to seventh-generation consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360, Switch 2 is poised to sit somewhere between PS4 and PS4 Pro, opening the console up to some truly exciting games. And Red Dead Redemption 2, one of the most incredible games of its generation, is an absolute no-brainer for the first year of the Switch 2 and could easily be a launch game when the console releases later this year.

5

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Next Assassin’s Creed Game Would Be A Perfect Fit For Switch 2 In Year One

Systems

Among the numerous developers and publishers that flocked to the original Switch following its massive success, Ubisoft became one of the key contributors, even getting the chance to use Nintendo characters themselves when they developed Mario+Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and its 2022 sequel, Sparks of Hope. This strong relationship with Nintendo looks to continue with Switch 2, and one of Ubisoft’s most important releases in 2025 seems poised to make the jump.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which takes the franchise to Feudal Japan for the first time, releases in March 2025, which is well before the Switch 2’s expected launch date, but it could easily wind up as a launch year title for the console. It is one of the most anticipated games of 2025, and it seems like a perfect way for Ubisoft to continue its excellent relationship with Nintendo, as Assassin’s Creed Shadows would be a fantastic fit for Switch 2’s first year.

4

Cyberpunk 2077

Head Into Night City with New Nintendo Tech for a Hardware Marvel

Despite a troubled development history and a rough launch period, CD Projekt Red never gave up on Cyberpunk 2077 and has since turned it into one of the most entertaining games on the market. Through multiple patches, updates, and fixes, Cyberpunk is an absolute joy to play today, and, considering just how much of a success story it’s become, it seems obvious that CD Projekt Red would want their game on more platforms.

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A next-gen version of Cyberpunk 2077 for Switch 2 would be absolutely fantastic, as allowing more players to experience V’s trip through Night City and the brilliant performance of Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand is tremendously exciting. It would most certainly include the terrific expansion pack, 2024’s Phantom Liberty, and make the complete Cyberpunk 2077 experience available for Switch 2 owners.

3

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Brilliant Remake Of PS1 Classic Could Launch With Switch 2

Systems

Released

April 10, 2020

Developer(s)

Square Enix Business Division 1

The original version of Final Fantasy 7 was produced in the wake of a falling out between Squaresoft and Nintendo, resulting in a strained relationship that was smoothed over in the early 2000s. Final Fantasy 7 wouldn’t make its way to Nintendo hardware until it launched on the Switch in 2019, over twenty years later. All this makes the prospect of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake launching on the Switch 2 even more fascinating, as it would easily be one of the best third-party games available on the console during its first year.

But according to insiders like NateTheHate, who accurately leaked the reveal date of the Switch 2, Square is making a huge push to get more of their games on as many platforms as possible. The disappointing sales numbers of some of their recent games have reportedly caused them to re-evaluate their exclusivity agreements with Sony, and part of that effort includes making Final Fantasy 7 Remake available on Switch 2. It’s also possible that the sequel, 2024’s Rebirth, will launch on Switch 2, but most certainly won’t be available until 2026.

2

Mario Kart 9

The Next Mario Kart Game Is Coming

One thing that is absolutely certain after the Switch 2 reveal is that Mario Kart 9 is in development, as it took center stage in the final moments of the trailer, being the only game officially shown by Nintendo for their new console. What was shown looked outstanding, with clearly improved visuals and character design that look to draw more from Super Mario Wonder, as the characters look to be far more expressive and delightful than ever.

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It also displayed what looks like an increased driver count, but its main gimmick remains to be seen, as the game is still without a known release date of any kind. It’s possible it will be either the launch day game or release for the holiday, but either way, having a new numbered Mario Kart title taking advantage of the power of Switch 2 is a thrilling prospect. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an absolutely outstanding game, it is ultimately still a remaster of a nearly ten-year-old game, so a new entry is long overdue.

1

A New 3D Mario

It’s Time For A New 3D Mario Adventure

Systems

Released

October 27, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo

It has been eight long years since Super Mario Odyssey, as it launched in October 2017, seven months after the release of the Switch in March. In the meantime, a new 3D Mario game has been in the rumor mill off and on, especially heating up in the weeks before Switch 2 was revealed. And considering how long it’s been since a Nintendo console launched with a game starring the little plumber from Brooklyn, the last time being the Wii U in 2012, it’s time for a brand-new 3D Mario game.

A popular rumor has persisted that Bowser’s Fury, the open-world expansion added to the Switch port of Super Mario 3D World, was a test bed for a new type of game in the franchise. A huge, open-ended 3D Mario game with no restrictions and a sense of freedom could be exactly what the series needs, and would do wonders in showing off what the Switch can do on day one. It’s likely that the Switch 2 will launch with some type of Mario game, as the 40th anniversary is currently ongoing, making it the perfect time to capitalize.

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