There’s always a lot of hype surrounding a new console’s initial reveal, and that’s especially true for Nintendo consoles. When it comes to new Nintendo consoles, fans aren’t just speculating about what games they could end up seeing, but also what kind of new quirks the console itself will have. The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to have plenty of bold new features, but the thing that will really shift units on release day will be its launch line-up.
So far, just one new first-party game has been announced for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s a tenuous confirmation at that. The Switch 2’s initial reveal last month teased a new Mario Kart game, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed if it’ll be on the console at launch, or really anything else about the game. But while a new Mario Kart would be undeniably huge for the Switch 2’s launch, there are a ton of other games fans want to see announced in April.
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Nintendo Switch 2 April Direct Wish List: First-Party Games
A New 3D Mario
Arguably the most requested first-party game for the Nintendo Switch 2 is a new mainline 3D Super Mario game. Fans haven’t been given a proper mainline 3D Mario since Mario Odyssey‘s release in 2017, which is the longest gap between any 3D Mario entry since the very first one in 1996. The 3D Mario games have always been used as a technical benchmark for a new Nintendo console, and there’s no better way to prove the Switch 2’s worth.
Legend of Zelda Remasters/Remake
While it’s unlikely fans will see another mainline Legend of Zelda so soon after Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom, there are still a few ways the Nintendo Switch 2 could launch alongside a Zelda game. For years now, it’s been heavily rumored that remasters of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Zelda: Twilight Princess are waiting in the wings, poised to strike at the perfect moment. It’s also been rumored that a Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is also in the works. Any and all of these would be great options for the Switch 2’s launch line-up.
A New Pokemon Game
The third part of Nintendo’s first-party trifecta, the Nintendo Switch 2 would benefit greatly from having a Pokemon game on its launch line-up. Already set to release in 2025, it seems likely Pokemon Legends: Z-A could be that game, though any Pokemon title would do. Nintendo could even revive some old Pokemon spinoffs like Pokemon Stadium, Mystery Dungeon, or Ranger.
A New Animal Crossing Game
Though it might only feel like yesterday, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released in April 2020, almost five years ago. Though a long wait between entries is nothing new for the Animal Crossing series, there’s an increased demand this time around, with the series gaining a wealth of new fans during the pandemic.
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Nintendo Switch 2 April Direct Wish List: Third-Party Games
An Xbox First-Party Onslaught
Though first-party games are often a console’s biggest selling point, they still need strong third-party support to thrive. According to some recent rumors, Xbox might be ready to provide that third-party support, with Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Flight Simulator 2024, Starfield, and Doom: The Dark Ages all rumored to appear on the Nintendo Switch 2. Though it might initially feel a little strange to see the Master Chief jump ship, it’d be undeniably great for Switch 2 owners to get so many first-party Xbox titles on the platform, especially if they were joined by the likes of Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Call of Duty later down the line.
A Handful of Ubisoft Titles
It’s also recently been rumored that Ubisoft is going to be a big supporter of the Switch 2 during its launch year, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Rainbow Six Siege, The Division, and even the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows all leaked to appear.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
All the way back in September 2023, when rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2’s existence first hit the internet, it was said that Final Fantasy 7 Remake was being used as a technical benchmark for the in-development console. Ever since, Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been rumored to appear in the Switch 2’s launch line-up. Though nothing has been confirmed yet, it would be great to see Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Switch 2, but it would be an even more impressive feat to see the handheld running the much more expansive Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Elden Ring
Another game that was allegedly used as a technical benchmark for the Nintendo Switch 2 during development, Elden Ring would be a big pull for the Switch 2’s launch line-up. A critically acclaimed, gigantic open-world game with an “M” rating, Elden Ring could be the Skyrim of the Switch 2’s launch day roster, showcasing the breadth of games that’ll be available on the console.
Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the few major releases in recent years that isn’t actually rumored to appear on the Nintendo Switch 2, Baldur’s Gate 3 would be a strong addition to the console’s potential launch line-up. Much like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3 would do a great job of showcasing the Switch 2’s technical improvements over its predecessor, while also providing a critically acclaimed experience in the process, one perfectly suited to the pick-up-and-play nature of the Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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2025