A duo of trainers with Pokémon in a vibrant cityscape, alongside the armored hero Samus, showcasing adventure and gaming worlds.
Image credit: Nintendo

Upcoming Switch 2 games in 2025 and beyond: Everything announced so far

⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light

Table of Contents
  1. The Escapist recaps 
  2. Confirmed 2025 Switch 2 games 
  3. TBA 2025 Switch 2 games 
  4. Kirby’s Air Riders 
  5. TBA 2026 Switch 2 games 
  6. Ask The Escapist 

Whether you’re an early adopter or a prospective buyer, you’ll want all the upcoming Switch 2 games on your radar. While Nintendo’s second-generation handheld has only been available for a short amount of time, we’re now out of the initial launch window period, so it’s time to look to the future of releases on the platform in 2026 and beyond. 

We’re going over not only the Switch 2 exclusive games, but also any notable third-party releases confirmed for the platform. We’ll be regularly updating our hub as soon as dates are announced, so that you’re first in the know. While you’re (likely) currently enjoying Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, and Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s a whole slew of titles to come. 


The Escapist recaps 

  • Confirmed new Switch 2 games for 2025 include Drag x Drive, Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion, and Pokémon Legends Z-A
  • Some upcoming Switch 2 games are yet to receive a concrete release date, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Kirby’s Air Riders
  • 2026 Switch 2 games include 007: First Light, The Duskbloods, and Rhythm Heaven Groove
  • Many confirmed Switch 2 games are also cross-platform with the original hardware. 

Confirmed 2025 Switch 2 games 

Madden NFL 26 

Football player in a green jersey and helmet, number 26, jumps while holding a football. The blurred crowd in the background suggests action and excitement.
The football sim comes to Switch 2. Image credit: EA

Release date: August 11, 2025 

A landmark Switch 2 release, Madden NFL 26 has been confirmed for the hardware. This is notable because the football simulator never appeared on the original Switch console, which was previously released only on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation platforms. You’re not getting a cut-down version of the game either, as it utilizes the AI-powered machine learning for authentic play that’s true to life. 

Drag x Drive 

A futuristic character dribbles a basketball while sitting on a sleek, wheeled machine, with a neon-lit hoop in the background.
Basketball just got a whole lot faster. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: August 14, 2025

One of the more inventive Switch 2 games showcased during the hardware’s debut, Drag x Drive is a basketball game like no other, which utilizes the advanced Joy-Con 2 hardware to accurately portray its wheelchair-based action. Motion controls are the name of the game for both traversal and scoring. If you’re in the market for something completely different, it should satisfy. 

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World 

Image of the Nintendo Switch game cover for "Kirby and the Forgotten Land," featuring Kirby in a vibrant, colorful landscape.
Kirby’s first fully 3D adventure gets an upgrade. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: August 28, 2025 

This is more than just a straight port job of the stellar Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which released for the Switch hardware a couple of years ago, as you’re also getting a brand-new expansion. Star Crossed World is an exclusive new game mode for Switch 2, alongside the higher framerates and resolution for the definitive experience. Upgrades are available for existing players, too. 

Star Wars Outlaws 

Two Star Wars characters stroll through a space station, exploring its modern design and illuminated control panels.
The first-ever Star Wars open-world game arrives on Switch 2 soon. Image credit: Ubisoft

Release date: September 4, 2025 

The first-ever open-world Star Wars game arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 without compromise. Developed by Ubisoft, you have the full expanse of the far reaches of the galaxy to explore as Kay Vess in a darker take on George Lucas’ grand saga. You’re no Jedi knight in this game, but a rogue scoundrel armed with a blaster and her wits. 

Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion 

A futuristic combat scene with a large robotic warrior wielding a sword, battling energy-armed robots amidst a rocky, alien landscape under a bright sky.
Get ready to raise some mecha hell. Image credit: Marvelous Games

Release date: September 5, 2025 

It’s been six long years since Daemon x Machina arrived on Switch, and now the sequel’s (finally) not far behind. Titanic Scion is running on far more powerful hardware and looks to take the action up to 11, going bigger and badder. If you like your mech combat games fast and brutal, then you’ll want to keep an eye on Marvelous’ sequel. 

Little Nightmares 3 

Two animated characters stand on a wooden floor. One wears a gas mask and green outfit, the other reads a map. The scene is dimly lit and mysterious.
Creepy co-op with puzzling twists and turns. Image credit: Supermassive Games

Release date: October 10, 2025 

One of the more noteworthy Switch 2 horror games, Little Nightmares 3, will be here just in time for the spooky season to commence. The game was originally supposed to come out last year, before being delayed to add further polish; the puzzle-platformer promises the most mind-bending environments to navigate.

