With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, speculation about its launch lineup is rampant. While an official list remains elusive, we can make some educated guesses, combining likely Nintendo staples with anticipated releases from beloved indie developers.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
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While expecting all these games on day one is optimistic, even a partial realization would make for a stellar launch. Here are our hopeful predictions for the Switch 2's debut:
Mario Kart 9
Over a decade since Mario Kart 8's Wii U release, its continued success on the Switch (with DLC expanding to 96 tracks) makes a sequel highly probable. While a "new twist" was rumored in 2022, official confirmation is pending. We anticipate fresh, innovative gameplay, ideally launching alongside the Switch 2 – a true system seller.
New 3D Super Mario
The Switch surprisingly only features one new 3D Mario platformer (Super Mario Odyssey, 2017), besides a Super Mario 3D World port. A new 3D adventure, brimming with inventive level design and collectibles, would be a fantastic launch title, complementing (or following) a new Mario Kart. Seven years is a long wait for another 3D Mario experience.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4, initially announced in 2017, underwent a development shift to Retro Studios. Now titled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, its gameplay reveal showcased impressive visuals, fueling speculation about a Switch 2 release. A launch-day arrival would end the long wait for this highly anticipated title.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Enhanced
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are Switch behemoths. Backward compatibility is hoped for, ideally with enhanced versions leveraging the Switch 2's power for improved visuals and performance. 4K Hyrule with smooth framerates would be a dream.
Ring Fit Adventure 2
Nintendo often includes unique titles at console launches. Ring Fit Adventure, a fitness-RPG hybrid, proved surprisingly popular (15 million+ copies sold). A sequel utilizing the Switch 2's capabilities could be a quirky yet compelling launch day addition.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
While the original Switch lacked the power for Capcom's Resident Evil 4 Remake, the Switch 2 might offer a suitable home. A launch-day release would showcase the console's capabilities and offer a nostalgic return for a horror classic.
Doom: The Dark Ages
This is a bolder prediction. Given the success of previous Doom titles on Switch and Microsoft's cross-platform approach, Doom: The Dark Ages could find its way to the Switch 2. A launch-day release alongside a reveal at an Xbox event is a possibility.
The Haunted Chocolatier
Following the success of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe's The Haunted Chocolatier is highly anticipated. A Switch 2 launch would be fitting, though a launch year window might be more realistic given the developer's update.
Earthblade
Another indie sequel, Earthblade from Extremely OK Games (creators of Celeste), is a potential Switch 2 launch title. With a 2025 release window, it could coincide with the new console.
