Nintendo Switch 2: Year One – Looking Back, How Would You Rate It So Far?

Ooo, Bananza (July 2025)

Donkey Kong Bananza arrived firstly of July; an bold destructathon from the Mario Odyssey group, and one other robust unique. July additionally continued the development of stupidly lengthy Change 2 Version names, with Tremendous Mario Occasion Jamboree – Nintendo Change 2 Version + Jamboree TV bookending the first-party choices on the finish of the month.

Elsewhere, we bought Wild Hearts S (keep in mind that?), WWE 2K25, and the system’s first actual turkey in Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Change 2 Version, an NL 3/10-er. Ouch.

Regardless of indie dev speak that S2 devkits had been like hen’s enamel for many, we began seeing some tiny video games hitting the Change 2 eShop – particularly, video games which pushed system options Nintendo was eager to spotlight, corresponding to Helpful Hockey (Mouse Mode) and Chillin’ by the Fireplace (GameChat).

Scorching matters: Nintendo proscribing dev-kit entry, Odyssey vs. Bananza, Zelda film castingNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Donkey Kong Bananza (9) / Tremendous Mario Occasion Jamboree NS2E (9)

A love that has solely elevated

I used to be very a lot in love with my Change 2 one yr in the past, and it is a love that has solely elevated within the 12 months since.

It is true, the discharge cadence won’t have been fairly as wall-to-wall banger as some had been hoping for, however Bananza was chic, Pokopia was the most effective Pokémon recreation in yonks, and Age of Imprisonment lastly bought me into Warriors. I’ve had numerous ‘I am unable to imagine I am enjoying this on a Change’ moments with Star Wars Outlaws, Closing Fantasy VII, and Indiana Jones, and that is coming from somebody who ought to actually be over the novelty by now.

I do need extra from Yr Two (a Mario or a Zelda definitely would not go amiss), but when I get the identical variety of first-party faithfuls, third-party wonders, and unimaginable indies, then I’ll nonetheless be mightily glad.

Jim Norman

Options Editor, Nintendo Life

Drag, Drive, and cosy vibes (August 2025)

August introduced the following Change 2 unique, Drag x Drive, an intriguing multiplayer Mouse Mode experiment that lacked persona. Elsewhere, a titan of ball sports activities returned to a Nintendo platform in Madden 26, Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar introduced cosy farm-sim vibes, and Bokura: Planet continued the development of indie releases that showcased the system’s options getting waved by.

Additionally, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Change 2 Version + Star-Crossed World made former Nintendo Energy podcast presenters grateful that the pod wrapped a couple of years again they usually do not should repeat that ludicrous title in full. Each. Time. Good recreation, although.

Scorching matters: Drag and Drive or Drag ecks Drive?NL’s Highest-Rated Sport of the Month: Apex Legends (9) / Kirby & The Forgotten Land NS2E (9)

All for a ‘music (September 2025)

An enormous month for releases, though they had been all overshadowed by one specifically.

Closing Fantasy Techniques, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Star Wars Outlaws, Cronos: The New Daybreak, NBA 2K26, EA SPORTS FC 26, Hades 2, Trails within the Sky 1st Chapter, and a few Bananza DLC all dropped in September, however Hole Knight: Silksong stole the present.

Oh, and Galaxy 2 lastly arrived on Change alongside a brand new port of its predecessor.

Scorching matters: Mario Galaxy Change pricing, Are video games too robust? Is Silksong too low cost? What yr is it? The place are my pants?NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Hole Knight: Silksong (10)

An actual step up

I like the Change 2. As a lot as I loved the unique Change, it at all times felt somewhat behind the curve — by way of energy, construct high quality, and out of doors of indies, third-party choices — so by these metrics alone, the successor appears like an actual step up.

As for software program, I perceive how the shortage of a brand new Mario and Zelda may make the primary yr really feel underwhelming, however Mario Kart World, DK Bananza, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokopia, and even my beloved Metroid Prime 4: Past alone have, in my eyes, made for a stonking first yr. And with these two heavy hitters but to return — and no matter Nintendo has cooking — it merely means we have now a lot to stay up for.

Matthew Reynolds

Performing Deputy Editor, Nintendo Life

From Z to A, by way of Balls and Pits (October 2025)

Pokémon Legends: Z-A took up a lot of October, launching on Change 1 and a pair of concurrently. Sq. Enix put out its subsequent HD-2D title with Dragon Quest 1&2 HD-2D Remake, whereas Sega launched the long-awaited Persona 3 Reload.

On the indie entrance, Playtonic’s Yooka-Replaylee remaster was typically nicely obtained (although the 30fps cap on Change 2 triggered a stir with gamers anticipating a strong 60), and BALL x PIT massively decreased world productiveness for a spell there.

Scorching matters: Yooka-Replaylee 30fps on S2, Pokémon discourseNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: The Touryst Deluxe (9) / Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (9)

In order that was the Imprisoning Struggle (November 2025)

In November, Nintendo revealed two video games inside a fortnight: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and Kirby Air Riders.

