Why the Nintendo Switch 2 Is a Must-Have Right Now: A Buyer's Guide to Exclusive Games
by Nintendo's latest handheld hybrid, the Nintendo Switch 2, launched on 5 June 2025, and it's already making waves. Whether you're a longtime Nintendo fan or just curious, there's a powerful argument to be made: this is one console where the games and funny leaps feel worth it.
What Makes the Switch 2 Special?
Let's start with the hardware upgrades:
* Sharper, Smoother Performance – With HDR support, 4K docked output, optional 120fps gameplay (or 1080p handheld display), and enhanced cooling, the Switch 2 looks and plays better than ever
*Joy-Con 2 & Mouse Mode – Magnetic controllers with motion, haptic feedback, and mouse-mode controls open the door to inventive gameplay.
* Storage & Sound – 256 GB internal storage, improved ergonomics, built-in mics for GameChat, and optional cameras for social gaming—all signs of a console redesigned for modern play, The Times.
But hardware is just half the story. Let's talk exclusive games—the heart of the Switch 2 appeal.
Launch Day Lineup: Jump In Day One
Nintendo's approach to launch day is clever and diverse:
Mario Kart World (5 June) -
A flagship launch exclusive: open-world racing with seamless Free Roam, 24-player battles, weather effects, Knockout Tour, rail grinding, wall-jumping, and power-ups—this is a bold evolution of the series.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour -
A $9.99 paid, interactive "tech demo" that shows off features like Joy-Con mouse-mode, motion controls, and haptics—think of it as an immersive intro to the system
Classic Remastered Hits (Switch 2 Editions) -
Favorites like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Deltarune (Chapters 1–4), Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, and more—all enhanced for the new console.
Third-Party Launch Gems -
Titles like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (HD Remaster), Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Deltarune, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Street Fighter 6, and others hit day one, enriching the variety.
Shortly After Launch: Nintendo Exclusives You Can't Miss
Donkey Kong Bananza (17 July) -
A lush, destructible 3D platformer starring DK open-world traversal, environmental chaos, and puzzle-platforming in Nintendo style.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (24 July) -
Party fun amplified with new modes and TV-style in-game interaction using audio and facial recognition.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition (28 August) -
A remastered adventure with Star-Crossed World content and performance enhancements.
Drag x Drive (14 August) -
Wild, wheelchair-robot basketball with Joy-Con mouse-mode. 3v3 chaos, tricks, slams—think Rocket League with wheels and flair.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (Winter 2025) -
A Musou-style Zelda prequel, full of large-scale battles, time-traveling Zelda, and Zonai-era legends.
Looking Ahead: Big Titles & Indie Highlights
2025 and beyond promises even more exclusivity:
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (late 2025) -
A cross-gen action-adventure with 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps options, mouse support, and enhanced graphics for Switch 2.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Late 2025) -
A fresh take on Pokémon, reintroducing Mega Evolutions and bringing nostalgic Kanto-style action.
Kirby Air Riders (2025, maybe late) -
Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, returning to GameCube-influenced racing with Kirby's copy powers and high-speed action.
The Duskbloods (2026) -
A FromSoftware PvPvE world, gothic, fierce, multiplayer mayhem.
Indie Gems from Indie World Showcase -
Herdling (21 August), Mina the Hollower (31 October), Ball x Pitt (15 October), Glaciered (Switch 2 exclusive Q3), Content Warning (2026), plus cozy narrative picks like Winter Burrow and Ultimate Sheep Raccoon.
Why Exclusives Count: A Compelling Case for Buying Now
2025 and beyond promises even more exclusivity:
1. Unmatched Variety & Innovation
From kart racers to platformers to PvPvE thrillers and quirky indies, Switch 2's lineup spans genres like no other handheld.
2. Abundant Enhanced Editions
If you've been waiting for the "definitive" version of Zelda, Kirby, or Mario Party, the Switch 2 Editions deliver them at their best.
3. Joy-Con 2 Brings Fresh Gameplay
Mouse mode and haptics aren't just gimmicks; they enable unique, physics-driven titles like Drag x Drive and Welcome Tour to shine.
4. Strong Hardware-First Games Combo
This console isn't just about raw power, it's about how games leverage it. Many titles, especially first-party efforts, are optimized to shine on Switch 2.
5. Expanding Future Library
2025 looks set to remain thrilling, and with indie developers lining up, 2026 will bring even more exclusives.
6. Improved Availability
Supply has caught up with demand. Bundles like Mario Kart World are standard at major retailers, though standalone units may carry slight price hikes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Switch 2 Now?
Yes, especially if you want:
- Wide multiplayer fun (think Mario Kart World, Super Mario Party, Drag x Drive)
- Zelda in best form (Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom)
- Fresh blockbusters (Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond)
- Immersive, exclusive solo adventures (Kirby Air Riders, Pokémon Legends: Z-A)
- Indie surprises (Herdling, Glaciered, etc.)
Buying now means enjoying an already rich library with more to come. The system's strengths, hardware and software in tandem, make it a standout in portable gaming. The only challenge? Choosing which exclusive to play first.
