TheNintendo Switch 2has finally been revealed,with its release date just around the corner,granting us lots of information on not only its specs but the kinds of exclusives we can expect on the platform. While there wasn’t a new 3D Mario waiting for us, we did get some excellent surprises that make it a must-have.
If you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on the Switch 2 when it launches and can afford itshigher-than-average-priced titles,then these exclusives will surely make your investment worthwhile, even if some of them won’t be available until sometime next year.
While we didn’t get a new 3D Mario title, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct did have one last surprise waiting for us at the end of its showcase:Donkey Kong Bananza. This brand new 3D Donkey Kong title has himexplore open zones filled with destructible environments and enemies,as he searches for diamonds shaped like bananas.
Unfortunately, Donkey Kong Bananza will miss the launch of the Switch 2 by a little over a month, as it will be released on June 24, 2025. It’s been a hot minute since we received a 3D Donkey Kong title, so this is exciting for anyone who has been waiting for him to return to the big stage!
Showcasing the Joy-Con’s unique features for the Nintendo Switch 2,Drag x Drivehas you utilizing the mouse-like capabilities of the controllers, having you fiercely wheel yourself around the court while playing an intense game of wheelchair basketball.
However, there is no concrete release date for this title as of yet, as it was only given a vague ‘Summer 2025’ release window. Still, we’re curious to see how this title plays, as it will undoubtedly be fun to throwdown with some friends whilechecking out the odd new mouse properties of the Joy-Cons!
One of the biggest surprise announcements during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct was an appearance from the highly acclaimed development team FromSoftware, revealingThe Duskbloodsfor the first time,a brand-new PvPvE experience headed by Hidetaka Miyazaki.To say this looks stellar would be an understatement.
But, as you likely assumed, you will not be able to get your hands on this Bloodborne-coded experience until sometime next year. Yup, this thrilling and stunning trailer was closed out with a vague 2026 release window. Bummer. Nonetheless, we will wait as long as it takes for FromSoftware’s next project!
Speaking of more vague release dates and beloved directors,Kirby Air Riderswas another surprise announcement at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, giving us a brand new entry in the series after roughly 22 years. And the good news is that Masahiro Sakurai heads it, which almost guarantees it will be a banger.
Before getting too excited, the reveal trailer for Kirby Air Riders ended with a vague 2025 release window; not even a season window or anything else was provided. We hope they hit this year, but Sakurai can take all the time he needs as he takes a break from Shash Bros. and returns to his beloved Kirby!
Mario Kart Worldis an excellent expansion of the beloved series, giving you access to an incredible amount of beloved characters to choose from as you race through seamlessly connected courses, locking you into the immersion and whacky action you expect from Mario Kart.
Fortunately, as Mario Kart World is the big selling point of the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch, it will release alongside it on July 24, 2025, serving as the defacto launch title of the console. This game looks gorgeous and seems to be the shake-up the series needed, giving it a breath of fresh air!
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touraims to showcase the unique aspects of your new console in game form, allowing you to interact with nearly every element of the system with insightful information that will help you better understand the tech and how everything works.
Think of this as anAstro’s Playroomsort of offering,except strictly information-based and hardly a game.It willalso run you $10,which seems a bit much, especially compared to what Astro’s Playroom offered for free. Nonetheless, if you want to learn more about the ins and outs of the Switch 2, you may snag this at launch on July 26, 2025!