Pokémon Legends Z-A 

A Pokémon battle scene on a rooftop court with a trainer and Lucario using "Protect" against Spritzee's "Moonblast." UI elements show moves and health bars.
A new action-packed spin on the established formula. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: October 16, 2025 

A new chapter for the Pokémon series, Legends Z-A, looks to be an evolution of the franchise, which now pushes the more advanced hardware further. It’s particularly exciting considering the less-than-stellar optimizations of previous Switch releases, and the new setting and style should be a good entry point for fans who (maybe) haven’t kept up with the games for a while, too. 

TBA 2025 Switch 2 games 

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 

The Iron Man stands confidently, holding a glowing purple light in his hand, illuminating the surrounding area.
Finally, the next chapter of Samus Aran’s story at long last. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: TBC 2025 

It’s been a long road for Metroid Prime 4, which was originally announced shortly after the Nintendo Switch debuted back in 2017. The game went through a little turbulence with its development, having to be restarted and then relaunched, but we now know it’s (hopefully) arriving before the year’s end. Finally, the next chapter of Samus Aran’s story will be told. 

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment 

A girl stands with illuminated hands, facing a towering figure wielding a sword, surrounded by swirling, glowing energy lines.
Zelda’s backstory and the history of Hyrule are further explored. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: TBC 2025 

One of the more exciting reveals at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch was Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, the third game in the action-spin-off saga. It comes five years after the lauded Age of Calamity, a prequel to Breath of the Wild, where Age of Imprisonment seems to be primarily focusing on Zelda’s backstory. It’s said to arrive in the “winter”. 

Kirby’s Air Riders 

A dynamic scene from Kirby's Air Ride, featuring Kirby racing on a hoverboard amidst a whimsical, colorful environment.
An unexpected successor to a well-loved racing spinoff. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: TBC 2025 

No one was expecting a reimaging of Kirby Air Ride for a new generation, but that’s exactly what we’re getting with the upcoming Kirby’s Air Riders, which is said to be coming out before the year’s end. Spearheaded by co-creator Masahiro Sakurai, there’s much more to this racing game than you may originally be led to believe. Here’s hoping it’s a good time. 

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition 

A sсene from Elden Ring: The knight in armor sits on a horse at the edge of a cliff, holding a sword and overlooking ancient ruins and a luminous, mystical tree in a foggy landscape.
Experience the Lands Between on the go, including Shadow of the Erdtree. Image credit: Bandai Namco

Release date: TBC 2025 

Nintendo gamers will finally get to visit the Lands Between when Elden Ring Tarnished Edition arrives on Switch 2 (seemingly) later this year. FromSoftware’s open-world masterpiece has captivated audiences for the last three years, and now it’ll get a new life on the handheld hybrid. This version includes the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and neat bonuses, as well. 

Hades 2 

Screenshot of Hades 2 game's interior featuring several people in the background, showcasing the environment and activity.
Supergiant Games’ sequel is said to be fully released by the end of the year, but this could change. Image credit: Supergiant Games

Release date: TBC 2025 

Supergiant Games’ isometric action sequel is currently killing it in early access over on Steam; however, it’s the handheld scene where this Hades 2 could sing. It’s currently believed the title could arrive in full by the end of the year, but we wouldn’t be shocked if this one got pushed back to 2026 or beyond, given the trajectory of the previous title’s release state. 

Hollow Knight: Silksong 

In a vibrant, mystical cave, two insect-like figures engage in battle. The left character leaps with a weapon, while the right charges forward. Tense atmosphere.
Arguably, the most anticipated Metroidvania of all time. Image credit: Team Cherry

Release date: TBC 2025 

A sequel to one of the best Switch games ever made, Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a long time coming. The Xbox-backed title is confirmed to arrive for both generations of Nintendo hardware, and will see the Metroidvania finally surface. As with some games in our list, there’s no guarantee it’ll arrive before the year’s out, but we can hope all the same. 

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade 

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is announced for release on PS4 and Xbox One consoles.
The grand first chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake arrives on Switch 2. Image credit: Square-Enix

Release date: TBC 2025  

The first of the trilogy of Final Fantasy 7 remakes is said to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 at some point in 2025. This “enhanced and expanded” version of the game includes the Episode Intermission, a new story arc expansion, and upgraded visuals over the 2020 release. As for how this translates to the Switch 2 hardware over the current Steam and PS5 versions, that remains to be seen. 

Marvel Cosmic Invasion 

Image of the video game "Marvel vs. Capcom 2," featuring iconic characters from Marvel and Capcom in a dynamic battle scene.
Team up with your favorite Marvel heroes and stop an oncoming cosmic threat. Image credit: Tribute Games

Release date: TBC 2025   

All hail the 1990s? The aptly titled Tribute Games seems to think so. This throwback beat ‘em up sees 15 Marvel Comics characters, such as Venom, Spider-Man, She-Hulk, and Captain America, take on the galaxy’s greatest threats in intense co-op action. The animation is the real standout here, making the characters jump right off the page. 

