(Credit: René Ramos; Nintendo, Firaxis Games, CD Projekt RED, Capcom, Hazelight Studios/EA Games, SEG)
Nintendo hasn't had the best relationship with third-party studios. The massive success of the original Switch meant publishers couldn't ignore it, but weak specs stopped it from receiving many AAA hits. The forthcoming Switch 2 packs more power—and developers have definitely taken notice. Alongside first-party heavy hitters like Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, some major third-party ports are set to drop this year, and I got a chance to play some of them at Nintendo's launch event. If you plan to preorder a Nintendo Switch 2 on April 24, start with my favorites, ranked in order of anticipation.
5. Civilization VII
I didn't spend too much time with Civilization VII because a single game can last for days. However, it was a great showcase for the Switch 2's mouse functionality. Guiding a cursor is the best way to make moves in a strategy game, after all. If you already own Civilization VII on the original Switch, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 version, which brings mouse controls and much faster performance.
4. Split Fiction
Split Fiction is already one of 2025's most acclaimed games, and the co-op adventure makes even more sense on a system designed for local multiplayer play. In it, I and a partner worked together to solve puzzles and platforming gauntlets that required communication and coordination. We shifted gravity, deactivated barriers, and moved platforms in sync to make progress.
3. Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
Yakuza 0 might be the best entry in the series, and thanks to its prequel storyline, it's an excellent place to start. As Kiryu, a gangster with a heart, I roamed Kamurocho's streets and beat thugs at high fidelity. The Switch 2 version features extra story material, enhanced graphics, and new multiplayer modes.
2. Street Fighter 6
Playing Street Fighter 6 on the go is a terrific way to keep your skills sharp. On the Switch 2, this RE Engine-powered fighting game plays just as smoothly as on any other system, and it includes the first two seasons of DLC characters. It will also have new Switch 2-focused controls, modes, and Amiibo figure support.
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had an infamously rough launch on last-gen consoles. Fortunately, this Switch 2 conversion played well, even better than the Witcher III's miracle port on the Switch 1. I played some of the acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC and had no issues gunning down goons in the techno-dystopia. There's no word yet if this game takes advantage of the Switch 2’s DLSS features, which would be a great addition for high-fidelity gaming on the go.
Don't Forget the First-Party Titles!
Want more Switch 2 games? Check out the top titles we're most excited about overall, whether they're from a third-party developer or directly from Nintendo.