The Nintendo Switch 2 has just started to write history. While relatively small, the console's library is slowly starting to take shape. With each passing week and month, more releases will find themselves competing for attention, and the field is not evenly stacked. Open-World Switch 2 games will hog the limelight to an extent, and their lengthy content allows them to consume a substantial portion of a player's free time.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2025 system has enough horsepower to welcome more open-world projects, an element emphasized by the Switch 2's launch line-up focusing on the genre. Let's go through all the open-world games confirmed for the Switch 2.
Some criteria and qualifiers:
- Only games with Switch 2 versions (or editions) will be included. No backward-compatible or GameCube titles.
- Semi-open-world games will be left out.
- Upcoming projects will only be included if they are 100% guaranteed to be open-world. For example, Borderlands 4 has, for now, been omitted.
All Available Nintendo Switch 2 Open-World Games
Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World
- Released
- June 5, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2's big launch-day exclusive, Mario Kart World was likely most people's first game on the system, and it serves as a fantastic entry point. For the most part, this is more Mario Kart, which is generally a great thing. However, the sequel's big new feature is Free Roam, which lets players explore the tracks in an open-world-type structure. This mode can be accessed easily by solo players, although it shines brighter in multiplayer.
How to Free Roam in Mario Kart World
Despite being the big new thing in Mario Kart World, the option to explore the open world isn't easy to find.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
A statement of intent by Nintendo, seemingly designed to showcase the Switch 2's capacity for adopting massive third-party games, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is a brilliant version of CD Projekt Red's controversial but nowadays great open-world sci-fi epic. This iteration comes with the base content and the Phantom Liberty expansion, making it the ideal compilation for newcomers who have yet to try out this title. While 100% playable with a controller, Cyberpunk 2077 also supports the Switch 2's mouse controls for anyone who prefers to go down that route.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
- Released
- May 21, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Level 5
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2
Level-5's Fantasy Life i only debuted a few weeks before the Switch 2's launch, so an edition designed for the new console made complete sense. This iteration provides technical improvements by boosting the framerate, resolution, and load times, and the Switch 1 version can be upgraded for $2.59. The Girl Who Steals Time is an ambitious open-world game that combines action RPG and life sim elements, striking a middle-ground that surprisingly satisfies both genres.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy
- Released
- February 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Software
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
The fact that Hogwarts Legacy worked on the Nintendo Switch was a borderline miracle, although the port needed to make quite a few concessions to reach that point. Unsurprisingly, the game is far more at home on the Switch 2, making this edition a more like-for-like alternative to the PS5 and Xbox iterations. While garnering some criticism, Hogwarts Legacy immerses players in the Harry Potter universe through great visuals and detailed environments, particularly for the eponymous school and Hogsmeade.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U, Switch
Surviving three console generations, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has proven itself to be timeless. Now, the standard Switch version works on the Switch 2 without requiring any additional investment; however, people who want to take full advantage of the new console can upgrade their version by paying $9.99. The Switch 2 edition offers improved performance and a new feature called Zelda Notes.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild - 8 Ways To Shake Up A Second Playthrough
For those thinking of jumping back into The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, here are some fun things to do spice up a second playthrough.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition)
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Like its predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom has also received a Switch 2 edition, which can be purchased straight-up for $79.99. The upgrade route is $9.99. Even more so than Breath of the Wild, the sequel really benefits from the console's more powerful hardware, as the open-world game does at times struggle on the original Switch. Along with the integration of Nintendo Switch App feature s, TOTK comes with more stable performance.
No Man's Sky (Switch 2 Edition)
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
No Man's Sky has had such a great turnaround following its polarizing start. In 2016, nobody would have predicted that the project would still be around to qualify as an open-world Switch 2 game in 2025. This new edition is not just for show, either, as it offers arguably the most substantial leap forward in quality of these types of releases. The Switch 2 version has multiplayer, crossplay support, and huge technical improvements. The Beacon update is also out. Admittedly, some features had issues at launch, but Hello Games is a reliable developer.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6
- Released
- June 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, Arcade
Street Fighter 6 has made its Nintendo debut, as Capcom's fighting game was not a viable option for the original Switch. While not a traditional open-world, SF6's World Tour is essentially a large hub area that allows players to explore relatively freely and interact with recognizable characters, some of whom serve as Masters. In due time, most players will likely focus on multiplayer and leave behind World Tour, but it is a fun enough way to spend a few hours.
