Summary
After months of speculation, leaks and rumors,Nintendohas finally unveiled the successor to their latest video game console. In an effort to maintain the critical acclaim of the first version, Nintendo has gone the simple route and dubbed it theSwitch 2, with a rumored release date sometime in June 2025. But before that,Nintendo has scheduled a Directto focus on Switch 2 for April 2nd, 2025, and it’s here that the launch year of their next console will start to come into focus.
Just what those games are remains a mystery, but the first year of Switch 2 has a lot to live up to, as the first console launched with the landmark release ofBreath of the Wild, followed bySuper Mario Odysseyin October. Some of these are huge first-party games in Nintendo’s most popular franchises, while others are seemingly impossible third-party ports that could alter the perception of the console for the entirety of its lifecycle. Certain impossible dreams could come true, as the launch year of the Switch 2 is bound to be packed with some truly incredible experiences.
It’s hard to believe, but the console wars that dominated the 2000s and 2010s have come to a rather quiet end, as Microsoft has veered deeper into software and started publishing their games on rival platforms. But as strange as it is to seeSea of ThievesandPentimenton Sony and Nintendo systems, it’s possible thatMicrosoft’s star character, the legendary Master Chief, will debut in the launch year of Switch 2.
Halo: The Master Chief Collectionis heavily rumored to release on both PS5 and the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025, an enormous shift in the industry, as Microsoft’s transition from hardware to software has been a slow burn. It would be an absolutely incredible game for the first year of the Switch 2, signaling just how much the industry has changed in the 8 years since the first console. Although it’s not confirmed, it’s possible Microsoft could announce it as early as their Developer Direct on January 23rd.
Fox McCloud and the gang have been quiet since their last mainline entry,Star Fox Zerofor the Wii U, which launched during the final year of the console’s life in 2016. This nine-year gap between entries isn’t entirely unheard of for the series, but Star Fox is still long overdue for a new game and the Switch 2 would be a perfect place to putFox and his Arwing backinto action.
That said, a simple rail shooter that uses the Switch 2’s motion controls may not be enough. In an ideal world,Star Foxfor Switch 2 would combine all the best elements from the previous games, including both Arwing and on-foot sections. Taking influence fromStar Fox AdventuresandAssault, a combination of open-world exploration and thrilling rail shooter combat could be one of the most incredible holiday titles for Switch 2.
Metroid Prime 4was first announced for the original Nintendo Switch at E3 2017, but through multiple delays and a developer change from Bandai Namco to Retro Studios, it has had a long road to completion. Seven long years later, Nintendo would finally re-introduce the project asMetroid Prime 4: Beyond, set for a 2025 release date.
Although it’s set for 2025, a game with this many delays could still ultimately slip into 2026, and the real question is whetherMetroid Prime 4will get a next-gen version in the same way thatBreath of the Wildwas released both for Switch and the Wii U or simply be a Switch 2 game that plays on the new console. Regardless, Samus' latest adventure is sure to be one ofthe year’s most anticipated games, and the return of thePrimeseries after a long eighteen-year wait since 2007’sCorruptionis equally exciting.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildwas a key part of what made the first year of the Switch so fantastic, as it is still one of the best launch games of all time anda monumental entry for thefranchise, becoming the best-selling entry in the series with over 30-million units. A direct sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, followed in 2020 and since then, producer Eiji Aonuma has stated that the next mainline entry will be decidedly different.
While details of the nextZeldagame remain mysterious, it seems likely that the Switch 2 will release an updated version of Breath of the Wild that will take advantage of the new hardware to display the full power of their next-gen machine. And with rumors of 4K output and 60fps while docked thanks to DLSS,Breath of the Wildis a perfect candidate for showing off just how much of a leap Switch 2 is. It’s also possibleTears of the Kingdomwill get a next-gen update, though it may be saved for a later year.
As hard as it was to believe, Rockstar managed to get their open-world Wild West game running on the original Switch, as the firstRed Dead Redemptionlaunched for the console in August 2023. And while there was absolutely no hope for its sequel,Red Dead Redemption 2, to be released on Switch, its 2025 successor looks like it will be the perfect landing spot forArthur Morgan’s story of redemption.
