We're one month into the Nintendo Switch 2's lifespan, and early adopters of the home console/handheld hybrid may be wondering what they should check out this weekend. Since launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has proven to be a powerful handheld device, and its compatibility with original Switch games means it has a massive library of games from day one.
Some Switch 1 games have received updates so that they run and look better on the Nintendo Switch 2, a trend that will continue in the near future with upcoming releases like the Switch 2 Editions of Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. There are also brand-new Switch 2-exclusive games on the horizon as well, with Donkey Kong Bananza releasing July 17 and Drag x Drive dropping August 14.
5 Games You Need to Play on PS5 This Weekend (July 4 - July 6)
4th of July weekend means many PlayStation 5 gamers likely have more time on their hands, and they should spend it playing these games.
Those new games will no doubt keep the millions of Nintendo Switch 2 gamers busy, but in the meantime, these five games are the ones they should play this 4th of July weekend.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Cyberpunk 2077's launch was a disastrous one, but the game has enjoyed one of the most impressive comebacks in gaming history. Instead of giving up on Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt RED worked tirelessly to turn the game's reputation around, squashing lingering bugs, vastly improving the experience across the board, and releasing the critically-acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC. Nintendo fans missed out on the original Cyberpunk 2077 because the Switch 1 hardware couldn't really handle it, but CD Projekt RED wasted no time bringing the game to the Switch 2. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 bundles the base game together with the Phantom Liberty expansion, giving players the complete Cyberpunk 2077 out of the gate. Being able to take Cyberpunk 2077 on the go is an added bonus, and the fact that the full game is on the cartridge as opposed to being a Game-Key Card makes it even more of a no-brainer for Switch 2 early adopters needing something to play this holiday weekend.
Cyberpunk 2077
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
A new Animal Crossing game will inevitably make its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 at some point down the line, but in the meantime, cozy game fans should definitely check out Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. Currently one of the highest-rated new video game releases of the year, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time expertly blends cozy game elements with action-adventure gameplay reminiscent of the Zelda franchise. The graphics look similar to the Link's Awakening remake and Echoes of Wisdom, while the game also throws a job system into the mix for good measure. The sheer amount of things to do in Fantasy Life i can be almost overwhelming at times, but it's easily one of the best games currently available on the Nintendo Switch 2. Its multiplayer support may make it especially appealing to Switch 2 early adopters that are looking for something fun to play with their friends over the 4th of July weekend.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
WHERE TO PLAY
Mario Kart World
The headlining Nintendo Switch 2 launch title was by far Mario Kart World, and it's still a game that Switch 2 owners should be playing a month later. While some recent Mario Kart World updates have unfortunately made the online a little less fun, there is still a dizzying amount of content in Nintendo's new racer. Mario Kart World's open world is fun to explore, even with its lack of direction, and Knockout Tour is wildly entertaining. Mario Kart World is the kind of timeless game that will stay in any Switch 2 owner's rotation for years to come. It may also be the best game to play for those that are traveling on the 4th of July weekend and want something to play with their family. Mario Kart World supports 4-player local multiplayer along with its online options, with dozens of racers and tracks to enjoy across a variety of game modes.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- June 5, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone // Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are technically Switch 1 games that did not receive native Switch 2 ports. Even so, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have received updates that have dramatically improved the games when played on a Nintendo Switch 2 system. If you are someone that played Pokemon Scarlet and Violet on the Switch 1 and has yet to try them on the Switch 2, make it a point to do so this weekend. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet look and run significantly better on the Switch 2, to the point where they practically feel like brand-new games. If Pokemon Scarlet and Violet launched in this state, they would have fared far better among fans and critics.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 48%
- Released
- November 18, 2022
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a launch title for the OG Switch, so it's only fitting that it's gotten a big upgrade to coincide with the launch of the Switch 2. There has never been a better time to revisit Zelda: Breath of the Wild's massive open world, with the game boasting far better performance and graphics when played on a Nintendo Switch 2 console. Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also compatible with the Nintendo app's Zelda Notes feature, which adds a helpful map, achievements, and more to enhance the experience. Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Switch 2 upgrade is available for $9.99, but those signed up for the Expansion Pack tier of the Nintendo Switch Online service can access it at no additional cost.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
- Released
- March 3, 2017
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
WHERE TO PLAY