Nintendo Switch 2: 2025 Review, Launch Highlights, and Top Nintendo Exclusives
2025 proved to be a landmark year for Nintendo, marking the highly anticipated debut of the Nintendo Switch 2.
After years of speculation dating back to the so-called “Switch Pro” rumors in 2020 and 2021, Nintendo finally delivered its next-generation console, quickly securing its place among the fastest-selling video game systems in history.
Alongside the hardware, Nintendo released a robust lineup of exclusives, including standout titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, cementing the company’s dominant position in the market and offering fans a reason to celebrate. Farewell to Nintendo Switch, Hello to Next Gen The original Nintendo Switch entered its twilight in early 2025, with new first-party releases slowing significantly.
Notable titles such as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition represented the final exclusive waves for the console.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD launched concurrently with the Switch 2 announcement, featuring HD visuals and improved controls but drawing criticism over pricing and load times.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a comprehensive overhaul of the Wii U classic with quality-of-life improvements and an additional story chapter, was well-received though its impact was quieter compared to Nintendo's blockbuster releases. Switch 2's Arrival: Reveal and Features After years of speculation and leaked details, Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 via a shadow-dropped trailer on January 16, 2025.
The trailer highlighted significant hardware innovations including an improved kickstand, redesigned Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachments, and a new mouse mode.
Fans also got a first glimpse at the next Mario Kart entry, signaling a fresh direction for the console.
Nintendo followed up with a full showcase on April 2, 2025, confirming the system’s launch for June 5, 2025.
Key features included complete backward compatibility with the original Switch library and accessories, wireless connectivity, GameChat voice and screen-sharing services, and GameCube titles added to Nintendo Switch Online for Expansion Pack subscribers. The impressive game reveals included Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, as well as Switch 2 Editions of anticipated releases like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
While these unveilings generated much excitement, the community notably expressed concern over pricing, as Switch 2 launched at $449.99 USD and Mario Kart World set a new first-party price point of $80. Launch Day Successes and Standout Games The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, to massive commercial success—posting an unprecedented 3.5 million units sold within its first four days.
Major retailers such as Target and Best Buy struggled to keep up with sky-high pre-order demand.
The launch lineup featured Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour as original exclusives, bolstered by enhanced Switch 2 Editions of seminal adventures like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Super Mario Odyssey.
Key third-party offerings, including Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Street Fighter 6, reflected improved developer support from day one. Mario Kart World was widely regarded as a stellar evolution for the series, introducing new mechanics, an expressive art style, and a formidable soundtrack—complemented by post-launch updates addressing player feedback.
While some questioned the increased price, continuous improvements and new features have sustained high engagement through the end of the year.
Donkey Kong Bananza, launching in July, revitalized the Donkey Kong franchise with a dynamic 3D adventure that quickly won over both veteran fans and newcomers. Seasonal Highlights and Evolving Franchises Nintendo’s robust 2025 lineup continued with releases such as Drag x Drive, expanded Super Mario Galaxy ports, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A—whose Switch 2 Edition stands as the first mainline Pokémon title to run at 60 frames per second from launch.
Holiday debuts included Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, optimized for Switch 2’s power, and Kirby Air Riders, described by many as a content-rich action racer fully available at release.
The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond capped the year, offering a visually stunning yet more accessible experience that was met with positive reception, especially among first-time players. Looking Forward In summary, 2025 delivered a strong start for the Nintendo Switch 2 era, with standout exclusives and third-party engagement putting the company on solid footing for the future.
While the Nintendo Switch’s first year will be tough to eclipse, the Switch 2’s impressive sales momentum and quality releases have set the stage for a promising generation.
As fans look ahead, expectations are high for continued innovation and consumer-friendly pricing as Nintendo prepares its next wave of major releases—including the anticipated return of franchises like Super Smash Bros.
and Animal Crossing.
After years of speculation dating back to the so-called “Switch Pro” rumors in 2020 and 2021, Nintendo finally delivered its next-generation console, quickly securing its place among the fastest-selling video game systems in history.
Alongside the hardware, Nintendo released a robust lineup of exclusives, including standout titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, cementing the company’s dominant position in the market and offering fans a reason to celebrate. Farewell to Nintendo Switch, Hello to Next Gen The original Nintendo Switch entered its twilight in early 2025, with new first-party releases slowing significantly.
Notable titles such as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition represented the final exclusive waves for the console.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD launched concurrently with the Switch 2 announcement, featuring HD visuals and improved controls but drawing criticism over pricing and load times.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a comprehensive overhaul of the Wii U classic with quality-of-life improvements and an additional story chapter, was well-received though its impact was quieter compared to Nintendo's blockbuster releases. Switch 2's Arrival: Reveal and Features After years of speculation and leaked details, Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 via a shadow-dropped trailer on January 16, 2025.
The trailer highlighted significant hardware innovations including an improved kickstand, redesigned Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachments, and a new mouse mode.
Fans also got a first glimpse at the next Mario Kart entry, signaling a fresh direction for the console.
Nintendo followed up with a full showcase on April 2, 2025, confirming the system’s launch for June 5, 2025.
Key features included complete backward compatibility with the original Switch library and accessories, wireless connectivity, GameChat voice and screen-sharing services, and GameCube titles added to Nintendo Switch Online for Expansion Pack subscribers. The impressive game reveals included Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, as well as Switch 2 Editions of anticipated releases like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
While these unveilings generated much excitement, the community notably expressed concern over pricing, as Switch 2 launched at $449.99 USD and Mario Kart World set a new first-party price point of $80. Launch Day Successes and Standout Games The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, to massive commercial success—posting an unprecedented 3.5 million units sold within its first four days.
Major retailers such as Target and Best Buy struggled to keep up with sky-high pre-order demand.
The launch lineup featured Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour as original exclusives, bolstered by enhanced Switch 2 Editions of seminal adventures like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Super Mario Odyssey.
Key third-party offerings, including Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Street Fighter 6, reflected improved developer support from day one. Mario Kart World was widely regarded as a stellar evolution for the series, introducing new mechanics, an expressive art style, and a formidable soundtrack—complemented by post-launch updates addressing player feedback.
While some questioned the increased price, continuous improvements and new features have sustained high engagement through the end of the year.
Donkey Kong Bananza, launching in July, revitalized the Donkey Kong franchise with a dynamic 3D adventure that quickly won over both veteran fans and newcomers. Seasonal Highlights and Evolving Franchises Nintendo’s robust 2025 lineup continued with releases such as Drag x Drive, expanded Super Mario Galaxy ports, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A—whose Switch 2 Edition stands as the first mainline Pokémon title to run at 60 frames per second from launch.
Holiday debuts included Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, optimized for Switch 2’s power, and Kirby Air Riders, described by many as a content-rich action racer fully available at release.
The long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond capped the year, offering a visually stunning yet more accessible experience that was met with positive reception, especially among first-time players. Looking Forward In summary, 2025 delivered a strong start for the Nintendo Switch 2 era, with standout exclusives and third-party engagement putting the company on solid footing for the future.
While the Nintendo Switch’s first year will be tough to eclipse, the Switch 2’s impressive sales momentum and quality releases have set the stage for a promising generation.
As fans look ahead, expectations are high for continued innovation and consumer-friendly pricing as Nintendo prepares its next wave of major releases—including the anticipated return of franchises like Super Smash Bros.
and Animal Crossing.
