Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 console drops tonight, and our favorite overall-wearin’ mustachioed plumber is spit-shining his kart as we speak.
For any United States-based fans who managed to successfully pre-order a console, congrats! You’ve made it past the tariff-complicated processes intact. If not, that’s OK, too. Fortunately, some retailers nationwide are confirming very limited quantities available for those waiting in late-night lines.
Immediately upon release, Nintendo Switch 2 owners can dive into more than two dozen games, many of which have received facelifts for improved new-console gameplay. As we approach June 5, however, the list may grow.
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Gen Xers and millennials are likely familiar with the Namco racer, originally released in 1993, but is there really a better way to celebrate our foray into a new generation than with a bit of nostalgia? Arcade Archives breathes new life into the classic game with added save slots, a rewind feature that lets players re-attempt wipeouts without starting over, a “quick start” option for no-frills racers, and VRR support.
Grab your copy of Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer here for $16.99.
BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster
Nintendo’s bringing back the franchise’s captivating first entry, all beautifully remastered in high-def. Join the warriors on their crystal quest, but this time around, players will enjoy modern enhancements, brand-new minigames, and more than 20 jobs.
Get BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster for the Nintendo Switch 2 here for $39.99.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
CD Projekt RED hasn’t shied away from hyping Cyberpunk 2077‘s Switch 2 arrival. In addition to the colossal RPG’s existing content — Phantom Liberty included — players can utilize Joy-Con 2 motion controls to take down cyberpsychos and other ne’er-do-wells.
Get your eddies ready, choom — Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is available for the Nintendo Switch 2 for $69.99.
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Deltarune
The Undertale-tangential tale is HERE! Explore an all-new world with your all-new hardware, create a playable avatar, convene with mysterious newcomers, and let the cult-classic pixel puzzler sweep you away like its predecessor.
Pick up Deltarune (finally!) for $24.99.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Slow-life RPG Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time has only been available for roughly two weeks, and it’s already a hit with RPG fans. If you enjoyed Animal Crossing‘s more low-key aspects like fishing, museum collection, and fostering neighborly bonds, you’re a prime candidate for a “fantasy life.”
Download Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time for $59.99.
Fast Fusion
For the discounted price of $14.99, players can hop into F-Zero-like racer Fast Fusion. Rev that engine, rip through opponents, and ready that anti-grav tech for some victory-ensuring airtime. Speed through gorgeous tracks like the lush Redwood Forest and stormy Tempesta.
Fortnite
Battle Royales to whole star-studded festivals, Fortnite‘s got it all. According to Epic Games, Fortnite for the Switch 2 employs 60 FPS, high-res (docked or not), greater render distance, GameChat support, and more.
Head to the Nintendo eShop to pre-load Fortnite ahead of the Switch 2 release.
HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition
HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 unites HITMAN, HITMAN 2, and HITMAN 3, including the main campaign, Contracts and Freelancer modes, as well as the HITMAN 2 Expansion Pack and HITMAN 3 Deluxe Pack.
Secure your HITMAN pre-order now for $59.99.
Hogwarts Legacy
Nintendo’s Hogwarts Legacy listing confirms it “has been enhanced for Nintendo Switch™ 2, including Joy-Con™ 2 mouse sensor support, improved graphics, audio, load times, and controls.”
Pre-order is available for Hogwarts Legacy now.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
This Capcom cult fave is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch. Embark on a dreamy expedition with strategic, dance-y combat that’s been primed for the new Nintendo Switch 2. Fans can also utilize the console’s new mouse controls for a new way to play.
Get Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess now for $39.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The enhanced Breath of the Wild Switch 2 version will undoubtedly take the Zelda hit to new heights (though its sequel already did that). Get the complete Switch 2 Edition here, though Nintendo’s website currently says an invite is required.
Already own this one? No worries — pick up the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for $10.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
How the OG Switch hardware ran the already-impressive Tears of the Kingdom at all is nothing short of a modern miracle. Still, this all-new edition is going to unlock the game’s full potential, and we can’t wait to dive back into Hyrule and tinker with the game’s crafting system.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing currently requires an invite, but it’s set to retail for $79.99. If you’ve already got the game, you can pre-order for just $10.
Mario Kart World
Let’s-a-go! As a hyper-competitive Mario Kart 8 Deluxe player — 1,000 hours logged and counting — I’m honestly hard-pressed to open my heart to Mario Kart World. 8D is, frankly, a perfect game, especially after the years-long Booster Course Pass endeavor. Still, I remain optimistic, though I hope the open-world aspect complements some old-fashioned racin’ rather than overshadows it. Crash Team Racing made it work, so here’s hoping.
