We’re just a few weeks away from the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, and to say we’re excited would be an understatement. We’re counting down the days until we get our hands on it, and to help us with the wait, we’re already deciding what it is we’re going to play first.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your Switch 2 launch gaming line-up, or just want to see how we’re choosing to dive into Switch 2, then read on! Here are the ten games that we will absolutely be playing first on our Nintendo Switch 2.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
It may seem strange to have an original Switch game on here, but honestly there are a few Switch games that just seem worth the revisit on Switch 2, and we’re excited enough to try them out first. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be getting a full dedicated Switch 2 edition paid upgrade, and the improvements it seems to add along with the newly added features definitely look worth the price of entry.
With the Zelda Notes companion app, Tears of the Kingdom Ultrahand creations made from sticking random things and mechanisms together can actually be shared and downloaded onto your copy of the game via QR codes. This adds an entirely new social element to the game, along with a lot of fun opportunities for you to try out some of the most whacky creations the Zelda community has come up with without needing to do it yourself. The Zelda Notes app will also allow you to edit your photos captured in-game, check personal completion of different collectibles, global play data and also experience new lore through voice recordings left behind by Zelda and other characters.
9. Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
The first game in the Bravely series – known here in the West as Bravely Default but originally named Bravely Default Flying Fairy in Japan – is getting a full remaster that’s exclusive to Switch 2. Heavily inspired by Square Enix’s own Final Fantasy, this is a classic JRPG experience with all the usual tropes, from a party of heroes, a turn-based battle system, brilliant soundtrack and more.
As the original game launched on 3DS, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster on Switch 2 has a redesigned user interface to merge everything together, along with encounter rate settings, updated network connectivity, brand new minigames and more. This seems to be the definitive way to enjoy the JRPG, and with a sequel already on the Switch, what better time to jump into the world of Bravely? We’re looking forward to giving it a whirl.
8. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
It may be a controversial release given it not being a free addition with the system, but Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour still seems like a great game to start out our Switch 2 journey with. The Switch 2 has a lot of new technology, and we need to try out the new features such as the mouse mode and enhanced graphical quality as soon as we can.
Styled like a virtual museum, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour takes you on a journey inside your Switch 2, explaining how it all works, what powers the system and also comes with minigames and tech demos to try out the features that are explained to you. This won’t be for everyone, especially with its $10 price tag, but we are still going to give it a whirl on day one on our Switch 2.
7. Fortnite
This is the one of the oldest games on the list, but we just need to try out the Switch 2 Edition of Fortnite. As the game is free, the Switch 2 upgrade is also free, and the leap in performance seems to be enormous. Using the Switch 2’s massively enhanced graphical power and DLSS capabilities, Fortnite on Switch 2 is going to rival other console releases as the best place outside of PC to play Fortnite.
What also gives Fortnite on Switch 2 an edge over the other systems is its ability to use mouse controls with the new Joy-Con 2 or any other compatible mouse. This means that Switch players of Fortnite will be going from a 30 FPS and blurry mess to a 120 FPS, mouse-controlled and DLSS enhanced turbo-powered battle royale experience. We can’t wait to feel the difference – if I’m gonna lose then at least I’m gonna do it in style!
6. Sonic X Shadow Generations
Nintendo are probably best known for their platformers, but we’ve got a little while to wait before Donkey Kong Bananza smashes onto the scene a little over a month after the Switch 2 launches. Thankfully though, SEGA has us covered, as they’re releasing a Switch 2 upgrade for Sonic X Shadow Generations. Despite already being a fully released game, the Switch 2 version offers improved graphics and performance.
This is also a controversial Switch 2 release for how it can’t be a paid upgrade if you already own the Switch edition, you’ll be required by SEGA to fully pay the price of the game again. If you’ve not already given it a try though, Sonic X Shadow Generations looks like a great way to start your Switch 2 journey, especially for platformer fans, children and families.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
From a child-friendly game to one that absolutely is not, we need to try out Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2. Originally having an incredibly divisive launch on other platforms in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has been updated, patched and improved over the years to become a game far more worthy of the hype that was initially had for it. Now, players can push the Switch 2 to its absolute limits by diving into the cyberpunk dystopia of Night City, and do so handheld.
The main reason we need to try Cyberpunk 2077 so soon is because we just can’t wait to benchmark the Switch 2’s capabilities using it. Early previews of the game suggest incredible performance that may even exceed its last generation release, which is impressive for a system you can play on a bus or outside. We’ll be trying Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 as soon as we can, and experience it as it was meant to be played – on a rooftop in a great big city.
4. Tamagotchi Plaza
This is the only game on this list that won’t be available on June 5, but it does release in the same month on June 27, so we felt it was fair to include. Tamagotchi Plaza is a shop simulator in the world of Tamagotchi, and it looks delightful for fans of the original virtual pets. You’ll be working in all the different stores available in Tamahiko Town’s titular Tamagotchi Plaza, with twelve shops to expand, find new visitors and improve their business.
The Switch 2 release of Tamagotchi Plaza deserves this spotlight, as it comes with three exclusive stores to work in that won’t be available anywhere else. All three will use the functionality of the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, and make your time in the world of Tamagotchi even more hands-on.
3. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The best-selling franchise of all time Pokémon needs a while longer before their next new entry releases, but we’ll be revisiting Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as a matter of urgency on the Switch 2. The original releases of these games offer arguably the best experiences in a mainline Pokémon game, with streamlined mechanics, expanded customization and three story paths all pushing the capabilities of a Pokémon game further than ever before. However, Game Freak seemingly pushed too hard, and the game ran absolutely terribly on Switch.
Switch 2 is here to save the day – and it’s free! Both Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will receive free updates the day that the Switch 2 releases, that will both enhance the visual resolution of the game and increase the frame rate, as well as adding more Pokémon spawn points to make the world of Paldea feel even more alive than before. Speaking personally, I couldn’t make it through the DLCs of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet due to the terrible performance, so I can’t wait to jump back in on Switch 2 and experience the games with the quality of performance they deserve.
2. Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
This is a unique entry on this list, as it’s both an old game and a new one! Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is a new version of Yakuza 0, the iconic action game in the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series, and a prequel to the first game. It’s a great jumping on point for new fans, and one of the games I personally haven’t played yet. Yakuza 0 is widely seen as the reason for the series’ rise in popularity in the West, so it’s a great way to introduce new players to the series on Switch 2.
The Switch 2 exclusive Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut adds new cutscenes to flesh out the rich story even further, along with adding online battles, graphical improvements and a full English dub and new subtitle language options to increase the regional accessibility of this key entry in the Yakuza series, and it’s only on Switch 2.
1. Mario Kart World
You knew it was coming, but it has to be said. The first game we must play on Switch 2 is the massive Mario Kart World. The first fully new and original entry to the Mario Kart mainline series since 2014 (sorry 8 Deluxe), Mario Kart World is making races bigger and more competitive than ever before.
With an explorable open world, a wealth of new characters, 24-player races and tonnes of new features and surprises, Mario Kart World is already a must play based on franchise prestige and history alone. It also helps it’s available bundled in with some Switch 2 consoles, to save money on its controversial price tag and give you a brand new gaming experience on day one! We already went hands-on with the game in London, and we need more.
That’s our list of the ten Switch 2 games we’re most looking forward to playing first when the Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5. Which games will you be playing first on your Switch 2, and what games do you want to see on the system next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more breaking gaming news and Switch 2 coverage just like this.
