Muslim
The world of gaming collectively held its breath on June 5th, 2025, as Nintendo officially launched the successor to its phenomenally successful hybrid console: the Nintendo Switch 2. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of years of speculation and anticipation, a journey that began long before its January 2025 unveiling. As the Switch 2 celebrates its first anniversary, the industry reflects on a challenging yet ultimately rewarding year, one defined by innovation, a diverse software library, and Nintendo’s unwavering commitment to unique gaming experiences.
The path to this milestone has been anything but smooth. The global economic landscape, fraught with uncertainty and exacerbated by factors such as US tariffs, presented a formidable hurdle for all hardware manufacturers. The industry grappled with the lingering effects of "RAM-ageddon" and a general upward trend in consumer prices. For Nintendo, launching a successor to the best-selling console of all time under such conditions was a testament to its strategic foresight and robust product pipeline.
This retrospective delves into the pivotal games and events that have shaped the Switch 2’s inaugural year. We will recap the most significant releases, analyze the console’s performance against industry headwinds, and provide an in-depth look at the games that have truly defined this transformative period. Furthermore, we invite our esteemed readers to share their own evaluations of the Switch 2’s first year through our dedicated polls, offering a collective perspective on this exciting new chapter in Nintendo’s storied history.
Switch 2 Launch Year Overview: A Bold New Era Dawns
The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th, 2025, was met with a carefully curated selection of 25 titles, aiming to immediately showcase the console’s enhanced capabilities and broad appeal. While the familiarity of some titles might have elicited a sense of déjà vu for seasoned gamers, the sheer breadth and quality of the launch lineup were undeniable. For Nintendo loyalists, the promise of experiencing beloved franchises with significant graphical and performance upgrades was a compelling proposition.
Go for Launch: June 2025 – A Diverse Debut
The initial wave of games immediately set a high bar. Titles like Mario Kart World, a brand-new entry in the iconic racing series, promised an expansive open-world experience and served as a flagship title. While some might have found its $80 price point contentious, its ambitious scope and inclusion of innovative features like "Game-Key Cards" for easier digital distribution set a new precedent.
Beyond the flagship, third-party support was robust from day one. Critically acclaimed titles such as Street Fighter 6, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, and the stylish action-adventure Split Fiction all performed admirably on the Switch 2, demonstrating the console’s power to handle demanding multiplatform releases.
Nintendo’s own offerings were equally impressive. Fast Fusion, a system-exclusive racing title, delivered exhilarating speed and competitive gameplay. The legendary The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received "Switch 2 Edition" upgrades, boasting a silky-smooth 60fps experience that breathed new life into these open-world masterpieces. This trend of enhanced ports extended to other beloved titles, including Deltarune, No Man’s Sky: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, and others, showcasing a diverse and remarkably familiar lineup that leveraged the Switch 2’s advanced hardware.
Even the seemingly simple pack-in software, Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour, despite initial player grumbles about its absence as a bundled item, offered a charming introduction to the console’s features and interface, subtly preparing players for the expansive world of gaming that awaited them. The Switch 2’s launch was a resounding success, a testament to Nintendo’s ability to generate excitement and deliver a compelling hardware-software synergy from the outset.
Hot topics: The $80 price tag for Mario Kart World sparked immediate debate, while the introduction of Game-Key Cards signaled a potential shift in digital game distribution. Discussions surrounding pack-in software, the impact of tariffs on hardware pricing, and the remarkable performance boosts observed with Switch 1 games on Switch 2 dominated online forums and industry discussions. The open-world nature of Mario Kart World also garnered significant attention.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of June 2025: A remarkable seven titles achieved a perfect 9/10 from Nintendo Life: Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Fast Fusion, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom NS2E, No Man’s Sky NS2E, and Split Fiction. The Switch 2 Edition of Fantasy Life i and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma also earned top marks, underscoring the strong critical reception of the launch lineup.
