Top Switch 2 Ports That Might Convince You It’s Time to Upgrade

The Nintendo Switch has always walked a weird tightrope between being a beloved home for first-party hits and a frustrating afterthought for third-party studios. While it sold over 130 million units and gave us some of the best Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing titles ever made, it just couldn’t keep up with the technical demands of most big-budget modern games. But that’s changing—fast.

With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 (official name still pending), the conversation around third-party support has shifted dramatically. This time around, Nintendo’s actually bringing power to the table. At recent press previews and behind-the-scenes chats, developers have shown serious interest. From Capcom and CD Projekt RED to Sega and EA, the big names are not just dipping their toes in—they’re diving headfirst.

And here’s the kicker: speculation is heating up about GTA 6 possibly coming to Switch 2. No joke. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has even addressed it, saying they’re open to “platforms that can support our vision.” That might’ve sounded like fluff a year ago, but with what we’ve seen from Switch 2’s specs and early third-party ports, it’s suddenly not so far-fetched.

So if you’ve been holding out for a reason to finally retire your crusty OG Switch (or you just want a real portable powerhouse), here are five ports that prove the Switch 2 means business. These aren’t just lazy rehashes — these are full, optimized experiences that feel right on a portable console.

5. Civilization VII

Publisher: Firaxis Games | Genre: Strategy

Let’s start slow—literally. Civ VII isn’t known for quick gameplay, but that’s kind of the point. The Switch 2 port surprised me in the best way: mouse support. Yup, Nintendo is officially supporting mouse functionality, and it makes all the difference here. This is the kind of game that previously felt cramped or awkward on the original Switch, but the upgraded controls and faster load times mean I can now rule the world on a train ride.

Even better: If you already own Civ VII on Switch 1, this version is a free upgrade. It’s not flashy, but it’s proof that Nintendo’s listening to strategy fans who want more than just touchscreen taps.

4. Split Fiction

Publisher: Hazelight Studios | Genre: Co-op Puzzle Platformer

Remember It Takes Two? This one’s from the same people, and it’s every bit as charming—and chaotic. Split Fiction is built for co-op, and the Switch 2 feels like it was made for it. Joy-Cons make local multiplayer seamless, and with the console’s stronger CPU/GPU combo, I didn’t run into a single performance hiccup.

Puzzles involve gravity switches, platform syncing, and environmental manipulation that needs solid FPS to not feel frustrating. On Switch 2, it’s crisp and smooth. Playing this on the go with a buddy is going to become a thing; I can already tell.

3. Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

Publisher: SEGA | Genre: Action-Adventure

Bringing Yakuza 0 to Switch 2 is a move I did not see coming, but it works and then some. This isn’t a lazy dump. It’s a full director’s cut with added storylines, visual upgrades, and new minigames that actually use the Switch hardware (motion bowling, anyone?). Kamurocho looks surprisingly sharp for a handheld, and combat is still snappy and satisfying.

For newcomers, this is the perfect way to jump into the Yakuza world. For veterans, the extra content and ability to punch punks in 60 FPS on your lunch break is just beautiful.

2. Street Fighter 6

Publisher: Capcom | Genre: Fighting

This one made me nervous. Fighters need responsiveness above all else, and while the original Switch managed Smash Ultimate pretty well, Street Fighter 6 is a whole different beast. But it handles it. Like, really well.

Capcom’s RE Engine powers it smoothly on the Switch 2, with support for all the current DLC fighters and exclusive Switch-only features like motion-based parries and Amiibo training. You can even practice combos on the go without feeling like you’re compromising precision. It might be the best portable version of a fighter I've ever played.

1. Cyberpunk 2077 (w/ Phantom Liberty)

Publisher: CD Projekt RED | Genre: Open-World RPG

If The Witcher 3 on Switch 1 was a miracle, Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 is divine intervention. I played a slice of the Phantom Liberty expansion, and it was shockingly smooth. Better than PS4, honestly. The load times are near-instant, the visuals are cleaned up without killing performance, and gunfights finally feel good in handheld mode.

There’s no confirmation yet on whether DLSS is fully integrated, but the Switch 2 version looks miles ahead of what we had before. V’s story finally feels right on the go, which is something I never thought I’d say. If this is what Switch 2 can do, then bring on GTA 6.

The Switch 2 is shaping up to be more than just a home for Mario and Metroid. This time, third-party studios are actually showing up—and showing off. Ports like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0 aren’t just padding the library—they’re redefining what “portable gaming” means in 2025.

If Strauss Zelnick’s not just teasing and we really do see GTA 6 land here someday, the conversation around handheld consoles might shift completely. For now, though, the games we do know are coming already make a compelling case.

Portable is no longer a compromise. It’s the main event.