Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Lineup: How It Compares to Previous Nintendo Console Releases

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Lineup: A Landmark Moment in Nintendo Console History Nintendo’s much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch this June, marking a major milestone in the company’s storied history of hardware releases.

As industry watchers pore over the system’s incoming game roster, Switch 2’s launch lineup faces inevitable comparison not only to its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch—first released in March 2017—but also to Nintendo’s earlier flagship consoles, such as the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

With new games, enhanced classics, and prominent third-party support, the Switch 2 promises one of the most robust first-year offerings Nintendo has ever assembled. A Comparative Look: Switch 2 vs.

Its Predecessors When the original Nintendo Switch arrived seven years ago, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stood out as its signature release, launching alongside titles like 1-2 Switch, Super Bomberman R, Fast RMX, and others.

Despite a healthy assortment of games, much of the Switch’s early momentum stemmed from Zelda’s critical success—though it was simultaneously available for the Wii U.

It wasn’t until three months later, with ARMS, that Switch owners saw a major first-party exclusive release.

Nevertheless, the system rapidly became a juggernaut, selling over 150 million units globally and boasting best-sellers like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has shipped around 67 million copies since its April 2017 launch. Nintendo Switch 2 distinguishes itself with a far more diverse and enticing opening salvo.

The headline is Mario Kart World—the first truly new entry in the celebrated Mario Kart series in more than a decade.

Accompanying it are high-profile launches including Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, Street Fighter 6, Split Fiction, Fortnite, and Deltarune.

Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will also have access to enhanced ports of GameCube classics like F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur II, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on day one.

Additionally, both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, will receive no-cost upgrades via the Expansion Pack, delivering improved visuals and performance up to 60 frames per second. Stronger Than Previous Launches Looking back, neither the Wii U nor the Nintendo 3DS managed to match the breadth or appeal of Switch 2’s lineup.

The Wii U launched with New Super Mario Bros.

U and Nintendo Land—both competent, yet hindered by franchise fatigue and overlapping releases.

For the 3DS, Pilotwings Resort led a notably sparse lineup that failed to galvanize early excitement.

By contrast, Switch 2’s catalog is designed to attract a wide range of players and satisfy demand for both new and returning franchises.

Notably, Mario Kart World stands out as an $80 premium title, featuring a file size of 23.4 GB—making it one of Nintendo’s largest games to date and suggesting substantial content on launch day. A Promising Year Ahead Nintendo’s strategy extends beyond launch day.

Major titles like Pokemon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are titled to launch later in the year with Switch 2-specific enhancements.

Donkey Kong Bananza and a refreshed Super Mario Party Jamboree are slated for July, followed by new content for Kirby and the Forgotten Land in August, and the upcoming Kirby Air Riders expected into 2025.

Such a steady cadence indicates Nintendo’s commitment to long-term support and robust post-launch offerings for Switch 2 owners. Addressing the Price Point Despite praise for its software lineup, Switch 2’s $449.99 price tag and the $80 MSRP for some first-party games have sparked community discussion.

American pre-orders faced brief delays related to international tariffs, and audience feedback has been vocal regarding rising game costs.

The precedent was set with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s $70 price, but Nintendo emphasizes that not all new releases will reach the $80 threshold.

With upgrades and continued updates being offered free to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack members, Nintendo is attempting to balance value with premium pricing. Conclusion With a stronger launch lineup than any recent Nintendo system, a focus on new entries in beloved franchises, and a year packed with high-profile releases, Nintendo Switch 2 is poised for commercial and critical success.

While pricing concerns persist, the system’s software slate is unlikely to dampen its immediate or long-term sales momentum—reaffirming Nintendo’s place as a leader in the gaming industry.

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