With the Nintendo Switch 2's imminent arrival, speculation is rife about its launch day titles. While an official lineup remains elusive, we can make educated guesses based on Nintendo's history and anticipated releases. Some predictions, like a new Mario title, are almost certain. However, we also hope to see some exciting new projects from acclaimed indie developers.
Genki Nintendo Switch 2 Mockup Images from CES 2025
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While expecting all these games on launch day is unrealistic, even a partial realization would be fantastic. Here are our hopeful predictions for the Switch 2's launch lineup:
Mario Kart 9: A new entry in this iconic franchise is highly anticipated, especially considering Mario Kart 8's phenomenal success. Rumors of development and a "new twist" fuel this expectation. A launch-day release would be a significant system seller.
New 3D Super Mario: The Switch's relative lack of 3D Mario titles since Super Mario Odyssey (2017) makes a new installment highly probable. A new game featuring innovative gameplay and level design would be a major draw.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: After years of anticipation and a development shift to Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's reveal trailer hinted at impressive visuals, potentially suggesting a Switch 2 launch.
Enhanced Versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: Backward compatibility is expected, but enhanced versions leveraging the Switch 2's power (e.g., 4K resolution) would be a welcome addition.
Ring Fit Adventure 2: Nintendo often includes a unique title at launch. A sequel to the surprisingly popular Ring Fit Adventure would fit this pattern, showcasing the Switch 2's motion control capabilities.
Resident Evil 4 Remake: While the original Switch couldn't handle it, the Switch 2's improved power could make this a launch title, showcasing the console's graphical capabilities.
Doom: The Dark Ages: Given the success of previous Doom titles on the Switch and Microsoft's broader platform support, a Switch 2 release is plausible.
The Haunted Chocolatier: Following the success of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe's The Haunted Chocolatier could be a launch title, offering a compelling indie experience. A launch year release is more likely.
Earthblade: A sequel to the critically acclaimed Celeste, Earthblade's 2025 release window makes it a potential launch candidate.
These predictions represent a blend of likely and hoped-for titles. The Switch 2's launch lineup will undoubtedly be exciting, regardless of the final selection.
