• The year 2025 proved to be a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, particularly regarding hardware releases.
  • Nintendo officially launched its highly anticipated successor to the original console, the Switch 2, in June.
  • Since its release, a variety of software titles have been made available to utilize the new hardware's capabilities.
  • The lineup includes brand-new first-party experiences such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.

Quick Summary

The year 2025 proved to be a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, particularly regarding hardware releases. Nintendo officially launched its highly anticipated successor to the original console, the Switch 2, in June. Since its release, a variety of software titles have been made available to utilize the new hardware's capabilities.

The lineup includes brand-new first-party experiences such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Additionally, the console has received support from third-party developers with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 arriving on the platform. Even legacy titles have seen renewed interest; The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild received updates to function on the upgraded system. For consumers deciding whether to purchase the console, there are 11 specific games identified as essential titles to consider.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Launch

2025 was a big year for gaming, and that includes gaming hardware. The major event of the year was the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June. This launch marked the beginning of a new era for the company's hybrid console lineup.

Since the console's release, the market has seen numerous Switch 2 titles and noteworthy updates for original Switch games. These updates allow older games to take advantage of the upgraded console specifications. The arrival of the new hardware set the stage for a robust software library.

First-Party Experiences 🎮

Among the most significant releases for the new system are the exclusive titles developed by Nintendo. These games showcase the potential of the new hardware and offer experiences not available on the previous generation.

Key first-party titles highlighted include:

  • Mario Kart World: A new entry in the popular racing franchise.
  • Donkey Kong Bananza: A new adventure featuring the classic character.

These titles represent the core brand-new Nintendo experiences available to players at launch and throughout the year.

Third-Party Support and Ports

In addition to Nintendo's own software, the console has attracted significant support from third-party publishers. Several major titles that were previously unavailable on the platform have made their debut, described as belated but welcome third-party titles.

Notable third-party games include:

  • Cyberpunk 2077
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2

The inclusion of these titles demonstrates the growing confidence developers have in the Switch 2 hardware.

Legacy Titles and Upgrades

The transition to the new console also benefits owners of existing games. Even classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild got some new life on the upgraded console. These updates ensure that popular titles from the previous generation remain relevant and playable on the new system.

With 11 games identified as must-haves, the library for the Switch 2 offers a diverse range of options for both new and returning players.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Nintendo Switch 2 released?

The Nintendo Switch 2 was launched in June.

What are some of the new games available for the Switch 2?

New games include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Cyberpunk 2077, and Divinity: Original Sin 2.