Top 10 Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Games You Need to Play in 2026
The next generation of Nintendo is here!
The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally launched, and with it comes a stacked lineup of games that showcase the console's improved hardware. From gorgeous JRPGs to cozy life sims, here are the 10 must-play launch titles for Nintendo's newest console.
🎮 Quick Overview
| Rank | Game | Genre | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | Action RPG | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 2 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition) | Life Sim | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 3 | The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon | JRPG | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 4 | Dynasty Warriors: Origins | Action | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 5 | Mio: Memories in Orbit | Metroidvania | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 6 | Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake | Horror | Jan 23, 2026 |
| 7 | Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake | Action-Adventure | Jan 24, 2026 |
| 8 | The Rumble Fish 2 | Fighting | Jan 22, 2026 |
| 9 | Highguard | F2P Shooter | Jan 26, 2026 |
| 10 | Arknights: Endfield | Action RPG | Jan 22, 2026 |
1. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade ⭐
The definitive way to play Cloud's story on the go.
Square Enix has rebuilt the rendering pipeline specifically for Switch 2, featuring DLSS support, improved textures, and a stable 30 FPS. Plus, the new Streamlined Progression mode lets you enjoy the story without combat difficulty.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Players | 1 |
| Includes | Base game + Episode INTERmission DLC |
Read More: FF7 Remake Switch 2 Complete Guide
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch 2 Edition) 🏝️
Your island adventure, upgraded.
The beloved life sim gets a massive 3.0 content update alongside the Switch 2 launch. Expect improved graphics, faster loading, and new features that take advantage of the hardware.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Life Simulation |
| Players | 1-8 |
| New Content | Major 3.0 free update |
3. The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon 🗡️
The latest epic JRPG adventure.
Fans of the long-running Trails series will not want to miss this installment. Expect dozens of hours of story-driven gameplay with the series' signature world-building and character development.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Turn-based JRPG |
| Players | 1 |
| Length | 60+ hours |
4. Dynasty Warriors: Origins ⚔️
Musou action, Switch 2 powered.
The beloved hack-and-slash series returns with improved performance on Switch 2. Mow down thousands of enemies with smooth framerates and enhanced visuals.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action / Musou |
| Players | 1-2 |
| New Features | Enhanced Switch 2 performance |
5. Mio: Memories in Orbit 🤖
A stunning Metroidvania with heart.
This hand-drawn Metroidvania follows an agile robot protagonist through beautiful environments. The unique art style and tight platforming make it a standout indie title.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Metroidvania |
| Players | 1 |
| Style | Hand-drawn 2D |
6. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake 👻
Horror perfected for portability.
The cult-classic horror game gets a full remake treatment. Use your Camera Obscura to fight ghosts in one of the most atmospheric horror experiences available.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Survival Horror |
| Players | 1 |
| Warning | Very scary! |
7. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake 🏺
The prince returns, finally.
After multiple delays, the long-awaited remake arrives on Switch 2. Relive the classic time-bending platformer with modern graphics and controls.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Players | 1 |
| Rewind Mechanic | Yes |
8. The Rumble Fish 2 🥊
Underrated fighting game gets new life.
This lesser-known anime fighter runs beautifully on Switch 2, showcasing smooth performance for the competitive fighting game community.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fighting |
| Players | 1-2 |
| Online | Yes |
9. Highguard 🔫
F2P fantasy shooter from Apex Legends devs.
A unique blend of hero-shooter mechanics with medieval fantasy. Ride horses, destroy walls, and fight for territory in this free-to-play raid shooter.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | FPS / Hero Shooter |
| Players | Multiplayer |
| Price | Free-to-Play |
Read More: Highguard First Look
10. Arknights: Endfield 🏭
Action RPG meets factory building.
With 30+ million pre-registrations, this free-to-play action RPG combines real-time combat with base-building mechanics. A must-try for fans of Genshin Impact and tower defense hybrid games.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Players | 1 |
| Price | Free-to-Play (Gacha) |
Read More: Arknights Endfield Beginner's Guide
🏆 Which Game Should You Buy First?
| Your Preference | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Story-heavy RPG | Final Fantasy VII Remake |
| Chill & Relaxing | Animal Crossing Switch 2 Edition |
| Competitive Multiplayer | Highguard |
| Free-to-Play | Arknights Endfield |
| Horror Fan | Fatal Frame 2 |
🎮 Try These Browser Games Too!
🎮 Try These Browser Games Too!
While your Switch 2 arrives, try these free browser games!
Browse All Arcade Games →Disclaimer: Game Duddles is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with the developers of the games covered. All game names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.
Disclaimer: Game Duddles is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with the developers of the games covered. All game names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.
