Nintendo Switch 2: The 5 Games We Can’t Wait to Play
By Kevin Mitchell
April 6, 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled, and after the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, it's safe to say the hype is real. With an exciting lineup of games already announced, we've picked out the top five titles that have us counting the days until we can dive in.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World is set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025 and it's shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the series in generations. Forget the classic circuit structure; this time, Mario and the gang are racing across an interconnected open world.
Imagine this: iconic Mario Kart courses stitched together into one massive world map, where races seamlessly transition from one biome to the next. Whether you’re tearing through Mario Bros. Circuit or navigating Crown City, the freedom to explore between races gives this game some serious staying power, the freedom to explore between races gives this game some serious staying power. Mario Kart x Forza Horizon? Yes, please. Plus, with support for up to 24 racers and new vehicle types (boats & planes! oh my!), it’s basically Mario Kart meets the ultimate road trip.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Next up is Donkey Kong Bananza, swinging onto the Switch 2 in July 2025, Donkey Kong hasn’t had a true 3D platformer since Donkey Kong 64, but this one looks like it’s worth the wait. The game’s setting is a groundbreaking action-adventure where DK smashes through terrain, and faces dynamic environmental challenges.
The mechanics look like a smooth blend of platforming, combat, and DK’s signature ground pounds, it's basically Donkey Kong meets Red Faction! It’s a mix of classic Kong charm with a modern twist, and we can’t wait to barrel blast our way through levels (literally).
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Switch 2 Edition
The original Metroid Prime on Nintendo GameCube remains one of, if not, my favorite games of all time, and I can't believe that after years of silence Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has resurfaced, looking better than ever on the Switch 2. The latest Nintendo Switch 2 footage promises to make the wait worthwhile with enhanced visuals, faster load times, and a more immersive first-person experience.
Samus Aran’s latest adventure takes her to the hostile planet Viewros (weird name), where dark forces are gathering, and it’s up to the player to unravel the planet’s secrets. Expect classic Metroid Prime style exploration, fluid combat, and some of the most atmospheric settings in the series to date.
The Duskbloods
FromSoftware dropped a curveball with The Duskbloods, a dark fantasy multiplayer title exclusive to the Switch Coming in 2026, promising an intense PvPvE gameplay that mixes cooperative exploration with brutal PvP battles. The dark, gothic aesthetic and eerie landscapes give it serious Bloodborne vibes, but with the added tension of constantly watching your back for other players looking to end your run.
The community is already buzzing about the potential for tense multiplayer sessions and lore-rich storytelling, so I would consider this one the wild card on the list.
Kirby Air Riders
Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby Air Riders is a spiritual successor to the GameCube cult classic Kirby's Air Ride, but we were only treated to a cinematic trailer shown during the Direct, leaving us eager for more details. While details are scarce, it’s safe to expect online multiplayer, plenty of new power-ups, and a quirky cast of characters – just what we’d hope from a new Kirby racing game.
Simply put, the Switch 2 is off to a strong start with these five upcoming titles, and we can’t wait to see what else Nintendo has in store. Stay tuned to SelectButton for more updates and impressions as we get closer to launch.
