TheNintendo Switch 2has only been available for a short time and has already seen rousing success. Following years of rumors and speculation, theNintendo Switch 2launched in June and continued the success that the original Nintendo Switch set into motion back in 2017. In just under two months following its release, the Switch 2 has sold roughly 6 million units and has become the fastest-selling video game console of all time.
Naturally, Nintendo looks to continue the momentum of the Switch 2, which it has done withthe recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. This showcase allowed the publisher to highlight some upcoming third-party titles that complement its fantastic first-party titles, such asMario Kart WorldandDonkey Kong Bananza. There’s plenty to be excited about in the world of Nintendo, even if the current Switch 2 lineup does raise a few eyebrows.
Switch 2’s Lineup Raises Some Questions
Switch 2 Is Building Third-Party Support Better Than Nintendo’s Done Before
Early on in its life, theSwitch 2 has already come with the promise of major third-party support. Given the more powerful hardware of the system in comparison to the previous Switch, there have already been plenty of huge third-party games that weren’t previously available on Nintendo’s platform. Games such asCyberpunk 2077,Split Fiction, andStreet Fighter 6were all available immediately at launch, giving the Switch 2 some heavy hitters right out of the gate.
Nintendo has continued to promise noteworthythird-party games on Switch 2to come throughout the year. The Switch 2 Direct in April confirmed the arrival of titles such asFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeandElden Ring, as well as upcoming releases like007 First LightandBorderlands 4. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase also confirmed ports of games likePersona 3 Reload,Yakuza Kiwami 2, andDragon Ball Sparking Zero.
Third-Party Support On Switch 2 Is Very Port-Heavy So Far
While it’s fantastic to see Nintendo improving so heavily on itsthird-party support for the Switch 2, the system’s early lineup does feel rather dependent on ports at the moment. It may be a result of Nintendo taking its time to send out development kits to third-party teams, but several upcoming 2025 and 2026 games have not been confirmed for the Switch 2. This doesn’t mean they won’t get belated releases, but more day-and-date third-party titles on the Switch 2 would go a long way to making the system a total powerhouse.
After all,the Switch 2’s list of first-party games, though certainly not small, is lacking in clarity in some areas. While games likeMetroid Prime 4: Beyond,Kirby Air Riders, andHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonmentare expected to arrive this year, none of these have proper release dates, making Nintendo’s decision to broadcast the Nintendo Direct as a Partner Showcase all the more apparent. Currently, the only first-party Nintendo game with a confirmed release date isPokemon Legends: Z-A, which arrives on October 16.
More day-and-date third-party titles on the Switch 2 would go a long way to making the system a total powerhouse.
The First-Party Lineup On Switch 2 May Be Saving Its Heavy Hitters
The Switch 2’s early lineup may also feel a bit quiet because several of the most notable first-party games are spin-offs. The aforementionedKirby Air RidersandHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, along with the upcomingSplatoon Raiders, are all offshoots of their larger franchises, with mainline titles only being represented in the form of free updates or Switch 2 Editions of previous entries. Nintendo is known for spreading its releases, so the publisher may be holding its cards to its chest and preparing to release some of its heavy hitters in 2026.
As it stands,the Switch 2 has sold phenomenallyin its short time on the market and supports some must-play games. Still, Nintendo has some room to grow its lineup even further, both on the first-party and third-party fronts. Some major day-and-date third-party games would go a long way to helping the Switch 2 while Nintendo cooks its major first-party titles.
