Highlights

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Remastered), Xenoblade Chronicles X, Hades 2 likely to debut with Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Monster Hunter Wilds, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, Super Mario Odyssey 2 expected to boost sales with Switch 2.
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2 may become first MMO in series, Luigi's Mansion 4 and Metroid Prime 4 to push boundaries on new hardware.

Although there has been no official announcement about when the Nintendo Switch 2 will be launching, there has been a surge of anticipation among fans. There are quite a few rumors swirling around online about how much it may cost and the potential Nintendo Switch 2 release date, but not a lot about which games will debut with it.

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However, fans are well aware that Nintendo has always launched its consoles with an exciting and power-packed game lineup, and expectations are soaring high! Below is a collection of the most likely games to debut with the Switch 2.

10 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild (Remastered)

The Immersive Gameplay Is Ideal For Showcasing Hardware Improvements

LInk in The Legend of Zelda" Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Platform(s)
Nintendo Wii U , Switch
Released
March 3, 2017
Developer(s)
Nintendo EPD
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Defining the quintessence of Nintendo gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is, to date, the best-selling Zelda game in the series. While fans love and cherish the game as it is, there is a chance that they could get a remastered edition with new downloadable content on Nintendo's next console.

Apart from that, it is likely that players will also get quicker load times and a higher resolution, thus giving the game a great value proposition. Plus, Nintendo Switch 2 leaks claim that this title has reportedly been showcased by Nintendo as a demo on the Switch 2 and is capable of running at 4K 60FPS and supports Nvidia DLSS - die-hard fans are eager to see it come to fruition.

9 Xenoblade Chronicles X

An Opportunity For A Significant Visual Upgrade

Xenoblade Chronicles X Poster
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Platform(s)
Nintendo Wii U
Released
December 4, 2015
Developer(s)
Monolith Soft , Nintendo SPD
Genre(s)
Action RPG , Open-World

The Wii U was home to a few amazing games, such as Xenoblade Chronicles X. However, the title was quite underappreciated solely due to the console on which it was released.

Rebuilding the game on more powerful hardware could be a boon; it could carry the original version while loading it with significant improvements, giving fans and new audiences a chance to experience the game in a more refined state. The majority of the crowd probably expected to play it on the Switch, but the new Nintendo Switch 2 would do it more justice.

8 Hades II

The Genre Will Attract A Diverse Player Base

Melinoe from Hades 2 with wind effect
Hades 2

Platform(s)
PC
Released
2023-00-00
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Genre(s)
Action , Roguelite

Currently exclusive to PC, developers have declared that Hades 2 will soon be available on other consoles after its Early Access period. However, the team at Supergiant Games also stated that they could not confirm which consoles these would be.

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This gave fans the idea that it may be available on the Switch in the future, or maybe the aim is to have it debut with the Switch 2 - it would be a thrilling release! Compared to its predecessor, the sequel is a little more visually exhaustive, so maybe the existing Switch would not be able to run the game as smoothly as the Switch 2 could.

7 Monster Hunter Wilds

The Expansive Gameplay Will Demonstrate The Console's Potential

Monster Hunter Wilds protagonist and character
Monster Hunter Wilds

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
2025-00-00
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure

Due to Nintendo and Capcom's partnership, the Monster Hunter series has seen exponential growth in recent years. Capcom has witnessed fantastic success with Monster Hunter Rise on the Switch, and if the rumor regarding the expected performance of the Switch 2 is to be believed, it looks perfectly practical that Monster Hunter Wilds could run on it as well.

The game has been scheduled to go live sometime in 2025, and has just been announced for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Once the Switch 2's hardware is completely revealed, Nintendo's next console could easily be included in this list. Fans are hoping this happens, as the new title looks remarkable.

6 Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D

The Timeless Platforming Will Appeal To All Age Groups

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D cover art
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D
Platform(s)
Nintendo 3DS
Released
May 24, 2013
Developer(s)
Monster Games
Genre(s)
Platformer

Regardless of whether fans liked or hated the game, Donkey Kong 64 should never have been the last true 3D DK game that they got. The last two 2D games from Retro were brilliant - they showcased that the Kongs can still go head-to-head with Mario in terms of platforming.