Ooo, Bananza: July 2025 – Exclusive Powerhouses and Early Stumbles
July continued Nintendo’s strong exclusive showing with the release of Donkey Kong Bananza. Developed by the acclaimed team behind Mario Odyssey, this ambitious title delivered a visually stunning and mechanically rich platforming experience, further solidifying the Switch 2’s appeal as a home for unique first-party adventures. The month also saw the arrival of Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, a comprehensive package that offered a vibrant and engaging multiplayer experience, rounding out Nintendo’s first-party efforts for the month.
The multiplatform landscape also offered compelling titles. Wild Hearts S, a challenging action game, and WWE 2K25, the latest iteration of the popular wrestling simulation, provided diverse options for a broader audience. However, July also marked the Switch 2’s first significant misstep with the release of Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This title was met with widespread disappointment, earning a dismal 3/10 from Nintendo Life and serving as a stark reminder that not every release would be a home run.
Despite early reports of limited access to development kits, the Switch 2’s eShop began to showcase a burgeoning indie scene. Titles like Handy Hockey, which ingeniously utilized the console’s "Mouse Mode" functionality, and Chillin’ by the Fire, a relaxing experience designed to highlight the "GameChat" feature, demonstrated how smaller developers were creatively engaging with the Switch 2’s unique hardware capabilities.
Hot topics: Concerns about Nintendo’s strict control over dev-kit access were a persistent topic of discussion among indie developers. Comparisons between the ambition of Mario Odyssey and the new Donkey Kong Bananza were rife, and the ongoing news surrounding the casting of the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie also captured significant attention.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of July 2025: Both Donkey Kong Bananza and Super Mario Party Jamboree NS2E received a near-perfect 9/10, reaffirming the strength of Nintendo’s first-party output.
Drag, Drive, and Cosy Vibes: August 2025 – Diversifying the Portfolio
August introduced Drag x Drive, a Switch 2 exclusive that explored intriguing multiplayer mechanics with its "Mouse Mode" experiment. While the game offered a unique concept, it was noted for a lack of distinct personality, highlighting the fine line between innovation and execution.
The month also saw the return of major sports franchises with EA Sports Madden NFL 26, a significant coup for the platform, bringing a titan of American football simulation to Nintendo’s hybrid console. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offered the beloved farm-simulation gameplay that fans had come to expect.
Continuing the trend of showcasing the system’s features, Bokura: Planet emerged as another indie title that adeptly utilized the Switch 2’s capabilities. The launch of Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World was a triumphant moment, offering a beloved adventure with enhanced visuals and additional content, eliciting nostalgic cheers from long-time Nintendo fans.
Hot topics: The naming convention of Drag x Drive led to playful speculation about whether it should be pronounced "Drag and Drive" or "Drag ecks Drive."
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of August 2025: A strong showing from multiplatform giant Apex Legends and the delightful Kirby & The Forgotten Land NS2E both earned a highly respectable 9/10.
All for a ‘Song: September 2025 – Silksong’s Shadow and a Galaxy of Classics
September proved to be a landmark month, characterized by a deluge of high-profile releases, all of which were ultimately overshadowed by the arrival of a single, highly anticipated title. The Switch 2 played host to a veritable feast of gaming experiences: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Star Wars Outlaws, Cronos: The New Dawn, NBA 2K26, EA SPORTS FC 26, Hades II: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and even DLC for Donkey Kong Bananza.
However, the undisputed star of the month was Hollow Knight: Silksong. The long-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed indie darling lived up to every ounce of hype, delivering a masterclass in 2D action-adventure design and earning a perfect 10/10 from Nintendo Life. Its release set a new benchmark for indie games on the platform and cemented its place in gaming history.
Adding to the excitement, Nintendo finally brought Super Mario Galaxy 2 to the Switch 2, alongside a new port of its predecessor, Super Mario Galaxy. This nostalgic double-header provided a welcome trip down memory lane for many players.
Hot topics: The pricing of the Mario Galaxy ports on the Switch 2 generated considerable discussion, with some questioning the perceived premium. The exceptionally low price point of Hollow Knight: Silksong also sparked debate about its potential impact on indie developer revenue streams.
NL’s Highest-Rated Game of September 2025: The overwhelming consensus was clear: Hollow Knight: Silksong achieved a flawless 10/10, a rare feat that underscored its extraordinary quality.
