Now that we’re on the other side of the latest overwhelming Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, it’s time to dig into the meat that’ll keep Nintendo’s share price in a constant upward trend, aside from the $450 console itself. We’ve already covered the absurdly expensive peripherals, the return of The Wind Waker (kinda), and now it’s time for the important bits: the games themselves.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite announcements from the hour-long Direct, including a fresh Mario Kart, FromSoftware’s console-selling exclusive, and of course, the biggest of them all: Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
Mario Kart World
With an $80 price tag and a release date of 5 June (the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2), this is Nintendo’s money-maker, at least at first. Mario Kart World is the continuation of the series you’ve waited for since the days of the Wii U, introducing up to 24 racers in a single match and a Burnout Paradise-like open world you can explore freely, whether you’re in free roam or in the middle of a race. You weren’t expecting to beat the caterpillar-driving Waluigi anyway, were you?
The DuskBloods
Don’t be fooled. This isn’t Bloodborne 2. That’s still shackled to the PlayStation 4 for reasons only known to Sony. This is The Duskbloods, a spiritual successor to the Yharnam-set FromSoftware title that’ll be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 when it arrives sometime in 2026. We felt our excitement sap ever so slightly when we learned this would be a PvPvE-focused title. But let’s be real: we’re giving this a shot no matter what – preferably with a couple of mates on the other end.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
No, we didn’t get a trailer. No, we didn’t get an official release date. But we did get a release window courtesy of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, confirming Hollow Knight: Silksong will be out in 2025. The three-or-so seconds of footage we did get is the most ‘news’ Hollow Knight fans have had for quite some time, so you can understand the hype implosion over at r/Silksong.
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
They said it couldn’t be done. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition proved them wrong. FromSoftware didn’t just announce a whole new title for the Switch 2, it’s bringing its biggest seller of all time along for the ride. The ‘Tarnished Edition‘ bit means that gamers can pick up Elden Ring as well as the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in one shiny bundle. There’s no release date yet, but it’ll be out sometime in 2025. Rest easy, Tarnished.
Kirby Air Riders
Finally, some first-party Nintendo games that don’t feature the red-hatted plumber himself. Unfortunately, Kirby Air Riders won’t be a launch title for the Switch 2. In fact, we’re not quite sure when it might arrive on the next-gen console. But when this long-awaited sequel from the early GameCube days does hit, it’ll hit hard, delivering the same fast-action gameplay you remember, complete with fresh-faced graphics worthy of Nintendo.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Now this is something we genuinely can’t wait to sink our simian teeth into when it lands on 17 July 2025. Donkey Kong Bananza has quenched our thirst for another 3D Mario title in all the right ways, with players controlling the celebrated gorilla through the depths of the Underground World in what looks to be a platformer for the ages. With a horde of worlds to explore and terraform, there doesn’t appear to be a shortage of fun on this one.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Imagine our surprise when we discovered that what is essentially a glorified tech demo (and still not on the same level as Astro’s Playroom) in the form of the Switch 2 Welcome Tour wasn’t free? Yup, Nintendo’s explorable guide to the next-gen console is a paid-for… game doesn’t feel like the correct word… experience that will drop some tips, tricks, and fun facts while Mario Kart World downloads in the background. Landing 5 June 2025.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Not all that keen on the other launch-day titles? Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition can help you there, landing on 5 June and bringing the stunning Night City to life on the Switch 2. You’ll automatically receive the Phantom Liberty DLC in the Ultimate Edition, meaning you’ve got more than enough CD Projekt Red to hold you over ’til The Witcher 4 arrives.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade
Taking advantage of the Switch 2’s refreshed hardware and hopefully stunning visuals comes Final Fantasy VII Remake Integrade, the first title in Square Enix’s remake trilogy. You may need to wait, however, as there’s still no release date or window announced at the time of writing.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition
Come on. Of course there were going to be paid-for upgrades to two of the biggest Legend of Zelda entries of all time. Well, here they are. While the next mainline Zelda title is likely a few years away, fans can jump back into these versions with upgraded visuals and more frames than original Switch 1 owners will even know what to do with. That, coupled with a Zelda companion app that’ll introduce new ‘stories’ and a dedicated Shrine-hunter, should keep you occupied for the time being. Both games are set to launch on 5 June and are available free of charge to all active Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