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
- Released
- June 5, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, RPG, Beat 'Em Up, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Yakuza 0 has been around for roughly a decade, but Sega's open-world masterpiece is still as brilliant as the day it debuted. The Director's Cut comes with a technical boost, but its value lies in other areas. The Switch 2 version has a new multiplayer mode, Red Light Raid, that has four players battling off waves of enemies. Co-op has never been a focus of the franchise, so this mode is pretty exciting. Story-wise, Director's Cut also has new cutscenes.
All 100 Substory Locations in Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
Substories are some of the best content in Yakuza 0, and there are 100 of them divided between Kamurocho and Sotenbori.
Upcoming 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 Open-World Games
Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong Bananza
- Released
- July 17, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- July 17, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Except for Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza is the Switch 2's most significant "very early" system seller, with the game hopefully serving a similar role as Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey did for the 2017 console. Donkey Kong makes his big comeback in a 3D platformer that features an underground open-world map, with exploration and destruction taking center stage. This is by far one of the most exciting 2025 Switch 2 open-world games.
Star Wars Outlaws
Star Wars Outlaws
- Released
- August 30, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Massive Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Star Wars Outlaws reportedly failed to meet commercial expectations when it launched in 2024, but Ubisoft's game could find a second wind thanks to its upcoming Switch 2 version. As Kay, players get to visit a variety of planets that are fairly open and explorable, all the while dealing with four factions. Star Wars Outlaws might not be the most beloved open-world game ever, but it should be a pretty good addition to the Switch 2 library.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- Released
- October 16, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- October 16, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
By far the biggest upcoming Switch 2 open-world game, Pokemon Legends: Z-A will almost definitely hog the limelight throughout October 2025, despite its pre-launch life being marred by polarizing trailers. Regardless of the online discourse, Pokemon is an institution that rarely falters in its main releases, and Z-A should benefit from a lack of direct competition on the Switch 2 (not counting backward-compatible Switch titles). Set in Kalos' Lumiose City, the RPG will feature an urban setting, differentiating itself from 2022's Arceus.
Coolest New Features In Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Here is a ranking of Pokemon Legends Z-A's most promising additions to the game mechanics.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
- Released
- 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Elden Ring is making its way to the Switch 2, instantly establishing itself as one of the most exciting open-world titles on the console. A 2025 release seems to be on the cards, and the Tarnished Edition comes with the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree, along with new content like the possibility to customize Torrent. FromSoftware does not have a long history with Nintendo, but that might be set to change with this release and the upcoming The Duskbloods.
Upcoming 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 Open-World Games
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- System Era Softworks
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Sandbox, Exploration, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Astroneer is a great sandbox sci-fi game that, for the most part, delivers a relaxing and tranquil experience. System Era Softworks is working on a new project set within the same universe, and Starseeker should land on the Switch 2 in 2026. Co-op seems to be at the heart of the gameplay, with players forming part of a space station's crew.
While set in the same universe, Starseeker is not a sequel to Astroneer, so please do not go in expecting something very similar.
Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Open-World Games With No Release Year
My Time at Evershine
My Time at Evershine
- Developer(s)
- Pathea Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Sandbox, Simulation
My Time at Evershine's Switch 2 version is not quite as set in stone as other upcoming open-world games, but the FAQs section on the project's Kickstarter page states “While there’s no guarantee for the current Nintendo Switch, if new Nintendo models are released in time for Evershine's launch, we’ll aim to support them. We're also exploring the possibility of a mobile version in the future.”
A sequel to My Time at Sandrock and My Time at Portia, My Time at Evershine should continue down the same road as its predecessors. The open-world RPG will likely focus on life and farming simulation, including a romance system with 10 potential partners. Players will be cast as Evershine's governor, and their goal will be to help the settlement flourish.
Special Mention: Ys X: Proud Nordics
Ys X: Nordics
- Released
- October 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Japanese Switch 2 Release Date: July 31, 2025
- Developer(s)
- Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Action RPG, Hack and Slash
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
So far, Ys X: Proud Nordics is only confirmed for Japan, and there is no guarantee that the Switch 2 version will come to North America. That said, the franchise is popular enough to suggest that a Western port could come to fruition. While not the biggest or deepest open-world by any stretch of the imagination, Ys X shines in its fast-paced and satisfying dual-protagonist combat. It is also a rare open-sea game, with players captaining a ship as they explore a variety of islands.