Gaming fans have been reflecting on the first year of the Nintendo Switch 2, which was released on June 5, 2026.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched last year with Mario Kart World, the biggest and most ambitious entry in the long-running racing series. Over the past 12 months, other exclusive games such as 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, Pokemon Pokopia and Yoshi And The Mysterious Book have been released, while the Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library includes GameCube, N64 and other vintage Nintendo titles.
In its first year, more than 20million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles have been sold and it’s the second fastest-selling Nintendo console in the UK after the Wii.
“I’ve loved absolutely every single minute of the Switch 2. It’s gone cross country with me a few times now, gets played allllll the time, just an excellent experience top to bottom,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “Easily the most incredible first year of any Nintendo system in history,” said another.
However other fans have complained about a “lacklustre” selection of games, with no new 3D Mario or The Legend Of Zelda titles on the horizon.
It's been a year, and Switch 2 has like maybe 5 games.
What the fuck is Nintendo even doing?
Cool to see they learned absolutely nothing from the 3DS launch.
— Syd Lexia (@Syd_Lexia) June 8, 2026
“I wish there were more releases and exclusives to play,” wrote one Reddit user. “I love the console, however I’d say we need some stronger first party titles. A big 3D Mario, Zelda or new Smash Bros would have been nice to have closer to launch,” said another. “Definitely my favourite console I’ve ever owned. First party exclusives are kinda lacking but it’s looking like we’ll have a good year coming up,” offered one fan.
“I’d say it can only get better. People are starting to understand how powerful the Switch 2 can be. Better and better games are coming up and some are being released the same day as other consoles,” explained one optimistic Reddit user, with Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis coming to the Switch 2 early next year, following other big third party titles such as Hogwarts Legacy, Borderlands 4 and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition.
It’s rumoured a remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is currently in the works, while a new 3D Mario adventure reportedly won’t launch until 2027.
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