Nintendo hasn’t had the best relationship with third-party studios. The massive success of the original Switch meant publishers couldn’t ignore it, but weak specs stopped it from receiving many AAA hits. The forthcoming Switch 2 packs more power—and developers have definitely taken notice. Alongside first-party heavy hitters like Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, some major third-party ports are set to drop this year, and I got a chance to play some of them at Nintendo’s launch event. If you plan to preorder a Switch 2 (whenever that now-delayed window opens), start with my favorites, ranked in order of anticipation.
5. Civilization VII
I didn’t spend too much time with Civilization VII because a single game can last for days. However, it was a great showcase for the Switch 2’s mouse functionality. Guiding a cursor is the best way to make moves in a strategy game, after all. If you already own Civilization VII on the original Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version, which brings mouse controls and much faster performance.
4. Split Fiction
Split Fiction is already one of 2025’s most acclaimed games, and the co-op adventure makes even more sense on a system designed for local multiplayer play. In it, I and a partner worked together to solve puzzles and platforming gauntlets that required communication and coordination. We shifted gravity, deactivated barriers, and moved platforms in sync to make progress.
3. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Yakuza 0 might be the best entry in the series, and thanks to its prequel storyline, it’s an excellent place to start. As Kiryu, a gangster with a heart, I roamed Kamurocho’s streets and beat thugs at high fidelity. The Switch 2 version features extra story material, enhanced graphics, and new multiplayer modes.
2. Street Fighter 6
Playing Street Fighter 6 on the go is a terrific way to keep your skills sharp. On the Switch 2, this RE Engine-powered fighting game plays just as smoothly as on any other system, and it includes the first two seasons of DLC characters. It will also have new Switch 2-focused controls, modes, and Amiibo figure support.
Recommended by Our Editors
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had an infamously rough launch on last-gen consoles. Fortunately, this Switch 2 conversion played well, even better than the Witcher III’s miracle port on the Switch 1. I played some of the acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC and had no issues gunning down goons in the techno-dystopia. There’s no word yet if this game takes advantage of the Switch 2’s DLSS features, which would be a great addition for high-fidelity gaming on the go.
(Credit: Nintendo)
Don’t Forget the First-Party Titles!
Want more Switch 2 games? Check out the top titles we’re most excited about overall, whether they’re from a third-party developer or directly from Nintendo.
Get Our Best Stories!
Your Daily Dose of Our Top Tech News
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
About Jordan Minor
Senior Analyst, Software
