The Nintendo Switch 2 is releasing soon, and people are excited to get their hands on the next generation of Nintendo console. The company is still announcing games that will make up its 2025 lineup, including in the March Nintendo Direct, which includes both games for the original console, and the Switch 2. If you’re interested in which first-party games will launch on Nintendo Switch in 2025, we have everything you need to know.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
A remake of the 2010 Wii game Donkey Kong Country Returns launched for the Nintendo Switch under the name Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 16. This is a reboot of the Donkey Kong Country series of side-scrolling platformers that originally launched on the SNES. You can read our full Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review here.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
A full remaster of the Wii U action RPG from 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched for Nintendo Switch on March 20. This updated version includes new characters and story beats, as long as smaller changes to gameplay. You can find our full Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition review here.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Announced during Pokémon Day 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the next game in the Legends subseries following Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It will feature a different battle system from both the mainline Pokémon games and Arceus, and will focus on catching Pokémon out in the wild. The game’s Royal Tournament was announced during the March Nintendo Direct. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is launching in late-2025, and is expected to be available on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
The long-awaited new entry in the Metroid Prime series, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled to launch in 2025. Metroid Prime 4 was first announced in 2017, but we didn’t see footage until 2024. The first-person action game will see the return of Samus Aran, and introduces psychic power to her arsenal. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is expected to launch late in the year, and be available for both Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World is a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. This latest mainline entry in the series will boast the most players at once with up to 24 players in the lobby. In addition, the game will feature an entire open-world map to explore. Players can pick select tracks to race on or even explore the various regions with friends.
Kirby Air Riders
This looks to be a full-on remake or at least remaster of the original Nintendo GameCube racing game. Players will be able to race as Kirby and friends throughout gorgeous landscapes. Perhaps most surprisingly, Masahiro Sakurai himself will be returning to the helm as the director of this upcoming Switch 2 title. It will release sometime for Switch 2 in 2025.
Donkey Kong Bananza
This open-world adventure from Nintendo appears to be a pseudo-successor to Donkey Kong 64. Players will be able to explore a vast world. There are mines, open areas, and plenty of enemies to fight in the Switch 2 game. Most of the adventure seems to take place from a 3D perspective. However, there are also the occasional, traditional 2D moments. It will release on July 17, 2025.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, and a Nintendo Direct with more information on the upcoming console appeared on April 2, 2025.
Published: Apr 2, 2025 11:15 am