With the Switch 2 almost in our hands, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’ll be playing first. There’s plenty of excitement around what’s possible on this new hardware, especially with so many beloved titles getting upgrades, ports, or sequels. I thought I would do something a bit different, and share what I’m looking forward to the most on launch day, and see what you plan on picking up, too.
So here it is. My personal launch lineup. Some choices are about power and performance, others come from pure nostalgia, and a few are just games I think deserve more love.
Mario Kart World
This one’s a no-brainer. I’ve talked about Mario Kart a lot in my upcoming video, Looking Back Before the Next Lap, and the excitement just keeps building. Nintendo is taking a bold new step with an open-world approach for Mario Kart, and I think it has the potential to redefine what we expect from the series. Imagine cruising through interconnected regions, discovering quests and hidden secrets, and seeing what the Switch 2 can really do with real-time racing in a seamless world. If there’s one game that feels purpose-built to show off the new hardware on day one, this is it. A console staple in the making.
Yakuza 0
After reviewing Yakuza Kiwami on Switch 1, I couldn’t stop thinking about exploring the series’ roots. Yakuza 0 is the prequel that sets it all in motion, following a younger Goro Majima and Kiryu, a fantastic 1980s setting, and that perfect blend of serious crime drama and off-the-wall minigames. It feels like the perfect pick for portable play, letting me chip away at its long story whenever I have time. I’m excited to experience more of what longtime fans talk about and finally understand how the saga begins. This one’s about diving into a series I should have started years ago.
Street Fighter 6
Believe it or not, the last time I played Street Fighter properly was the 3DS version. It’s been a while, so jumping into Street Fighter 6 on Switch 2 is like a grand re-entry into a legendary series. This one features a stunning art style, modern mechanics, and even a few musical contributions from Grant Kirkhope, the legendary composer who worked on the Goldeneye soundtrack amongst others. I’m mostly in it for casual online bouts and the arcade mode, but depending on how it feels with a proper controller, who knows? Maybe it’ll reignite that old-school competitive spark… until I run into Justin Wong and quit forever.
Cyberpunk 2077
This is a huge one for me. I never played Cyberpunk 2077 at launch because of all the issues on last-gen consoles, so I’ve been waiting for the right moment. Hearing that the Switch 2 version hits 60 FPS and looks great has me incredibly curious. This will be my first trip to Night City, and I’ll likely play with a balanced build to get a taste of everything. Exploring the world on a handheld while knowing it’s performing well is a big draw. After everything the game went through, it’s in incredible shape and I can’t wait to finally play it on Nintendo’s next-gen system.
Hitman: World of Assassination
All three modern Hitman games in one package, running portably, is an amazing feat. I played the first two on Xbox and loved every calculated hit and chaotic plan gone wrong. But I never got around to the third one, so having the full trilogy in one place feels like the perfect excuse to dive back in. I’m especially curious how Switch 2 handles the crowded levels and large environments. Hitman thrives on giving you options, and I plan to really experiment with different approaches this time around. Portable stealth has never looked so good.
Civilization VII
I enjoyed Civ VII on the original Switch, but let’s face it, the performance left a lot to be desired. Long load times and small map sizes limited what you could do on the handheld version of the game. Now that Civ VII is optimised for Switch 2, I’m hopeful for a much smoother experience. The promise of larger maps and improved AI is exactly what fans like me have been asking for. It’s one of those games I can see myself playing for months, especially on long trips or lazy weekends. Whether I go full warmonger or aim for a peaceful scientific victory, I’m just glad Civ is back and better.
Fast Fusion
This is my wildcard pick. Fast Fusion comes from the developers behind Fast RMX, which was a launch favourite on the original Switch. That game was a fantastic blend of F-Zero and Wipeout, and Fast Fusion looks to push that formula even further. The devs consistently release quality games at fair prices, and they deserve more attention. I love the speed, the polish, and the arcade vibe. Fast Fusion looks to be a great launch title, and it deserves a place in the spotlight.
Hogwarts Legacy
This game will always have a special place on the channel. It’s one of the titles that really helped establish what What’s It Like? was all about. The Switch 2 version doesn’t have a Switch 2 upgrade, but owners of the Switch 1 version can get it at a discount, and it’s still a great chance to revisit the magic. I’m hoping my saves carry over, but if not, I don’t mind starting again. It’s a beautiful world to get lost in, and I’m curious to see how the improved hardware handles the more demanding areas.
Fortnite
Fortnite is the game I keep coming back to. Whether it’s for a quick solo round or teaming up with my kids, it just fits so well into my routine. The upgraded version on Switch 2 is exciting because it means better graphics, smoother gameplay, and hopefully more parity with other platforms. Epic always pushes the envelope, and I’m interested to see how far they can go on this hardware. It’s also a great benchmark game to test what Switch 2 can really do in terms of live service titles.
Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
I never got to review either of these games when they launched, and I’ve always felt like I missed something by not doing them justice on the channel. This is my chance to go back and give them the attention they deserve. I’m still debating whether to review them together in a comparison-style video or break them up and really dive into each one. Either way, revisiting these adventures on better hardware feels like the perfect way to close one era and start another.
Wind Waker (GameCube)
This is a top-tier Zelda for me. Even though it’s not the Wii U remaster fans were hoping for, the GameCube original still holds up with its timeless cel-shaded style and incredible world design. From the Great Sea to the final confrontation, it’s packed with moments that hit emotionally and creatively. I can’t wait to fire it up and let the ocean call me back. There’s something special about this one that just never fades.
F-Zero GX (GameCube)
I’ve been talking about F-Zero GX so much lately that it’s only right to have it in the lineup. It’s fast, brutal, and brilliant. Playing it again after so many years will be like rediscovering what made futuristic racers so cool in the first place. I plan to jump straight into story mode and see if I can still handle the intensity. Whether I finish first or crash spectacularly, this one’s going to be pure adrenaline.
Be honest. How do you score my picks? More importantly, what are you playing first?
