Nintendo has started revealing file sizes for Nintendo Switch 2 titles via their Japanese eShop pages, and though they are obviously a jump from the Switch 1, by modern standards, they remain refreshingly manageable (based on early indications, at least).

Mario Kart World is listed as having a 23.4 GB file size, in contrast to 11.3 GB for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. Donkey Kong Bananza, meanwhile, will have a 10 GB file size. In comparison, the dev team’s last major 3D platformer, Super Mario Odyssey, has a 5.6 GB file size.

Nintendo has also revealed sizes for upcoming native Switch 2 enhanced releases for a couple of Switch 1 titles, with Kirby and the Forgotten Land weighing 5.7 GB, which is curiously about the same as its Switch file size, and Super Mario Party Jamboree coming in at 7.7 GB (compared to 5.3 GB on Switch).

The Nintendo Classics – GameCube app, which will allow Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers to play GameCube titles exclusively on the Switch 2, will weigh 3.5 GB.

Nintendo Switch 2 launches with Mario Kart World as a launch title on June 5, featuring 256 GB of internal storage. Donkey Kong Bananza releases on July 17.

The games eligible for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs are Super Mario Party Jamboree with the Jamboree TV pack, the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will also be getting upgrades on the Switch 2, but there doesn’t seem to be a separate cost associated with it as of yet.

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV will feature a host of new game modes and minigames that make use of some of the new consoles features. This includes use of the built-in system microphone, the Nintendo Switch 2 camera, and even the mouse controls available on the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. There will also be a new mode, dubbed Bowser Live. The mode will be a game show-themed experience, and will pit two teams of two players each against each other. The upgrade will be available on July 24.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will both feature separate Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades. Available on June 5 alongside the launch of the console, the upgrade packs bring in smoother frame rates, quicker loading times, and overall improved visuals. Both titles will also be able to make use of a new feature on the Nintendo Switch App dubbed Zelda Notes. through this, players will be able to better navigate through the games’ open worlds to find secrets like Koroks. It will also feature commentary from Princess Zelda.

3D platformer Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World will be available on August 28. The upgrade pack includes new content in the form of additional story and a new uncharted territory to explore. The game will also include content for single-player as well as local co-op game modes, as well as new Mouthful Modes for players to clear.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available on the Switch 2 alongside its Switch release later this year. The Switch 2 version of the game will allow players to make use of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls alongside the other control methods already available. When it comes to visuals, players will be able to pick between Quality Mode and Performance Mode. While both support HDR displays, Quality Mode will focus on running the game at 4K with 60 FPS, while Performance Mode will drop down to 1080p and a higher frame rate of 120 FPS.

The upgrades included in Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition all revolve around improving the game’s visuals and frame rates. It will be available in late 2025.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

It’s safe to say that Nintendo knocked it out of the park with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, knitting together a complex web of intertwining systems with mechanics that let you express your creativity to the fullest resulting in an experience like no other. It takes everything that worked in the original, and amps it up to eleven – be it Link’s powers, the size of the open world, or the many options for tackling a dungeon or boss fight. Despite a few technical hiccups owing to the hardware limitations, Tears of the Kingdom is easily one of the best games that you can experience on Nintendo’s hybrid handheld.

Splatoon 3 launched in September for the Nintendo Switch and continues to be a major success, with 10.13 million units sold. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is at 1.81 million units sold, while Nintendo Switch Sports has sold 8.61 million. Pokemon Legends: Arceus may not have hit the same heights as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, but it’s still at an incredible 14.63 million units sold.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe has sold 14.75 million units since coming to the Switch, while Luigi’s Mansion 3 is at 12.44 million and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is at 10.82 million. Mario Party Superstars sold 9.38 million, while Mario Strikers: Battle League managed to hit 2.47 million units sold. Finally, Kirby and the Forgotten Land has sold a respectable 6.12 million units sold.

Let’s look at the 11 hardest boss fights of 2022 and what made them so challenging.

Gna – God of War Ragnarok

The new Valkyrie Queen, Gna, is probably easier than Sigrun from God of War (2018). Underestimate her at your peril, though, as she possesses a wide variety of slashes, slices, ranged attacks (including Bifrost), unblockable attacks, and whatnot. If that weren’t enough, she can toss out two glaives in a spinning motion, afflicting you with Fire, Frost, Poison or Bifrost. Did we mention stomps and slams, each causing immense damage? You’ll need max level, fully upgraded gear and weapons, and much more to even stand a chance against Gna.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero

Trails from Zero, like the other Trails games, isn’t just about the ending. It’s about all the resolutions and developments leading up to it. So seeing Renne finally join with Estelle and Joshua after finally getting closure on her family, Lloyd learning about his brother’s fate, or the D∴G Cult finally being brought down and KeA rescued all lead to a great catharsis. The Special Support Section is celebrated, and Crossbell is seemingly at peace…until Trails to Azure, of course.

