The Nintendo Switch 2 makes a bold entrance, impressing out of the box. But once that initial excitement wanes, it’s up to the game lineup to keep players engaged and justify the investment. Sure, Mario Kart World remains an unbeatable multiplayer delight, and enhanced versions of Pokémon Scarlet/Violet and Zelda dazzle with their updated visuals on the new hardware. Still, beyond a modest £8 tech demo—Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour—there’s a noticeable scarcity of first-party launch titles from Nintendo itself.

Thankfully, third-party developers have stepped up, rolling out a slate of reimagined games to fill the void. So, once the thrill of Mario Kart wears thin, what else should you dive into?

Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition

The Hitman franchise continues to shine thanks to its endlessly replayable mission structures, taking you everywhere from a sunny spot on the Amalfi Coast to a spooky countryside manor in the UK. Every level is packed with creative and quirky ways to eliminate your targets. IO Interactive also keeps things fresh with a stream of live events. On the Switch 2, especially in handheld mode, the vibrant HDR screen lends new life to notorious locations like the Berlin nightclub. Docked mode performs just as admirably, with high-energy crowds and smooth animations keeping the suspense alive.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 4/5

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

CD Projekt Red delivers another seemingly impossible port, marking this cyberpunk RPG as one of the biggest third-party offerings at launch. While the original Switch struggled with ambitious games like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077 fares far better on the Switch 2. Indoors and during dialogue-heavy scenes, the visuals hold up surprisingly well. The inclusion of various motion control setups, including mouse-style input, adds flexibility. Sadly, the experience stutters when cruising through Night City’s streets—particularly in the Phantom Liberty DLC—where performance dips result in blurry visuals. It’s a solid version for mobile play, but best experienced on more powerful systems like PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 3/5

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD

Of all the titles to revisit on a next-gen handheld, this remastered 3DS gem may not have seemed the most obvious pick—but it's a delightful surprise. Liberated from the constraints of its tiny original screen, this painterly RPG world comes alive in vibrant detail. While the upgraded visuals highlight the simplicity of the character models during cutscenes, the art direction still holds up beautifully, especially on the Switch 2’s 1080p screen. Think of it as the spiritual successor to Final Fantasy IX, perfect for RPG lovers looking for something charming and engrossing.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 4/5

Sonic X Shadow Generations

With Mario still racing and Donkey Kong yet to arrive, Sonic takes center stage for platforming fans. Luckily, this visually revamped version of 2011’s Sonic Generations looks brilliant in handheld mode, bursting with color and speed. It includes a new expansion centered around Shadow, much like how Bowser’s Fury extended Super Mario 3D World. However, there’s a catch: Sega offers no discount for owners of the previous Switch version, which feels like a missed opportunity. Fast and fierce, this port holds up well—but being forced to pay full price again leaves a bad impression.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 3/5

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

This unconventional action-strategy adventure brings you along with a graceful priestess as you fend off demons in a mythic Japanese setting. Visually, it’s nearly indistinguishable from the PS5 version when docked, giving the slept-on title the exposure it deserves. Its mix of hack-and-slash combat with defense mechanics suits pick-up-and-play sessions perfectly. The only downside? It loses visual fidelity in handheld mode—best played on your big screen for full effect.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 4/5

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

Although I’ve repeatedly started this epic crime saga and failed to finish it, the Switch 2’s excellent version might finally break that streak. Enhanced with dynamic lighting and running at 4K and 60FPS when docked, this edition easily ranks among the console’s best-looking offerings. Rich with melodrama, unpredictable side stories, and karaoke-fueled bar brawls, Yakuza 0 is the wildest, most narrative-driven experience available at launch. Complete with 25 minutes of new cinematics and a brand-new four-player local multiplayer mode—this is Yakuza at its absolute best.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 5/5

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter makes a full-on return to a Nintendo handheld, bringing back memories of the 3DS days. Featuring the complete roster and all gameplay modes to date, the package is hefty. Matches feel responsive and the frame rate stays reliably tight—just what serious fighters demand. But not all is picture perfect: the stylized designs that looked great on the PS5 look a bit off here. Chun-Li’s proportions seem off, and Zangief’s bug-eyed expression is more comedic than intimidating. Newcomers might not notice, but seasoned players with access to other platforms could give this one a pass.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 3/5

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

Sega's update for this puzzle hybrid is a letdown. Besides minor tweaks and some new multiplayer options, the changes are minimal—and yet it’s priced as a full-fledged game. On a visual and performance level, there’s barely a difference from the original Switch release. If you already own the base game, there’s really no reason to double-dip. Save your money and stick with the first version.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 1/5

Fast Fusion

One of the most budget-friendly launches on Switch 2, Fast Fusion is a digital-only high-speed racer priced at just £13.49. Blending the futuristic thrills of Wipeout with the sleek edges of F-Zero, it offers four-player races with eye-popping 4K detail. Like past titles Fast Racing Neo and Fast RMX, this game pushes graphical bounds for an indie title. With customizable vehicles, online races, and a driving beat soundtrack, it's a stylish alternative to Nintendo’s usual high-gloss kart chaos.

How does it perform on Switch 2? 4/5