The next Nintendo console launch is on the horizon, and though it doesn't include a ton of brand-new launch games right out of the gate, there are plenty of exciting game upgrades (free and not) and new-to-Switch games to play. If you're looking to get your Nintendo Switch 2 set up and never think about its settings again or wanting to make sure you have the best start possible in the new games, take a look at our recommended guides written by IGN's experts.
IGN's guide coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 is just getting started. Be sure to check back in for updates, and if you're an IGN Plus member you get unlimited access to IGN's guide checklists and maps. That means no limits of checklists, map markers, filters, or any of our extensive game help features.
Getting Started With the Switch 2
Start preparing yourself for the Nintendo Switch 2 even before it's in your hands! These starter guides don't need you to have the console, but they can help you get your system set up faster once it arrives:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Guide - From setting up your Nintendo account to checking on what accessories you can use, get ahead on your system's setup.
- How to Transfer System Data - If you're giving your Nintendo Switch the long rest in favor of the Switch 2, you can prepare your save data for transfer. Use this guide or its video below to learn how to do it.
Stay tuned for more setup guides as we find out ways to improve the overall play experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World
IGN's expert guide writers are waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch to get their hands on Mario Kart World to start putting the guide together. Stay tuned for an interactive map with all the Mario Kart World secrets, unlock guides, and more.
See which characters and costumes have been revealed already for Mario Kart World here.
Starting or Revisiting Zelda? Start here
The Switch 2 launches with paid updates for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that add a new second-screen collectible set, graphical improvements, and more. Whether you're playing for the first time or revisiting both to see their updates, these guides can help you on your adventure.
The Most Helpful Zelda: Breath of the Wild Guides:
- Use the BotW Interactive Map to Find Everything - Yes, even all 900 Korok Seeds! If Korok Seed hunting isn't your thing, the interactive map also has all armor locations and common weapon drop spots. If you're worried about running into a stressful Guardian or Lynel encounter (or if you're actively hunting them), you can spot them all on this map too.
- All Recipes and Cookbook Guide - Whether you want to cook up a treat for Link or just make the easiest recipes possible, you'll find everything you can cook in BotW here.
- Shrine Guides - Keep track of which shrines you've completed and get help solving the trickier ones with these helpful guides.
- Complete BotW Walkthrough - Breath of the Wild allows you to choose which major challenge to tackle in any order you wish. If you need assistance deciding where to go next, check out our detailed walkthrough.
- 100% Completion Checklist - If you want to reach the 100% in-game completion, use the this guide to see exactly what BotW counts toward that progress and what doesn't.
Essential Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Guides:
- Tears of the Kingdom Interactive Map - Watch out! You'll see everything that can be uncovered with this updated map of Hyrule, but if that's exactly what you want, look no further! Find all shrines and Light Roots, dungeons, Korok Seeds, and plenty more. Keep track of what you've found on this map, too!
- Things Tears of the Kingdom Doesn't Tell You - Tears of the Kingdom may look similar to Breath of the Wild, but quite a lot of little (and big) things change between the two. Get ahead with this helpful tips guide.
- Complete TotK Walkthrough - There's a lot more of Hyrule to explore this time around. Get the best strategies for every boss fight and puzzle solutions in this TotK walkthrough.
- All Armor Sets - Keep track of what you've collected and preview what you can get later with this helpful checklist of every armor set.
- Shrine Locations and Solutions - There are 152 Shrines to find in Tears of the Kingdom. Getting to some is just half the battle. Find out how to complete them all with the help of IGN's Shrine guide.
- All Side Quests and Side Adventures - With close to a total of 200 side quests and side adventures to track down and complete, there's plenty to do. Don't miss a single one with this helpful checklist and searchable table.
100% Completion Checklist - Like in Breath of the Wild, you need to complete specific tasks to reach 100 percent completion in your game's save file. Learn exactly what counts with this guide.
Revisiting Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades
Did you know some Switch games are getting free upgrades for the Switch 2? Though most are only visual improvements (see more details about the free game performance upgrades here), a free enhancement is certainly welcome for some of the games that had performance issues on the original Switch. Below are the confirmed games (with guides!) that have a free day-one upgrade:
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Guide
- Super Mario Odyssey Guide
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Guide
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Guide
Other Big Releases on Switch 2
Though not entirely new, Hogwarts Legacy is getting a paid upgrade and games like Cyberpunk 2077 are making their Switch 2 debut. And not exclusive to the Switch 2, but Nintendo Switch Online members are getting access to GameCube classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Get guides for those and more by following the links below.
- Cyberpunk 2077 Guide
- Hogwarts Legacy Guide
- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker Guide
- Sid Meier's Civilization VII Guide
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
There are other big games coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 at later, unannounced dates including Elden Ring - Tarnished Edition and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. There's a rumor we'll see Red Dead Redemption 2 on Switch 2 in 2025, but you'll have to stay tuned for more news and announcements.
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Miranda Sanchez is the executive editor of guides at IGN and a member of Podcast Unlocked. She's a big fan of stationery, fountain pens, and is thrilled we're getting a successor to Tomodachi Life. You can sometimes find her on Bluesky.
