Our Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Game Predictions

Now that the Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially unveiled, let’s speculate about which games might be released alongside it when it hits stores later in the year.

We still have several months until the scheduled Nintendo Direct on April 2nd, which means there’s ample opportunity for speculation and conjecture regarding the appearance of new games in the Switch’s launch lineup.

Back in 2017, on March 3rd, I was thrilled to discover the lineup of launch titles for the Nintendo Switch in North America. Here’s a look at what I got to play from day one!

1-2-Switch
Just Dance 2017
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Skylanders: Imaginators
Super Bomberman R
I Am Setsuna
Snipperclips
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Fast RMX

With that out of the way, here are our Nintendo Switch 2 launch game predictions.

10. Mario Kart 9

The only confirmed Switch 2 game

Among the games unveiled during the Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, it seems nearly inevitable that “Super Mario Kart 9” will be released as a launch title.

As a gamer diving into the Nintendo Switch world post-launch, I found myself captivated by none other than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This game has been a constant bestseller for both Nintendo Switch and the gaming industry overall, ever since it first rolled onto our screens.

A quick peek at the latest edition of Mario Kart suggests the potential for races involving up to 24 players, an exciting prospect despite the anticipated mayhem. It seems we’ll uncover more details about the upcoming Mario Kart game in a few short months.

9. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Back in style

It’s worth noting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond isn’t the first Nintendo title to debut on its latest console simultaneously with its previous version.

Both Breath of the Wild and Twilight Princess launched on two consoles simultaneously.

Due to limited information about Metroid Prime 4 since it was teased in a Nintendo Direct presentation last year, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Samus Aran appears on not just one but two gaming platforms.

It could potentially be the last hurrah for the Nintendo Switch, yet it seems plausible that it would also be compatible with the Switch 2, leveraging its advanced hardware capabilities.

8. Legend of Zelda Remasters

Is it finally time?

One of the least hidden facts is that Nintendo has been holding onto remastered versions of games like _Wind Waker_ and _Twilight Princess_.

As a devoted Zelda fan, I couldn’t help but be taken aback when these beloved titles didn’t make an appearance for the 35th anniversary of the franchise. With the unexpected release of Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, I had hoped for a similar surprise with Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD.

There’s a chance that new Zelda games might be available prior to the release date of the Switch 2. Given the popularity and success of the Zelda series currently, it seems unlikely that they wouldn’t capitalize on a launch day Zelda release for two consoles in a row. In fact, over the past four systems, three have featured a Zelda game, starting with the Nintendo Wii.

7. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

A world of adventure awaits

Contrary to the announced 2025 release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is not currently categorized as an upcoming title within Nintendo Switch’s internal listings.

In my gaming adventure, I find myself delving into the second installment of the Pokémon Legends spin-off series, dubbed Z-A. This epic tale unfolds within the vibrant Lumoise City, nestled in the Kalos Region – a region first introduced to us in the games Pokémon X and Y.

Nintendo aims to ensure they have a major flagship series to aid in the sale of Switch 2 consoles. There’s no bigger name in their arsenal than Pokémon. Also, they can afford to delay the sequel to Super Mario Odyssey for optimal results.

6. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Time to huff the copium

It appears that I’m entertaining a hopeful notion, but bear with me. When the Nintendo Switch first debuted, it came packaged with Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, an extremely well-liked independent game from the mid-2010s. In the same vein, it seems plausible that when the Switch 2 arrives, it will include Silksong – a sequel to a highly popular indie game from the late 2010s.

Indeed, it appears as though I’m holding my breath with quite a bit of anticipation, but given that Team Cherry has acknowledged a fan’s query regarding ongoing development of the game, perhaps this suggests we might be close to its release at last.

5. Halo: Master Chief Collection

Master Chief for Smash next, please

If Microsoft intends to make their first-party games available on other gaming platforms, it would be a strong demonstration of their commitment if they invest in doing so.

The debut of the Master Chief Collection on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 underscores Microsoft’s commitment to their “this is an Xbox” approach, while also indicating Nintendo’s dedication to incorporating contemporary gaming experiences.

The Switch 2 is said to be on par with a PS4 Pro in terms of power, implying it can handle games like the Master Chief Collection effortlessly. The online gaming performance of the Switch has been boosted due to the popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and including Halo in its lineup could make the Switch 2 an enticing choice as the portable gaming market expands.

4. Elden Ring

I doubt you could even imagine it

In 2018, the game “Dark Souls Remastered” was released for the Nintendo Switch, making it not the initial occasion that a game from FromSoftware has been playable on a Nintendo system.

Integrating the Elden Ring with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC at the time of its release on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 marks a significant stride in enhancing their third-party collaboration.

3. Madden and EA Sports College Football

It’s in the game

Although Madden NFL 25 became available on Steam, EA Sports College Football 25 was not included, hence, there’s currently no portable method to enjoy it directly.

In the past, EA Sports has introduced their games on Nintendo consoles at launch, such as Madden NFL 07 which included motion control for the Nintendo Wii. However, their involvement with Nintendo systems has decreased over time, but the series continues to be available on Xbox One and PS4.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve made it clear before: if the Switch 2 packs the same punch as a PS4 Pro, it’s a walk in the park for it to handle games like Madden or College Football. Given the Nintendo Switch’s anticipated popularity, it’s no brainer that EA is eager to dive into that lucrative market.

2. Call of Duty

It’s been over a decade

Although “Call of Duty” didn’t appear on the Nintendo Switch at all, the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and its advanced hardware suggests that the popular first-person shooter series might make a comeback on Nintendo devices in the future.

Since the launch of Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U in 2013, there hasn’t been a new Call of Duty game released on a Nintendo console. Given that even the Wii U, despite its limitations and focus on motion controls, managed to host a Call of Duty game, it is entirely feasible that a next-gen Switch could accommodate Call of Duty as well.

This one seems like a no-brainer because Black Ops 6 is available for last-generation consoles.

1. Just Dance

Yep, they’re still making these

This approach seems incredibly logical. It might lack excitement or surprise, instead appearing rather ordinary and expected. However, our goal is to forecast potential launch games for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, after all.

Back on the Nintendo Switch, “Just Dance” served as a debut game. Given its existence at the time of the Nintendo Wii’s release, it likely would have graced the stage as a launch title for that platform too.

Given that it’s likely that Nintendo will incorporate gyro controls into the joy-cons of the Switch 2, it seems that Just Dance, with its motion control gameplay, would be an ideal choice to attract a broader, more casual audience who may be interested in the Switch 2.

2025-01-28 18:15