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Talking Point: Does Switch 2 Have Nintendo’s Best Launch Line-Up Ever?

Talking Point: Does Switch 2 Have Nintendo’s Best Launch Line-Up Ever?

By on April 10, 2025 0 2 Views

Image: Nintendo Life

I don’t know about you, but I’m already giving my shelf space a hopeful glance as I anticipate the variety of Switch 2 launch titles I want to acquire.

It’s been just about a week since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 along with its 21 unique launch games (24 if you consider those arriving on the NSO GameCube library), which, the more you think about it, is truly an impressive number. For context, the previous Nintendo consoles that gathered a larger launch line-up include the GBA in Japan (23 titles on day one) and the North American debut of the Wii U (29). The significant difference here is that Switch 2 doesn’t have the dependency on film tie-ins to bulk up its launch offerings — no offense to timeless classics like the Wii’s Happy Feet on that front.

The June 5th release schedule is indeed packed with ports and re-releases, but titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, and Split Fiction demonstrate what the original Switch was unable to achieve, with larger worlds, enhanced graphics, and more responsive controls. Don’t even get me started on the fact that there will be two upgraded Zelda titles to revisit on launch day as well — and that doesn’t even account for the free updates some Switch titles will receive.

On top of all this, there’s a selection of recent titles to tantalize fans. Everyone and their pet will be diving into Mario Kart World, but Fast Fusion, Deltarune, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and Survival Kids will also be available. The selection is indeed impressive.

All of this results in a fairly robust launch line-up, and while it may be slightly light on first-party newcomers, it genuinely seems to include something for everyone.

The question is, how does it compare against Nintendo’s previous day-one efforts? Console launches aren’t solely about Mario, Zelda, and Wii Sports, and when looking back at Nintendo’s past launch lineups, the Switch 2 may just stand among the best of them.

However, we want to hear your thoughts. We’re sure that an educated audience like yourselves remembers every launch title since the mid-80s, but just in case you need a refresher (we did), we have compiled a list of them all from the NES to the Switch 2. We’ve kept the following list to the consoles’ North American launch line-up for clarity, but we’ll be happy to share any key additions from Europe and Japan as we go along.

So, which of these stands out as the best?

Nintendo Entertainment System

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Some notable titles to kick things off here, with Duck Hunt, Super Mario Bros., and Excitebike leading the way. In fact, the reality that they all originated from Nintendo is quite an achievement as well. Sure, many of them may not hold up as well today, but it’s certainly a memorable way to start strong.

The Famicom release in Japan did not include any of the above, but it did debut with Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and Popeye, so that’s something to note.

Game Boy

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

A significantly smaller and less impactful line-up, but it does include Tetris, so weigh that as you see fit.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Having Super Mario World, Pilotwings, and F-Zero available from the start is an impressive lineup, but there isn’t much else to enjoy. The European edition also introduced Super Tennis, though it isn’t a classic.

Virtual Boy

Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

… Perhaps we shouldn’t linger on this one. At least Mario Tennis made its debut here?

Nintendo 64

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Wow, one of the most significant titles in gaming history and… Super Mario 64. We’re joking, but it’s true that the NA N64 launch lineup was quite limited. Cruis’n USA was nearly included in that launch too, before it failed to meet Nintendo’s standards and was removed. It came later, at least…

Titles like Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Turok would make up the European launch list, but even then, it remains a brief selection for one of Nintendo’s most beloved consoles.

Game Boy Color

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Backwards compatibility certainly contributed to the appeal of the GBC’s launch lineup, because without revisiting some classics, the list of new releases is quite modest.

Game Boy Advance

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Speak of what you will about the particulars, but the GBA launch lineup is fairly impressive. Sure, there are plenty of ports, but you cannot deny that seeing titles such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and Super Mario Advance functioning on that compact handheld is nothing short of remarkable.

To add to the excitement, the Japanese and European launches also included Kuru Kuru Kururin, and if you have played that on NSO, you know it’s a hidden gem.

GameCube

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

At the time, Luigi’s Mansion seemed like an odd choice to kick off a console, but it has undoubtedly become one of our favorite series from Nintendo. Six sports titles certainly reflects a trend (and indicates a shifting audience), but it’s hard to be too critical when our beloved Rogue Squadron II is right there.

The European launch also included titles such as Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Pac-Man World 2, and ESPN International Winter Sports 2002.

DS

Image: Damian McFerran / Nintendo Life

On paper, a fresh Metroid Prime and a 3D Mario entry make for an impressive launch lineup. However, in practice, First Hunt and Super Mario 64 DS don’t truly stand out as the best of the bunch.

The releases in Europe and Japan also featured Rayman DS, Pokémon Dash and WarioWare: Touched!

Wii

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Ah, the era of movie tie-ins. Despite some being merely cash grabs, the Wii did launch with Twilight Princess and Wii Sports — the latter of which may very well be one of the most iconic launch titles ever.

3DS

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

While there’s a decent amount of fun among the titles listed above, none stand out as a true blockbuster. Thankfully, with the DS backward compatibility, right? Or perhaps it’s no surprise Nintendo quickly introduced the Ambassador Program after…

Wii U

Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Classic Expanded Mario Bros. U was a great addition, ZombiU showcased the GamePad’s capabilities well, and Nintendo Land stood out as one of the most straightforward games on the console. True, the rest might seem somewhat lacking, but it’s truly unfortunate that this momentum faded so quickly.

Switch

Image courtesy of: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

While one of the most fascinating games ever made, a few quirky mechanics, and a beloved indie title do not exactly constitute a weak launch lineup, we can concede that. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Odyssey were major hits just a few months later, but let’s focus on day one greatness here, folks.

Switch 2

Image courtesy of: Zion Grassl / Nintendo Life

Releases, first-party newcomers, and ‘Nintendo Switch 2 Edition’ re-releases all contribute to quite an impressive day-one lineup, don’t you think?

So, let’s hear it—it’s time to cast your vote! Which Nintendo console do you believe had the most remarkable launch lineup? You can make your choice in the upcoming poll, but don’t forget to drop into the comments afterwards to share your thoughts!

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