All of the major game announcements from Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct
Nintendo's Switch 2 Direct was one of the most stacked showcases from a console manufacturer to date, featuring new Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Kirby games, as well as a variety of third-party titles. Here is a complete list of what was shown at the event.
Mario Kart World is the latest installment in Nintendo's long-running racing series, and the first to feature an open world structure. While traditional courses across the Mushroom Kingdom will be available, players will be able to explore a world featuring various biomes, weather conditions, and themed areas alone or in multiplayer, as well as compete in elimination races that can span the entire length of the map. The game will be a launch title, available in a bundle with the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Welcome Tour is a collection of minigames and activities designed to teach players about the Switch 2's new features. However, it has been confirmed that Welcome Tour will be available as a separate purchase rather than bundled into the system. Currently priced at 990 JPY, it will most likely cost around $10 in the US.
After over a decade, the beloved GameCube racer Kirby Air Ride is getting a sequel. Directed by series creator Masahiro Sakurai, not much else has been shared about the game, but it has been confirmed for a 2025 release.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Koei Tecmo has announced another entry in its Zelda-themed spin-off Warrior series, set to be released this winter. Age of Imprisonment is a prequel to the events of Tears of the Kingdom, following Zelda as she fights alongside the Secret Stone holders to defeat Ganon.
More than 25 years after Donkey Kong 64, the iconic gorilla is getting another 3D platforming adventure. DK will punch, jump, roll, and climb his way through the Underground World, tracking down the evil VoidCo and retrieving the precious bananas. DK: Bananza will be released a few weeks after the Switch 2's July 17 launch.
One of the Direct's highlights was Drag x Drive, a 3v3 wheelchair basketball game that uses both Joy-Cons in mouse mode. Players will use a Joy-Con in each hand to mimic real-life hands, allowing them to push their chair's wheels while using motion controls to call passes and shoot the ball. Although no release date was given, it has been confirmed that it will arrive this summer.
Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
Super Mario Party Jamboree is getting a Switch 2 upgrade that includes new content in the form of Jamboree TV. Players can use the Switch 2 camera accessory to appear on screen alongside others, play select minigames with the Joy-Cons' mouse mode, and use the console's built-in microphone in certain modes. The upgrade will be available on July 24, and Jamboree TV will remain exclusive to the Switch 2.
One of the most surprising announcements was for FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, a new PvPvE multiplayer game from the studio behind Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Not much has been revealed so far, but it includes vampires, magic, creatures, and even a strange armored man with a jetpack. The Duskbloods will be released in 2026 as a Switch 2-exclusive.
The meme about whether or not it will appear at an event can die, as Team Cherry's follow-up to 2017's Hollow Knight has been confirmed for later this year. Fans have been waiting for a positive update on the project since it was announced in 2019, but it is finally on its way.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Switch 2 Enhanced
While Metroid 4: Beyond is set to release on the original Switch later this year, Nintendo has confirmed that a Switch 2 version will also be available, complete with mouse controls using the Joy-Cons. The port will include two graphics modes: Quality and Performance, with the former offering 4K 60 FPS and 1080p 60 FPS in docked and portable modes, respectively. Meanwhile, the Performance mode will support 1080p 120FPS and 720p 120FPS. However, there is still no set release date.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom - Switch 2 Enhanced
Nintendo has confirmed that Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive Switch 2 enhancements, including a consistent 60 FPS frame rate, improved resolution, faster load times, and HDR support. Players will also be able to access two save slots in TOTK, allowing them to restart and transfer their original Switch save. The game will also support the new ZELDA NOTES app, which can be used to navigate, get tips, and view player data. Both game upgrades will be available at the Switch 2's launch.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World
2022 platformer Kirby and the Forgotten Land will receive not only a Switch 2 upgrade, but also a brand new story titled Star-Crossed World, which can be played solo or in co-op and will include "all-new Mouthful Modes" for Kirby to use throughout his adventure. It will be available exclusively for Switch 2 on August 28.
Nintendo Classics GameCube titles and controller
With the Switch 2, Nintendo finally adds GameCube games to its Switch Online service. From launch, Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will be able to play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soul Calibur II (featuring Link). Nintendo will also sell a wireless GameCube controller through its store for $64.99, which will charge via USB-C.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
Not only is FromSoftware working on The Duskbloods, but it has also confirmed that Elden Ring will be ported to the system, along with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, a new armor set, and the ability to customize your spectral mount, Torrent. It’s currently unknown when the game will be released.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
The first installment of Square Enix's remake of 1997's Final Fantasy 7 will finally be available on the Switch 2, complete with Yuffie-focused Intergrade DLC. There is no release date yet, and it is unclear whether Rebirth will be come to the console, but director Naoki Hamaguchi has told fans to stay tuned for future updates.
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition
CD PROJEKT RED’s Infamous and now critically acclaimed RPG will be available as a launch title alongside its Phantom Liberty expansion, bringing the game to a Nintendo platform for the first time. It has been confirmed that the game will be available as a launch title.
Borderlands 4
Gearbox has confirmed that Borderlands 4 will be coming to the Switch 2 when the game launches on September 23.
Other partner games
Arcade Archives 2 (TBA)
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster (Launch)
Civilization VII (Launch)
DaemonXMachina: Titanic Scion (September 5)
Deltarune - Chapters 1 to 4 (Launch)
EA Sports FC (2025)
EA Sports Madden NFL (2025)
Enter the Gungeon 2 Starseeker: Astronomer Expeditions (2026)
Fast Fusion (Launch)
Fortnite (Launch)
Goodnight Universe (2025)
Hades II (TBA)
Hitman Word of Assassination - Signature Edition (Launch)
Hogwarts Legacy (Launch)
Human Fall Flat 2 (TBA)
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Launch)
Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Winter 2025)
NBA 2K (2025)
No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files (July 25)
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (Launch)
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (2025)
Project 007 (TBA)
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S (Launch)
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army (June 19)
Reanimal (2025)
Ridge Racer (Launch)
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (Launch)
Shadow Labyrinth (July 18)
Split Fiction (Launch)
Star Wars Outlaws (2025)
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 17)
Street Fighter 6 (Launch)
Survival Kids (Launch)
Tamagotchi Plaza (June 27)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (Summer 2025)
Two Point Museum (2025)
Wilds Hearts S (July 25)
Witchbrook (Winter 2025)
WWE 2K (2025)
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut (Launch)
