The hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Direct takes place on April 2, and is expected to contain details such as the console’s specs, release date and pre-order timings.

Fans should also get a look at the games launching with the console and shortly after. If the rumours are to be believed, the Switch 2 launch line-up could be one of the best ever, containing a strong mixture of first and third-party games.

With the Switch 2 Direct just days away, Daily Express has picked out a selection of the games rumoured to be coming to Nintendo’s new console.

1. Mario Kart

Nintendo actually announced the Switch 2 with a brief trailer back in January. While the preview primarily focused on the console itself, a seemingly new Mario Kart game was shown during the video.

It’s possible that it could be an enhanced and potentially expanded version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or a brand new entry in the Mario Kart series.

As spotted by some eagle-eyed fans, the new/upgraded Mario Kart appears to support 24 drivers per race.

If you pause the trailer at the right time, you’ll see that there are clearly 24 positions on the starting grid, which is double the number of drivers supported in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Needless to say, fans believe the game will feature 24-person multiplayer races in multiplayer, which sounds like pure chaos!

2. Legend of Zelda Remastered/Breath of the Wild Enhanced

Years before Nintendo officially announced the console, there were reports that the company was showing off an enhanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild during behind-closed-doors briefings.

The idea of enhanced Switch games appears to have been backed up by the small print on the website for Nintendo’s upcoming Virtual Game Cards scheme, where Nintendo confirmed there will be Switch 2 Editions of certain games.

“Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system,” reads a post on the Virtual Game Cards website.

If “Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games” are titles only available on the Switch 2, then “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games” are likely to be upgraded versions of games that are also available on the original Switch. This could potentially breathe new life into some of your old favourites.

This lends weight to the idea that Breath of the Wild will be enhanced for Switch 2.

A previous retailer listing also mentioned a Legend of Zelda Remake/Remaster as one of the games coming to the Switch 2. This could be Breath of the Wild, or possibly an older Zelda game with a HD makeover, similar to Skyward Sword HD.

3. New 3D Mario

The same retailer who spilled the beans on a potential Legend of Zelda remake also suggests a 3D Mario game will be released for the Switch 2 either at launch or shortly after (via Reddit).

Considering Super Mario Odyssey launched all the way back in 2017, a new 3D Mario seems like a matter of when and not if.

4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was one of the headline games showcased during the recent Nintendo Direct event in March.

It’s likely that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be one of the games that receives an enhanced port for Switch 2, similar to the potential Breath of the Wild version mentioned above. You can also add Pokemon Legends: Z-A to this list.

5. Xbox published games – Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025, Halo, Starfield and Doom: The Dark Ages

Earlier this year, Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed that Microsoft will support the Nintendo Switch 2. Speaking about Nintendo and the Switch 2, Spencer said: “I just always applaud the moves that they make. I know we’ll get more detail over time. Really looking forward to supporting them with the games that we have.”

Separate reports have suggested that some of the Xbox-published games planned for Nintendo Switch 2 include Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025, Doom: The Dark Ages, Starfield and Halo Master Chief Collection.

According to Tom Warren from The Verge, Microsoft is still planning to release Halo games on Switch 2, but maybe not the entire Master Chief Collection.

6. Final Fantasy 9 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake/Rebirth

Despite many considering it to be one of the best games of 2024, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s initial PS5 exclusivity led to lower than expected sales for the gargantuan role-playing game.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has since been released for PC, although rumours suggest it could also join the Switch 2 line-up at some point in the near future.

Indeed, industry insider NateTheHate recently told podcast listeners that Final Fantasy 7 Remake and FF7 Rebirth are in development for Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2, which makes sense if publisher Square Enix hopes to boost sales.

As for Final Fantasy 9, Nintendo insider Dark Samus Hunter previously claimed that a remake was in development for Switch 2.

“There is however the Final Fantasy IX Remake that will be coming out although I have no information on a possible bundle or limited edition at the moment,” reads a Dark Samus Hunter.

Most people had probably forgotten about the claims until Square Enix launched a Final Fantasy 9 dedicated news page to celebrate the game’s 25-year anniversary.

With the website launching just a couple of days before the Switch 2 Direct, fans are starting to believe.

7. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

There’s not too much evidence for this one, other than claims made by trusted leaker NateTheHate on his podcast.

With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launching on August 28, then this won’t be a launch title, but it will give fans something to look forward to at the end of summer.

It would also prove that the Switch 2 is capable of handling powerful new releases, especially with its rumoured upscaling technology.

8. Other games rumoured for Switch 2

These games have also been mentioned in various reports and rumour pieces, albeit without much in the way of evidence to back them up.

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows

• Diablo 4

• EA Sports FC 25

• Marvel Rivals

• Metaphor ReFantazio

• No Man’s Sky

• Red Dead Redemption 2

• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

• Tekken 8

• Visions of Mana