Horizon Forbidden West

The conclusion of Forbidden West had it all. A siege on the Zenith base via air, Aloy rescuing Beta, the deaths of Erik and Gerard – you name it. But perhaps the biggest surprise is that Nemesis, which the Zeniths accidentally created, was responsible for everything. The extinction signal that reactivated HADES in the first game; the destruction of the Zeniths’ colony, prompting their whole plan to steal GAIA; and so on. After Tilda betrays Aloy and is soundly defeated, everyone bands together – even Sylens – with Aloy to stop Nemesis when it arrives. Sure, it’s a cliffhanger, but it feels like one storm has already calmed and another is getting ready to rage.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Say what you will about Destiny 2’s story-telling, but The Witch Queen’s story is pretty good. It starts with the implication that Savathun stole the Light, but it’s revealed that she died following the effects of Mara Sov’s ritual. The Traveller resurrected her and bestowed the Light, perhaps finding her worthy. In return, Savathun sought to seal the Traveller. Before dying (though her Ghost gets away, so who knows if she’s dead), she speaks of the Witness, and we see the Black Fleet on its way to the Solar System. There’s a lot more to unpack, like Rhulk and his role in Savathun’s creation, but the campaign and shock twist more than make the expansion worth playing.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

The lore behind Kirby and the Forgotten Land is fascinating, whether it’s Fecto Fargo’s role in teleportation technology’s creation or the origins of those who established Planet Popstar, Kirby’s home. On top of defeating Fecto Elfilis to save the regular Elfilis, players also travel to Isolated Isles: Forgo’s Dreams to defeat Forgo Leon and ultimately save Leongar. But that’s not the end either. Upon venturing back to Forgo Land and defeating Morpho Knight, Kirby partakes in the Ultimate Cup Z to face Chaos Elfilis. Defeating it once again makes Elfilis whole, resulting in the happiest ending.

Beacon Pines

Beacon Pines is the story of Luka and his friends, Rolo and Beck, as they navigate the strange goings-on in the titular town. What makes the story so amazing is that Luka will learn specific actions and words throughout the story book-esque setting, and can apply them to different situations. This can result in different endings, like the town suddenly freezing over. On reaching the climax, learning that the entire ordeal was masterminded by Sharper Valentine is a shock, but one that makes sense. That’s one of the strengths of the story and ending: Through all the ridiculousness, it feels refreshingly grounded.

Citizen Sleeper

As a rogue Sleeper living on Erlin’s Eye, there are plenty of story threads to pursue through Citizen Sleeper. You could help a repair shop with some ventures, assist a captain in repairing her ship and chase after a bounty, infiltrate the network, learn what other entities exist in the Eye’s systems, and much more. Perhaps the most noteworthy is being able to leave the Eye to an unknown planet with a father and his daughter, experiencing various cycles en route to finally shutting down. Alternatively, you could stay on the Eye and continue, seeing what life has in store.

Tunic

Tunic’s story revolves around freeing the Heir, a hero sealed in the Far Shore after revealing a terrible truth. If you fight the Heir in the final fight, their soul disappears, and you take their place until the next hero comes along, which could mean repeating the entire cycle. However, if you gather all 56 pages of the in-game manual and show it to the Heir, a fight doesn’t happen. After breaking down in tears, the curse binding them is also broken, and their body restored. You then explore the world together, taking in the sights. It’s a nice subversion of the traditional hero’s journey, providing that there’s more to being one than slaying “the villain.”

Stray

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Despite opening up the ancient Walled City 99 and defeating the Zurks, the cat from Stray loses its droid B-12. It doesn’t even reunite with the family it separated from at the beginning. However, someone calculated that the opening the cat leaves through is very close to where it first fell in. Even if you don’t believe it, there’s no denying that the cat seems to hear something nearby before it goes offscreen, perhaps responding to its family.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

After events that cause Hugo’s powers to rise again, Amicia travels with him to a mysterious island that could seemingly provide a cure. Throughout the journey though, it becomes clear that this isn’t the case. Eventually, after thinking that Amicia may be dead, Hugo gives in to his powers, and the only way to stop him is by killing him. It’s a somber result, for sure.

