Now that Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World have dropped on the Switch 2, it finally feels like the console’s hitting its stride. Watching those games with better load times, smoother visuals, and just more going on makes it clear this isn’t just a minor upgrade. And honestly, it’s got me thinking about what’s coming next.
I’ve already got a growing list of titles I’m genuinely excited about, either because of the devs behind them, what’s been shown in trailers, or just personal curiosity. Some are sequels I’ve waited years for. Others are reimaginings or remasters of old favorites. So here’s what I’ve got my eye on as the Switch 2 era begins.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
With over 28 million copies sold, this is one of the most celebrated action RPGs of all time — and now it’s coming to handheld for the first time. This version packs the full game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and even new armor and Torrent customization, making it the most complete way to explore the Lands Between on the go.
Even after finishing it before, it’s hard not to feel curious about how it holds up on portable hardware. If the Switch 2 version is solid, and especially if it comes on a full cart, it might just be worth jumping back in.
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby Air Riders is back, and that alone makes this exciting. Arcade racers haven’t had much of a spotlight on Nintendo platforms recently, and this one keeps things super simple: Analog Stick and One button. Even with those limited inputs, it offers just enough chaos and speed to keep things engaging.
It’s the kind of game that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Just pick up and play, and hope for the best. While Mario Kart World has some arcade elements, it’s not a fully arcade game. So, add Kirby to that formula, and you’ve got something that should be fun regardless of skill level. For fans who have never played the original, this feels like a great entry point.
More Lists: 14 Best Games Like Ghost of Yotei to Play Before Its Release
Shadow Labyrinth
This one’s arriving soon, and I really hope it doesn’t get drowned out by bigger names like Donkey Kong Bonanza. Shadow Labyrinth feels like a bold move, a twist on Pac-Man that throws the character into a darker, more adventure-focused world. You play as a mysterious Swordsman, guided by Puck, navigating a strange labyrinth with Metroidvania-style design.
It’s already blending elements from DigDug, and there’s a chance other Namco characters will pop up too. For just $29.99, with a free Switch 2 upgrade, it sounds like it might be one of those under-the-radar games that players will talk about years from now.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
This one’s out on September 30th, and might finally get a cult-classic the broader attention it deserves. The Evil Chronicles brings the original Final Fantasy Tactics to modern hardware with options to swap between updated and classic visuals. And considering the Ivalice world ties into games like Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story, it’s part of a larger tapestry.
For many who never got the full picture of Ivalice, this could be a great place to start. It’s a bit dense, sure, but that depth is also what makes these games special. This version looks like the most accessible one yet.
Full Metal School Girl
Sometimes a game is just pure chaos in the best way, and Full Metal School Girl looks like exactly that. It releases on October 23rd and looks completely bonkers. You play as a mech-enhanced schoolgirl fighting off the “working dead” inside a corporate Skyscraper.
It will remind you of the chaotic energy of something like Lollipop Chainsaw, and the visuals look loud in the best way. Whether or not it ends up being a solid game, I appreciate that something this weird and creative is heading to Switch 2.
More Lists: Best Games On Xbox One Of All Time
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World
Kirby games have always been solid, but this one might become a standout. Not just because it’s a remaster, but because the new Starcrossed World content adds real value. With the Switch 2 upgrade yo can expect better visuals and performance, and you can actually pick between the original game and the new world right from the title screen.
What makes this interesting is that both paths are fully playable from the get-go. For someone who never played the original back on Switch 1, this is the perfect time to dive in and decide which version to explore first. It also happens to be the first true 3D Kirby game, which adds another reason to be curious.
Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection
This one’s for the fans who’ve been waiting for a proper collection of classic Mortal Kombat games. It brings together a ton of classic MK titles from various platforms — Arcade, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and more. It even includes instant unlock options for secret characters and cheats, which is great for you if you who don’t want to dig through old-school inputs again.
No full list has been confirmed yet, but from what’s shown, it looks like a hefty package that respects the series’ legacy while making it more accessible for newcomers and casual players alike. As someone who grew up with these games, this feels like a great way to revisit them.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
This one’s still floating in the ether with no firm release date, but Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is definitely high on the list of anticipated first-party games. It’s expected to be the one of the most technically advanced Metroid yet and could end up being one of Nintendo’s best-looking games overall.
There’s still hope that Prime 2 and 3 might release as a bundle before this drops, but even if that doesn’t happen, a lot is riding on Prime 4. I’m really looking forward to these games and hope they drop soon.
