5 Third-Party Games the Switch 2 Needs to Be Great

by

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already getting great support from game companies other than Nintendo. You can play big titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake while waiting for Nintendo’s next big game. While the current selection is already impressive for the system’s hardware, fans are hoping even more games will be released for the Switch 2. There are a lot of highly-requested games that players would love to see ported over.

The Switch 2 also really needs strong exclusive games from Nintendo itself, and we know those often take time to develop – just ask Animal Crossing fans! But while we wait, it’s great to think about the amazing games made by other developers. If only a few could really make the Switch 2 a must-have console, I’d suggest these, especially since there’s currently no way to play Baldur’s Gate 3 on Nintendo systems.

5. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

The Nintendo Switch already has four great Yakuza games, including one many fans consider the best. But three main games in the series are still missing, which is a shame. While it seems logical to simply port those games over, it’s already intimidating to get into the Yakuza series with so many titles. Instead, why not release Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the game that successfully restarted the series with a fresh approach?

Often called Yakuza 7, Like a Dragon dramatically changed the series, moving towards a story with strong emotional moments comparable to those in the Xenoblade Chronicles games. It also switched from fast-paced action combat to a turn-based battle system similar to Dragon Quest. It’s amazing that the creators of Yakuza ended up making one of the best Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever. This makes it a fantastic starting point for new players and a particularly good fit for the JRPG-focused Nintendo Switch. While I enjoy the other Yakuza games, Like a Dragon seems like the perfect choice for fans of Fire Emblem and Xenoblade on the Switch 2.

4. Grand Theft Auto 5

I’m surprised GTA V wasn’t available when the Nintendo Switch 2 launched. It makes sense it didn’t come to the original Switch – the online part probably wouldn’t have run well, and Rockstar likely didn’t think a single-player version alone was worth the effort. But the Switch 2 is powerful enough to handle GTA Online and the original game without issue. Nintendo already has other Grand Theft Auto games on its systems, and they’ve been okay with the series’ mature content before – remember GTA: Chinatown Wars on the DS?

It’s high time the Nintendo Switch 2 got GTA V. Even if it can’t run Grand Theft Auto 6, having GTA V would be a great addition. The Switch could really use more modern open-world games, and besides the older GTA titles, Saints Row is really the only option. Given how many times Grand Theft Auto 5 has been ported to different platforms, I think it’s likely we’ll see it on the Switch 2 eventually. However, if GTA Online is eventually replaced by a GTA 6 equivalent, Rockstar might not bother porting it. I’m really hoping GTA V does come to the Switch 2, so I can play it anywhere, even in the bath!

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Let’s talk about Rockstar games that would be amazing on the new Nintendo Switch 2 – how about Red Dead Redemption 2? Widely considered one of the best games of all time, RDR2 is consistently one of the most wished-for Switch 2 ports. Since Rockstar brought the original Red Dead Redemption to the Switch, rumors about a Red Dead Redemption 2 port have been circulating, creating a lot of excitement. Although it hasn’t been officially announced yet, it’s definitely a possibility down the line.

Bringing the game to Nintendo consoles would be a smart move, and Rockstar could likely profit from it, even without adding any new features. However, with GTA 6 already in development, and considering their previous outsourcing attempt didn’t go well, it’s unlikely Red Dead Redemption 2 will appear on a Nintendo handheld console anytime soon. I’d happily be surprised, though – playing this open-world classic on the Switch 2’s larger screen would be fantastic. While the graphics might not fully shine, it would be amazing to experience such a detailed and immersive world on the go.

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Honestly, I was shocked Warhorse Studios got the massive world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance running on the original Switch. Yeah, the graphics took a hit, but it still looked amazing, and everything I loved about the game – the story, the world, how everything worked – was all there. So, I’m really hoping the sequel won’t have any trouble coming to the Switch 2. It already runs great on devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, so it feels totally doable.

Even though Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 didn’t win RPG of the Year at the 2025 Game Awards (it really should have!), it’s still easily one of the best role-playing games available. If you have a Switch 2, you absolutely need to play it – the graphics are stunning, the gameplay is complex and rewarding, and the world is incredibly immersive. Plus, it continues the story of Henry, whose journey began in the first game. While it might not be available on Switch 2 immediately, I expect we’ll see it there eventually.

1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Given that several Xbox games are already heading to Nintendo Switch, it’s reasonable to hope the complete Master Chief Collection will follow. While older Switch hardware could have technically handled it, it always seemed unlikely Xbox would share its iconic Halo hero. But now, with the lines between platforms blurring and Halo even appearing on PlayStation, anything feels possible. Adding it to the Switch 2 would be a natural next step.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Halo: The Master Chief Collection on the Nintendo Switch 2 soon. Porting the game would likely be simple, as most of the titles are already available on Xbox 360, and it would probably be very profitable. The Switch 2 could also really use more first-person shooters, and its new mouse support seems ideal for a game like Halo. With Xbox now releasing games on multiple platforms, this feels like a natural fit, and I’m excited at the prospect of playing Halo: Reach on a Nintendo console.

What games not made by Nintendo would you like to play on the next Nintendo Switch? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/gaming/list/the-best-nintendo-games-on-every-handheld/embed/#

Read More

2026-03-25 02:41