Before the Nintendo Switch 2 was officially announced, many fans were already writing game prediction lists. You’ve got your obvious sequel choices for big names like the Mario and Legend of Zelda series. Then, there’s Nintendo’s more niche collection, featuring titles that only garnered a small but dedicated audience.
With the highly anticipated release of the platform on the horizon, we have ample time to speculate and build our excitement until the next Nintendo Direct. So, while we’re eagerly waiting, here are our picks for the games we hope to see on Nintendo Switch 2 launch day.
Super Mario Odyssey 2
It’s been a while since we got our last Mario 3D-based game, with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury launching back in 2021. Although there are many ways Nintendo could go about the next 3D entry, I’m putting Super Mario Odyssey 2 at the top of the list. This title is known to be one of the best NS games, pushing the franchise’s fun factor to the limit.
Just imagine the possibilities of a Super Mario Odyssey sequel on the Nintendo Switch 2. With the sheer size of this platform, ꦫwe can expect everything to be bigger and better, with new wondrous worlds waiting to be explored across its many kingdoms.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
After a year without new Pokémon games, 2025 is set to be a significant year for all Pokémon fans. The much-awaited Pokémon Legends: Z-A is on its way, promising to transport us to the vibrant Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
Following the 2024 Pokémon Presents, news about Z-A has been relatively quiet, with a few rumors here and there regarding gameplay. Having a Pokémon title upon the Switch 2’s launch would certainly be monumental, especially since the series is one of the biggest communities in the gaming world.
New Legend of Zelda game
I know it’s wishful thinking that we would get a new Legend of Zelda game on Switch 2’s launch day, but I just had to put it on this list. While I was a little late to the party, only playing the games in recent years, I’ve gotten invested in this series to the point where I’m watching deep-dive lore videos on YouTube.
A new Legend of Zelda for the Nintendo Switch 2 could keep me on this track, along with the rest of the community. Or, at the very least, it could be a remaster of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. A re-release of these two hit games would work great for Switch 2’s modernized graphics, making Hyrule even more breathtaking than it already is.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Similar to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be coming out in 2025. So, that begs the question: Will it be released for Nintendo Switch 1 or 2? It may steer more towards the latter, given that the store seemin🎉gly only ♎mentions Nintendo Switch, but the former could be in the cards.
The Nintendo Switch 2 does have backward compatibility, after all, as long as this title is supported. That means you’ll likely be able to play as Metroid’s famous bounty hunter, Samus Aran, whether on the Nintendo Switch 1 ൩or 2.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
While Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was meant for 2024, we’ll need to keep waiting deeper into the new year. Rumors suggest that this remake of the 2004 PS2 classic may arrive for the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing you to take this new modernized version with you on the go.
It wouldn’t be the first time Operation Snake Eater was on a Nintendo platform, with the likes of MGS Master Collection and Snake Eater 3D for the 3DS. As a massive Metal Gear Solid fan, I’d love to see the newest iteration be a part of the Switch 2, just so more people can experience one of the best games I’ve ever played.
Splatoon 4
Almost a decade ago, the first Splatoon made it to the Nintendo collection, marking its splashy debut in the third-person shooter genre. The most recent entry, Splatoon 3, kept the hy𝓰pe going with its consistent updates for the past two years. However, the good times had to stop eventually, as updates were ceased by Sept. 2024.
Now that the fun-filled adventures of Splatoon 3 have relatively come to an end, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch day would be the perfect time for a Splatoon 4 reveal. Maybe then, we could finally get a multiplayer split-screen fꦚeature for a little couch co-op action.
New Animal Crossing game
When Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out, it took the world by storm, bringing together both new and returning players alike. I still go back to it to this day (I’m sorry to all my villagers that I’ve neglected), but I wish there was a bit more content added, like what was done with the Happy Home Paradise DLC.
Based on the releases of past Animal Crossing titles, Nintendo Switch 2’s 2025 launch is around the right time for a new AC game. There’s typically a few-year gap between each title, apart from the substantial seven-year gap with the most recent entry. I hope it’s not as long as the last time around, but even if it takes a while, I’m sure it’ll all be worth the wait.
Tomodachi Life 2
Compared to a potential new Zelda game for Switch 2’s launch day, a sequel for Tomodachi Life may be the most far-fetched idea yet. The first one was released over a decade ago, and it doesn’t have as much of an audience as the ones in the big leagues. Still, there is a devoted fanbase that’s been hoping for Tomodachi Life 2, creating a virtual world of your friends and family Mii-styl꧑e.
Even if a sequel seems like a stretch, it’s not entirely impossible for Nintendo Switch 2’s Day One debut. The NS did get a similar take on it with Miitopia, allowing you to send out Mii-mified versions of your loved ones on a grand adventure. Tomodachi Life and Miitopia would be superb foundations for the TL sequel if Nintendo ever goes through with it.
New Call of Duty game
Given that Call of Duty has been attached to consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, you wouldn’t really expect one of these titles on Nintendo. However, according to , there are talks about the next CoD entry to arrive on the Nintendo Switch. It isn’t exactly clear what Call of Duty would be coming, but some say it could be a sequel to Black Ops 2’s storyline.
As a fan who has spent countless hours on CoD, I would love to experience it on the go with the Nintendo Switch 2. The last time we saw a Call of Duty title on a Nintendo platform was in 2007 with CoD 4: Modern Warfare on the Nintendo DS. I’m eager to see how it will fare in the new era of Nintendo and if the system can finally handle its intricate mechanics.
Luigi’s Mansion 4
Mario always gets the spotlight for Nintendo games as the frontman for most of the franchise. Albeit, it is the Mario series, so it totally makes sense that he gets so much love. But, every now and then, we’re blessed with Luigi’s Mansion, the ghost-hunting series of the franchise’s beloved sidekick.
Luigi’s Mansion offers a unique view of the Mario franchise, separating from the usual platformer or party games. Sometimes, it’s nice to change things up, and it would make for a great start to Nintendo Switch 2’s launch.
Published: Jan 16, 2025 04:03 pm