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If the focus is only on Donkey Kong, then the moves, enemies, and world would be distinct enough from Mario's to add a new experience but still include a sense of wonder and tight controls. Coming to the new and upgraded Nintendo Switch console, this would be the perfect time to reintroduce Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D with an exciting adventure in 3D!

5 Super Mario Odyssey 2

The Franchise's Popularity Will Drive Initial Sales

Mario holding his hat in Super Mario Odyssey

A sequel to Super Mario Odyssey seems inevitable considering how well it performed - it is also be a likely launch title for the Switch 2, since it could certainly boost sales for fans who enjoyed the original. The sequel will bring creative levels to the table and on the new console, the graphics will be outstanding.

The basic gameplay will probably stay consistent with the previous entry, and the return of some of the beloved characters from past Mario titles can be expected. There will likely be a return of powering up the Odyssey with Power Moons, considering its popularity in the first game.

4 Animal Crossing: New Horizons 2

This Title Will Reassert Nintendo's Family-Friendly Image

Cover art for Animal Crossing New Horizons

Popular Nintendo Switch 2 news that emerged online was that a new Animal Crossing game was being developed. A release in 2026 was suggested, which indicates that the game would be released six years after New Horizons. Nintendo could be delaying the release purposefully to launch it on Switch 2, which could potentially give it technological improvements, thus enhancing the hardware and taking the Animal Crossing series to the next level.

Also, this game on the Switch 2 has the prospect of becoming the first MMO in the series based on the new console’s capabilities. Rather than becoming a full-blown MMO, the Switch 2 could also introduce MMO-like elements to the game, allowing for more powerful multiplayer gameplay and social experiences.

3 Mario Kart 9

It Can Maximize The Dual-Screen Functionality

Mario Kart 8 poster

Currently, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most successful racing video game of all time. After it was released in 2017 on the Switch, a massive number of copies were sold by Nintendo. This game has done it with 132.46 million Switches being sold, translating to one in two Nintendo Switch owners also owning the game, and that is an excellent attach rate.

This data proves that a new Mario Kart game is the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Also, its impressive success and the constant support that it has received have kept the game relevant. After almost ten years, it is understandable why a new Mario Kart game may debut with the Switch 2.

2 Luigi's Mansion 4

Bring Potential Innovative Use Of The New Switch's Hardware And Controls

Luigi from Luigi's Mansion

Nintendo has yet to announce the arrival of Luigi’s Mansion 4, but rumors have created buzz online that the game is set to be released on Switch 2. Fans have their fingers crossed, hoping this could be a reality soon.

If the rumor is, in fact, true, and the game is appearing as expected on Nintendo's next console, it is likely that it won't run on the current Switch. It would be the most expensive and biggest game this studio has ever created, and apart from immaculate visuals and animation, the game would most probably be double the size of Luigi’s Mansion 3.

1 Metroid Prime 4

Pushes Nintendo's Boundaries With Never-Before-Seen Visuals

Metroid Prime 4 announcement screenshot
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Platform(s)
Switch
Developer(s)
Retro Studios
Genre(s)
Action

One of the first games that was announced for the Nintendo Switch, Metroid Prime 4 initially appeared on E3 2017 as a logo. After that, in 2019, there was an update that it was still in development, but needed to be retooled from the ground up. There is no doubt that Prime 4 will be available on the Switch, and it will look great, based on Metroid Prime Remastered.

However, fans believe that this game deserves to shine on the best hardware possible. Already, Metroid Prime games appear more photorealistic and come with enhanced visual effects. An upgrade in power could allow Nintendo to deliver exceptionally. Moreover, releasing an edition on the most renowned console on the market, as well as launching a spruced-up version on its successor, is a great way to make sure players on both platforms are hooked.

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