August is shaping up to be a surprisingly solid month for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. While some fans are still making their way through “Donkey Kong: Bananza” and “Mario Kart World,” the lineup for August brings a mix of returning favorites, new titles, and long-awaited revivals. Here are seven games worth keeping an eye on this month—and maybe even preordering.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (August 28)
Kirby returns, not with a brand-new game, but with an upgraded edition made specifically for the Switch 2. This version includes the Star-Crossed World expansion, and it introduces fresh areas and new Mouthful Modes. This release is exclusive to Switch 2 and adds depth to a game that already earned praise in its initial run.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (August 29)
“Shinobi: Art of Vengeance” marks Joe Musashi’s return in a stylish 2D action platformer developed by the team behind “Streets of Rage 4.” Everything’s hand-drawn, from the backgrounds to the animation, which gives it a vibrant comic-book look. This one packs new tricks, fluid combat, and classic ninja challenge.
Drag x Drive (August 14)
Nintendo’s third first-party exclusive this summer combines high-speed driving with futuristic sports. “Drag x Drive” puts players into fast-paced 3-on-3 matches where you hold each Joy-Con 2 like a mouse. It’s an odd mechanic at first, but reviewers say it works surprisingly well. Think “Rocket League” with racing lanes and mouse-like controls.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 (August 6)
This sequel lets players step back into Tanjiro Kamado’s journey. It covers major arcs and includes enhanced solo and online play. Players who connect their save from the first game get bonus content. While anime tie-ins can be hit or miss, this one offers polished visuals and refined combat, building on the solid mechanics of the original Hinokami Chronicles.
EA Sports Madden NFL 26 (August 14)
“Madden” hits a Nintendo system for the first time in years. “Madden NFL 26” launches on Switch 2 with support from real-world NFL data to shape AI and play-calling. The Switch 2’s hardware gives it smoother gameplay and higher fidelity than anything seen on a Nintendo handheld before.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 27)
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar” focuses on building up the local market, raising animals, and selling crops. Beyond farming, players get to know quirky townspeople, and yes, romance is part of the charm. While Animal Crossing fans wait for a new entry, this could scratch the life-sim itch with its relaxing pace and colorful world.
GRADIUS ORIGINS (August 7)
The shoot-’em-up pioneer returns in a massive bundle. “GRADIUS ORIGINS” includes 18 versions across seven arcade titles, plus a brand-new game: “SALAMANDER III.” Quality-of-life features like save states, rewind, and Training Mode make it friendlier for newcomers, while veterans can crank up the difficulty. It’s a celebration of the series, presented with updated performance on Switch 2.
Other Releases in 2025
Cronos: The New Dawn (September 5)
Bloober Team’s newest title combines time travel with survival horror. In “Cronos: The New Dawn,” players unravel the future by jumping into the past while avoiding monsters that evolve if you don’t dispose of them properly. Sanity is always at risk, and the psychological twists make each moment tense.
Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion (September 5)
If you’re into blasting through battlefields in giant robot suits, this game looks like a serious upgrade that’s ready to deliver. High-octane mech battles return in “Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion.” This sequel promises more polish than its predecessor, which ran well on PC but struggled on original Switch hardware. Now, Switch 2’s beefier specs aim to support smoother action and more detailed visuals.
EA Sports FC 26 (September 26)
Soccer season kicks off with “EA Sports FC 26,” which brings revamped modes and slick presentation to Switch 2. Whether you prefer managing a team or diving into real-time online matches, this year’s version adds more customization and better animations. New Live Events and updates keep the experience fresh. And yes, it finally runs as smoothly on Switch as on other platforms.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac (September 26)
Pac-Man’s back with a reimagined version of his 2002 3D platformer. “Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac” revives the Golden Fruit quest with updated graphics, better controls, and a Switch 2 upgrade that runs at a smooth 60fps. Plus, it adds just enough polish without losing that early-2000s spirit.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30)
This one remasters a classic with voice acting, modern visuals, and new accessibility settings. The original was a tactical masterpiece on PlayStation, and this edition builds on that while staying true to its roots. Plus, it includes a free Switch 2 upgrade pass if you already have the standard Switch version.
Borderlands 4 (October 3)
If explosive action and multiplayer chaos sound like your thing, this one’s worth marking on the calendar, especially if you’ve got friends to squad up with. “Borderlands 4” lands on Switch 2 with full support for the console’s new GameChat feature, making it one of the best co-op titles coming this year. Gearbox calls this their most ambitious game yet, with all-new Vault Hunters, expanded worlds, and even more ridiculous loot.
Little Nightmares 3 (October 10)
“Little Nightmares 3” brings a new story with protagonists Alone and Low as they navigate the Spiral’s eerie environments. For the first time, players can tackle the game in online co-op or solo with an AI partner. The series is now taking full advantage of the Switch 2’s improved visuals. Just don’t play it in the dark!