The arrival of Nintendo’s new console has shifted the conversation from whether to buy to what to play first. With a larger screen, revised Joy‑Con design and clearer performance gains, the Switch 2 makes many older favorites feel fresh — and gives several recent hits room to shine visually and technically.
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Nintendo kept a wide library in mind: the system runs original Switch software while also hosting a handful of titles that have been rebuilt or tuned for the new hardware. That mix means players can split time between polished classics and experiences that look and perform better on the upgraded device.
The practical result for gamers: faster load times, higher-fidelity handheld visuals and improved control ergonomics that matter in long sessions. Below are 12 Nintendo-published games worth installing on a Switch 2 right away, with quick notes on what each gains from the new hardware.
| Game | Why it matters on the Switch 2 | Enhanced or native? |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Expansive worlds look sharper in handheld mode and benefit from quicker asset streaming during exploration. | Enhanced performance |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Still a benchmark open world; improved frame stability smooths climbing, combat and gliding. | Enhanced |
| Super Mario Odyssey | Vivid colors and quick transitions between kingdoms feel more fluid on the larger, brighter display. | Enhanced |
| New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe | Tight platforming benefits from reduced input lag and the console’s improved handheld clarity. | Enhanced |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | Higher sustained frame rates and crisper visuals sharpen split‑second racing decisions in both handheld and docked play. | Enhanced |
| Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition) | Island detail, population density and faster save/load cycles make long play sessions feel smoother. | Switch 2 edition / updated |
| The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening | The charming art style benefits from the screen’s better contrast; portable play retains visual fidelity. | Enhanced |
| Pokémon Sword | Battle animations and world traversal load more quickly, reducing downtime between encounters. | Enhanced |
| Pokémon Scarlet / Violet | Open‑world sections feel snappier and more consistent thanks to improved streaming and memory handling. | Enhanced |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Performance improvements make action sequences smoother and platforming more reliable in handheld mode. | Enhanced |
| Pikmin 4 | Large battles and particle effects run with fewer slowdowns, which helps tactical gameplay stay responsive. | Enhanced |
| Splatoon 3 | Faster matchmaking and steadier frame rates improve competitive play and make online sessions more enjoyable. | Enhanced |
Not every worthwhile title needs a Switch 2 upgrade to be enjoyable. The original hardware still offers excellent value — especially if you’re shopping used — but the newer console changes the experience in ways that matter for long sessions, competitive play and handheld enthusiasts.
Two short takeaways: the Switch 2 is a practical step forward rather than a complete reboot of the platform, and its support for older games means your existing library remains valuable. If you’re debating whether to move up, think about the types of games you play most: open-world explorers and fast-paced multiplayer tend to show the clearest gains.
For players who want immediate recommendations, start with one big open‑world title and one multiplayer or platformer — you’ll quickly feel what the hardware upgrade delivers.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.