Elsewhere, Sega launched ports of Yakuza Kiwamis 1 and a pair of forward of the cross-platform debut of Kiwami 3 in three months’ time, and the primary of Tomb Raider’s Survivor trilogy lastly arrived on a Nintendo system in Definitive Version type.

Scorching matters: Myles MacKenzieNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (9) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (9)

Fairly spectacular

The Change 2 is a contemporary gaming console, for higher and worse. That is how I felt after a couple of months, and that is nonetheless largely how I really feel.

The range we have had over the previous yr is fairly spectacular, even when I have not been considering many. However all of them are chaotic and enjoyable in several methods, belying the {hardware}’s extra muted look. There are perhaps a couple of too many Change 2 Editions, and till Pokopia I wasn’t readily recommending the console, however Change 2, like Change 1, is absolutely simply an indie machine to me – a extra highly effective one.

Which is nice! And in case you’re somebody who solely had a Change 1, then the broader array of third-party ports is vastly spectacular. We had been extraordinarily fortunate with 2017’s launch slate, so I am unable to be too disenchanted. For now, although, I am going to persist with tidying up Bleak Seashore.

Alana Hagues

Deputy Editor, Nintendo Life

Past Redemption (December 2025)

2025 completed up with a really busy month, full of video games new and outdated, giant and small.

On the brand new launch entrance, we had Metroid Prime 4 Past, Octopath Traveler 0, and Rogue Prince of Persia. For video games getting late-coming Change 2 releases, Murderer’s Creed Shadows bought an admirable port, ol’ trustworthy Skyrim much less so, Crimson Useless Redemption bought a Change 2 Version, and the upgraded model of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds polished issues up properly.

Taking a look at indies, Simogo Legacy Assortment, Solid n Chill, and the wonderful Skate Story stood out as we headed into the vacations, and Stardew Valley snuck out on Christmas Day within the States (though a troubled launch delayed its European launch till March).

Scorching matters: Generative AI in recreation dev, Bowser retires, Pritchard ascends, Skyrim returns…once more,NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Metroid Prime 4 Past NS2E (9) / Crimson Useless Redemption NS2E (9) / Octopath Traveler 0 (9) / Simogo Legacy Assortment NS2E (9) / The Rogue Prince of Persia (9) / Solid n Chill NS2E (9)

Outdated Horizons (January 2026)

Beginning the brand new yr, Nintendo took us again in time with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Change 2 Version, reminding us all what a half-finished state we might left our islands in.

Koei Tecmo continued its strong S2 assist with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Dispatch got here to each Change 1 and a pair of (though in a censored type, which triggered consternation), and Sq. put out a well-received Change 2 model of Closing Fantasy VII Remake.

A strong begin to 2026, though by way of video games no person had performed earlier than elsewhere, January bowed to February’s superiority…

Scorching matters: Dispatch censorship, a Yr In Evaluate that truly consists of your entire yearNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Stardew Valley NS2E (9) / Dynasty Warriors: Origins (9) / FFVII Remake Intergrade (9) / Dispatch NS2E (9)

Limitless energy

I loved the Change however at all times felt it was held again by its technical specs, so it is nice to see Nintendo go all out by way of uncooked energy – even when the design is extra of the identical.

As for the software program library a yr into its life, I am undecided the place to start out, as there have been so many top-tier releases. Though the first-party exclusives to this point won’t match Breath of the Wild, I nonetheless discover myself enjoying Mario Kart World frequently. I’ve additionally loved Bananza, and Pokopia in my books is a worthy unique, with no obvious technical compromises.

As for the third-party content material, it has been an excellent run. Positive, we’re enjoying catch-up in loads of circumstances, however we have lastly bought a Nintendo platform that may deal with Cyberpunk. I can solely hope the system can preserve tempo within the coming years, particularly if Nintendo plans to match the lengthy lifespan of the unique unit.

Liam Doolan

Information Editor, Nintendo Life

Resident Knight Fever (February 2026)

The cross-platform launch of Resident Evil Requiem dominated our ideas for many of the month, though Nintendo did put out Change 2 unique Mario Tennis Fever. Sega’s Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties was one other S2 recreation that launched day and date throughout all consoles – a welcome novelty for these of us used to ready months for a port, if one comes in any respect.

Reanimal and Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined continued that ‘day one, all over the place’ development, though there was a gradual stream of outdated video games, too, together with a Change 2 Version of Hole Knight, Fallout 4, and Resident Evils 7 and eight.

The month belonged to Requiem, although.

Scorching matters: FireRed & LeafGreen re-releases, Pokémon thirtieth anniversary, Digital BoyNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (9) / Reanimal (9) / Resident Evil 7 (9) / Resident Evil Requiem (9)

Un Poko’ loco (March 2026)

Coming sizzling on the heels of RE9, Monster Hunter Tales 3 did not make huge waves, however was the second in a trio of cross-platform Capcom titles to launch in lower than two months.

Elsewhere, Koei Tecmo and Sega introduced variations of Deadly Body 2 Remake and Virtua Fighter 5, respectively, Change 2 ports of Blue Prince, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and Scott Pilgrim EX delivered the indie items, and Nintendo itself had a Mario Marvel Nintendo Change 2 Version with some added content material to tie into The Mario Galaxy Film’s launch.

