The Nintendo Switch 2‘s first summer is winding down. After its big June launch, the next-generation hybrid system delivered several notable games, including the excellent Mario Kart World and game-of-the-year candidate Donkey Kong Bananza. But with the 2026 holiday season on the horizon, gamers are wondering what’s next. Today’s lengthy Nintendo Direct dropped many surprises for Switch and Switch 2 owners looking to expand their game libraries.
1. Super Mario Galaxy Descends From the Heavens
September marks the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., so the Nintendo Direct was heavy on Mario news. In particular, Super Mario Galaxy fans have a lot to look forward to in a few weeks. Finally free from the limited release Super Mario 3D All-Stars, the original Super Mario Galaxy is coming to Switch 1 and Switch 2 on Oct. 2, along with Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Tied into that, the Mario movie sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is headed to theaters next spring. Nintendo plans to release a physical version of Rosalina’s storybook, too.
2. Metroid Prime 4 Puts Samus on a Motorcycle
The newest trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was surprisingly brief, but confirmed a release date: Dec. 4 for both Switch 1 and Switch 2. The footage revealed protagonist Samus Aran traversing a rain-soaked planet on a stylish motorcycle called Vi-O-La. I’m curious to see how this impacts the franchise’s trademark exploration.
3. The Virtual Boy Is Back!
Nintendo Switch Online is getting a new retro console: Virtual Boy! Nintendo is reviving its infamous failure of a VR headset. To play its games, you must slot your Switch or Switch 2 tablet into a Virtual Boy replica, which will be available on Feb. 17 for $99.99. There’s also a cardboard alternative, similar to Labo VR.
4. Pokémon: Pokopia Is Creepy Yet Cozy
Pokémon Legends Z-A is the next major Pokémon game dropping on Switch and Switch 2 on Oct. 16, but Nintendo announced an odd Pokémon spin-off called Pokémon: Pokopia. It looks like a Minecraft-esque farming life-sim where you care for the land and the Pokémon who live on it. Oh, and you play as a Ditto, a Pokémon that transformed into a human. Sure! This Switch 2 exclusive launches next spring.
5. A Return to Donkey Kong Island
Donkey Kong Bananza, my frontrunner for game of the year, is getting paid DLC that scratches my DK nostalgia even more. It includes a new stage based on the classic DK Island locale. There’s also a new mode called Emerald Rush that tasks you with collecting gems as fast as possible using different sets of perks. You can download this to your Switch 2 today for $19.99.
6. Burning Hot Mario Tennis Fever
The Switch 2’s first Mario sports game is Mario Tennis Fever on Feb. 12. Like Mario Tennis Aces, Fever amps up its tennis action with fighting game-esque mechanics, including meters to manage and rackets with different properties. Also, like previous games, there’s a story mode, but now Mario has been turned into a baby?!?!
7. Yoshi Is Trapped in a Book
Instead of the rumored Yoshi’s Woolly World port, the Switch 2 is getting a brand new Yoshi game next spring called Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. A new Yoshi game also means a new illustrated art style, and this game looks like an ancient textbook come to life. In it, Yoshi explores the pages cataloging floral and fauna like a dinosaur version of Charles Darwin.
8. Dragon Quest 7 Gets Reimagined
Final Fantasy VII Remake launches on Switch in January, but another Square Enix RPG remake is on the way. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a fresh spin on the 2001 PlayStation game with modern visuals and an updated story. It hits Switch 1 and Switch 2 on Feb. 5.
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9. A Million Musou Games
If you like Dynasty Warriors games, this Direct had plenty for you. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment launches on Nov. 6 for Switch 2. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is coming to Switch 2 on Jan. 22. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is getting a Switch 2 update in the fall. The hacking and slashing will never end.
10. Switch 2 Is the Home for Resident Evil
Since the original Resident Evil 4, a GameCube exclusive, Nintendo fans have supported Capcom’s survival-horror series. Now, the nightmares come to Switch 2. Resident Evil Requiem, the latest installment, comes to Switch the same day as other consoles next Feb. 27. Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village launch that day, too. We’re hoping the remakes aren’t far behind.
11. Fire Emblem Weaves a New Spell
The final Nintendo Direct announcement was a new Fire Emblem game coming in 2026. Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave draws inspiration from Roman gladiator Colosseum games. Sothis from Fire Emblem: Three Houses makes a possible return. I’m hoping for the blend of tactical fights and deep social systems that define modern Fire Emblem.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Watch the full Nintendo Direct for yourself for news on everything from Hades II to Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s Switch 2 update to Fatal Frame to Danganronpa. And for more on Nintendo Switch, check out our picks for the best Nintendo Switch games and best Nintendo Switch 2 games.
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About Our Expert
Jordan Minor
Senior Writer, Software
Experience
My PCMag career began in 2013 as an intern on the company’s Software team. Now, I’m a Senior Writer on the Apps and Gaming team, using the skills I acquired at Northwestern University to write about dating apps, meal kits, programming software, website builders, video streaming services, and video games. Besides PCMag, I worked as the Senior Editor for Geek.com, and wrote for The A.V. Club, Kotaku, and Paste Magazine. I’m the author of the gaming history book Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977, and the reason everything you know about Street Sharks is a lie.
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