The confetti has settled on the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. Now, the real journey begins. While 2025 was about introducing a new console, 2026 is where Nintendo will truly flex its muscles, proving why the Switch 2 is a must-own platform for the long haul. From a packed game release calendar to a landmark Pokémon celebration and a blockbuster return to the big screen, Nintendo’s 2026 is shaping up to be a masterclass in cross-media synergy. Here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s coming.
The Confirmed Lineup: A Game for Every Month
Nintendo’s strength has always been its steady, relentless release schedule, and 2026 is no exception. The year kicks off with a cozy bang as Animal Crossing: New Horizons receives its massive “3.0” update on January 15, alongside a premium Switch 2 Edition boasting enhanced visuals and 12-player online islands. It’s a clever move to reunite a massive audience with their deserted islands just as the new console seeks to establish its online community.
The first true Switch 2 exclusive arrives on February 12 with Mario Tennis Fever. Beyond the slick courts and 38-character roster (welcome, Baby Waluigi!), the “Fever Rackets” introduce wild, game-bending powers that promise to make this the most chaotic—and potentially most fun—entry in the series yet.
March brings the convergence of two global juggernauts with Pokémon Pokopia on Switch 2. Imagine the creative freedom of Minecraft or Dragon Quest Builders, but where you use Charmander to smelt ore and Ludicolo to water crops. This isn’t just a spin-off; it’s a potential system-seller that could captivate the “cozy game” audience for years.
Spring will also see enhanced ports and beloved returns. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is poised to launch alongside The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in April, a smart cross-promotion for Mario’s 40th anniversary. Meanwhile, the delightful, bizarre social sim Tomodachi Life makes its grand return to the original Switch, and the charming Yoshi and the Mysterious Book brings its storybook art to the Switch 2.
Looking further out, 2026 promises the strategic depth of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the mysterious Nintendo-FromSoftware collaboration The Duskbloods, and the long-awaited return of Rhythm Heaven. Third-party support looks stronger than ever, with day-one releases like Resident Evil Requiem, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined cementing the Switch 2 as a serious multi-platform contender.
The Crown Jewel: Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Extravaganza
2026 isn’t just another year for Nintendo; it’s the 30th anniversary of Pokémon. Expect a celebration that spans games, physical spaces, and nostalgia. The centerpiece will likely be the reveal and November release of Pokémon Generation 10 on Switch 2. Missing a milestone anniversary with a new generation would be unthinkable.
But the festivities won’t stop there. History suggests a shadow-drop of the original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow games on the eShop, mirroring the 20th-anniversary release on 3DS. Furthermore, the opening of PokéPark Kanto in Tokyo in February will turn the franchise into a real-world destination, blending fandom with tourism in a way only Pokémon can.
The Safe Bets & Educated Guesses
With Pokémon likely claiming the holiday slot, what fills the rest of the calendar? October feels perfect for a spooky-season hit. Given its development cycle and the success of the previous entry, Luigi’s Mansion 4 (perhaps set on a haunted cruise ship?) from Next Level Games is a strong contender.
2026 also marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. While a brand-new epic isn’t likely, Nintendo loves annual Zelda releases. The most probable candidate is a high-definition remaster of the beloved Ocarina of Time, though it may be based on the 3DS version rather than a ground-up remake.
On the multiplayer front, Mario Kart World is ripe for DLC. A Donkey Kong-themed expansion, featuring jungle tracks and themed costumes, feels like a natural fit, especially with Nintendo pushing the DK brand hard ahead of a potential movie.
And what of the ultimate party game? History shows a Super Smash Bros. title arrives early in a console’s life. With director Masahiro Sakurai’s recent project wrapped up, the smart money is on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition being announced for 2027, an enhanced port with a few new fighters to carry the community through the generation.
Beyond the Console: Movies, Prices, and Mysteries
Nintendo’s ambitions extend far beyond your TV. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, and its success will likely trigger an immediate announcement for the next Illumination partnership—with Donkey Kong being the prime candidate. We should also get our first glimpse of the live-action Legend of Zelda movie by year’s end.
A less exciting but probable prediction is a Switch 2 price increase after March 31. With component costs fluctuating and accessory prices already creeping up, a modest console price hike seems inevitable as the initial launch fervor cools.
Finally, 2026 may be the year we learn the purpose of Nintendo’s mysterious Switch Online Playtest program. Could it be a new tier, a cloud-gaming initiative, or a classic game preservation service? The answer has been teasing us since 2024.
One thing is clear: Nintendo isn’t resting on its laurels. 2026 is a blueprint for a mature, confident Nintendo—one that supports two consoles simultaneously, leverages its biggest IP across every medium, and keeps the surprises coming. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a Switch 2 newcomer, there’s a little something for everyone in the year ahead.
