The new Nintendo console we’ve all been waiting for is almost here, so let’s check out the full lineup of games you can jump into on day one. Games are the heart of any console launch, and while a lot of us will probably be racing through Mario Kart World the moment we get our Switch 2, there’s a solid list of over 20 games ready to go right away.
Full Day 1 Switch 2 Game Lineup
I’ve been a bit tough on Nintendo about the Switch 2 launch games before. It feels a little light on big Nintendo exclusives, with only two major first-party titles in the first couple of months, and neither is a mainline Mario or Zelda. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Donkey Kong—especially the classic DK Country games—and it’s no surprise Nintendo’s leading with a heavy-hitter like Mario Kart. Still, I can’t help but wonder what I’ll be playing between Mario Kart sessions. The new Donkey Kong game might be fun, but I’m not sold yet. So, let’s dive into the full list of games you can play on launch day.
Good news: the Switch 2 plays all Switch 1 games, though some might have minor issues. Also, if you’re a Switch Online Expansion member, you’ll get access to GameCube classics like Zelda: Wind Waker, Mario Sunshine, and F-Zero GX starting June 5.
For this list, though, we’re sticking to the actual Switch 2 games—new Nintendo titles and a bunch of ports from other platforms that are fully optimized for the Switch 2 on day one.
Switch 2 Day 1 Games – June 5
- Mario Kart World
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Sonic x Shadow Generations
- Split Fiction
- Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Deltarune
- Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Fortnite
- Nobunaga’s Ambition Awakening Complete Edition
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- Fast Fusion
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Suikoden I&II HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch 2
- Survival Kids
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
That’s 23 games total (plus three GameCube titles on day one), with a mix of huge AAA games, a couple of key Nintendo titles, and some solid indie games.
There’s only one big new Nintendo game at launch, which isn’t unusual for a new console. Most of the third-party games are ports you can already play elsewhere, but 23 games is still plenty to keep you busy until the next big Nintendo release, Donkey Kong Bananza, drops on July 17.
Looking ahead, some other notable Switch 2 games coming this summer include Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World, and Drag X Drive. We’re still waiting on release dates for Pokemon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which are likely to hit around fall or the holiday season and will probably sell like crazy.
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