Quick Take
- Mario Kart World dominates sales with open-world tracks.
- Donkey Kong Bananza innovates platforming through destruction.
- Hades II secures top Metacritic scores for roguelike depth.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025 and sold 10.36 million units globally by late September, prompting Nintendo to forecast 19 million for the fiscal year. Japan shipped over 3.58 million by December.
Mario Kart World led 2025 physical sales in Japan with 2.57 million copies; Pokemon Legends: Z-A topped eShop charts. Metacritic highlights Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition and Hades II for visuals and performance.
This list pulls from Famitsu, eShop, and Metacritic data as January 2026 nears releases like Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition.
Mario Kart World
Nintendo’s racer expands beyond circuits into an interconnected open world supporting up to 24 drivers in races. Players explore free-roam areas between Grand Prix events, uncovering secrets with weather effects and new courses. Launched June 5, 2025 as a console bundle, it tops Famitsu charts with 2.57 million units sold in Japan and consistent eShop leadership.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong smashes through underground layers with Pauline’s aid using singing abilities to crash walls and carve tunnels. Destructible environments encourage creative pathfinding, banana hunts, and terrain manipulation for swinging or throwing. Released July 17, 2025 exclusively on Switch 2, it earns universal acclaim with strong Metacritic scores for its joyful exploration.
Hades II
Supergiant Games’ sequel follows Melinoë through mythic realms with refined combat, dark sorcery, and upgrades against the Titan of Time. Its narrative unfolds across runs blending Greek lore, witchcraft, and massive content depth. The Switch 2 version hits 94-95 Metacritic from over 50 reviews, praised as a roguelite masterclass and potential Game of the Year.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hornet navigates a silk-ruled kingdom in this long-awaited metroidvania sequel with precise platforming and hidden secrets. Tough foes demand persistence amid expansive exploration and combat upgrades. Switch 2 enhancements deliver smooth 60fps performance, fulfilling years of anticipation for Team Cherry’s intricate world.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Hyrule’s vast world gains sharper visuals, faster loads, and stable frame rates up to 60fps. Ultrahand creativity shines with improved physics and Zelda Notes for shrine tracking. Tops Metacritic’s 2025 Switch rankings, enhancing the original’s open-air adventure.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Samus explores alien frontiers with updated traversal tools like the Vi-O-La motorcycle and precise mouse-mode aiming. First-person action features scanning, morph ball puzzles, and beam upgrades across planetary hubs. Retro Studios delivers on 20-year expectations with fluid Switch 2 visuals.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Lumiose City’s remake shifts to real-time action in an open-world Kalos region with dynamic captures and Mega Evolutions. Players reshape the urban landscape alongside Pokémon. Dual Switch/Switch 2 versions dominate eShop sales, second in Famitsu physical charts.
Kirby Air Riders
Masahiro Sakurai’s racer sequel offers chaotic one-button control across tracks with machine customization. Smash-like battles and collectibles fuel multiplayer chaos with pink puffball flair. Ranks high in Famitsu sales, building on Air Ride’s legacy.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Musou hordes crumble under synced Zelda strikes, Link’s swordplay, and Zonai tech in massive battles. Prequel storyline bridges Breath of the Wild origins with combo-heavy action. Koei Tecmo’s hack-and-slash suits portable sessions on Switch 2.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Night City’s dystopia runs at high fidelity with ray tracing and Phantom Liberty expansion included. Mouse mode refines aiming in vehicular chases and gunplay for this deep RPG. CD Projekt Red’s port showcases Switch 2 hardware for immersive portable cyberpunk.
These selections blend critical acclaim and player popularity as Switch 2 enters its second year.
