Now that Nintendo Switch 2 been out for about a year, gamers are finally seeing a significant number of Switch 2 exclusives and ports that make the console worth its now-increased price.
While not everything on this list is necessarily a Switch 2 exclusive title, the non-exclusive titles on this list work just as well on any other platform and have the added benefit of including a handheld option, making the Switch 2 one of the best ways to experience them, especially for those who haven't already.
Kirby Air Riders
Although it may have taken more than 20 years for a Kirby Air Ride sequel to finally hit Nintendo consoles, this passion project from Masahiro Sakurai is everything fans could have hoped for.
Not only does it honor all the aspects that made the original so popular, but the unique mechanics and incredibly fun City Trial mode set it apart from any other racing game you'll find on the Switch 2. Even if you're not into online racing, the story part of the game alone makes this game a must for Kirby fans.
Unfortunately, the number of Kirby Air Riders online players has dwindled a bit since release. While it's by no means a dead game, it might be better to grab it on sale if you're only interested in participating in online races and not playing the story. Matchmaking can be hit or miss depending on time and region.
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Cyberpunk 2077
Despite its rough launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has spent the last five years developing into what some might consider one of the best games of all time. It's available on every other platform, so chances are you've already played it, but since it also features a lot of replayability, Switch 2 might be the best place to experience V's story, unless of course you have a PS5 Pro.
Given that the original Switch struggled to run all major games that weren't specifically designed for it, you might be a little hesitant to trust its follow-up console to handle it, but Cyberpunk 2077, among several other big games, runs like a dream on the Switch 2, and with the added benefit of a handheld, it's hard to beat.
Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem is the latest addition to this iconic horror franchise, and while it may not be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, that doesn't mean the platform shouldn't be a contender for however you choose to play the game.
Yes, if you have a PS5 Pro I'd be hard pressed to argue against using it to play one of the first games to take advantage of its unique features, but if you don't, the Switch 2 version runs exceptionally well with the added benefit of handheld capability. Additionally, Nintendo is releasing Amiibos of Grace and Leon to pair with the game, which will of course be exclusive to the Switch 2 version.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is by no means new, but it is new to Nintendo consoles after the release of the Switch 2 and remains one of the best fighting games on the market. I don't need to tell you that convenience is the biggest selling point. Yes, Street Fighter 6 is available on every other platform, but you just can't beat the convenience of being able to play it wherever you want without sacrificing quality.
I can imagine that the biggest concern for players here, as with most competitive games, will be how well it runs. Comfort doesn't matter when you're dropping frames left and right, but there's absolutely no reason to worry because Street Fighter 6 runs smoothly on Nintendo Switch 2. So why not take the show on the road and enjoy Street Fighter 6 matches wherever you want?
Mario Kart World
As the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's hard not to recommend Mario Kart World as a must for Switch 2 owners. Even if you didn't take advantage of the bundle offer when you picked up the console, Mario Kart World remains one of the best Switch 2 games with consistently busy servers so you'll never have to wait for a match again.
Mario Kart has been a staple of nearly every Nintendo console to date, but Mario Kart World is the first to feature free-to-play, open-world style. In addition to the traditional races, you can participate in a number of new modes, all of which allow you to take advantage of the new gadgets introduced in the world of Mario Kart. There's never been a Mario Kart like this before and it's something everyone should try.
While not every game can make the list, some do honorable mentions which might be worth checking out on Switch 2 if you haven't already played them on the original Switch (or other platform) include: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, The Legend of Zelda: BOTW and TOTK (Switch 2 Edition), Red Dead Redemption 2, Pokemon Legends: ZA and Pokemon Scarlet/Violet.
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream
Although you can also enjoy Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream on the original Nintendo Switch, this is probably one of Nintendo's most prominent releases since the Switch 2, and therefore cannot be overlooked.
It may not be the Animal Crossing sequel some were hoping for (although you can create AC villagers), but Tomodachi Life offers the same casual fun with a little more humor and mayhem. The quirky personalities and strange events you can trigger make this simulation game unlike any other.
You can think of it like The Sims, only you won't be controlling anyone directly. Instead, you'll act more like a divine influence on the world, guiding the characters to your preferred choices and building the world around them. The best part? It's cheaper than most first party Nintendo releases.
Hades 2
Despite being available in Early Access a little over a year before 1.0 was released, the hype for Hades 2 didn't diminish when the time came, and it was easily one of the biggest releases of 2025, indie or otherwise. So much so that this roguelite even secured a win at the 2025 Game Awards for Best Action Game.
Now, Hades 2 is available on almost every platform, but there's no better way to play it than on the Switch 2. With the ability to both dock it and take it on the go, you can enjoy the game on the TV screen it deserves, and seamlessly continue your run in handheld mode when needed.
Donkey Kong Banana
Although it wasn't the launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza was released about a month later and arguably became a more significant release than MKW. Although many were hoping we could finally see a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey that came out shortly after the Switch original, DK Bananza is what Nintendo surprised fans with instead.
However, due to their similarities, several Nintendo fans have affectionately dubbed the game “Donkey Kong Odyssey” and consider it the next best thing, if not better. DK Bananza quickly became the multiplayer game of the year, earning multiple nominations and winning the Best Family Game category at the 2025 Game Awards. Even a year later, it remains one of the best games on the console.
Pokemon Pokopia
Unfortunately, while those hoping to see what Gen 10 will look like on the Switch 2 will have to wait a little longer, there is still one Switch 2 exclusive Pokemon game that should be on everyone's radar, Pokemon Pokopia.
When the first trailers for this strange, humanoid ditto game dropped, few knew what to make of it, but it quickly became one of the most sought-after games on the Switch 2. Players as Ditto are tasked with rebuilding the post-apocalyptic Gen 1 towns of Pokopia in an attempt to convince Pokémon and humans to return to the area.
If you're still considering buying a Switch 2 but haven't yet, be sure to check out Nintendo's Choose Your Own Game Bundle, which includes both the Switch 2 and your choice of games from this list at a discounted price.
The gameplay is definitely the star of the game and has been described as a mix of Pokemon, Viva Piñata and Minecraft, but you can't overlook the story either. This somewhat incomprehensible mystery surrounding the Kanto disasters is enough to keep you pushing forward until the end, and even after the credits roll, you can still enjoy an endless amount of post-game content.