While the Switch 1 was comparable to seventh-generation consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360, Switch 2 is poised to sit somewhere between PS4 and PS4 Pro, opening the console up to some truly exciting games. AndRed Dead Redemption 2, one of the most incredible games of its generation, is an absolute no-brainer for the first year of the Switch 2 and could easily be a launch game when the console releases later this year.
Among the numerous developers and publishers that flocked to the original Switch following its massive success, Ubisoft became one of the key contributors, even getting the chance to use Nintendo characters themselves when they developedMario+Rabbids: Kingdom Battleand its 2022 sequel,Sparks of Hope. This strong relationship with Nintendo looks to continue with Switch 2, and one of Ubisoft’s most important releases in 2025 seems poised to make the jump.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which takes thefranchise to Feudal Japan forthe first time, releases in March 2025, which is well before the Switch 2’s expected launch date, but it could easily wind up as a launch year title for the console. It is one of the most anticipated games of 2025, and it seems like a perfect way for Ubisoft to continue its excellent relationship with Nintendo, asAssassin’s Creed Shadowswould be a fantastic fit for Switch 2’s first year.
Despite a troubled development history and a rough launch period, CD Projekt Red never gave up onCyberpunk 2077and has since turned it into one of the most entertaining games on the market. Through multiple patches, updates, and fixes,Cyberpunkis an absolute joy to play today, and, considering just how much of a success story it’s become, it seems obvious that CD Projekt Red would want their game on more platforms.
A next-gen version ofCyberpunk 2077for Switch 2 would beabsolutely fantastic, as allowing more players to experience V’s trip through Night City and the brilliant performance of Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand is tremendously exciting. It would most certainly include the terrific expansion pack, 2024’sPhantom Liberty, and make the completeCyberpunk 2077experience available for Switch 2 owners.
The original version ofFinal Fantasy 7was produced in the wake of a falling out between Squaresoft and Nintendo, resulting in a strained relationship that was smoothed over in the early 2000s.Final Fantasy 7wouldn’t make its way to Nintendo hardware until it launched on the Switch in 2019, over twenty years later. All this makes the prospect of theFinal Fantasy 7 Remakelaunching on the Switch 2 even more fascinating, as it would easily be one of the best third-party games available on the console during its first year.
But according to insiders like NateTheHate, who accurately leaked the reveal date of the Switch 2, Square is making a huge push to get more of their games on as many platforms as possible. The disappointing sales numbers of some of their recent games have reportedly caused them to re-evaluate their exclusivity agreements with Sony, and part of that effort includes makingFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeavailable on Switch 2. It’s also possible that thesequel, 2024’sRebirth, willlaunch on Switch 2, but most certainly won’t be available until 2026.
One thing that is absolutely certain after the Switch 2 reveal is thatMario Kart 9is in development, as it took center stage in the final moments of the trailer, being the only game officially shown by Nintendo for their new console. What was shown looked outstanding, with clearly improved visuals and character design that look to draw more fromSuper Mario Wonder, as the characters look to be far more expressive and delightful than ever.
It also displayed what looks like an increased driver count, but its main gimmick remains to be seen, as the game is still without a known release date of any kind. It’s possible it will be either the launch day game or release for the holiday, but either way, having anew numberedMario Karttitletaking advantage of the power of Switch 2 is a thrilling prospect. WhileMario Kart 8 Deluxeis an absolutely outstanding game, it is ultimately still a remaster of a nearly ten-year-old game, so a new entry is long overdue.
It has been eight long years sinceSuper Mario Odyssey, as it launched in October 2017, seven months after the release of the Switch in March. In the meantime,a new 3DMariogamehas been in the rumor mill off and on, especially heating up in the weeks before Switch 2 was revealed. And considering how long it’s been since a Nintendo console launched with a game starring the little plumber from Brooklyn, the last time being the Wii U in 2012, it’s time for a brand-new 3DMariogame.
A popular rumor has persisted thatBowser’s Fury, the open-world expansion added to the Switch port ofSuper Mario 3D World, was a test bed for a new type of game in the franchise. A huge, open-ended 3DMariogame with no restrictions and a sense of freedom could be exactly what the series needs, and would do wonders in showing off what the Switch can do on day one. It’s likely that the Switch 2 will launch with some type ofMariogame, as the 40th anniversary is currently ongoing, making it the perfect time to capitalize.