From Z to A, via Balls and Pits: October 2025 – Pokémon Power and Indie Gems
October saw the simultaneous release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on both the original Switch and the Switch 2, a strategic move that ensured broad accessibility for the latest installment in the beloved franchise. Square Enix continued its impressive run of HD-2D remakes with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, offering a beautifully reimagined classic. Sega also delivered with the highly anticipated port of Persona 3 Reload, bringing its stylish JRPG narrative to the hybrid console.
The indie scene continued to flourish. Playtonic’s remaster of Yooka-Replaylee was generally well-received, though a 30fps cap on the Switch 2 version caused some consternation among players expecting a smoother experience. Meanwhile, the deceptively simple yet addictive BALL x PIT became a surprise global sensation, demanding hours of players’ attention and significantly impacting productivity for a brief period.
Hot topics: The performance of Yooka-Replaylee on the Switch 2, specifically its 30fps cap, was a focal point of discussion. The cultural impact and discourse surrounding the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A also generated significant online buzz.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of October 2025: Both The Touryst Deluxe and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake received a strong 9/10, highlighting the quality of both original experiences and updated classics.
So That Was the Imprisoning War: November 2025 – Double Doses of Nintendo and Sega
November was a busy month for Nintendo, with the publisher releasing two major titles within a two-week span: the strategic action game Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and the whimsical Kirby Air Riders. Both offered distinct yet engaging experiences for Switch 2 owners.
Sega continued its strong support for the platform by releasing ports of Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2, laying the groundwork for the upcoming cross-platform debut of Kiwami 3. The iconic Tomb Raider franchise made its long-awaited debut on a Nintendo system with the release of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, offering players a chance to experience Lara Croft’s gritty survival tale.
Hot topics: The performance and reception of Myles MacKenzie in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment were a point of discussion among fans.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of November 2025: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Yakuza Kiwami 2 both earned a solid 9/10, showcasing the continued quality from Nintendo and Sega respectively.
Beyond Redemption: December 2025 – A Blockbuster Finish to the Year
The year 2025 concluded with a flourish, as December delivered a packed schedule of new releases and highly anticipated ports. Nintendo launched its own epic adventure with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a title that had been in development for years and finally met expectations with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. Octopath Traveler 0 continued Square Enix’s success with the HD-2D style, while the indie darling Rogue Prince of Persia offered a challenging roguelike experience.
The Switch 2 also benefited from impressive ports of major titles. Assassin’s Creed Shadows received an admirable adaptation, while Skyrim: Anniversary Edition saw another re-release, though its performance on the Switch 2 remained a point of contention for some. Red Dead Redemption received a dedicated "Switch 2 Edition," bringing Rockstar’s open-world masterpiece to the platform with updated visuals. The polished version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds also provided a smooth and enjoyable racing experience.
The indie scene shone brightly with the Simogo Legacy Collection, the charming Cast n Chill, and the critically acclaimed Skate Story offering unique and memorable experiences. In a festive surprise, Stardew Valley made its debut on Christmas Day in the US, though a troubled launch delayed its European release until March 2026.
Hot topics: The increasing use of generative AI in game development sparked debate. The retirement of Doug Bowser as President of Nintendo of America and the subsequent ascension of Devon Pritchard to the role marked a significant leadership transition. The perennial discussion surrounding the performance of Skyrim on Nintendo hardware resurfaced.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of December 2025: A diverse group of titles achieved a 9/10, including Metroid Prime 4: Beyond NS2E, Red Dead Redemption NS2E, Octopath Traveler 0, Simogo Legacy Collection NS2E, The Rogue Prince of Persia, and Cast n Chill NS2E.
Old Horizons: January 2026 – Nostalgia and Enhanced Ports
Kicking off the new year, Nintendo tapped into a deep well of nostalgia with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This release prompted many players to revisit their deserted islands, offering a familiar and comforting escape. Koei Tecmo continued its strong support with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, while Dispatch arrived on both Switch generations, albeit with some controversial censorship that drew player ire. Square Enix further bolstered its JRPG offerings with a well-received Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.
