The Nintendo Switch is going out in a blaze of glory, with some exciting games launching to make way for the console’s successor: the now officially released Switch 2. Whether they’re exclusively developed for the Switch or ported over from other platforms, these upcoming Switch games will likely wrap up the Switch era while also being compatible with the Switch 2.
In the second half of 2025, we’ll hopefully be getting our hands on well-known in-development titles as well as a host of new games announced at the most recent Nintendo Direct. Here are all of the new Switch games we can look forward to this year.
All Upcoming Switch Games With Release Dates
Gradius Origins (August 7, 2025)
Gradius Origins collects some of M2’s finest shoot ’em up games, including Gradius, Salamander, Life Force, Gradius II, Gradius III, Salamander 2, and introduces a new game, Salamander 3, the first new entry over a decade. Originally released as an arcade game, Gradius has been ported to several consoles over the years, including the NES.
Iwakura Aria (August 14, 2025)
A new visual novel from MAGES set in post-war Japan. The story follows a young girl who gets wrapped up in another world after becoming a maid at the mysterious Iwakura household.
Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 (August 24, 2025)
A collection of Toaplan’s greatest shoot em’ up hits from the 80s and 90s. It includes eight games total: Flying Shark, Fire Shark, Tiger Heli, Twin Cobra / Kyukoku Tiger, Out Zone, Fix Eight, Batsugun, and Dogyuun.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 27, 2025)
The latest Story of Seasons remaster was a surprising one. Grand Bazaar (originally on the DS) takes place in Zephyr Town, where you build a farm, explore for resources, and craft products you can sell in the titular weekly Bazaar. The Switch version of the game remasters the original character models and also introduces two new marriage candidates.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
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SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance (August 29, 2025)
From the team behind Streets of Rage 4, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is a 2D action platformer featuring a pretty sleek art style that almost looks hand-drawn.
Shuten Order (September 5, 2025)
Hunt down your own murderer in this stylish stealth action game. Shuten Order features five different “routes,” each with their own unique mechanics, that you must beat to reveal the truth.
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds (September 25, 2025)
Sonic’s back, and he’s bringing some friends along for the ride. Sonic Racing: Crossworlds seems to be an ultimate crossover game, blending chaotic kart racing mechanics with a pretty insane slate of characters. Look forward to vehicle customization and a variety of environments across each track (and universe).
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
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NBA Bounce (September 26, 2025)
A slightly cuter alternative to the annual 2K releases, NBA Bounce lets you join one of 30 NBA teams and work your way up from rookie to legend on the court.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac (September 26, 2025)
Coming off the heels of Shadow Labyrinth’s edgier take on the Pac-Man franchise, we’re going back to basics. Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac introduces enhanced graphics, expanded levels, and tons of quality of life improvements to the action platformer that originally released in 2002.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30, 2025)
The next Final Fantasy (adjacent) game to arrive on Switch, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles tells the story of a noble boy and his childhood friend who become entwined in the series’ classic civil conflict: The War of the Lions. The game features over 20 jobs to try out, including plenty of Final Fantasy classics, and quality of life improvements like an autosave feature.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 16, 2025)
One of the most anticipated Nintendo releases is the next mainline Pokemon game, which comes after a rare “skip” year in the franchise. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in Lumiose City, a town within the Kalos region that features “Wild Zones” for catching new Pokémon. Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile are your starter options, and while they may be familiar faces, expect battles to be a little more… dynamic.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
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Plants vs. Zombies Replanted (October 23, 2025)
You read that right. Plants vs. Zombies is back with a new game PopCap describes as a “chance to reacknowledge the series’ roots.” With new HD character models and a multiplayer feature, I think this one’s well worth checking out for anyone who enjoyed (or, in my case, got slightly addicted to) the original garden defense game.
Goodnight Universe (November 11, 2025)
Goodnight Universe puts you in the position of being a six-month-old baby with psychic powers. I know, living the dream. While all you want is your parents’ love, a tech corporation has other plans.
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero (November 14, 2025)
I don’t know how the Switch will handle this one, but last year’s anime fighting game Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero is theoretically making it’s way to both the OG and Switch 2 consoles this November. Play out scenes from the original TV show or create your own scenarios with epic battles and iconic characters.
Octopath Traveler 0 (December 4, 2025)
The “final announcement” from the most recent Nintendo Direct was a new Octopath Traveler game from Square Enix. For the first time in the series, you’ll be able to customize your own character, who is tasked with rebuilding the town of Wishvale while also seeking vengeance against its destroyers. Of course, you’ll have plenty of party members to recruit for help.
Upcoming Switch Games With Unknown Release Dates
There are plenty more Nintendo Switch games in development that don’t have a solid release date yet. Here are some more Switch games we know are on the way:
What About Switch 2 Games?
Most upcoming Switch games will be supported on the Switch 2, but we’re already seeing announcements of Switch 2-exclusive games. You can check out our full guide on Switch 2 games, but in the meantime, here’s a quick look at what you have to look forward to on the new console:
- EA Madden NFL 26 – August 14, 2025
- Drag x Drive – Summer 2025
- Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion – September 5, 2025
- Borderlands 4 – October 3, 2025 (Preorders available)
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – Winter 2025
- Kirby Air Riders – TBA 2025
- Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition – TBA 2025
- Reanimal – TBA 2025
- The Duskbloods – 2026
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
