Nintendo reveals a launch year lineup with Donkey Kong, Mario Kart World, and loads of third-party games

Today’s Nintendo Direct featured an in-depth look at the Switch 2, but also a surprising amount of games, including a few surprises.

Game on

If you thought that the first year of the Nintendo Switch 2 would be a slim one in terms of games, oh boy were you wrong. The seemingly powerful little console will be getting both first-party Nintendo fare, as well as a whole lot of stuff from third-party publishers.

A good deal of that was revealed today was anchored by Nintendo’s own Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (coming to Switch and Switch 2), Kirby Air Riders, and Mario Kart World. Not that that was all, since there will be a healthy collection of Nintendo’s Switch games getting ports too, with bumps to graphics and some new, exclusive features.

Here’s a look at what’s on tap from Nintendo:

Mario Kart World

Put the pedal to the metal in Mario Kart World, a brand-new experience set in a vast interconnected environment. Race seamlessly across connected courses that deliver Mario Kart racing like never before. Twenty-four drivers can compete in a race. Participate in the new Knockout Tour mode, where you’ll barrel through back-to-back courses and checkpoints, with no pit stops along the way. If a player doesn’t make it to each checkpoint at a high-enough placement, they will be eliminated. And in Free Roam, it’s possible to go off the racetrack and drive in any direction you wish, explore areas that pique your interest and take some photos at scenic spots with a group of friends. Mario Kart World races onto Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. More details will be revealed in a Mario Kart World Direct presentation on April 17 at 06:00 PST / 09:00 EST.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Get ready for Donkey Kong Bananza, a brand-new 3D platforming action adventure – available exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Crash, bash, and climb through nearly everything in DK’s path and tear off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw in groundbreaking exploration. The more that is demolished with powerful punches, the more areas open up to discover. Break on through this adventure full of mayhem, surprises and bananas when Donkey Kong Bananza crashes onto Nintendo Switch 2 July 17.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV

Star in Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, featuring unique new modes and minigames that showcase mouse controls, the system’s built-in mic, and Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately). Invite friends**** to join Bowser Live, a game show-themed experience with 2v2 team battles and physical challenges! But beware: Losing teams may have to answer to Bowser himself! Get ready to see what’s new in this party when it launches July 24.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

See the Kingdom of Hyrule in a whole new way with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, available with performance upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2. Smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better graphics will make for a fresh experience when revisiting these adventures, and now players will also have a little extra help. Also on the way is an update to the Nintendo Switch App***** (previously known as the Nintendo Switch Online App), called ZELDA NOTES. This game-specific service is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of the games and helps players navigate to various locations, like that difficult-to-find shrine or hidden Korok, and will even feature commentary from Princess Zelda herself that was not part of the original games. Both upgraded titles will be available from Nintendo Switch 2 launch day, June 5.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Kirby’s 3D platforming adventure gets an extra Nintendo Switch 2 boost in Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World. A mysterious meteor crashes in the world of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, revealing a new story for Kirby. He must use his abilities, including new Mouthful Modes, to clear a trail through uncharted territory. The upgrade pack will include this new content which can be played in single-player and local co-op, as well as improved performance for the entire game. Jump into Kirby’s star-crossed world when it launches August 28.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter Samus Aran returns in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. This title will release on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter allowing for both standard controls and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls as players wield Samus’s arm cannon with more precision, plus enhanced visuals and performance. Choose between Quality Mode and Performance Mode, both of which support HDR, based on your preference and playstyle. Explore the immersive world in 4K at 60 fps or enjoy smoother action in full HD at 120 fps on compatible displays when the game launches in 2025.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, you can enjoy your adventure in Lumiose City on Nintendo Switch 2 with enhanced resolution and frame rates, coming late 2025.

