It’s safe to say that PC-based handheld consoles are now put on notice. After Nintendo’s more detailed announcement of the console, the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to reclaim its crown as the world’s best handheld console. While we have a breakdown of the console’s hardware here, it’s time to talk about the games you can play on the console.

Mario Kart World

The recently concluded Direct started off with a bang. It announced the upcoming Mario Kart World. Whereas the previous sneak peek showed off the game’s racing, the new trailer reveals something much more amazing than just a racing game.

For the first time, Mario Kart is an open-world game. Though you have the usual circuits and races, you also have the option to drive towards the next race. There’s also a free roam mode wherein you can just explore the world in your chosen car and character. It’s similar to arcade racers on other platforms such as Forza Horizon 5.

There’s a new mode called Knockout Tour which works like a battle royale. There are new cosmetics and power-ups. It’s definitely a revolution of the Mario Kart franchise.

Plus, it’s a launch day title, so you can get the new game as soon as the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

Donkey Kong Bananza

From the very beginning of the Direct to its ultimate end, here’s Donkey Kong Bananza. The presentation did not reveal a new 3D platformer for the Mario franchise. In lieu of that much-awaited announcement, Nintendo revealed a similar revolution for the Donkey Kong series.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the 3D platformer that we’ve been waiting for since Super Mario Odyssey. The platformer maximizes the Switch 2’s hardware. The graphics look amazing. Donkey Kong’s fur looks amazing. Plus, unlike Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza will feature destructible terrain. It’s not just Odyssey with a new skin; it’s something new.

Donkey Kong Bananza releases on July 17.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

The Zelda franchise is also getting a nod for the new generation. Developed in partnership with Koei Tecmo, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a new title in the Hyrule Warriors series. It also ties directly into Tears of the Kingdom.

Zelda — not Link! — finds herself in the past participating in the Imprisoning War. With the help of Hyrule’s mightiest warriors, she must fight against the forces of darkness to save Hyrule. Because it’s a Hyrule Warriors game, it’s more action-packed, compared to the laidback style of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

It will launch this winter.

Kirby Air Raiders

Finally, Kirby is also getting a new title for the upcoming console. Though it’s practically just a teaser than an actual trailer, Kirby Air Raiders will continue the original Air Ride launched way back during the GameCube era.

We don’t know much about the upcoming title yet, but it’s coming from the original director, Masahiro Sakurai.

It is coming in 2025.

The Duskbloods

We now live in a world where FromSoftware can announce a new title and franchise during a Nintendo Direct. Despite Nightreign still launching later this year, FromSoftware is already laying down the tracks for its next major franchise, The Duskbloods.

Upon first seeing the trailer, you will be forgiven for assuming a sequel to the widely successful Bloodborne. In fact, it uses much of the same language including blood and moonlight. But this is an entirely new franchise.

As is typical with all FromSoftware trailers, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding the new trailer. However, it does look like the game combines horror, cyberpunk, and the dark whimsy of Alice in Wonderland all into one title. It has the vibes of Lies of P. Then again, it’s FromSoftware, so we can assume something more.

The Duskbloods launches in 2026 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

This is one of the most recurring fever dreams for gamers. Is Silksong real? Fans of Hollow Knight know that, despite having the sequel announced six years ago, an actual release date is still a myth.

Nintendo just blew everything out of the water. In a brief four-second clip, the Direct announced that the much-awaited sequel to the widely successful Hollow Knight is launching this year. This was also supported by a tweet posted by Nintendo itself.

Is Silksong real? The Switch 2 wants to make it real.

Nintendo GameCube classics

As a new addition to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, the Switch 2 will give subscribers access to a growing library of Nintendo GameCube classics including The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Soul Caliber II.

Tons of modern games coming to the Switch 2

When the Switch 2 was announced, we assumed that the console was going to function similarly to the original console. That is, it’s a console meant specifically for Nintendo’s game but sprinkled sporadically with a few third-party releases operating at lower specs. Nintendo is thinking differently.

Today’s most popular games are coming to the Switch 2. These aren’t shabby titles either. The Direct confirmed that massive games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Yakuza 0, and Elden Ring, are playable on the new console.

The Switch 2 is making a statement, and it’s not looking good for the world of handheld consoles. Nintendo’s upcoming console is powerful enough to play modern games at a decent resolution. Plus, it can play Nintendo’s lineup of games, a feat you can’t do on other consoles.

SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch 2 aims for the heart of PC handhelds