Human Fall Flat 2 

Three white humanoid figures engage in playful activity in a construction area, one holding a toy gun while another hangs from a ledge.
Fall further… get flatter? Image credit: No Brakes Games

Release date: TBC 2025  

Billed as the “bigger, better, and clumsier sequel” to the 2016 physics-based action platformer, Human Fall Flat 2 looks to do everything it’s promised with its wacky and irreverent take on co-op action. The game looks to be a great fit for the Switch 2 hardware. It’s now being published by Devolver Digital instead of Curve Games, so we’ll see how that impacts the release. 

TBA 2026 Switch 2 games 

007 First Light 

An animated James Bond dressed in a leather jacket stands inside a dimly lit airplane. A backpack rests beside them, hinting at travel.
A younger take on James Bond. Image credit: IO Interactive

Release date: TBC 2026  

Developed by Hitman studio, IO Interactive, 007 First Light sees a younger and more inexperienced James Bond on a globetrotting action adventure the likes of which we’ve never seen in video games before. They’ll be shooting, driving, gadgets, womanizing, and all other facets of the character represented in this title, which we’re hoping to play sooner rather than later. 

The Duskbloods 

A mysterious figure gazes up at a large, dark, winged creature with tentacles in a swirling, ominous sky. The scene conveys a sense of awe and foreboding.
FromSoftware’s anime-tinged take on gothic multiplayer action. Image credit: FromSoftware

Release date: TBC 2026  

Everyone was secretly hoping this was some kind of Bloodborne sequel, but The Duskbloods looks to be more of a spiritual successor to that gothic masterpiece. Interestingly, this is said to be a multiplayer PvE game instead of the usual single-player experience, with FromSoftware (seemingly) leaning on its lessons learned from Elden Ring Nightreign. We’re optimistic about this one. 

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream 

In a Tomodachi Life, a woman relaxes on a bench, with vibrant buildings and greenery in the background.
An unexpected sequel to the 3DS life-sim hit. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: TBC 2026   

Nintendo shocked fans when it announced Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, a sequel to the 3DS game from more than 12 years ago. Few details are concrete about the life-simulation game at this point in time, other than the fact that it’s coming out next year. The graphics are vastly overhauled (as you’d hope, given the new hardware), and a bigger scope of entire cities to build up and explore, too. 

Rhythm Heaven Groove 

Five expressionless cartoon faces with legs walk away from a colorful ring labeled "You." The background is a teal gradient, and the tone is apathetic.
Get ready to move. Image credit: Nintendo

Release date: TBC 2026  

It’s been more than 10 years since we last vibed out with this series, but we’re back to moving now with Rhythm Heaven Groove, which is slated for next year. It looks to be a massively expanded version of what we saw from the handheld-only predecessors, utilizing the power of the Switch 2 console to the best of its ability. What’s even more exciting? A soundtrack by Tsunku, one of Osaka’s greatest musical talents. 

Ask The Escapist 

How much does the Switch 2 cost? 

The Nintendo Switch 2 price is $449.99 for the standalone system, but $499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. 

Why is Switch 2 better than Switch 1? 

Nintendo Switch 2 is far more powerful than the original Switch console, thanks to its custom-made Nvidia Tegra T239 chip compared to the decade-old Tegra X1 in the first console. Switch 2 also has superior ergonomics and a larger screen, too. 

Is the Switch 2 as powerful as a PS5? 

No, the Switch 2 is not as powerful as a PS5; however, under the right circumstances, the two game consoles can be comparable. This is due to the PS5 featuring far more VRAM with its custom RDNA 2 “Oberon” GPU compared to the more limited Nvidia Tegra T239 chip. 

Is the Switch 2 successful?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been incredibly successful, becoming the company’s fastest-selling video game console in its history with more than 5 million units sold within its first month, and beyond. 


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Aleksha McLoughlin
Managing Editor
Aleksha McLoughlin is Managing Editor at The Escapist and is responsible for the overall direction and quality of long-form content published on the site. She has many years of experience in the games industry and has previously worked for other leading publications such as GamesRadar, TechRadar, VideoGamer and Dexerto. Her book, The Hardest Video Games Ever Made, is coming out in April 2026.
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Patrick Dane
Patrick Dane is the Gaming Features Editor at the Escapist. With over 11 years experience in the gaming industry, he has built a reputation for industry-leading coverage of all aspects of gaming, with a specialty in live service games. He has over 2000 hours in both Overwatch and Destiny, but has been reviewing games of all genres for over a decade. Patrick has had bylines TechRadar, IGN, PC Gamer, Dexerto, GamesRadar, International Business Times, Edge magazine and many more.