Race to Nintendo’s website for a copy if you didn’t snag the console bundle.
Nintendo Classics: Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo Switch Online fans already know how slick the old-school console access is, and now GameCube titles are here to tug on heartstrings as we usher in a new season. Return to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Strikers, F-Zero GX, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Luigi’s Mansion, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Pokémon Colosseum, and Chibi-Robo upon launch.
If you, too, are having a “remember when” moment today, make sure you bookmark the console’s exciting arrival to Nintendo Classics. Like the other Nintendo Classics libraries, a Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
My feelings for a paid tutorial aside (you can’t see it, but I’m frowning), the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is coming to the console at launch.
If you’ve got an extra $10 burning a hole in your pocket, you can pre-order the Welcome Tour here.
NOBUNAGA’s AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition
This choose-your-own-adventure game from KOEI TECMO AMERICA is available for pre-order for $69.99. Gamers who pick up an early copy will get the bonus “‘Kou Shibusawa’s 40th Anniversary Commemorative Officer Data Set,’ along with six new scenarios,” according to Nintendo’s listing.
Nintendo says fans “cannot carry over save data to or from the Nintendo Switch,” so proceed with caution.
No Man’s Sky
The latest addition to this living list is No Man’s Sky, its Day-One presence confirmed Wednesday morning. The game’s website unpacks the new patch:
“Explore an infinite universe at home or on the go with the cutting-edge No Man’s Sky: Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition – available on launch day. Featuring full multiplayer, beautiful high resolution graphics, touch controls, increased planetary detail, higher framerates, high-res UI, gyro aiming, cross-play and cross-save support to continue your existing journey.”
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Enhanced Japanese puzzler Puyo Puyo joins forces with globally beloved Tetris to create a challenging and truly unique match-up. If you get stuck, call on classic Sega characters, Sonic included, to help. The full roster contains dozens of recognizable faces, all offering specific skill sets that complement your puzzle-solving abilities.
Pre-order your copy of the enhanced head-scratcher here.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
According to Marvelous, players coming back to Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will find higher-res visuals, enhanced frame rates, and Joy-Con 2 support for added precision.
This title won’t get a physical Switch 2 release, so be sure to snag your digital copy for $69.99. If you’ve already got a copy for the OG console, secure your Upgrade Pack for $10.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Despite virtually inescapable hype pre-drop, Sid Meier‘s Civilization VII came and went with a collective shrug. Kind of a “crowd goes mild” moment.
Let me be clear: the super-successful franchise is on its seventh entry for a reason. But after some problematic PC performance, we have our concerns ahead of the Switch 2 release. Here’s hoping the purportedly powerful console perks up gameplay a bit.
Pre-order your Civ VII Upgrade Pack for your new Switch 2 here.
Sonic x Shadow Generations
For the second time in franchise history, fans follow Shadow the Hedgehog through true-to-franchise obstacles and maps in Sonic X Shadow Generations. The new version’s offerings include revamped visuals and cinematics, the all-new White Space, and miscellaneous bonus content.
Gather your gold rings, because Sonic X Shadow is available for pre-order for $49.99.
Split Fiction
Take a friend on a multifaceted, multi-genre adventure with Split Fiction. The hit title from the It Takes Two masterminds already has a movie adaptation in the works, but the Switch 2 hardware is poised to enhance the game’s existing cinematic elements. Pair up and prepare your console by pre-ordering the beloved co-op title for $49.99.
Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
Fighting game fans can hop right into the fray on launch day by pre-ordering Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition for $59.99. Enjoy local one-on-one matches, party modes that utilize Nintendo’s all-new Joy-Cons, as well as additional cosmetics and stages.
Suikoden I&II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
The classic Konami JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II got some gorgeous HD remasters ahead of their June 5 arrival. Available for pre-order at $39.99, franchise fans will enjoy new sound effects throughout, auto-save features (phew!), and fast-forward capabilities.
Survival Kids
Old-school Game Boy gamers might remember Survival Kids, though the modernized version looks mighty different than its nearly 30-year-old source material.
The 3D adventure, up for pre-order via Nintendo for $49.99, “takes full advantage of the console’s unique communication and game-sharing features, enhancing the gameplay experience and boosting the multiplayer fun!”
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
Kiryu-saaaaaan!
Easily my most-anticipated Day-One drop, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut brings all-new content — including a console-exclusive multiplayer mode — to Nintendo loyalists for the second time in franchise history.
Return to woozy and intoxicating 1980s Japan with Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, available for pre-order at $49.99.
Oh, before I forget: call 1-888-YAKUZA0 (1-888-925-8920). Yes, with your actual phone. Trust me.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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