The 3 new Nintendo Switch 2 games everybody will pick up in 2025

Things are going very well for gaming in 2025, especially for those who managed to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 around its launch window. Not only was there a bundle that included Mario Kart World as a launch title, but more games on the way for Nintendo's newest console. However, a large portion of the Switch 2 library includes many games that were previously on the original Nintendo Switch. Some games are getting updates and new versions for the Switch 2, but they aren't necessarily new games for it. Most people that pick up a brand-new console want to play brand-new games to take advantage of what the console is capable of. Luckily for all of us, the Nintendo Switch 2 will still have some new games dropping in 2025.

But what are the newest titles that Switch 2 owners are going to be flocking to retail stores to buy? While not every new Switch 2 title will be dropping within the year, a few major ones will still manage to make it by the end of 2025, allowing launch-year adopters of the console to experience them. These games will most likely be the biggest releases for the console that you'll want to look out for during the holiday season. Here are the three new Nintendo Switch 2 games that everybody will end up getting in 2025.

3 Donkey Kong Bananza

The big ape makes a smashing 3D return

Donkey Kong Bananza is the closest new release for the Nintendo Switch 2, coming out on July 17th, 2025. This marks a major return for the character of Donkey Kong, who hasn't had a solo adventure in 3D since Donkey Kong 64 on the Nintendo 64. And while the Donkey Kong Country games for the Switch were popular among Nintendo fans, Donkey Kong Bananza is going to have a very different kind of appeal. The game is going to be the first major 3D adventure title for the Nintendo Switch 2, taking advantage of the capabilities of the console and giving players something unique to experience. At the same time, Donkey Kong Bananza also gives a new look to the character, making his latest adventure feel refreshing from the 2D platformers we've seen most recently from games like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.

Many will say that Mario Kart World is the first big Nintendo-made game for the Switch 2, but Donkey Kong Bananza is going to be the one that truly shows what the console can do. Between large environments to roam around and big battles to get into, Switch 2 owners are going to look towards this game as a reason for buying the new console. With any luck, Donkey Kong Bananza will have Nintendo fans going bananas for how good the game is and how much it makes it worth buying a Switch 2 in 2025.

2 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

The untold legend between games

The first Hyrule Warriors game released on the Nintendo 3DS and original Switch got a lot of attention from everyone. It was a blending of the gameplay from the Dynasty Warriors series with the world of The Legend of Zelda to create something new and exciting. And while the Nintendo Switch 2 will be seeing the most recent Zelda titles ported over with new features, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is going to be the first new title in the series for the console, which will build upon what fans have experienced already. It might not be like a traditional entry within the franchise, but it won't be any less exciting than previous games.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is set at a time before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The story shows what happens in the lead up to major events, putting the spotlight on multiple characters that also appear in that game. Engaging in big battles and taking out legions of enemies is what made Hyrule Warriors so appealing to Nintendo fans, but the canonical story that sets up the events of Tears of the Kingdom will have many Zelda fans excited to play it. The game is set to have a Winter 2025 release, although no specific date has been given by Nintendo just yet. More than likely, you can expect the game to drop before the holiday season is in full swing.

1 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

A highly-anticipated sequel

The Metroid Prime games are beloved by fans of the Metroid series. They not only offered a different take on the iconic Samus Aran, but gave a different perspective on what a Metroid game could be like, switching out a 2D platformer for a first-person shooter. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the newest entry in the ongoing series that has been highly anticipated for a very long time. The game was first teased by Nintendo and Retro Studios at E3 2017, but ran into development trouble shortly after. And after a long hiatus from the public eye, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was re-revealed to everyone during a Nintendo Direct in 2024. It has since become one of the most anticipated games for the console.

Finally, the game is set to release in 2025 for the Nintendo Switch 2. Samus Aran finds herself on a new planet called Viewros, where she unexpectedly gains psychic abilities while exploring the planet. As the mystery unfolds, players will get to traverse gorgeous environments and gain new abilities for Samus' suit. While the game will also release on the original Nintendo Switch, the version for the Nintendo Switch 2 will have a number of enhanced features that are exclusive to the console. This includes optional mouse controls using the JoyCon 2 controllers, an enhanced visual presentation that displays the game in 4K, and more. What twists and turns will happen during Samus Aran's new story is anyone's guess, but Nintendo fans are very excited to play it soon.

New Switch 2 experiences in 2025

It's going to be an interesting time for everyone who picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 and is looking to get new games for it. While it will take some time for more new experiences to arrive on the console, there is no shortage of games to play right around launch. Some players are booting up their original Switch library on the new hardware and enjoying it. But most Switch 2 owners are patiently waiting for the big games they know will justify their purchase of the console and take advantage of what it has to offer. Games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hyrule Warriors, and Donkey Kong Bananza are going to be big hits with everyone. And the best part is that this is only just the beginning for Nintendo's newest console release.