Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5, 2026 with the strongest first-party lineup Nintendo has shipped at any console launch in two decades. Two flagship first-party titles are available on day one: Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza. Several major third-party publishers have committed to launch-window titles, and the console's backwards compatibility with Switch 1 games means owners already have a substantial library on day one.
For full hardware specs, price, and where to pre-order, see the Nintendo Switch 2 hub.
Day-One Launch Titles | June 5, 2026
These titles are confirmed for release on the Switch 2 launch date.
| Title | Publisher | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Nintendo | $79.99 | Open-world, 24-player online, 4K 60fps docked. Also in $499.99 bundle. |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Nintendo | $59.99 | 2D/3D hybrid platformer. Real-time environment deformation. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour | Nintendo | Free | Tech showcase and hardware demo. Demonstrates Joy-Con 2 mouse mode and GameChat. |
Mario Kart World | Open-World Racing on Switch 2
Mario Kart World is the most significant departure in the franchise since Mario Kart 8. Rather than individual race tracks, the game features a single interconnected open world where courses are carved through a living environment. Players race across the full map, moving between biomes, cities, and landmarks in a continuous space.
The game supports 24-player online races, up from 12 in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and runs at 4K 60fps in docked mode on Switch 2. A free-roam mode allows exploration outside of race events. Nintendo has confirmed post-launch content, including additional courses and characters.
At $79.99, Mario Kart World is priced higher than previous Nintendo first-party titles, which have typically been $59.99. Nintendo stated the pricing reflects the scope of the open-world design and the post-launch content roadmap. It is included in the $499.99 console bundle as a download code.
Donkey Kong Bananza | The Franchise Returns
Donkey Kong Bananza marks the franchise's first major release since Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in 2014. Developed internally at Nintendo, the game is a 2D/3D hybrid platformer where Donkey Kong's fist-pounding and terrain deformation are the core mechanics. Environments are destructible in real time, with DK capable of punching through soil, rock, and structures to create new paths or uncover secrets.
Nintendo has positioned Bananza alongside Mario Kart World as the two headline launch titles for Switch 2. The game's visual fidelity, particularly the deformation physics, has been cited as a demonstration of the Switch 2 hardware's CPU headroom over the original Switch.
Pokemon Pokopia | Highest-Rated Pokemon Game Ever
While not a day-one Switch 2 launch title, Pokemon Pokopia arrived in the console's early window and has become one of the most critically acclaimed titles on the platform. It scored 93 on OpenCritic and 90 on Metacritic, the highest marks ever recorded for a Pokemon title. Full details in the Pokemon Pokopia review score analysis.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition
Nintendo released an expanded version of the 2023 Switch 1 hit with new content for Switch 2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition launched March 26, 2026 and added Bellabel Park, 12-player online, and 70+ training courses. A $20 upgrade path is available for owners of the original Switch 1 version. Full breakdown in the Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 Edition article.
Third-Party and Indie Launch Window Titles
Alongside Nintendo first-party titles, multiple third-party publishers announced Switch 2 launch-window releases. These titles are confirmed for June 5 or within the launch window (within 60 days of the console's release).
| Title | Developer / Publisher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Switch 2 Edition) | CD Projekt Red | Enhanced port with ray tracing and 60fps handheld. First time on Nintendo hardware. |
| EA Sports FC 26 | EA Sports | Launch-day multiplatform release on Switch 2. |
| Hogwarts Legacy (Switch 2 Edition) | Portkey Games / WB | Enhanced port with improved load times and handheld resolution. |
| Elden Ring (Switch 2 Edition) | FromSoftware / Bandai Namco | 30fps docked, 30fps handheld. Confirmed for Switch 2. |
Nintendo has also confirmed that Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox will be available on Switch 2 from day one, all as free-to-play titles with full cross-platform play enabled.
Switch 1 Games on Switch 2 | Your Existing Library
One of the practical strengths of the Switch 2 launch is backwards compatibility. Most Switch 1 physical game cards work on Switch 2 without modification. Digital games linked to your Nintendo Account transfer automatically. This means owners of Switch 1 carry forward their entire existing library, which includes hundreds of titles.
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription remains required for online play. Digital library games from the original Switch's NSO retro catalog are included on Switch 2 for active subscribers.
For pricing and where to buy the console itself, see the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.