The month belonged to 1 recreation, although: Pokémon Pokopia. Turning into Metacritic’s highest-rated Pokémon recreation of all time, Nintendo is bundling this system-exclusive with the console this summer season. It is a winner.

Additionally value noting is Handheld Increase Mode dropping out of nowhere, giving Change 1 video games docked efficiency and backbone on Change 2 in handheld. Beautiful.

Scorching matters: Nintendo digital vs. bodily pricing distinction within the US, Nvidia’s DLSS 5 yassification filter, Nintendo suing the US authorities, Fox within the Mario Galaxy Film, Star Fox and Ocarina remake rumours, Yoshi popcorn buckets

NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Scott Pilgrim EX (9) / Planet of Lana 2: NS2E (9) / Blue Prince (9) / Shadow Techniques: Blades of the Shogun (9) / Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (9) / The Midnight Stroll (9)

My go-to

I have been completely thrilled with the Change 2 to this point. It is my go-to console; maybe much more so than Change 1 was. My PS5 has largely shifted lanes to grow to be my 4K Blu-ray participant for the reason that Change 2 launched, and it is as a result of the latter lastly has the ability to match the novelty of its portability.

The primary-party lineup hasn’t fairly matched as much as the majesty of 2017, however third-party studios are doing greater than sufficient to make up for it. Are you able to think about if we had this a lot third-party assist through the GameCube or Wii U days? I do not take it as a right.

Ollie Reynolds

Opinions Editor, Nintendo Life

Cap-dom (April 2026)

Capping off Capcom’s trio, the wonderful Pragmata held its personal on Change 2, cementing Capcom as one of many system’s most spectacular and dependable devs, and certainly placing them within the operating for Writer of the Yr gongs come December.

Nintendo let up on the Change 2 gasoline somewhat following Pokopia and Marvel in March, though Change 1’s Tomodachi Life proved to be an enormous hit. Elsewhere, high quality video games like OPUS: Prism Peak and Mouse: P.I. For Rent saved issues ticking over in a quieter month.

Scorching matters: 007 First Mild delayed on Change 2NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Pragmata (9) / Mouse P.I. For Rent (9)

Mina and the Mysterious Mixtape (Might 2026)

Yoshi and the Mysterious Guide introduced one other unique to the platform in Might, and Machine Video games’ port of Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle confirmed as soon as once more how succesful Change 2 will be in the proper arms.

It was a bumper month for smaller dev groups, too, with Mixtape, Sektori, and Mina The Hollower bringing but extra depth and high quality to the S2 eShop.

Scorching matters: Change 2 value hikes, Bubsy in good-game shocker!NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Mixtape (9) / Sektori (9) / Mina the Hollower NS2E (9)

Nonetheless ready

It is robust to say Change 2 has had something however a really strong first yr, is not it? A powerful B grade, though there is a gnawing sense that it hasn’t come into its personal simply but.

Whenever you look again at Change 1’s Yr One, stacked because it was with genre-definers BOTW and Odyssey, we’re nonetheless ready for the second coming correct – for one thing actually unmissable for Change 2 to name its personal. Within the meantime, we’ll should tough it with Pokopia and Bananza and Indy and RE9 and Pragmata and…

Gavin Lane

Editor, Nintendo Life

Rebirth (June 2026)

We’re only some days in, however Closing Fantasy VII Rebirth and Konami’s surprisingly good Change 2 unique eFootball Kick-Off snuck in earlier than the primary anniversary cut-off.

Simply lacking the deadline are some much-anticipated video games from Nintendo and Sq., too, however let us take a look at these beneath…

Change 2, Yr Two – What’s In Retailer?

The Adventures of Elliot and Star Fox are each June video games we’re trying ahead to, with Nintendo folllowing that up in July with Splatoon Raiders and Rhythm Heaven Groove (though that is Change 1 – the final introduced first-party Change 1 recreation on the time of writing, in truth).

August sees Konami doing us a Stable with Metallic Gear Stable: Grasp Assortment Vol. 2, FromSoft’s Elden Ring arriving after a delay, and Sq. has Closing Fantasy XIV On-line lined up, too.

September brings Lego Batman and DQ XI S Definitive Version, whereas Name of Responsibility: Trendy Warfare 4 will get October day-and-date parity with different platforms. Past that, there is a vital pile of “TBA 2026” titles, together with Fireplace Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, The Duskbloods, Layton and the New World of Steam, Oblivion Remastered, DECAPOLICE, and Valheim.

After which there’s no matter Nintendo has up its sleeve for the vacations. Fireplace Emblem is superb, but it surely’s additionally somewhat area of interest. Even when the Ocarina remake rumours for Zelda’s fortieth anniversary yr transform sizzling air, we’re nonetheless anticipating one thing sizeable from Nintendo’s in-house groups for the second half of 2026. – all of the extra if the agency desires to draw new gamers to Change 2 whereas placing the worth up.