The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and if you’re one of the lucky ones who managed to snag one, you’re probably wondering: “Okay, but what do I actually play on this thing?” It’s a fair question. Console launches are notorious for their sparse libraries, and Nintendo hasn’t exactly been flooding the market with launch titles.
Let’s break down every confirmed game for the Switch 2’s launch window, the community reactions, and whether this library justifies dropping $400 on Nintendo’s new hardware.
The Launch Day Reality Check
When the Switch 2 hit shelves, it came with exactly one game pre-installed for most buyers: Mario Kart World. That’s it. One game. Granted, it’s a fantastic game that scored 36/40 from Famitsu and has Reddit calling it “the best Mario Kart ever,” but still – one game.
For context, the original Switch launched with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, Super Bomberman R, and a handful of third-party titles. Not a massive library, but at least you had options. The Switch 2’s day-one lineup makes the Wii U’s launch look generous.
July: When Things Get Interesting
The good news? July is absolutely stacked. Here’s what’s confirmed:
July 11: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 The remake collection supports Switch 2 from day one, complete with enhanced visuals and that sweet, sweet 60fps gameplay. It’s also on Game Pass, but having Tony Hawk on a portable system again feels right. Reddit’s verdict: “Finally, toilet skating returns to its natural habitat.”
July 17: Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo’s big first-party exclusive for the launch window. This 3D platformer from the Super Mario Odyssey team is getting rave reviews (38/40 from Famitsu), even if the ostrich transformations are haunting people’s dreams. It’s the game that’s actually selling systems right now.
July 29: Tales of the Shire The cozy Lord of the Rings life sim was delayed multiple times but finally lands at the end of July. Perfect for the portable nature of Switch 2, though fans are still salty about missing the March 25 “One Ring destruction day” release date.
What Else Is Coming “Soon”?
Nintendo has been frustratingly vague about other launch window titles. We know several games are coming “2025” but without specific dates:
- Metroid Prime 4 (still exists, apparently)
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (because of course)
- Hollow Knight: Silksong (just kidding, that’s never coming out)
Third-party support seems stronger than the Wii U era, with confirmations from:
- EA (probably FIFA, let’s be honest)
- Ubisoft (Just Dance 2026 is inevitable)
- Capcom (Monster Hunter of some variety)
- Square Enix (likely Final Fantasy pixel remasters)
The Backwards Compatibility Savior
Here’s the thing that’s actually saving the Switch 2 launch: full backwards compatibility with original Switch games. Every single Switch game you own works on Switch 2, often with better performance and resolution.
Reddit is reporting that games like Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 run significantly better on the new hardware. “TOTK actually maintains 60fps in Korok Forest,” posted one shocked user. “Nature is healing.”
This means the Switch 2 effectively launches with a library of thousands of games, even if only a handful are actually new.
The Community Response: Mixed Feelings
Browse any gaming subreddit and you’ll find the Nintendo faithful in various stages of cope:
The Optimists:
- “Quality over quantity – I’d rather have one amazing game than 10 mediocre ones”
- “My Switch backlog finally gets the hardware it deserves”
- “Donkey Kong alone justifies the purchase”
The Realists:
- “This is exactly what we expected from Nintendo”
- “$400 for a Mario Kart machine until July”
- “At least it’s not the 3DS launch again”
The Doomers:
- “Worst console launch since Virtual Boy”
- “Should have been delayed to holiday 2025”
- “My Switch OLED is fine actually”
The Third-Party Wild Card
What’s interesting is how many developers seem to be waiting to see how the Switch 2 performs before committing. The console’s unique features – particularly that second screen on the controller – haven’t been utilized by anyone except Nintendo yet.
Several major publishers have made vague “we’re exploring opportunities” statements, which is corporate speak for “we’re waiting to see if this thing sells.” The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Switch 2 gets the third-party support Nintendo has always struggled with.
Comparing to Competition
Let’s be real: compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series launches, the Switch 2’s library looks anemic. Those consoles launched with multiple exclusives, enhanced versions of recent games, and robust backwards compatibility lineups.
But Nintendo has never played by the same rules. The original Switch launched with basically just Zelda and conquered the world. The Wii had Wii Sports and not much else for months. Nintendo consoles live or die on their first-party offerings, and Donkey Kong Bananza might be strong enough to carry the system through its early months.
The Bottom Line
Is the Switch 2’s launch library disappointing? Objectively, yes. Is it surprising? Not even a little bit. This is Nintendo’s MO: launch with one or two stellar first-party titles and let backwards compatibility fill the gaps.
The real test comes this holiday season. If Nintendo can deliver a major title (Metroid Prime 4? New 3D Mario?) alongside the typical third-party holiday rush, the Switch 2 will be fine. If we’re still looking at this same sparse library come November, then we might have a problem.
For now, the calculation is simple: Is playing Donkey Kong Bananza and enhanced versions of your Switch library worth $400? For many, the answer is yes. Reddit’s Switch communities are reporting solid sales and difficulty finding units in stock, suggesting Nintendo’s strategy is working once again.
But for those on the fence, waiting until the holiday season might be the smarter play. By then, we’ll have a clearer picture of what Switch 2’s first year really looks like. Plus, maybe they’ll finally announce F-Zero. (They won’t, but we can dream.)
The Switch 2 launch library is thin, but it’s Nintendo thin – meaning the few games available are polished to a mirror sheen. Whether that’s enough in 2025’s crowded gaming market remains to be seen. At least we can play Tony Hawk on the toilet again. Some things never change.
Sources:
- Nintendo Official Announcements
- Famitsu Reviews
- Various Reddit Gaming Communities
- Industry Reports
