Beyond Mario Kart World: 9 Ripper Games Worth Playing on the Switch 2
Already burned out on Mario Kart World? The Nintendo Switch 2 might be light on first-party launch titles, but third-party devs have stepped up with stealth, speed, swords and side quests. Here's your no-BS Aussie guide to what’s worth playing now.
New Console, Same Problem
You’ve unboxed your Nintendo Switch 2, got through the shiny menu, raced every track in Mario Kart World — and now you’re thinking, “What next, mate?”
Nintendo’s gone a bit light on original launch content (outside of that $8 tech demo nobody asked for), but don’t stress. Some third-party devs have brought the heat — with ports, remasters and a few surprises that actually make the most of the new console’s HDR screen and faster guts.
From Tokyo gangsters to dancing demon-slayers, here are the games keeping Aussie thumbs twitching.
Switch 2 Game Ratings – The Honest Aussie Scorecard
| Game Title | Genre | Best Played On | Aussie Verdict | Switch 2 Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut | Action-Drama Brawler | Docked | Stunning, bonkers, binge-worthy | (5/5) |
| Hitman: World of Assassination | Stealth/Action | Handheld & Docked | Stealth done sexy | (4/5) |
| Bravely Default HD | JRPG | Handheld | Old-school RPG charm in HD | (4/5) |
| Kunitsu-Gami | Action/Tower Defence | Docked | Stylish, unique, criminally ignored | (4/5) |
| Fast Fusion | Futuristic Racer | Either | Budget F-Zero bliss | (4/5) |
| Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate | RPG | Docked (indoors) | Playable, but shaky in motion | (3/5) |
| Sonic X Shadow Generations | Platformer | Handheld | Fast & flashy, pricing is sus | (3/5) |
| Street Fighter 6 | Fighting | Docked | Good gameplay, weird visuals | (3/5) |
| Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S | Puzzle | Doesn’t matter | Lazy port, full price — nah | (1/5) |
The Games You Should Actually Play
Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition
Slip into a suit, grab your fibre wire, and get creative with murder on the Amalfi Coast or a Berlin club. The Switch 2’s handheld mode makes this stealth game a delight, and it runs silky smooth.
Rating: 4/5
IO Interactive – Hitman
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
It’s here, it works (mostly), and it even includes motion controls. But when you hop in your cybercar, the frame rate sometimes cries itself to sleep.
Rating: 3/5
CD Projekt Red – Cyberpunk 2077
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD
A glow-up of a 3DS RPG classic. Looks like a playable painting, runs great, and finally gets the 1080p screen it deserves.
Rating: 4/5
Square Enix – Bravely Default
Sonic X Shadow Generations
It’s fast, it’s flashy, and it’s got Shadow in all his angsty glory. Shame about the full-price upgrade with no discount for Switch 1 owners.
Rating: 3/5
SEGA – Sonic Generations
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
A mythological demon-slicing trip through Japan. Gorgeous in docked mode, if a bit visually watered down handheld. Underrated gem.
Rating: 4/5
Capcom – Kunitsu-Gami
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Kiryu’s back, baby. With 4K visuals, brand-new co-op, and karaoke fights in bathhouses. It’s loud, weird, emotional and a must-play.
Rating: 5/5
SEGA – Like a Dragon (Yakuza)
Street Fighter 6
Classic fighter, but Chun-Li’s proportions look like a glitch and Zangief’s eyeballs seem… sentient. Gameplay’s solid though!
Rating: 3/5
Capcom – Street Fighter 6
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Zero effort. Full price. Save your money and replay the old one. You deserve better.
Rating: 1/5
SEGA – Puyo Puyo Tetris
Fast Fusion
Only $13.49. Gorgeous. Fast. Wildly underrated. Think F-Zero meets Wipeout, Aussie budget edition.
Rating: 4/5
Shin’en Media – Fast Fusion
The TL;DR Verdict
Yes, the Switch 2’s first-party library is a bit light. But if you’re willing to dig into the indie & remaster pile, there are absolute bangers ready to go — and a few stinkers to dodge.
Skip: Puyo Puyo 2S
Play: Yakuza 0, Hitman, Bravely Default
Only if you’re desperate: Cyberpunk handheld, Sonic (again)
Final Word
The Switch 2 is like a new ute — shiny, beefy, but no good without fuel. Mario Kart World’s a hoot, but the real fun kicks in once you fire up Yakuza’s back alleys, Hitman’s sniping suites or go full drift mode in Fast Fusion. And remember: if a game smells like a cash-grab, it probably is.
Want a curated list based on your genre faves or budget? I’ll whip one up, no worries.
