What Are the 25 Launch Games for Nintendo Switch 2 and How Do They Stack Up?

Overview of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles

The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched, and within a short span, the console boasts a diverse library of over two dozen games. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, the reception has been somewhat mixed due to the late arrival of review units, which has left many titles under-covered. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current game offerings, highlighting key titles, their features, and performance on the new hardware.

Launch Titles Breakdown

Among the launch titles, there are four exclusives, two developed by Nintendo and two by third-party publishers. Many other games have made the transition from previous platforms, incorporating new features specifically designed for the Switch 2. Notably, most of these third-party ports have demonstrated impressive quality, rivaling even the PlayStation 5 versions in several aspects.

Nintendo Exclusives

Here’s a closer look at the exclusive titles available at launch:

1. Mario Kart World Switch 2

Price: £74.99 (Physical), £66.99 (Digital)

This title stands out as a major release, achieving a staggering 95% attach rate in several regions. While it showcases the potential of the console, players may find the open-world environment underutilized compared to its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The game’s promise of future DLC keeps anticipation high.

Score: 9/10

2. Welcome Tour Switch 2

Price: £7.99

This game serves as an interactive guide to the Switch 2's features. While it attempts to be informative, the dull presentation and simplistic mini-games lead to a lackluster experience.

Score: 3/10

Third-Party Titles

In addition to Nintendo’s offerings, several third-party games have made their way onto the Switch 2:

3. Survival Kids

Publisher: Konami
Price: £44.99

Originally a survival game, the reboot attempts to capture the charm of its predecessor but falls short with repetitive gameplay. The fun elements reminiscent of Overcooked! are not enough to elevate this title.

Score: 5/10

4. Fast Fusion

Publisher: Shin’en
Price: £13.49

This game pays homage to the classic F-Zero franchise, delivering impressive graphics and enjoyable gameplay despite not reaching the heights of its illustrious predecessor. It stands as a commendable effort for fans of racing games.

Score: 7/10

5. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Publisher: CD Projekt
Price: £59.99

This port of the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the standout third-party titles. It utilizes Switch 2 features effectively, providing a performance level that can compete with PS4 Pro, and in some instances, even the PS5.

Score: Not scored yet

6. Split Fiction

Publisher: EA
Price: £44.99

This cooperative game is noted for maintaining a solid performance, even when docked. With cross-play features and GameShare options, it’s a significant addition to the launch lineup.

Score: 9/10

7. Hogwarts Legacy

Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Price: £49.99

The Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy offers substantial improvements over the original version, including better visuals and loading times. The addition of mouse controls enhances gameplay, making it a worthy choice for fans.

Score: 8/10

8. Street Fighter 6

Publisher: Capcom
Price: £34.99 (Years 1-2 Fighters Edition: £49.99)

This fighting game impresses with a near-identical performance to its PS5 counterpart. While the Joy-Con controls may not be ideal for fighting games, the smooth multiplayer experience makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Score: 9/10

9. Hitman World Of Assassination

Publisher: IO Interactive
Price: £54.99

This compilation of Hitman games brings a wealth of content, but unfortunately, it struggles with performance issues on the Switch 2. While the core gameplay remains engaging, the uneven frame rates hinder the overall experience.

Score: 7/10

10. Sonic X Shadow Generations

Publisher: Sega
Price: £44.99

This title improves upon its predecessor with a consistent frame rate and enhanced visuals, making it a significant upgrade for Sonic fans. However, the lack of an upgrade path for previous owners is a downside.

Score: 8/10

Notable Mentions

Several other games have launched alongside the Switch 2, each with unique offerings:

• Yakuza 0 - Enhanced with new cut scenes and multiplayer mode. Score: 7/10
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess - A mixed experience with action and strategy elements. Score: 6/10
• Deltarune Chapter 3-4 - Continues the engaging storytelling seen in Undertale. Score: 8/10
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 - A solid crossover with additional modes and mouse controls. Score: 8/10
• Ridge Racer - Nostalgic arcade racing fun with new features. Score: 8/10
• Breath Of The Wild (Remaster) - Classic game receives a graphical upgrade. Score: 10/10
• Tears Of The Kingdom (Remaster) - Sequel remastered for better performance. Score: 10/10
• No Man’s Sky - Popular space exploration title that has gained traction. Score: Not scored yet
• Guardians Of Azuma - Spin-off entry with mixed reviews. Score: 80 on Metacritic
• Fantasy Life I - Unimpressive franchise continues with new installment. Score: Not scored yet

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup, while not exhaustive, offers a variety of experiences for gamers. Notable titles such as Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, and Breath Of The Wild remasters highlight the console's potential, but the mixed reviews on several third-party ports suggest that there is room for improvement. As more titles are released and developers optimize their games for the new hardware, the Switch 2 could evolve into a powerhouse for gaming enthusiasts.

As we look forward to future updates and additional titles, the question remains: how will Nintendo continue to support third-party developers and enhance the gaming experience on the Switch 2?

FAQs

What are the exclusive games available on the Nintendo Switch 2?

The current exclusive titles include Mario Kart World Switch 2 and Welcome Tour Switch 2, along with a few others from third-party publishers.

Is the performance of third-party ports on the Switch 2 comparable to PS5?

Many third-party ports have shown impressive quality, with some titles even rivaling the performance of the PlayStation 5, especially in terms of graphics and frame rate.

Are there upgrade options for previous Nintendo Switch titles to Switch 2 versions?

While some games offer an upgrade path, many do not, requiring players to purchase the new versions at full price, which has been a point of contention among consumers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the gaming landscape. What games are you most excited to play on this new console? #NintendoSwitch2 #Gaming #VideoGameReviews