6 Best Games You Can ONLY Play On Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 came out in June and already boasts a strong collection of games from both Nintendo and other developers. A particularly notable release was the port of Cyberpunk 2077, which performs surprisingly well on the handheld console. Considering it’s only been out for a year, the Switch 2 has already made a big impression on many players.

While a few games are available on both the Switch and Switch 2, most of the biggest titles have been exclusive to the newer console. Here’s a look at the games Switch 2 owners have been playing in 2025, including the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Kirby Air Riders, which are coming soon and expected to be fantastic.

Mario Kart World

Racing Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Mario Kart World was released alongside the Switch 2 and was a major selling point for the console. It’s the first Mario Kart game to let players explore a fully open world. Although the open-world area wasn’t as large as those in other Switch games, it was enjoyable to drive around, discover mini-games, and collect costumes.

Okay, so the main game itself is seriously the best in the whole Mario Kart series, hands down. Every character feels so unique and full of life, and their different outfits are really adorable. Plus, there’s a ton of extra stuff to do! I’m especially hooked on the Battle Royale mode – it’s a blast. Honestly, whether I’m playing solo or racing with friends online, Mario Kart World is just a really fun game to jump back into whenever I have the time.

Donkey Kong Bananza

One Of The Best Of 2025

Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza was the next major game for the Switch 2. It marked a stunning return to 3D gameplay for the Donkey Kong series. Beyond being a great 3D platformer, the game significantly expands Donkey Kong’s abilities. He can now smash through obstacles like boulders and metal with his powerful fists, making it Nintendo’s most destructive game yet.

Players will journey through diverse and expansive open-world areas, ranging from peaceful beaches to ominous caves – and they can destroy almost everything in their path. Donkey Kong is accompanied by a younger Pauline, who players can control to a degree in cooperative play. The game features character progression, letting you level up DK and unlock new abilities, and also allows for customization of both DK and Pauline’s appearances. But the true highlight is the game’s ending – it’s a surprise best experienced firsthand.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

A Classic JRPG Returns

Originally a 3DS game, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy is now available on the Switch 2 with this remastered version. It features updated graphics, new controls, and extra mini-games, making it the ideal way to experience the game if you didn’t play it before. Currently, it’s also considered the best JRPG exclusive on the Switch 2.

Inspired by the classic Final Fantasy games, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy features a familiar story with crystals, a party of four heroes, and a remarkably in-depth job system – arguably the best in the genre. The rewarding process of unlocking skills and new jobs is incredibly engaging. While a more modern release might have made a bigger splash initially, this game remains excellent even after ten years.

Survival Kids

Island Life Can Be Hard

Despite its flaws, Survival Kids is surprisingly one of the best games you can only find on the Switch 2, and it appeared rather unexpectedly. The Survival Kids (also known as Lost in Blue) series isn’t one of Konami’s most popular franchises, but it has a dedicated fanbase. This game is a fresh start for the original Game Boy Color adventure, where kids are stranded on an island. Players can work together online or go it alone to find food and build shelter.

For a survival game designed for kids, Survival Kids is pretty good. It doesn’t offer the same level of complexity as games like Rust or Minecraft, but it’s a fun option to play while waiting for the next Animal Crossing game from Nintendo.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

An Icy Bridge

With the release of the expanded version, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, the game remains the best Kirby experience on both Switch and Switch 2. It’s one of the few upgraded Switch games that adds significant new content with the Star-Crossed World section. This new content includes remixed levels with an icy twist, providing a greater platforming challenge.

The core gameplay that made the original Kirby game enjoyable remains delightfully quirky. Kirby can still eat enemies to copy their abilities and even transform temporarily by swallowing objects – like a car! It’s still a blast to experiment with these strange new forms. This enhanced version adds even more powers, such as a gear that helps Kirby navigate icy areas with ease. While not a completely new game, it’s a great option for anyone who didn’t play the original on Switch, offering fresh content, better graphics, and smoother performance.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

Mousing Around

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is essentially a re-release of a Switch game. The original game was a fun collection of mini-games played on a board game-style map, making it a great party game for fans of the Mario Party series. The Jamboree TV expansion is a good opportunity to try out the new camera and mouse features of the Switch 2.

Unlike the updated Kirby game, the original and enhanced versions of Super Mario Party Jamboree don’t offer a performance improvement – it’s a bit unusual for a remaster. However, the added content makes an already enjoyable game even better. While setting up cameras and using mouse controls across different game modes can be tricky, players of all ages can have a blast with their favorite Mario characters. From singing along with Bowser to building with blocks, this game showcases Nintendo’s playful creativity.

2025-10-25 05:05