From ‘Elden Ring’ to ‘Hades II’: The Nintendo Switch 2’s Launch Lineup Is a Beautiful Mess

In a world of predictable console launches, Nintendo has once again defied expectations. Since its release on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 has not followed the traditional playbook of new hardware. Instead of a handful of showcase first-party titles, the console’s year-one lineup is a strange, fascinating, and wonderfully eclectic collection of games, a testament to Nintendo’s newfound confidence in its third-party partnerships. While the expected heavy hitters are there, the real story is the unexpected variety of high-profile ports and surprise exclusives that have made the console’s first few months a wild ride.

The console’s launch day offered a mix of nostalgia and new power. We got updated versions of classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, optimized to take advantage of the new hardware, alongside the new, highly anticipated Mario Kart World. But the true shock came from the sheer volume of high-profile third-party ports that were once considered impossible on a Nintendo system. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and a new version of Street Fighter 6 all arrived on day one, running on the new hardware with a surprising level of fidelity. This was a clear signal that the days of Nintendo’s consoles being left behind by major third-party releases were over.

The Surprising Year-One Releases

As the year has progressed, the lineup has only gotten stranger and more exciting. The most recent Nintendo Direct on September 12, 2025, confirmed what many had been hoping for. Here’s a look at some of the most surprising additions to the Nintendo Switch 2’s game library:

• Hades II: Supergiant Games’ highly acclaimed roguelike, a massive hit on PC, was not only confirmed for the Switch 2 but will be a timed exclusive for the console, with a release date in November 2025. This is a significant coup for Nintendo, as it brings a highly sought-after indie gem to its new hardware, reinforcing its dominance in the indie market.
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: After years of waiting, the next installment in the Metroid Prime series finally has a release date: December 4, 2025. This is the kind of system-seller that Nintendo fans have been craving, and it gives the console a major holiday title to drive sales.
• Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 Bundle: In a move that surprised many, Nintendo is releasing a bundle of the two Super Mario Galaxy games on October 2, 2025. While this is a remaster, it’s a welcome addition to the library, bringing two of the most beloved platformers of all time to the new console with updated visuals and controls.
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Coming in October 2025, this highly anticipated Pokémon title promises to push the boundaries of the series, and its inclusion in the year-one lineup is a huge win for Nintendo.
• More Than Just Ports: The list goes on and on, from new third-party titles like Borderlands 4 and Little Nightmares III to unexpected remakes and remasters. The sheer volume of content arriving on the console is a clear signal that Nintendo is prioritizing a diverse and robust game library from the get-go. This is a clear strategy to attract new players and give existing ones a reason to upgrade, focusing on a wide range of genres and developers.

The Future is Bright, and a Little Weird

While the initial launch felt a bit light on brand-new, built-for-Switch-2 first-party titles, the sheer quantity and quality of what has followed are a clear sign that Nintendo has learned from its past. Instead of relying solely on a handful of internal franchises, the company is leveraging its new hardware to create a welcoming environment for a wide range of developers. This “anything goes” approach is creating a bizarre but brilliant library that offers something for every type of gamer, from those who want to replay their favorite classics to those who want to jump into the latest and greatest third-party hits. The Nintendo Switch 2’s year-one lineup is a beautiful, confusing, and exciting statement: this is a console for everyone, and the best is yet to come.