7 of 12Nintendo's 2025 hybrid, plus notes on the original Switch.
Games for Nintendo Switch 2
Switch 2 has picked up big games quickly, several of them with their expansions included. Original Switch games also run on it.
Switch 2 plays most original Switch games, and some of those have Switch 2 Editions that improve them, sometimes as free upgrades. Online play in paid games needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership; free-to-play games do not.
Storage is the catch: Switch 2 games can only be stored on microSD Express cards, not ordinary microSD cards, and some physical releases are key cards that download the game rather than carry it.
Plays7
Stardew Valley · Switch 2 EditionThe Switch 2 Edition arrived in the UK on 6 March 2026 as a free upgrade for Switch owners, adding mouse controls and four-player split-screen.9.4/ 10
Minecraft · Switch versionThe Switch version plays on Switch 2 today; a native Switch 2 edition launches on 27 October 2026 with an upgrade path for owners.9.0/ 10
Cyberpunk 2077 · Ultimate EditionLaunched with Switch 2 on 5 June 2025, expansion included, with gyro aiming and a mouse mode.8.7/ 10
Final Fantasy XIV · New in August 2026Launched on 4 August 2026 with the free trial. It needs its own subscription, at half price if you already subscribe elsewhere; Switch Online is not needed.8.4/ 10
FortniteNative Switch 2 version since 5 June 2025; no Nintendo Switch Online needed.8.2/ 10
Elden Ring · Tarnished EditionTarnished Edition released on 28 August 2026 with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion included.8.2/ 10
Apex Legends · Switch 2 onlyNative Switch 2 version since 5 August 2025. The original Switch version stopped working on 4 August 2026; progress carries over.7.0/ 10
Not available5
Setting it up well
- Check whether a Switch 2 Edition is a free upgrade before buying again.
- Buy a microSD Express card if you plan to install several big games.
- Set up the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone for younger players.
- Use the mouse modes some games offer; they make menus much quicker.