The Switch 2 launched in June, and it already has an impressive lineup of first- and third-party games. One of the more surprising ports was Cyberpunk 2077which works very well on the laptop. For a console's first year around the block, the Switch 2 has really impressed a lot of fans.
There are a few games that have appeared on both Switch and Switch 2, but for the most part, the biggest games have been exclusives. Let's go through the games that only Switch 2 players have been able to enjoy in 2025, noting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Kirby Air Riders is just around the corner and will hopefully be amazing as well.
Mario Kart World
Racing like you've never seen before
Mario Kart World was a launch game for the Switch 2 and the main reason to buy the system. It is the first game in Mario Kart series with an open world to explore. While the open-world area wasn't as large as other games released on the original Switch, just driving around to explore, play mini-games, or collect costumes proved fun.
As for the core gameplay, it is the best racing game in the series so far. All the characters ooze personality, their alternate costumes are cute, and the extra modes are fun too. There is a Battle Royale-inspired mode that is particularly fun to play. Whether players compete alone or with friends online, Mario Kart World is a good time to return to.
Donkey Kong Banana
One of the best in 2025
Donkey Kong Banana was the next big game developed by Nintendo to come to the Switch 2. It was Donkey Kong the return of the franchise to 3D in one of the most impressive comebacks ever. Not only is it a solid 3D platformer bearing the DK name, it also expands DK's powers immensely. His fists can now crash through boulders, metal and more in the most destructive Nintendo game yet.
Players can explore different open-world biomes, from relaxing ocean beaches to dark caves, and completely raze them. DK is joined on this adventure by a younger Paulina, who can be controlled in a limited capacity in co-op. In addition to the destructible environments, players can level up and give DK skills, along with customizing both DK's and Pauline's style. The best part of the game is the ending, which would spoil things too much to mention, but it's worth seeing through.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
A classic JRPG returns
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy began as a 3DS game, and remained an exclusive until this remaster was released exclusively for the Switch 2. With improved graphics, a different control scheme, and additional mini-games, this is the best way to play the game for those who missed the original. It's also the best exclusive JRPG on Switch 2 so far.
It was created as a tribute to the elderly Final Fantasy game, complete with a story about Crystals, four characters, and a deep job system that would put any other JRPG to shame. Unlocking skills and new jobs are the best things about the game, which will easily hook players. A newer post might have been more impressive to get at launch, though Bravely Default: Flying Fairy is still well over a decade later.
Survival child
Island life can be difficult
Survival childwhile not perfect, is secretly one of the best exclusives on the Switch 2, and it kind of came out of nowhere. The Survival child series, or Lost in Blue series, isn't one of Konami's biggest franchises, but it does have a cult following. This game is a reboot of the original Game Boy Color adventure featuring children stranded on an island. Alone or with friends online, players must search for food and shelter.
As a survival game aimed at kids, it's not bad. It might not be as deep a survival game as Rustor even Minecraftbut Survival child should hold players over until Nintendo releases the next one Animal Crossing game.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
An icy bridge
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is the best Kirby game on Switch, and so far its expanded remasters, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed Worldis the best Kirby game on Switch 2, not that there is much competition. It's one of the few Switch 2 editions of previously released Switch games that actually received new content via the title Star-Crossed World section. There are remixed levels in each world, which add an ice overlay, making the platforming a bit more difficult.
What made the original game fun is still silly today, as Kirby can swallow enemies and take their powers, along with gaining temporary forms by swallowing inanimate objects. Cars are one example, and it's still fun to play and see every new odd shape Kirby can take. New powers are added in the expansion as well, like a gear that Kirby can swallow to get around the ice more easily. Although it is not new Kirby game, this enhanced version is a good one to get for anyone who missed the original on Switch, thanks to the new content, improved visuals and improved performance.
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
Walking around
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is another repackaged game Switch title. The base game offered players a good selection of mini-games in a board game-like format to play with friends as an essential party game on the Switch, for anyone who likes Mario Party series. The Jamboree TV part of the expansion is a great way to test out the Switch 2's new camera and mouse controls.
Unlike Kirby's remastered adventures, there is no performance boost for the base game as the original and enhanced versions of Super Mario Party Jamboree are separated. It's a bit strange for a remaster, but the point is that what was good before is even better now with the extra content. Setting up cameras and using the mouse controls can be difficult in any party format, but kids and adults alike can have fun being silly with their favorite Mario characters. From singing with Bowser to stacking blocks, this is Nintendo at its most creative.
