Nintendo has officially announced that its next-generation handheld console, the Nintendo Switch 2, will launch on Thursday, June 5, 2025. This exciting release will be accompanied by a stellar lineup of new games designed specifically for the device, promising to showcase its advanced capabilities. As stated on the official Nintendo website, "Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with games that highlight its new capabilities while bringing everyone along for the ride."
The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature popular titles such as Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokemon Legends: ZA. Furthermore, major developer partners like EA Sports have also lined up several games for the console, including EA SPORTS Madden NFL, EA SPORTS FC, NBA 2K, WWE 2K, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, SPLIT FICTION, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, Street Fighter 6, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, Hogwarts Legacy, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, and Borderlands 4.
In addition to these exciting new titles, several games from the original Nintendo Switch have been updated for the new console, including Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Fortnite, Enter the Gungeon 2, HITMAN World of Assassination - Signature Edition, and Project 007. New games like STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, DELTARUNE, Survival Kids, Star Wars Outlaws, and Hollow Knight: Silksong are also set to make their debut on the Nintendo Switch 2.
However, not all games from the original Nintendo Switch will be compatible with the new console. While many titles may still be playable, some may encounter issues due to device compatibility. Notably, the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit will not be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Additionally, games that require Joy-Con controllers, such as 1-2-Switch, Everybody 1-2-Switch!, Game Builder Garage, Nintendo Switch Sports, WarioWare: Move It!, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit, Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit, and Ring Fit Adventure may also face limitations.
In response to these compatibility issues, Nintendo is offering a variety of additional equipment to enhance game compatibility for players. The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, as fans eagerly await its launch.
As the launch date approaches, discussions are heating up regarding the pricing of the new games. In the UK, Mario Kart World is priced at £74.99 for the physical version and £66.99 for the digital version. This pricing has sparked some controversy among gamers, with many questioning whether the cost is justified. Some argue that the game's price is comparable to other major titles like Call of Duty and EA Sports FC, which also retail for similar amounts. A reader expressed their opinion, stating that the outrage over the price is misplaced, given that Mario Kart is a unique and enduring franchise that offers long-term value.
Despite the complaints, the reader pointed out that yearly sequels typically have a limited shelf life of around 12 months before being replaced by new installments, unlike Mario Kart, which is expected to remain a staple for a generation. They emphasized that if players are willing to pay premium prices for games with shorter lifespans, then Mario Kart World should be valued similarly. The reader also noted that the perception of Mario Kart as a children's game may contribute to the backlash against its pricing.
The conversation has also touched on the broader context of video game pricing over the years. In 1992, a cinema ticket cost around £3, while new SNES games could run up to £50 or more. The reader remarked that video game prices have remained relatively stable over the decades, even as production costs have increased. They argued that if games are becoming more expensive to develop, it is reasonable for publishers to adjust their prices accordingly.
Amidst the pricing debates, there is also excitement surrounding the return of the WWE 2K franchise to Nintendo platforms. During the recent Nintendo Direct event, it was confirmed that the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series would be making their debut on the Nintendo Switch 2. This marks a significant moment, as the last mainline WWE 2K game to appear on a Nintendo console was WWE 2K18, released in October 2017. The WWE 2K series has been absent from Nintendo platforms for eight years, and its return is highly anticipated by wrestling fans.
The most recent entry in the WWE 2K series, WWE 2K25, was released on March 14, 2025, and is currently available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Fans are eager to see how the franchise will adapt to the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2, and further updates on its release are expected as the launch date approaches.
As the gaming community gears up for the Nintendo Switch 2's launch, the excitement surrounding its game lineup, pricing debates, and the return of beloved franchises continues to build. With a diverse selection of titles and the promise of enhanced gameplay experiences, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world.
