Here we go again. A new console generation, a fresh wave of hype, and a wallet that’s already starting to feel uncomfortably light. Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2-codenamed "Ounce" internally, a factoid for the true nerds-landed on June 5, 2025, with the force of a blue shell hitting first place. After months of speculation, it’s finally in our hands, and more importantly, it has games. But are they any good? We’ve spent the last month and a half mainlining everything the Switch 2 has to offer, from blockbuster first-party titles to ambitious third-party ports that, frankly, we were skeptical could even run. This isn't just a list of games; it's a field report from the front lines of a new console launch. We're here to cut through the marketing noise and tell you which titles actually deserve your time and money. After extensive playtesting, poring over performance metrics, and a healthy dose of editorial debate, here are the top 10 games that have defined the Nintendo Switch 2’s impressive debut.
The Top 10 Switch 2 Games (So Far)
10. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Let’s start with a title that represents a massive statement of intent from Nintendo. Getting Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Switch 2 as a launch title was a power move. After its famously catastrophic launch on last-gen consoles, the game has undergone a full redemption arc, and this version, complete with the Phantom Liberty expansion, is shockingly good. Running smoothly and looking sharp on the new hardware, it proves the Switch 2 isn’t just for cartoon plumbers. It’s a validation for third-party developers and a clear signal to gamers that Nintendo is serious about competing for their time, no matter the genre.
9. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Some things never go out of style, and a masterfully crafted JRPG is one of them. Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster brings a 3DS classic to the big (and better small) screen. Its iconic "Brave and Default" combat system, which allows you to bank turns for powerful combos, feels just as innovative today. While not a complete reimagining, the crisp HD visuals and quality-of-life updates make this the definitive version of a beloved title. It’s a comfortable, deep, and rewarding experience for anyone looking to sink dozens of hours into a fantastic world.
8. Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
If you’ve somehow missed the Yakuza train until now, consider this your ticket to ride. Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is the perfect entry point into a series that masterfully blends high-stakes crime drama with utterly absurd side quests. One minute you’re locked in a brutal street fight, the next you’re managing a cabaret club or helping a kid win a toy from a claw machine. This Director's Cut polishes an already phenomenal game, and its presence on the Switch 2 from day one diversifies the launch library with a mature, narrative-driven adventure that is second to none.
7. Deltarune: Chapters 1-4
In a world of multi-million dollar blockbusters, the pixelated charm of Deltarune stands tall. From the creator of Undertale, this quirky, heartfelt, and endlessly surprising RPG proves that mechanical depth and emotional resonance don’t require photorealistic graphics. The fact that it dominated the digital sales charts in Japan, even outselling some first-party giants in terms of units, speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the power of indie development and the hunger for unique, creator-driven experiences on Nintendo’s platform.
6. Mario Kart World
Was there ever any doubt? Mario Kart World is Nintendo’s money-printing machine attached to a rocket, and it functioned as the de facto pack-in for the Switch 2. An astonishing 82% of US Switch 2 owners bought this game in June. It’s the game you buy with the console, the one you play with your family, and the one that will inevitably be responsible for countless broken friendships. With new tracks and refined mechanics, it doesn't reinvent the wheel, but when the formula is this perfect, you just give it a new coat of paint and watch it fly off the shelves. It’s the system seller Nintendo needed it to be.
5. Street Fighter 6
A console isn't truly tested until it has a world-class fighting game, and Street Fighter 6 steps into the ring with confidence. This isn't some watered-down port; it's the full, glorious experience. With its deep combat, excellent netcode, and a wealth of content for both hardcore veterans and absolute beginners, it's a critical addition to the Switch 2 library. The game’s performance is rock-solid, which is non-negotiable for a fighter where every frame counts. This is a must-have for anyone with a competitive streak.
4. Split Fiction
From the studio that brought us the co-op masterpiece It Takes Two, Split Fiction is another inventive, mind-bending adventure built exclusively for two players. The premise-two writers trapped in their clashing sci-fi and fantasy stories-is brilliant, leading to constant, delightful shifts in gameplay and aesthetics. One moment you're wielding a laser sword, the next you're casting spells. Its success proves there’s a strong appetite for narrative-driven co-op games, and it runs beautifully on the Switch 2, making for a perfect couch co-op experience.
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
It’s been a long time since Donkey Kong got a proper 3D adventure, and honestly, we didn’t expect Donkey Kong Bananza to go this hard. Developed by the same core team behind Super Mario Odyssey, this game is a masterclass in modern platforming. The new smash and burrow mechanics feel incredibly satisfying, and the level design is packed with secrets. More than anything, its vibrant, expressive animation and destructible environments serve as a stunning showcase for the Switch 2’s horsepower. This isn’t just a revival; it’s a full-blown revitalization of a classic Nintendo hero.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - NS2 Edition
How do you improve upon a game that redefined a genre? It turns out, you do it with brute force. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - NS2 Edition is the game we all knew the original wanted to be, freed from the shackles of older hardware. The resolution is sharper, the textures are cleaner, and the load times are blissfully short. For anyone who held off or for diehards looking for a reason to return to Hyrule, this enhanced edition is essential. It proves that a great game can be made even greater with the right technology.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - NS2 Edition
If Breath of the Wild was the proof of concept, Tears of the Kingdom was the masterpiece. But even masterpieces can have flaws. The original Switch struggled at times to keep up with the sheer ambition of Link’s latest adventure, with frame rates dipping during intense Ultrahand builds or chaotic fights. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition fixes that. Completely. The game now runs at a smooth, stable frame rate that fundamentally transforms the experience. What was once a brilliant-but-compromised game is now simply a brilliant one. With unparalleled creative freedom and a world begging to be explored, this is the definitive version of one of the greatest games ever made, and it’s the single best reason to own a Nintendo Switch 2 right now.
The Road Ahead
The Switch 2 is off to a blistering start, but the marathon is just beginning. With titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 2025) and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the horizon, the future looks bright. Nintendo is also showing its back catalog some love, with free performance patches coming for games like Super Mario Odyssey and the promise of GameCube titles for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. For now, the launch library is strong, diverse, and a clear statement that Nintendo is playing to win. They’ve successfully blended must-have first-party exclusives with the kind of third-party support that eluded past consoles, creating a powerful foundation for the years to come.