Kirby Air Riders

Kirby Air Riders, a brand-new title originated from the Nintendo GameCube classic racing-action game Kirby Air Ride, and Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, was announced for release this year. The trailer revealed a dramatic introduction of Kirby on his Warp Star machine and other Kirby air riders on a variety of unique machines, as they joined together on a racetrack. Kirby Air Riders will glide onto Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

Drag x Drive

Use the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and enjoy a new experience by strapping into Drag x Drive. A new online 3v3 game experience, Drag x Drive(pronounced “Drag and Drive”) challenges players to use the mouse controls with both Joy-Con 2 at the same time to intuitively steer, speed up, perform tricks and make plays such as dunks. Get ready to gear up when Drag x Drive launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this summer.

Nintendo press release

A third party focus

The first-party games shown today were much more than we had originally thought. Okay, actually we had assumed that Mario Kart World would be the only game shown, since the next two days will bring game-heavy Treehouse shows, but wow were we wrong. Spectacularly wrong.

As many as there are coming from Nintendo though, they’re far from all, since there’s an absolute gaggle of third-party games coming up too. Some of those shown today were shocking to see as well, including Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Split Fiction, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hogwarts Legacy, Borderlands 4, and more.

Some additional mentions even included WWE 2K, NBA 2K, and Madden, so the Switch 2 era will also be bringing some long Nintendo-dormant franchises back to the label. Oh, and then there was that 007 tease. Yep, Bond is back.

Scroll down to check out the sizzle reels, and get the full details on what was shown off.

• The Duskbloods: The moontears will flow for one and one alone in The Duskbloods, a brand-new multiplayer** title from the creators of DARK SOULS and ELDEN RING, FromSoftware. Available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods launches next year. Read more in our upcoming developer diary series, Creator’s Voice, with the game’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki, coming on April 4th.
• Hades II: Battle beyond the Underworld to vanquish the Titan of Time as the Princess of the Dead in this bewitching sequel to the original rogue-like dungeon crawler. Hades II lets players explore a bigger, deeper mythic world with the full might of Olympus at their call in a story that reacts to their every setback and accomplishment. The game is coming first on console to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, taking advantage of the new system’s higher-definition display with responsive action at a target of 60 frames per second. Look out for more information about Hades II later this year.
• EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC: EA SPORTS is bringing fans together from across the world** – both on the pitch and on the gridiron. EA SPORTS Madden NFL and EA SPORTS FC will be coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
• NBA 2K and WWE 2K: Dominate on the court and in the ring — NBA 2K and WWE 2K are coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the newest title in the Hyrule Warriors series and is developed by Koei-Tecmo Games with support from Nintendo. The game features epic battles against hordes of enemies as it tells the untold story from Hyrule’s distant past of the Imprisoning War that ultimately led to the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Fans of the Legend of Zelda series and players of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can experience the thrill of battle and this canonical tale featuring Princess Zelda, King Rauru, and other familiar characters. Fight for Hyrule’s future when Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment comes to Nintendo Switch 2 this winter.
• SPLIT FICTION: Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this co-op action adventure**, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. SPLIT FICTION keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and unexpected moments as players have to coordinate and work together to overcome challenges. Players can also invite a friend to play with for free via cross-play on Nintendo Switch 2 with Friend’s Pass******. Jump into the action when SPLIT FICTION releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: For the first time, Nintendo players can step into the shoes of V — a mercenary determined to become a legendary cyberpunk in Night City. With the powerful processing speed and graphical performance of Nintendo Switch 2, every neon-lit street and firefight feels more immersive than ever. With this edition, players can enjoy the full Cyberpunk 2077 experience, featuring the base game and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty spy-thriller expansion. Climb the ranks when Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
• FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE: Experience a modern reimagining of one of the most iconic games of all time on Nintendo Switch 2. Set in Midgar, players will immerse themselves in a standalone gaming experience designed for RPG players that crave unforgettable characters, a powerful story, and a strategic battle system that merges real-time action with command-based combat. Including FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, an additional story arc happening during the events of the game, players can fight for the future of the planet when FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE comes to Nintendo Switch 2.
• Street Fighter 6: Experience the next evolution of Street Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new gameplay features, and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches****. Enjoy new party modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighter Edition, or the digital version of Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Sid Meier’s Civilization^® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: Steer the course of history in Sid Meier’s Civilization^® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Featuring new mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience, players’ decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world. Whether you choose to follow history or forge your own path, create a legacy that echoes through the Ages when Sid Meier’s Civilization^® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Hogwarts Legacy: Experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry like never before in Hogwarts Legacy, which has been updated with Joy-Con 2 mouse support, improved graphics and audio, seamless map load times, and controls for Nintendo Switch 2. Players can become the center of their own adventure with this open-world, action role-playing game as they discover magical beasts, customize their character, master spell casting, and become the witch or wizard they want to be. Rediscover the magic when Hogwarts Legacy arrives on the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
• BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster: Follow four Warriors of Light on a journey to restore the elemental crystals in the HD remaster of the Nintendo 3DS RPG masterpiece, BRAVELY DEFAULT. Experience an RPG that brings new depth to classic, turn-based battles with the introduction of the “Brave & Default” system – featuring an array of options to customize your characters with over 20 unique jobs. The game also includes quality of life updates and two new minigames that leverage the dual mouse controls of Nintendo Switch 2. BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Borderlands 4: Experience outrageous enemies and killer loot on the dangerous new planet of Kairos in Borderlands 4. Become an unstoppable force blasting through enemies with an arsenal of weaponry. Deftly defy death from every direction as players flex their skill expression with glide, dodge, fixed-point grapple, and more. Hop into the action when Borderlands 4 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.