While January provided a solid start to 2026, it was largely seen as a preamble to the more significant releases that would follow in the subsequent months, particularly those offering entirely new experiences.
Hot topics: The censorship in Dispatch on the Switch 2 became a significant point of contention, with developers promising to address some of the issues. The "Year In Review" feature, which comprehensively covered the entire past year, was also a welcome addition.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of January 2026: Stardew Valley NS2E, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, FFVII Remake Intergrade, and Dispatch NS2E all garnered a commendable 9/10, demonstrating the continued strength of the Switch 2’s software library.
Resident Knight Fever: February 2026 – Cross-Platform Dominance and Exclusive Charms
February was largely dominated by the cross-platform release of Resident Evil Requiem, a testament to the Switch 2’s growing ability to compete with other major consoles. While the survival horror behemoth captured headlines, Nintendo also delivered a charming exclusive with Mario Tennis Fever. Sega continued its impressive rollout of the Yakuza series with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a title that launched day-and-date across all platforms, a welcome sign of increased parity for Switch 2 owners.
The trend of simultaneous multiplatform releases continued with Reanimal and Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, further solidifying the Switch 2’s position as a primary target for major game launches. The month also saw a steady stream of enhanced ports, including a Switch 2 Edition of Hollow Knight, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, and the highly acclaimed Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village: Gold Edition, allowing players to experience these modern classics with improved performance.
Hot topics: Discussions around potential re-releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for Nintendo Switch Online, the ongoing buzz surrounding the Pokémon 30th anniversary, and the unique historical context of the Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch Online provided nostalgic points of interest.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of February 2026: Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined, Reanimal, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Requiem all earned a strong 9/10, showcasing the platform’s ability to host a diverse range of high-quality titles.
Un Poko’ Loco: March 2026 – Monster Hunter, Indie Darlings, and a Pokémon Phenomenon
March saw Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection arrive as the latest cross-platform Capcom title, continuing the publisher’s strong commitment to the Switch 2. Koei Tecmo and Sega contributed with their own notable releases: Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake and Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O. World Stage, respectively. The indie scene was well-represented with ports of Blue Prince, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and Scott Pilgrim EX, all delivering polished experiences.
Nintendo’s own contribution was Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park, offering additional content for the beloved platformer. However, the undisputed star of March, and arguably one of the biggest releases of the Switch 2’s first year, was Pokémon Pokopia. This system-exclusive title achieved Metacritic’s highest-ever rating for a Pokémon game, a monumental achievement that led Nintendo to bundle it with the console for the summer, cementing its status as a system-defining release.
A surprise development this month was the sudden introduction of "Handheld Boost Mode," which unexpectedly granted Switch 1 games docked-level performance and resolution when played in handheld mode on the Switch 2, a welcome, albeit unannounced, enhancement for backward compatibility.
Hot topics: Nintendo’s controversial decision to alter pricing for digital versus physical Switch 2 exclusives, particularly starting with Yoshi, ignited discussions. Nvidia’s DLSS 5 technology was rumored to be a significant factor in the Switch 2’s graphical prowess. Nintendo’s lawsuit against the US government regarding tariffs continued to be a point of interest. Speculation surrounding the Mario Galaxy movie, particularly the reveal of the Fox character, and rumors of a new Star Fox title and an Ocarina of Time remake for Zelda’s 40th anniversary year kept fans engaged. Yoshi popcorn buckets for the Mario Galaxy movie also generated buzz.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of March 2026: Scott Pilgrim EX, Planet of Lana 2: NS2E, Blue Prince, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage, and The Midnight Walk all achieved a strong 9/10, showcasing the breadth of quality available.
Cap-dom: April 2026 – Capcom’s Continued Excellence and a Quieter Month
April saw Capcom’s impressive run continue with the release of the critically acclaimed Pragmata. This title further solidified Capcom’s position as one of the Switch 2’s most reliable and innovative third-party developers, surely putting them in contention for "Publisher of the Year" accolades. Nintendo, having released two major titles in March, eased off the Switch 2 gas slightly, though the original Switch’s Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream proved to be a surprising resurgence hit.
