Although the official Direct for theNintendo Switch 2focused primarily on highlighting the console’s newest features, there were still plenty of exciting games unveiled. From porting over the best games from the original Switch to entirely new first and third-party titles, there is plenty to be excited about when Switch 2 eventually releases on June 5th. Although the Direct was jam-packed with plenty of content itself, it felt like there was a surprising lack of first-party titles to celebrate the new hardware.
Given how similar the Switch 2’s design is to the original console, it’s hard not to jump into comparing the two systems now that we’ve had a better look at what’s coming for the device.Thankfully, there won’t be a similarity in stocking issues thanks toNintendo’s scalper prevention planfor Switch 2, ensuring more fans can get a hold of one before resorting to resellers. While the console itself will be easier to get a hold of, the Switch 2 Direct begs the question of how the launch title lineup compares to the original.
What Games Are Launching With Switch 2?
A Less Traditional Release Focus For Nintendo
With Switch 2 becomingavailable for pre-orderin less than a week, it’s a good time to take a deeper look at what games the console offers on release before jumping into the next generation. While Nintendo has struggled with a variety of initial options for their consoles in the past,Switch 2 already has a considerable line-up of high-quality games ready for day one of its release:
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Hitman World of Assassination - Signature Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)
Split Fiction
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
The first and surprisingly, the weakest category of Switch 2’s offerings comes from its first-party titles, withMario Kart Worldbeing the only real option set for a day-one release aside from theWelcome Tourtutorial game. Given the anticipation leading up to Switch 2’s release,it felt like anincredibly disappointing choiceto not have a greater push for Nintendo titles to help the console overcome initial skepticism. Thankfully, there were still several incredibly exciting projects in the works targeting future release dates, with games likeKirby Air RidersandDonkey Kong Bananzaadding great value to the device.
Arguably the most exciting prospect of the features showcased for Switch 2 is how the new device lets you experience your original Switch games in an entirely new way.
Arguably the most exciting prospect of the features showcased for Switch 2 is how the new device lets you experience your original Switch games in an entirely new way. Taking advantage of the drastically improved hardware,Switch 2 will offer enhanced versions of games likeBreath of the Wilds,Mario Party Jamboree,Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and more, all for a small fee.
Many Switch titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will be receiving free compatibility updates for the Switch 2, although additional content like DLC and new features will be restricted to an additional purchase for certain games.
On top of boasting drastically improved performance even in notoriously challenging environments like theKorok forest ofBOTW,several upgraded games will boast expanded content and mechanics to take advantage of unique hardware features provided by Switch 2. The best example of this can be seen inMario Party Jamboree, with new video functionality, mini-games, and reworked modes to take full advantage of Switch 2’s potential, all without having to buy a brand-new game.
Some Animal Crossing Fans Feel Abandoned After Switch 2 Direct, While Others Aren’t Surprised
Nintendo hasn’t revealed any future plans for the popular Animal Crossing franchise despite emphasizing many first-party games during Switch 2 Direct.
The last major category of Switch 2 titles comes in the form of its third-party games, which is where the capabilities of Switch 2’s hardware are put to its full test. Porting over complete versions of games likeCyberpunk 2077,Hitman: World of Assassination, and evenElden Ring, there will be plenty of chances to see just exactly what the new device is capable of handling. Aside from porting over AAA titles, there were plenty of smaller games that stole the show as well, withDeltarune Chapters 1-4being a fantastic announcement to celebrate the release of the new console.
How Switch 2’s Games Compared To Switch 1’s
The Console That Started The Mobile Gaming Movement
While Switch 1 might not have had as many games to back its initial release,the original console provided a more condensed selection of first-party titles to take advantage of its innovative new design.The most notable entries taking advantage of this new hardware came from the1-2-Switch party game,Snipperclips,Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, and most importantly,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite how fantasticMario Kart Worldseems at first, it’s tough to beat just how groundbreakingBreath of the Wildwas for Nintendo, with Switch 1 offering the following games as well:
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment
Fast RMX
Although it’s easy to criticize the recent Switch 2 Direct over its lack of major launch titles similar toMario Odysseyor any of its predecessor’s iconic offerings,many of the Switch’s fan-favorite titles came out well after the initial release of the device. Although the launch window titles likeSplatoon 2andMario Kart 8 Deluxecertainly helped boost the popularity of the original Switch shortly after release, its initial offerings struggled to compare to Switch 2.
Why Switch 2 Has The Better Launch When It Comes To Games
A Library Of Legacy Titles Offers A Significant Edge For Switch 2
Despite disappointments over thelack of first-party titles,the Switch 2 has a significant advantage when it comes to the number of high-qualitygames available to play right out of the box, thanks to its reliance on third-party titles. Playing AAA games on the original Switch was far from the primary selling point, with the console holding the key to Nintendo’s great catalog of games. Comparatively, this new direction is the perfect way to showcase Switch 2’s drastically improved hardware without altering the classic style of Nintendo games, offering better performance over upgraded fidelity.
The perfect way to showcase Switch 2’s drastically improved hardware without altering the classic style of Nintendo games.
On top of these changes, the addition of virtual GameCube compatibility is another great feature of Switch 2, letting you experience even more of Nintendo’s best titles on a single, portable device. Unfortunately, the GameCube content is exclusively limited to Switch 2 owners, butthe addition of beloved titles likeWindwakerfinally making it to modern consoles again is a great sign for Switch 2’s future.
Almost Every Nintendo Switch 1 Game Works For Nintendo Switch 2, But Some Have Issues
While almost every Nintendo Switch 1 game will be compatible with the Switch 2, some of them will have some major issues, at least for now.
While it will take some time until Switch 2 can reach the same heights as the original Switch, it already has plenty of gaming options to entice newcomers right off the bat. With even more exclusive content from reworked versions of existing games, virtual console functionality, and the surprising announcement of the FromSoftware’s Nintendo exclusiveDuskbloods,Switch 2just might be able to achieve the potential the original console had in spades.
