Before you know it, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be here. That June 5th release date is rapidly approaching.
It’s been a frenzy trying to get pre-orders in; we were fortunate enough to secure some, so expect plenty of coverage from us coming up here at Outrun Gaming.
As for the games we’re most looking forward to, there’s plenty on our radar. Here are some of our favorites that we’ll get to play this year, listed in no particular order. We’ll be discussing both new game releases, ports, and Switch games getting upgraded.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Following a disappointing outing with Super Mario Party, the beloved Mario Party series has found its stride with Mario Party Superstars and Super Mario Party Jamboree.
With the upcoming release of the Switch 2, Jamboree is adding new content to the Switch 2 version. It’s no surprise that the console’s new features, most notably the camera and Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, are front and center. Here’s to hoping the new mini-games are worth the price of admission.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
Activision.
It won’t be ready in time for the Switch 2’s launch this June, but the highly anticipated release of Tony Hawks’ Pro Skater 3+4 is a big deal.
2020’s Tony Hawks’ Pro Skater 1 + 2 was a massive success and a return to form for the beloved skateboard franchise. Being able to play the latest HD remaster on the go with Switch 2 will do nothing but fuel our addiction.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
We only saw Silksong for about five seconds during the most recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, but what a glorious five seconds they were.
We also got confirmation only of the 2025 release date, so that’s good enough for us to sit and wait patiently to finally play the follow-up to one of the best Metroidvanias ever made.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land
The Kirby franchise made a huge return on Nintendo Switch with Kirby and the Forgotten Land, an incredible platforming experience that made its mark as one of the best Kirby games ever made.
Its Nintendo Switch 2 version will include a new story campaign called Star-Crossed World, providing more content beyond a graphics update. We’ll have to wait until August to experience it, but if it’s anything like the base game, it will be well worth the wait.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Bravely Default is one of several Nintendo games locked away on the Nintendo 3DS, waiting to be remastered or added to Nintendo Switch Online.
Thankfully, in the case of Bravely Default, this is what’s happening. An HD remaster is set to release as a Nintendo Switch 2 launch title this June, allowing a new audience to experience this hidden gem of an RPG.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Yes, the game will be available for Nintendo Switch, but let’s be honest here. There are a lot of similarities between the release of Metroid Prime 4 and a certain Nintendo Switch 1 launch title called Breath of the Wild.
The breakout Zelda game was technically available for the Wii U, but the best way to play it was on Nintendo Switch. While I doubt there will be such a discrepancy between the Switch and Switch 2 versions of Metroid Prime 4, I know my preferred way to play it will be on Switch 2.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
Speaking of the Zelda series, both games are getting updates for the Nintendo Switch 2. Thankfully, both are free of charge for those signed up for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
The fact that these games can run on the original Switch hardware is nothing short of a minor miracle. Seeing the games reach their full potential on the upgraded Switch 2 console should only cement these games as all-time classics.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
SEGA.
The Yakuza franchise has experienced a massive surge in popularity in recent years, thanks to the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth, and this year’s Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.
One platform that has missed out on these beloved JRPGs, though, is the Nintendo Switch. That all changes with the upcoming Director’s Cut for Yakuza 0, available as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Donkey Kong Bananza
While it’s a little disappointing not to have a new Mario platformer release with the Nintendo Switch 2, a brand-new 3D Donkey Kong game is a very nice consolation prize.
Donkey Kong Bananza is the franchise’s first 3D platformer since Donkey Kong 64. Given how recent Mario 3D platformers have fared (Super Mario Odyssey is an all-timer), as well as the current state of the Donkey Kong series blowing most other 2D platformers out of the water, we have extremely high hopes for this one.
Mario Kart World
It’s an all-new Mario Kart game that will undoubtedly consume thousands of hours of our lives. Of course it’s one of our most anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 releases!
Mario Kart World packs an impressive roster of playable characters, an open-world twist to the traditional Mario Kart formula, and a seemingly endless amount of collectibles waiting to be discovered. After spending countless hours with both versions of Mario Kart 8, I cannot wait to play the first new Mario Kart game in over a decade.
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