Despite a quieter month for blockbuster releases, quality titles like OPUS: Prism Peak and Mouse: P.I. For Hire kept Switch 2 owners engaged, demonstrating that even in slower periods, the platform offered compelling gaming experiences.
Hot topics: The delay of 007 First Light on the Switch 2 was noted, though no specific reasons were provided.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of April 2026: Pragmata and Mouse: P.I. For Hire both earned a strong 9/10, highlighting the continued quality of games released on the platform.
Mina and the Mysterious Mixtape: May 2026 – Exclusive Charm and Indie Depth
May brought another exclusive gem to the Switch 2 with Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, offering a charming adventure that showcased Nintendo’s continued dedication to its beloved characters. Machine Games’ port of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a standout achievement, demonstrating the Switch 2’s potential in the hands of skilled developers and its capacity to handle ambitious third-party titles.
This month was particularly fruitful for smaller development teams. Titles like Mixtape, Sektori, and Mina The Hollower: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition provided a wealth of depth and quality to the Switch 2’s eShop, proving that the platform is a fertile ground for innovative and engaging indie experiences.
Hot topics: Nintendo announced sweeping price hikes for the Switch 2, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the consumer base. The unexpected appearance of Bubsy 4D in a positive light was a moment of genuine shock and delight for fans of the notoriously difficult series.
NL’s Highest-Rated Games of May 2026: Mixtape, Sektori, and Mina The Hollower NS2E all received a highly deserved 9/10, underscoring the strength of the indie offerings.
Rebirth: June 2026 – A Stellar Finish and a Glimpse into Year Two
As the Switch 2 approached its first anniversary, June delivered two significant titles just before the cut-off. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth arrived, offering a critically acclaimed JRPG experience, and Konami surprised many with the quality of its exclusive, eFootball Kick-Off, a testament to the platform’s growing appeal.
Just missing the anniversary mark, highly anticipated games from Nintendo and Square Enix are poised to further enrich the Switch 2’s library, hinting at an even more exciting second year.
Switch 2, Year Two: What’s In Store?
Looking ahead, the future of the Nintendo Switch 2 appears incredibly bright, with a robust slate of games already announced and rumored to be in development. June promises The Adventures of Elliot and the long-awaited Star Fox title, continuing Nintendo’s commitment to its core franchises. July will see the release of Splatoon Raiders and Rhythm Heaven Groove (though the latter is confirmed for the original Switch, marking one of its final announced first-party titles).
August is set to be a powerhouse month, with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 from Konami, the highly anticipated Elden Ring from FromSoftware (after a notable delay), and Square Enix’s ambitious Final Fantasy XIV Online. September will bring Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and the definitive edition of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. October will see the Switch 2 achieve day-and-date parity with other platforms for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Beyond these confirmed releases, a significant number of titles are slated for "TBA 2026," including potential system-sellers like Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, The Duskbloods, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Oblivion Remastered, DECAPOLICE, and Valheim.
The true excitement lies in what Nintendo has yet to reveal for the crucial holiday season. While Fire Emblem is a beloved franchise, its niche appeal might not attract entirely new demographics. Even if rumors of a Zelda’s Ocarina of Time remake for the franchise’s 40th anniversary year prove unfounded, Nintendo’s in-house development teams are undoubtedly working on substantial titles for the latter half of 2026. This is particularly crucial as the company navigates increasing the Switch 2’s price point, aiming to attract new players while retaining its existing fanbase.
Polls: How Would You Rate Switch 2’s First Year?
As we reflect on the Nintendo Switch 2’s inaugural year, a whirlwind of innovation, challenging market conditions, and an undeniably strong software lineup has defined its journey. Did you embrace the hybrid successor in its first year? If so, has the experience met your expectations?
We invite you to cast your vote in the polls below to share your assessment of the Switch 2’s groundbreaking first year. Furthermore, please utilize the comments section to highlight any standout games that may have been overlooked in this overview, and to share which titles have truly defined the console’s initial impact for you. Your insights are invaluable as we collectively chart the course of this exciting new era in gaming.
Lina Irawan
Sagoh