More adventure awaits in new and updated titles including…

• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Two legendary Activision games return with new skaters, gnarlier tricks, a sicker soundtrack, and, for the first time in over a decade – new parks! Drop into cross-platform online multiplayer** and relive the classic fun. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 this summer.
• ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition: With over 28 million copies sold worldwide, ELDEN RING is an award-winning action RPG set in an authentic dark fantasy world. Explore treacherous dungeons and face epic boss battles. Including the base game, the SHADOW OF THE ERDTREE expansion, and new weapons, armor, a new Torrent appearance customization, and more, ELDEN RING Tarnished Editionarrives on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Discover the decadence and danger of 1988 Japan in Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. The definitive edition of the acclaimed origin story is coming first to Nintendo Switch 2. Players will have to fight through Tokyo and Osaka’s entertainment districts as Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in an epic crime drama. With the Director’s Cut, players will find deeper insights into character backstories and incidents with never-before-seen cutscenes, plus, the new Red Light Raid online multiplayer mode**. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Fortnite: Whether you want to be the last player standing in Battle Royale, Zero Build, Reload, and Fortnite OG, or you want to explore LEGO Fortnite experiences, blast to the finish with Rocket Racing or headline a concert with Fortnite Festival – the choice is yours. Find it all in Fortnite on Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
• Enter the Gungeon 2: Experience the reloaded sequel to the iconic bullet dungeon crawler with Enter the Gungeon 2. Featuring a new 3D art style, weapons, and new gameplay tricks, players can load in on Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
• HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition: Enter the world of the ultimate assassin in HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition. Explore intricate environments as you use disguises and stealth to execute missions. Experience the best of HITMAN, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3 including the main campaign, contracts mode, escalations, and more. HITMAN World of Assassination – Signature Edition releases the same day as Nintendo Switch 2.
• Project 007: Step into the shoes of James Bond and earn your 00 status. Featuring a wholly original Bond story, Project 007 will come to Nintendo Switch 2.

And that’s not all, as Nintendo Switch 2 welcomes STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and more!

For more information on Nintendo Switch 2, please visit the Nintendo website at Nintendo.com. Also, look for continuing Nintendo Switch 2 content in the free Nintendo Today! smart device app***** for iOS and Android. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-today-mobile/

* Limited time production through Fall 2025 (available while supplies last)

Nintendo press release

**** Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Games, systems and some accessories sold separately.

***** Nintendo Account, persistent internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply.

****** Friend’s Pass requires installation of the Friend’s Pass and applicable platform account.