Ooo, Bananza (July 2025)
Picture: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life
Donkey Kong Bananza arrived firstly of July; an bold destructathon from the Mario Odyssey workforce, and one other robust unique. July additionally continued the development of stupidly lengthy Swap 2 Version names, with Tremendous Mario Social gathering Jamboree – Nintendo Swap 2 Version + Jamboree TV bookending the first-party choices on the finish of the month.
Elsewhere, we acquired Wild Hearts S (do not forget that?), WWE 2K25, and the system’s first actual turkey in Tamagotchi Plaza – Nintendo Swap 2 Version, an NL 3/10-er. Ouch.
Regardless of indie dev discuss that S2 devkits have been like hen’s enamel for many, we began seeing some tiny video games hitting the Swap 2 eShop – particularly, video games which pushed system options Nintendo was eager to focus on, corresponding to Useful Hockey (Mouse Mode) and Chillin’ by the Hearth (GameChat).
Sizzling matters: Nintendo limiting dev-kit entry, Odyssey vs. Bananza, Zelda film castingNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Donkey Kong Bananza (9) / Tremendous Mario Social gathering Jamboree NS2E (9)
A love that has solely elevated
I used to be very a lot in love with my Swap 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 have been hoping for, however Bananza was chic, Pokopia was the very best Pokémon sport in yonks, and Age of Imprisonment lastly acquired me into Warriors. I’ve had numerous ‘I can not consider I am taking part in this on a Swap’ moments with Star Wars Outlaws, Ultimate 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 pleased.
Jim Norman
Options Editor, Nintendo Life
Drag, Drive, and cosy vibes (August 2025)
Picture: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life
August introduced the subsequent Swap 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 via.
Additionally, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Swap 2 Version + Star-Crossed World made former Nintendo Energy podcast presenters grateful that the pod wrapped a number of years again they usually do not need to repeat that ludicrous title in full. Each. Time. Good sport, although.
Sizzling 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 ‘tune (September 2025)
Picture: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life
An enormous month for releases, though they have been all overshadowed by one specifically.
Ultimate 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 Swap alongside a brand new port of its predecessor.
Sizzling matters: Mario Galaxy Swap 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 really like the Swap 2. As a lot as I loved the unique Swap, it at all times felt a bit of behind the curve — by way of energy, construct high quality, and outdoors of indies, third-party choices — so by these metrics alone, the successor seems 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 come back — and no matter Nintendo has cooking — it merely means we’ve a lot to look ahead to.
Matthew Reynolds
Performing Deputy Editor, Nintendo Life
From Z to A, by way of Balls and Pits (October 2025)
Picture: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life
Pokémon Legends: Z-A took up a lot of October, launching on Swap 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 properly acquired (although the 30fps cap on Swap 2 prompted a stir with gamers anticipating a stable 60), and BALL x PIT massively decreased world productiveness for a spell there.
Sizzling 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 Battle (November 2025)
Picture: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life
In November, Nintendo printed 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 kind.
Sizzling matters: Myles MacKenzieNL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (9) / Yakuza Kiwami 2 (9)
Fairly spectacular
The Swap 2 is a contemporary gaming console, for higher and worse. That is how I felt after a number of months, and that is nonetheless largely how I really feel.
The variability we have had over the previous yr is fairly spectacular, even when I have not been serious about many. However all of them are chaotic and enjoyable in numerous methods, belying the {hardware}’s extra muted look. There are perhaps a number of too many Swap 2 Editions, and till Pokopia I wasn’t readily recommending the console, however Swap 2, like Swap 1, is actually simply an indie machine to me – a extra highly effective one.
Which is nice! And for those who’re somebody who solely had a Swap 1, then the broader array of third-party ports is massively spectacular. We have been extraordinarily fortunate with 2017’s launch slate, so I can not be too dissatisfied. For now, although, I am going to keep on with tidying up Bleak Seaside.
Alana Hagues
Deputy Editor, Nintendo Life
Past Redemption (December 2025)
Picture: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life
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 Swap 2 releases, Murderer’s Creed Shadows acquired an admirable port, ol’ trustworthy Skyrim much less so, Crimson Lifeless Redemption acquired a Swap 2 Version, and the upgraded model of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds polished issues up properly.
Taking a look at indies, Simogo Legacy Assortment, Forged n Chill, and the superb 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).
Sizzling matters: Generative AI in sport 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 Lifeless Redemption NS2E (9) / Octopath Traveler 0 (9) / Simogo Legacy Assortment NS2E (9) / The Rogue Prince of Persia (9) / Forged n Chill NS2E (9)
Outdated Horizons (January 2026)
Picture: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life
Beginning the brand new yr, Nintendo took us again in time with Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Swap 2 Version, reminding us all what a half-finished state we would left our islands in.
Koei Tecmo continued its stable S2 assist with Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Dispatch got here to each Swap 1 and a pair of (though in a censored kind, which prompted consternation), and Sq. put out a well-received Swap 2 model of Ultimate Fantasy VII Remake.
