Nintendo to Stagger Switch 2 Game Releases Throughout the Year

Just one week after the official announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for April 2, the company will reveal details of its approach to launching the game library for the new console. According to insiders, device shipments are set to begin in June 2025, with the game lineup rolling out in three phases, promising a variety of projects for fans throughout the year.

Based on information gathered at GDC 2025, during the first month following the Switch 2 launch, gamers will primarily gain access to titles from the company’s internal studios. This initial slate is expected to include long-awaited sequels to iconic franchises — from Mario to The Legend of Zelda — though the exact list of games remains under wraps.

The second phase, scheduled for October-November 2025, will see the arrival of titles from independent studios and major publishers. Sources indicate that development kits will begin reaching partners as early as June, giving them ample time to adapt their projects to the updated hardware. The third wave of releases is slated for the holiday season in December 2025—a traditional peak period for sales.

Next week, select journalists and content creators will have the opportunity to test the Nintendo Switch 2 at a private event. Attendees will be given several hours to play with the console and its launch titles, potentially triggering early leaks before the official presentation. Although Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with first-generation Switch games, some titles may require adjustments. Expectations are high that on April 2, the company will not only unveil the console’s design and announce its price but also introduce at least one major new project.