15 Switch 2 Games You Need This Fall — Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Zelda at 60 FPS and More
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched with a modest but varied library, and several standout games — both new and upgraded — are already worth playing this fall. Nintendo released a new Mario Kart at launch, and then Donkey Kong Bananza arrived six weeks later. Meanwhile, many third-party titles and Switch classics run on the new hardware, including full Switch 2 Editions and free upgrades that improve performance and add features.
How we pick the best Switch 2 games
Recommendations come from staff playtime and hands-on testing. We focused on *quality*, *variety*, and how each title uses the Switch 2’s capabilities — such as higher fidelity, smoother frame rates, motion options, and GameShare where applicable.
Top Switch 2 games to play this fall
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Hamster’s Arcade Archives release brings Namco’s 1993 arcade classic to Switch 2. It offers a faithful port focused on authenticity, with a single track and one playable car that reproduce the original arcade feel.
Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Red’s open-world RPG runs on Switch 2 with improved stability and clearer resolution for the base game. The Phantom Liberty expansion has reported performance dips, but the core experience is generally stable on the new handheld.
Deltarune
Toby Fox’s turn-based title is available on Switch 2. It features its signature battle system where players dodge projectiles and interact with story-driven encounter mechanics.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo EPD’s Donkey Kong Bananza is a first-party platformer that released six weeks after the Switch 2 launch. It’s the company’s first in-house Donkey Kong game in 20 years and emphasizes physical, forceful platforming over precision-based movement.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Level-5’s Fantasy Life i is a Switch 2 release that mixes RPG and life-sim mechanics. The game restores and expands the job-based “Lifes” system from the 2014 3DS original.
Fast Fusion
Shin’en’s Fast Fusion is a high-speed futuristic racer that emphasizes boost-based momentum and track jumps. It targets very fast racing speeds and strategic boost management.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World
HAL Laboratory’s Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land includes a full story expansion called Star-Crossed World. Nintendo added this Switch 2 edition to the list on Sept. 5, 2025.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami mixes real-time strategy and tower defense with Japanese folklore. The game asks players to recruit villagers and place defenders by day, and then defend against unpredictable monsters by night.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have Switch 2 Editions that run at higher resolution and target 60 frames per second. These editions are available at launch for the new console and are recommended for players who want smoother performance and clearer visuals.
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World launched with the Switch 2 and shifts some races to open, point-to-point formats while retaining classic Mario Kart modes. The game supports local multiplayer and includes a free-roam mode for solo exploration.
No Man’s Sky
Hello Games released a Switch 2 upgrade that improves performance, resolution, and lighting compared with the original Switch port. The Switch 2 Edition also added the settlements update and other post-launch content that Hello Games has introduced over time.
Split Fiction
Hazelight’s Split Fiction is a split-screen co-op action-adventure designed for two players. The Switch 2 version benefits from detachable controllers and tabletop mode for local cooperative play.
Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 is available on Switch 2 with a large roster and detailed tutorials. The version is playable in handheld mode, though some players prefer a Pro Controller or third-party controller for competitive online play.
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV
Nintendo’s Super Mario Party Jamboree received a Switch 2 Edition that includes new minigames and tech-driven features using the console’s camera, microphone, and mouse-control options. Jamboree also adds new modes while retaining classic board-game mechanics.
Survival Kids
Unity’s in-house Survival Kids is a family-friendly survival game launched on Switch 2 with GameShare support. The title emphasizes simple controls, local co-op, and three-player GameShare sessions between nearby consoles.
The best free Switch 2 upgrades
Several existing Switch games received free updates to improve visuals, frame rates, or compatibility with Switch 2 features. Notable free upgrades include:
- Arms — Updated to run at 4K and 60 FPS on Switch 2.
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics — Added GameShare support for local play across devices.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening & Echoes of Wisdom — Performance improvements smooth out previous judder.
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — Bowser’s Fury targets 60 FPS on Switch 2.
- Super Mario Odyssey — Visual and performance improvements, plus GameShare support for Cappy co-op.
Finally, the Switch 2 supports backward compatibility with most Switch games, so many existing titles are playable on the new hardware. As a result, players can access both native Switch 2 Editions and improved versions of older Switch releases.
