Wondering about all the upcoming Switch 2 games on the horizon? Well, you aren't alone. With the recent announcement of Nintendo's new console and a Nintendo Switch 2 direct heading our way this week, gaming fans now have extra costs to factor into their library expansion. You may be curious about what titles will be heading to the new system or want to know what will be on offer before handing over your stack of gold coins to Nintendo. That's where we come in.
We've listed all the upcoming Switch games that have already been announced and are likely to make a jump to the Switch 2 before they release. We're primarily sticking with Switch exclusives here. However, you'll also find details on rumored upcoming Switch 2 games that include some of the most anticipated new games of 2025, like Metal Gear Solid Delta. So, let's dive into the new era of Nintendo down below! Here are all the rumored upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games to keep an eye out for in 2025 and beyond.
All the potential Nintendo Switch 2 games at launch
Below is a list of all the potential Switch 2 games that will be available once the console launches. We've stuck mainly to already announced upcoming Switch games that will likely shift towards releasing on the Switch 2 and potentially only be compatible with the Switch 2 once they release.
This selection will expand as more new Switch 2 games are announced, so be sure to check back regularly for updates!
Mario Kart 9
Release date: TBC
Mario Kart 9 hasn't officially been announced. However, we did see it during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, so we're pretty positive that it will be one of the big games launching with the new system. While we don't know much about the game at the moment, during our brief look at it, we did see the new course "Yoshi's Gas Station" that also showed 24 placements instead of the normal 12 racers format in the series. It's exciting stuff, and we are betting on learning more on April 2, 2025, with the new Nintendo Direct stream.
Metroid Prime 4
Release date: TBC 2025
Metroid Prime 4 has been in the works since 2017. However, it's finally heading our way in 2025. And, with the new announcement of the Switch 2, it's pretty much a given that it will be on the new console. While we are still waiting for more teasers on Samus' next outing, we've loved all the best Metroid games in Nintendo's back pocket, so yeah, we can't wait for this long-awaited sequel to Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Release date: TBC 2025
You can't have a new Nintendo console without a new Pokemon game, can you? Pokemon Legends: Z-A is the next chapter of the iconic series and will be switching up combat as well as offering some new trainer features. We also know that it is coming out sometime this year and will almost certainly be an upcoming Switch 2 game. We recently saw a new trailer for the game thanks to a recent Pokemon Day presentation, and it looks stunning. So watch this space!
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Release date: May 21, 2025
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time has been in the works for what feels like ages, with multiple delays pushing its release date to 2025. However, our patience may have been worth it since, to be honest, it would make the perfect addition to the Switch 2. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is the sequel to one of the best 3DS games ever made, Fantasy Life (aka a cozy gem that combines sim-life and RPG elements). In the upcoming game, players will be tasked with rebuilding a ruined island that can only be restored by traveling back in time. A release date of May 21 has recently been confirmed. Now, considering that the Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 is scheduled for April 2, the timings align perfectly for a surprise announcement, don't you think?
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Release date: TBC
The last we heard of Professor Layton and the New World of Steam was in 2023 during a Nintendo Direct. We've seen a brief clip of the new game, so we know that it is coming, and it would make perfect sense to see it on the Switch 2. While not much is known about the title, we do know that we're set to experience a fresh story filled with puzzles in the new setting of Steam Bison, which is home to advanced steam engines. Stay tuned for more updates!
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
Release date: TBC 2026
We recently learned that a new Tomodachi Life game is coming to the Nintendo Switch after over a decade of fans waiting. While a Switch 2 launch hasn't been confirmed yet, considering that Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is only releasing in 2026 means that it's more than likely that the new console will be home to this iconic series' return. After all, Tomodachi Life was a Nintendo 3DS knock-out back in the day, and it would be a crime if it weren't available to play on the latest and greatest Nintendo console.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
Release date: TBC 2026
Another expected upcoming Switch 2 game joining our list is the recently announced Rhythm Heaven Groove. This is another iconic 3DS game that is finally getting a sequel after years, and we can't imagine seeing the new rhythm game not coming to the new console when it launches sometime in 2026. The Rhythm series has been going strong since 2006, and we've been waiting for more fun mini games since 2015. So, Nintendo surely won't deprive us next year by not making this a Switch 2 title, right?
Rumored Switch 2 games
Below are all the rumored Switch 2 games that have come from industry leakers, such as Nate the Hate. None of the below games have been fully confirmed to be heading to the new console by Nintendo just yet, though. We'll be sure to keep you posted as soon as confirmations start filtering in.
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage
- Assassin's Creed Shadows
- Aurascope
- Bestiario
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Littlelands
- Metal Gear Solid Delta
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- My Time at Evershine
- No Man’s Sky
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Starfield
- Tekken 8
- Visions of Mana
- Yooka-Replayee
Along with the above list, there are rumors that more alleged Ubisoft ports for the Switch 2 will include games from The Division series and Rainbow Six Siege. There are also talks of the Mario + Rabbids games heading to the console ( which are still some of the best Switch games to play today, to be fair). Again, nothing has been fully confirmed though, so keep this page bookmarked as more news heads our way.
Backwards compatibility confirmed
The good news is that it has been confirmed that the Switch 2 will have backwards compatibility. That means that all of your current Switch games (digital and physical copies) can be played on the new system as well!
This was fully confirmed during Nintendo's recent Switch 2 reveal clip (which you can watch for yourself above), that showed Mario Kart 9 running on the new console.
Will there be Switch 2 exclusive games?
Currently, there's no word on any new Switch 2 exclusive titles. However, during the March 2025 Nintendo Direct, we did learn about "Virtual Game Cards" (a feature that lets you share your digital games with another of your consoles).
While this new rollout didn't explicitly state that Switch 2 exclusives are on their way, a description of the new feature on Nintendo's webpage reads: "Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system."
So yes, Switch 2 exclusives are likely coming, and there will also be "Switch 2 editions" of Switch games in the future, which sounds like you won't be able to access those on the old console. No official statement on this has been released yet, though, so keep that in mind!
We'll keep you posted as more information heads our way.
For more, check out our guides on how to navigate Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders and everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 design.
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