Welcome to Part 3: Nintendo’s exclusive lineup for the NS2, divided into three categories: NS2 exclusives, NS2-enhanced upgrades, and backward compatibility with nearly all Switch titles.
NS2 Exclusives
Mario Kart: World – June 5, 2025
Open-world racing: Break free from traditional tracks and explore a sprawling map.
Grand Prix Regions: Complete four races per region, then drive to the next location.
Survival Mode: A non-stop elimination race across the map.
Co-op exploration: Cruise, sightsee, and snap photos with friends.
A dedicated Mario Kart: World Direct arrives April 17.
Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour – June 5, 2025
A paid digital title featuring mini-games to showcase NS2’s features (similar to PS5’s Astro’s Playroom).
Donkey Kong: Bananza – July 17, 2025
First 3D Donkey Kong game: Smash terrain, dig tunnels, and hurl boulders in this physics-driven adventure.
Tied to Universal Studios Japan’s new Donkey Kong-themed area.
Kirby Air Riders – 2025
A sequel to Kirby Air Ride (2003) – trailer features cinematic visuals, but gameplay remains unshown.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Winter 2025
A Tears of the Kingdom-themed Musou game following Age of Calamity’s success.
Drag x Drive – Summer 2025
JC2 motion controls: Slide Joy-Cons to simulate wheelchair movement, use motion for shooting/passing.
NS2-Enhanced Upgrades
Similar to PS4-to-PS5 upgrades, select Switch games receive optimizations (some free, some paid).
Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV – July 24, 2025
Adds camera integration, JC2 mouse controls, enhanced HD rumble, and new modes:
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Player Avatars: Face-tracking via external camera.
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Bowser’s Arena: Full-body motion minigames.
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Super Kart: Showcases JC2’s mouse and vibration features.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom – June 5, 2025
4K/60FPS upgrades, improved textures/models, and NS2-exclusive Zelda Notes app:
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Hyrule Map: Voice-guided navigation to shrines/secrets.
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Blueprint Sharing: Instantly download community creations.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World – August 28, 2025
Visual upgrades and a new DLC expansion.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond – 2025
JC2 mouse controls: Left Joy-Con for movement, right for aiming.
Performance modes:
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TV Mode: 4K 60Hz HDR / 1080p 120Hz HDR
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Handheld: 1080p 60Hz HDR / 720p 120Hz HDR
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Fall 2025
Visual enhancements, but concerns linger over performance parity with the Switch version.
