Donkey Kong: Banana Power Unleashed scores 91 — is NS2’s first year secured?

Value.

Switch 2 doesn't start off empty-handed.

Less than a year after its release on June 5, 2025, the NS2 has already secured two 90+ exclusive titles. This is no minor touch-up. It is direct proof of the new console’s content strength.

First, look at the scores.

Donkey Kong: Banana Power Unleashed has a 91 on Metacritic, ranking first among Switch 2 exclusives. Media reviews focus on two points: first, the visual performance brought by NS2’s hardware; second, the sheer strength of its level design creativity.

Second, look at consistency.

Pokémon Pokopia has an average score of 90 and also received Metacritic’s “Must-Play” gold badge. The original text gives a direct verdict: it is a new critical high point for the series. That statement carries real weight. Because the Pokémon series has never lacked sales—what it has lacked is unified critical acclaim.

The comparison makes it even clearer.

Mario Kart: World currently sits at 86. Not low. But it also shows one thing: NS2 is not relying only on safe, established franchises to hold the stage—it truly has titles pushing the upper limit of critical reception.

That is crucial for a new console.

What is the biggest fear in the first year?

That the hardware sells first, and the games come later. That the specs make noise, but the lineup is hollow. From the current situation, Nintendo has at least managed to suppress the anxiety of “no major titles” first.

My judgment is simple.

In NS2’s first year, its core competitive edge is still not the spec sheet, but the supply of exclusives. Other companies often turn a launch year into a technical showcase. Nintendo is more like a content showcase. And in the end, what players usually pay for is the latter.

The buying advice is straightforward too.

If you already buy into Nintendo exclusives, especially if you value platform action games and Pokémon, then you can jump in now. Two 90+ exclusive titles are already enough to build confidence.

If you are only waiting for a full-scale breakout, it is also reasonable to keep watching. Because the 86-rated Mario Kart: World shows the lineup is good, but not yet completely dominant.

The conclusion is just one sentence.

NS2’s first year is a success.

Not because of the hype.

Because of the games.