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Switch 2 Launch Day Is Here, and These Are the Games I'm Obsessed With

Commentary: Nintendo's next console already has a lot of great games in its future.

Headshot of Oscar Gonzalez
Headshot of Oscar Gonzalez
Oscar Gonzalez Contributing writer
Oscar Gonzalez is a Texas native who covered video games, conspiracy theories, misinformation and cryptocurrency.
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Oscar Gonzalez
3 min read
the duskbloods
FromSoftware

The Switch 2 is here, and with Nintendo's new console comes some new and old games to play. I took a look at what's coming out for the Switch successor, and I have an idea of what I'll be playing on it. 

At launch, the Switch 2 doesn't offer many brand-new titles from Nintendo, but several familiar games are getting new life on the upgraded portable console. There's a lot to choose from, but these are the games I'm hyped for. 

The Duskbloods

duskbloods
Nintendo

A big surprise title for the Switch 2 was The Duskbloods from popular developer FromSoftware. The studio behind Dark Souls and Elden Ring is making an exclusive game for the new console, and it looks remarkably like its last exclusive game, Bloodborne. There are still many questions about it, but it's already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2026.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

hollow knight silksong
Nintendo

Hollow Knight, from developer Team Cherry, was a cult hit when it came out in 2017. Back in 2019, the developer revealed it was doing a sequel called Hollow Knight: Silksong that would focus on Hornet, a rival turned ally of the Knight, the hero of the first game. Only a few seconds of the game for the Switch 2 were shown back in April, but the clip excited fans by confirming the game still exists after years of silence from the developer.

Mario Kart World

bowser in mario kart world
Nintendo

If there's one series that's a must-buy on any Nintendo console, it's Mario Kart. With the new game, Mario Kart World, the kart racing game goes to an open-world style, letting players travel anywhere. It looks like so much fun, and I'm looking to buy the $500 Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle when the console launches. (The game will be an eye-watering $80 sold separately.)

Donkey Kong Bananza

donkey kong bananza
Nintendo

One of the franchises that Nintendo seemed to have forgotten about was Donkey Kong, so I was happy to see it come back on the Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D platforming game featuring the Nintendo mascot, and it looks like a fresh new approach for the barrel-chucking simian. Nintendo did give a release date of July 17 for Donkey Kong's new game, and I can't wait. 

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition

FromSoftware has another game set for the Switch 2. This Tarnished Edition includes the original game as well as the DLC, Shadows of the Erdtree, and there could be a few new additions hidden within this version. 

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Cyberpunk 2077 is an amazing game, and having that play smoothly on a handheld console will be a sight to see. It took multiple patches to get it running smoothly on the Steam Deck, but if it can run well right out of the box on the Switch 2, it will be a game to pick up. 

007: First Light

IO Interactive is developing a new James Bond game featuring a young version of the British spy. There are still a lot of unknowns about the game, but it is set to arrive on the Switch 2 next year. 

Here are some of the other games out now, or coming, to the Switch 2 that I'm excited for: 

  • Sid Meier's Civilization 7 (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • Split Fiction
  • Street Fighter 6
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
  • Shadow Labyrinth (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
  • Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4
  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
  • Marvel Cosmic Invasion
  • Pokemon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
  • Borderlands 4
  • Kirby Air Riders
  • Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

The Switch 2 is out now, with the base console starting at $450 and the Mario Kart World bundle priced at $500.Â