But one year later, Amicia finds the strength to continue and works with Sophia to find the next carrier to protect and guide (before tearfully bidding farewell to Hugo’s grave). The post-credits scene shows a baby’s arm before indicating the Macula within, hinting at them being the next carrier.

God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok’s final act has received some criticism, and rightfully so. But there’s no denying just how much it gets right. The turnaround in Thor’s character as he finally opposes Odin; the chaos caused by Surtr-turned-Ragnarok; Sindri’s appearance, which brings down the walls of Asgard; and seeing Kratos, Freya and Atreus trounce Odin; and much more. Freyr sacrificing himself to ensure everyone escapes is a bummer, but we finally get Aesir and Vanir at peace.

Atreus embarks with Angrboda on a journey to find the remaining Giants, Kratos sets out to bring peace to the Nine Realms, and almost everyone gets a happy ending.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion

Yes, this is technically an ending from an older game, but it’s incredible. After escaping from Shinra, Zack and Cloud are on the run, with the latter being catatonic. Eventually, they run into Shinra troops, and Zack fends them off on his lonesome to protect Cloud. Throughout the fight, memories flash through the Digital Mind Wave, as we’re essentially seeing his last moments. By the time all enemies have been eliminated, Cloud has finally come to, and a dying Zack passes on his sword – and his legacy – to him.

The Last of Us Part 1

If there’s one ending which stood the test of time, it’s The Last of Us, and it looks even better in the remake. Upon reaching Salt Lake City, Joel learns the Fireflies are attempting to create a vaccine for the Cordyceps infection using Ellie’s brain. However, the procedure will kill her, which causes Joel to go on a rampage, killing everyone in his path to saving Ellie. After leaving, he lies to her about the entire ordeal, planting the seeds for events in The Last of Us Part 2.

Sifu

The overall story of Sifu centers on forgiveness and Wude, a martial mortality system. As such, players can kill each member of Yang’s gang, before taking him down, but this leads to a bad ending. The supposed “good” ending sees the protagonist sparing each member and Yang, leading to their death as they awaken in the peaceful afterlife. A mid-credits scene plays if you gather all the components of the magical talisman, which shows a seemingly reformed Yang, with his student following Wude.

Chief among them is Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which has sold over 5.27 million units worldwide as of September 30, 2022, up from 4.53 million units reported at the end of June. That makes it the best-selling Kirby game to date, exceeding Kirby’s Dream Land lifetime sales of 5.13 million units.

Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch Sports stands at 6.15 million units sold, up from the previously reported 4.84 million units. Mario Strikers: Battle League has crossed 2.17 million units (up from 1.91 million), while Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands at 13.91 million units sold (up from the 12.64 million sales reported in May). Mario Party Superstars stands at 8.07 million units sold.

For instance, Nintendo Switch Sports is at 4.84 million units sold as of June 30th, 2022. It was released on April 29th and has since received an update which added Leg Strap support, new Volleyball moves and much more. The company noted that its sell-through “remained stable without a significant decline in sales pace” which suggests “the potential for long-term growth in sales.”

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is at 4.53 million units sold, having launched on March 25th. “This marks the highest sell-through of any entry to date in the Kirby series.”

Finally, Mario Strikers: Battle League has sold 1.91 million units after releasing on June 10th.

Over 863.59 million Switch titles have been sold worldwide thus far. In terms of new releases, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was released last week, topping UK retail charts and having the biggest launch for the series in the region. Splatoon 3 is out on September 9th while Bayonetta 3 releases on October 28th. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet follow on November 18th with a new Pokemon Presents coming today to offer 20 minutes of details.

Another game that’s continuing to do well for itself is Mario Party Superstars, which stands at 6.88 million units sold worldwide. That’s up from 5.43 million units as of the end of the previous quarter, which ended December 31. Then there’s Metroid Dread, sales for which have certainly slowed down, currently standing at 2.9 million units, up from 2.74 million. Even so, that makes it the highest selling Metroid game to date, surpassing Metroid Prime.

Other notable sales number updates include The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD currently standing at 3.91 million units, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury at 9.43 million units, Splatoon 2 at 13.3 million units, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 at 11.43 million units.

Nintendo has also revealed updated sales figures for the Switch’s top 10 best-selling first party-published titles. Read more on that through here.

The game has been very well received by critics and audiences alike, with praise being directed to its imaginative design, varied and enjoyable gameplay, a solid mix of 3D platforming and action, and more. To highlight some of that critical reception, Nintendo has released an accolades trailer for the game, which you can check out below.

In our review of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, we awarded the game a score of 9/10, saying, “Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a masterful translation of the series’ longstanding formula and merits into the 3D space.” You can read our full review through here.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.