Getting the Nintendo Switch 2? These are the best games to play at launch

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on 26 June in Singapore for $719 (click here to buy) and despite the lack of advertising and early reviews in this part of the world, anticipation of the new console is at an all-time high. In fact, the Switch 2 has already shattered Nintendo’s sales records in just four days – selling over 3.5 million units. To put that into perspective, the original Nintendo Switch took a whole week to sell sold over 1.5 million units globally. Clearly, the Switch 2 is an extremely hot item.

But as with any new console launch, the Switch 2’s day one line-up is, well, a bit of a mixed bag. Unlike the first Switch, which had the excellent Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a tentpole title, the Switch 2’s strongest launch game is Mario Kart World. It’s a fun, high-energy multiplayer and party game, but not quite the kind of epic first-party single-player experience that can carry a new console on its own.

That said, it’s not quite as bleak as it sounds. A bunch of existing games – some from Nintendo’s own back catalogue, others from third-party publishers – have been updated or optimised to take advantage of the new hardware. And quite a few of them are making their first appearance on a Nintendo console, which adds a bit of freshness to the line-up.

So while it’s not the most stacked launch we’ve seen, it’s far from a drought. Especially if you have skipped some of the cross-platform games over the past couple of years, or if you’re curious about what the Switch 2’s new and improved power can do. I’ve listed a few of my personal picks below – these are the ones I think are worth your time and money if you’re picking up a Switch 2 on day one.

Mario Kart World - Switch 2 Edition

This one is quite a no brainer. Mario Kart World is Nintendo’s biggest racing game of all time, thanks to its new open-world gameplay and support for up to 24 players online that are built from the ground up for the new console. It’s also not cheap, with the Kyoto-based company causing controversy by charging $119 for the title. It’s also available as a bundle with the Switch 2 for $769 (click here to buy), which makes more sense thanks to the huge savings.

Stay tuned to our Mario Kart World review

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition

Breath of the Wild didn’t just launch with and turn the Switch into one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles. It also significantly altered the Zelda franchise by introducing a sprawling, open-world environment, non-linear gameplay and a focus on player freedom and experimentation. In short, it’s the first Zelda game with true RPG elements. However, the game’s expansiveness and scope also, ironically, exposed how underpowered the Switch can be – particularly when docked and playing on larger screen – with issues that include frame rate drops in certain areas.

The Switch 2 Edition, however, lets both new and returning players experience Breath of the Wild the way it was meant to be played – free from the performance issues that held it back on the original hardware, thanks to the more powerful Switch 2 console.

Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition

If Breath of the Wild elevated the Zelda franchise then its direct sequel Tears of the Kingdom went a step further, pushing the boundaries of the action-adventure genre by integrating elements of JRPG and puzzle-solving with new physics-based abilities and expanded player agency. With the in-game “Ultrahand” ability, Tears of the Kingdom also encourages players to think outside the box and make use of the environment in unique ways to overcome challenges.

The original game on the Switch struggled with performance issues, however, including frame rate drops and slowdowns that are largely due to hardware limitations. On the Switch 2, Tears of the Kingdom not only run noticeably better but also features enhanced visual detail, making the overall experience feel more polished.

Read our Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review.

Hogwarts Legacy

$79.90

Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter game fans have been waiting for – a full-fledged open-world RPG set in the Wizarding World, complete with spell duels, magical creatures, and a customisable student experience. The game introduces a fresh cast of characters, a great combat and exploration systems that’s easy to get lost in. That said, it’s not without flaws. The main storyline doesn’t quite live up to the setting, and enemy variety can feel thin after a while. But even so, its charm and atmosphere are hard to resist. The Switch 2 version runs more smoothly compared to the first-gen port, with less noticeable pop-in and sharper detail across the board.

Read our Hogwarts Legacy review.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

$82.90

Of all the games making their way to the Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition might be the most surprising. It’s not just that it runs, but media outlets have reported that the game runs well enough to be taken seriously. The Ultimate Edition includes all the latest updates and the fantastic Phantom Liberty expansion, giving Switch 2 owners a complete package. If you have always wanted to take one of the best PC games outside with you, this is it.

Read our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

Split Fiction

Split Fiction is one of those under-the-radar games that turned out to be one of the best on the PC, PlayStation and Xbox. It’s a stylish, narrative-driven action game that plays with perspective and memory, blending cinematic storytelling with responsive third-person combat. The Switch 2 edition is essentially the same as the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, just with the visuals tone down a touch.

Read our Split Fiction review.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

$89.90

Turn-based strategy games have always had a natural home on handhelds, so it’s very nice to see Civilization VII on the Switch 2. The Switch 2 version includes all core civilisations and game systems from the PC release, making it a complete experience from the get-go. Whether you’re chasing a cultural victory on your morning commute or plotting world domination on the sofa, this is arguably the most convenient way to play *Civ VII* without a mouse and keyboard.

Read our Sid Meier’s Civilization VII review.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

$52.90

Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of the more visually striking games to arrive on the Switch 2. The game blends real-time combat with tower defence elements, wrapped in a distinct Japanese folklore aesthetic that feels genuinely fresh. If you’ve been looking for something that’s not quite like anything else in your backlog, this one’s worth a look. Especially now that you can play it anywhere.

Read our Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess review.

Yakuza 0: Director's Cut

For me, Yakuza 0 remains one of the best entry points into the Yakuza franchise, and this Director’s Cut on Switch 2 doesn’t mess with what made it great. You still get the full story of Kazuma Kiryu’s early days, the over-the-top street fights, and all the bizarre but brilliant side quests that made the game a cult favourite. For newcomers, especially Nintendo fans who’ve never had access to the series before, this is a solid place to start.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.