A stable begin to 2026, though by way of video games no person had performed earlier than elsewhere, January bowed to February’s superiority…
Sizzling matters: Dispatch censorship, a Yr In Overview that truly consists of all the 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 Swap 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 up to now won’t match Breath of the Wild, I nonetheless discover myself taking part in 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. Certain, we’re taking part in catch-up in a number of circumstances, however we have lastly acquired 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)
Picture: Capcom
The cross-platform launch of Resident Evil Requiem dominated our ideas for many of the month, though Nintendo did put out Swap 2 unique Mario Tennis Fever. Sega’s Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Darkish Ties was one other S2 sport 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, in every single place’ development, though there was a gentle stream of outdated video games, too, together with a Swap 2 Version of Hole Knight, Fallout 4, and Resident Evils 7 and eight.
The month belonged to Requiem, although.
Sizzling 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)
Picture: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life
Coming scorching on the heels of RE9, Monster Hunter Tales 3 did not make large 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, Swap 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 Swap 2 Version with some added content material to tie into The Mario Galaxy Film’s launch.
The month belonged to 1 sport, although: Pokémon Pokopia. Changing into Metacritic’s highest-rated Pokémon sport of all time, Nintendo is bundling this system-exclusive with the console this summer time. It is a winner.
Additionally value noting is Handheld Increase Mode dropping out of nowhere, giving Swap 1 video games docked efficiency and determination on Swap 2 in handheld. Pretty.
Sizzling 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 Swap 2 up to now. It is my go-to console; maybe much more so than Swap 1 was. My PS5 has largely shifted lanes to turn into my 4K Blu-ray participant because the Swap 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 in the course of the GameCube or Wii U days? I do not take it with no consideration.
Ollie Reynolds
Opinions Editor, Nintendo Life
Cap-dom (April 2026)
Picture: Jim Norman / Nintendo Life
Capping off Capcom’s trio, the superb Pragmata held its personal on Swap 2, cementing Capcom as one of many system’s most spectacular and dependable devs, and absolutely placing them within the operating for Writer of the Yr gongs come December.
Nintendo let up on the Swap 2 gasoline a bit of following Pokopia and Marvel in March, though Swap 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.
Sizzling matters: 007 First Mild delayed on Swap 2NL’s Highest-Rated Sport(s) of the Month: Pragmata (9) / Mouse P.I. For Rent (9)
Mina and the Mysterious Mixtape (Might 2026)
Picture: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life
Yoshi and the Mysterious Ebook 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 Swap 2 may be in the suitable fingers.
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.
Sizzling matters: Swap 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 Swap 2 has had something however a really stable first yr, is not it? A robust B grade, though there is a gnawing sense that it hasn’t come into its personal simply but.
Once you look again at Swap 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 really unmissable for Swap 2 to name its personal. Within the meantime, we’ll need to tough it with Pokopia and Bananza and Indy and RE9 and Pragmata and…
Gavin Lane
Editor, Nintendo Life
Rebirth (June 2026)
Picture: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life
We’re only some days in, however Ultimate Fantasy VII Rebirth and Konami’s surprisingly good Swap 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’s take a look at these beneath…
Swap 2, Yr Two – What’s In Retailer?
Picture: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life
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 Swap 1 – the final introduced first-party Swap 1 sport on the time of writing, in actual fact).
August sees Konami doing us a Strong with Steel Gear Strong: Grasp Assortment Vol. 2, FromSoft’s Elden Ring arriving after a delay, and Sq. has Ultimate Fantasy XIV On-line lined up, too.
September brings Lego Batman and DQ XI S Definitive Version, whereas Name of Obligation: 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 Hearth 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. Hearth Emblem is great, nevertheless it’s additionally a bit of area of interest. Even when the Ocarina remake rumours for Zelda’s fortieth anniversary yr change into scorching 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 Swap 2 whereas placing the value up.
Polls – How would you price Swap 2’s first yr?
So, that is your whistlestop round-up of Swap 2 sport highlights from its first one year. Did you leap aboard on this first yr, and if that’s the case, are you cheerful you probably did?
Tell us within the polls beneath, and take to the feedback to focus on the gems not talked about above, and the video games which have outlined the console (up to now) for you.
General, how would you price Swap 2’s launch yr? (1,007 votes)
10 – Excellent!10percent9 – Excellent23percent8 – Great27percent7 – Good20percent6 – Not Bad9percent5 – Average6percent4 – Poor4percent3 – Bad2percent2 – Horrible 0.5percent1 – Abysmal 0.1%
Are you cheerful to procure a Swap 2 within the launch yr? (922 votes)
Ecstatic!38percentHappy34percentSomewhere within the middle15percentUnhappy3percentDismayed! 0.3percentDidn’t get one (however I need one!)4percentDidn’t get one (and I do not need one)4%
Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 earlier than becoming a member of the positioning full-time the next yr, rising via the ranks to turn into Editor. He can at the moment be discovered squashed beneath a Swap backlog the scale of Normandy.
