Nintendo’s global presentation held this June 2026 defined the transition schedule for the company’s next generation of hardware. The digital event focused efforts on demonstrating the support of partner developers and the rescue of historic franchises for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
The central announcement of the broadcast confirmed the development of a restructured version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, in addition to the arrival of Kingdom Hearts 4 to the brand’s ecosystem. The Japanese manufacturer’s strategy points to a second half of the year with a high volume of publications, mixing updates to current games with new properties designed to explore the technical capacity of the new equipment.
The impact of The Legend of Zelda remake and the arrival of Square Enix
Confirmation of the return of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time ended the broadcast and validated months of behind-the-scenes movement in the industry. The promotional material showed a brief sequence of protagonist Link in his home, establishing the release window for the year 2026. The recreation of the classic originating from the Nintendo 64 will be sold exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The company promised to release technical specifications and gameplay details in future communications.
The partnership with Square Enix resulted in major announcements for the new console catalog. Kingdom Hearts 4 has received its first gameplay demos running on Nintendo hardware. The RPG and action title will be available simultaneously with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S versions, in addition to computers via Steam and Epic Games Store. The exact commercialization date remains undefined.
To prepare the public, the collection Kingdom Hearts [I~III] is scheduled to debut on October 8th on the new device. Consumers can now access a free trial version of Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind. The Japanese producer also revealed Final Fantasy Resonance, an unprecedented RPG with turn-based combat and two-dimensional high-definition visuals. The multiplatform project will hit stores on October 22, 2026.
Action titles and expansions of established franchises on the new console
Support from external studios ensured the presence of high-graphic performance games on the platform. FromSoftware has confirmed The Duskbloods, a multiplayer action experience that will receive closed network testing during the summer. The work is expected to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Shift Up was also present by announcing that the action game Stellar Blade will be adapted for the system in the same year.
Capcom has detailed its expansion plans with two distinct intellectual properties. Dragon’s Dogma 2 will receive the Dark Arisen expansion on October 9th. The additional content will be offered both as a complete package and as a separate update for owners of the base game. The developer also showed off Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s combat systems. The action title focused on sword clashes is scheduled for release on September 25, 2026.
The tactical action and survival segment presented relevant additions for the coming months. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, arrives on the new console later this year. The catalog of adaptations also includes Devil May Cry 5, available from June 23rd with optimized frame rate, and Lies of P: Complete Edition, scheduled for August 6th. Lords of the Fallen 2 completes the list of action RPGs with a release window for the autumn of the northern hemisphere.
Sports, simulation and the return of classics from the Japanese company
Nintendo has revived the sports simulation brand with the announcement of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. The new hardware exclusive title arrives on October 22nd and transports players back to Wuhu Island. The main mechanic uses the motion sensors of the Joy-Con 2 controllers to simulate sports equipment. The software allows the creation of Mii avatars and offers single-player modes or group competitions.
The sports activities package encompasses a variety of traditional and recreational activities. The official list of minigames confirmed by the manufacturer includes the following options:
- Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis and Volleyball.
- Bowling, Basketball, Golf and the unprecedented Thumb Fight.
- Leisure activities such as Skateboarding, Power Cruising and Propeller Planes.
The rhythm game Rhythm Heaven Groove opened the presentation with the promise of delivering more than eighty musical challenges on July 2, 2026. The structure allows multiplayer matches for up to four participants in thirty specific minigames. In the field of management simulation, Bandai Namco surprised us with One Piece: Grand Gourmet. The title puts players in charge of managing a floating restaurant alongside the Straw Hat crew. It will launch on October 23, 2026 for consoles and mobile devices.
The Xenoblade franchise ensured its continuity with Xenoblade Genesis, projected for 2027. To bridge the gap until launch, the company made Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition immediately available for the new system. The direct sequels, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and 3, will receive enhanced digital editions on July 30 and December 3, respectively.
Release and update calendar for the second half of the year
The publishing schedule encompasses software updates and independent cooperative experiences. Splatoon Raiders will introduce a new single-player campaign on July 23, with a dedicated broadcast scheduled for June 30. Star Fox received an immediate free demo, setting the stage for the release of the full version on June 25th. Square Enix returns to the calendar with Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, focused on creature capture and synthesis, scheduled for December 3rd.
The block-building ecosystem will receive a native version of Minecraft. The graphical update promises improvements to lighting and shadow systems, allowing the transfer of worlds from the previous generation later this year. On the independent scene, Big Walk, from the creators of Untitled Goose Game, will focus on cooperative communication from August 4th. Orbitals will follow the same two-player adventure line exclusively on the new device on September 3rd.
Established franchises will receive expansion packages and temporary events. Donkey Kong Bananza will gain content inspired by the Super Mario Bros universe, divided into four operational phases. Pokémon Pokopia will add the diving ability in August, the same month scheduled for the arrival of the Bubbling Basin expansion. Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave had its date set for September 17th, while Rayman Legends Retold ends platform adaptations on October 1st. The survival game JUJUTSU KAISEN RUMBLE: SURVIVATON will close the cycle of anime adaptations in 2026.
The title DELTARUNE Chapter 5 was also confirmed during the digital broadcast. The continuation of the UNDERTALE side story will be available as a free update on June 24th. The content will arrive simultaneously for owners of the current Nintendo Switch and the company’s new hardware.
