Nintendo Switch 2 Owners Rush to Snag These 8 Top Games After June Launch Boom

Just bought a Nintendo Switch 2? Its June 2025 debut turned heads with exclusives like "Mario Kart World" and clever upgrades for Switch classics, all leveraging the console's enhanced power. These Nintendo Switch 2 games highlight why gamers rushed to upgrade, blending fresh titles with polished ports on a system built for home or handheld play.

Nintendo Switch 2 Key Upgrades

The console keeps the hybrid magic but adds a bigger screen, redesigned Joy-Cons with optical sensors for mouse-like pointing, and magnetic attachments for seamless docking. Docked mode hits 4K resolution, while handheld sessions deliver smoother frames and richer details—ideal for demanding Nintendo Switch 2 games. Popular Mechanics described it as a "Pro" refresh that feels modern for 2026 without reinventing the wheel.

Top Nintendo Switch 2 Games List

1. "Donkey Kong Bananza"
   This Switch 2 exclusive channels Donkey Kong 64 into a vast 3D open-world playground. Players smash nearly everything to uncover hidden paths, with destruction physics that shine on the new hardware's capabilities. Editors rave about its nonstop exploration and pure fun factor.
2. "Mario Kart World"
   A groundbreaking open-world racer exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, where courses flow into one connected map. Day-night cycles, shifting weather, and diverse landscapes demand the console's graphical muscle and precise controls. It marks the series' most ambitious shift yet.
3. "Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"
   Building on Arceus, this open-world entry gets seamless battles, stunning 4K docked visuals, and deeper Lumiose City immersion. Original owners pick up a simple upgrade pack; its quality sparked instant bundle sellouts.
4. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"
   A $20 upgrade pack unlocks 12-player online islands, CameraPlay for face tracking, and GameChat integration. These social boosts transform relaxed island life into group adventures on sharper, smoother hardware.
5. "Hades II Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"
   Console-exclusive roguelike perfection for portable play, with 20-60 minute runs through the underworld. Each attempt brings new paths, character tweaks, and meaningful progress—no session feels wasted. The upgrades make it buttery smooth.
6. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"
   This timeless open-world masterpiece gains hardware-specific tweaks via affordable upgrade packs. Veterans rediscover Hyrule's secrets at peak fidelity, while newcomers dive into hours of physics-driven discovery.
7. "Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV"
   Crisp visuals enhance 20 new TV-themed minigames, voice controls, and CameraPlay for displaying faces. Whether local throwdowns or online links, the nearly 30-year formula delivers chaotic fun for groups.
8. "Mario Tennis Fever"
   Switch 2-exclusive courts feature 38 playable characters, 30 mix-and-match rackets, and realistic Tournament commentary. Quick, addictive rallies echo Pong's simple joy but add customization and depth for casual sessions.

Game Informer spotlighted how Nintendo Switch 2 games like these tease ray-tracing and Joy-Con innovations. Metacritic'shigh scores across the lineup prove their broad appeal and technical polish.

Must-Play Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Nintendo Switch 2 games offer something for every style, from destructive platforms to social sims— snag eShop bundles or upgrades to kick off your collection. With more releases slated through 2026, the library only gets stronger.