It’s been a couple of months now since Nintendo launched its Switch 2 console, with its previous Direct stream in April detailing everything we needed to know about the new console.
Today’s Nintendo Direct was the first since launch, and as a Partner Showcase it gave us a look at third-party games coming to Switch and Switch 2 later this year.
So while we didn’t see the likes of Mario, Metroid, or Zelda, there were still plenty of exciting game announcements to check out.
Here’s everything shown in today’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
The Direct got off to a cracking start with a splitting egg central to the story of Monster Hunter Stories 3. This will be the third in Capcom’s RPG spin-off series that first began on 3DS. This trailer focused solely on story, but surely we can expect more extravagant turn-based battles too. It’s due out on Switch 2 next year.
Once Upon a Katamari
A brand new game in the Katamari series will see players rolling through the ages and collecting rubbish, from Edo Japan to Ancient Rome. Players will be able to customise the main character and play with friends in multiplayer, while an all-new soundtrack will feature new and returning artists from the series. It’s due out on 24th October on Switch.
Just Dance 2026 Edition
Another entry in Ubisoft’s Just Dance series will have players dancing along to 40 new tracks, including Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT, Houdini by Dua Lipa, and Smash Mouth classic All Star. There’s a new co-op party mode coming too. It’s out on 14th October on Switch.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
This Dragon Ball arena battler was released last year on PlayStation, Xbox and PC and will now arrive on Switch and Switch 2 on 14th November. It includes iconic stories from the anime series, with players able to experience alternate versions and share their scenarios online. New to this version will be motion controls using the Joy-Con.
Plants vs Zombies: Replanted
A remake of the original plants and zombies puzzle battler, this version will include improved graphics as well as local co-op and PvP modes. It’s coming to both Switch consoles on 23rd October. This title previously leaked earlier in the month.
EA Sports FC 26
As you’d expect, EA is bringing its popular football series to Switch this year. While previous versions have been sub par, this looks to have feature parity with the other console versions. It’s coming to both Switch consoles on 26th September.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2
Pac-Man World 2 was a 3D platformer sequel originally released for Xbox, GameCube and PS2 back in 2002. Now it’s being remade with sharper visuals and local co-op. If you’re after some classic platforming, this should do the trick – it’s set for release on both Switch consoles on 26th September, though it’ll only be available digitally on Switch 2.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
Square Enix has already shown plenty of its Final Fantasy Tactics remake, long-rumoured and now finally on its way this year. As with versions on other consoles, it’ll feature a revised UI, improved graphics, new difficulty options, and will be fully-voiced. It’s a great opportunity to experience a cult classic of the series, with its more politically-leaning narrative. It’s out on 30th September across both Switch consoles.
Persona 3 Reload
Last year we got a remake of Persona 3 and now it’s coming to Switch 2. Reload took the gameplay of Persona 3 and mixed it with the modern upgrades seen in Persona 5. It’s coming to Switch 2 on 23rd October – check it out before the Persona 4 equivalent remake next year.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
This new game in the Hyrule Warriors Zelda spin-off series was revealed before the Switch 2’s launch, and here we got a fresh look at its gameplay. It will show the canonical events leading up to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (essentially, more of Zelda’s storyline) and will have players controlling the Sages as well as the princess herself. It also seems to be hinting at some sort of robotic Link character. There’s still no release date, but it’s coming to Switch 2 this winter.
EA Sports Madden NFL 26
For those into that other football game, this is the latest in EA’s Madden NFL series and promises an authentic American football experience. It’s coming to Switch 2 on 14th August.
Chillin’ by the Fire
Out today, this cosy campfire building sim sees players constructing a campfire in a variety of weather conditions, considering what wood to use and how to make their fire burn while roasting marshmallows. It uses the Switch 2’s camera and Game Chat to socialise with friends by the fire.
Apex Legends
The free-to-play shooter will come to Switch 2 on 5th August, alongside a new season and promises an enhanced resolution and smoother performance.
Hela
This cute 3D adventure sees a tiny mouse familiar on a magical adventure for their witch master, through a whimsical fantasy world. It can be played with up to four players in online co-op too. It’s coming to Switch 2 next year.
Star Wars: Outlaws
After a mixed response on other consoles and PC, Star Wars Outlaws will arrive on Switch 2 on 4th September. Set between the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi films, it sees scoundrel Kay Vess fighting against The Empire. Performance doesn’t look too hot from this trailer, though.
Cronos: The New Dawn
This is the latest horror game from Bloober Team, following its Silent Hill 2 remake. It sees players as The Traveller, exploring a desolate Polish city plagued with evil zombie-esque enemies that can merge together into new monstrosities. We knew it was coming to PS5, Xbox and PC, but now it’s coming to Switch 2 too on 5th September. Our Ian previewed it recently but found it quite derivative.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Following the release of Yakuza 0 on Switch 2, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is also on the way. It’s a re-release of the 2017 remake of the PS2 original that continues the adventures of yakuza Kazuma Kiryu. Oh, and Yakuza Kiwami will also be arriving too. Both games will be on Switch 2 from 13th November.
More games coming to Switch 2
- Goodnight Universe – 11th November
- NBA Bounce – 26th September
- Hello Kitty Island Adventure – Wheatflour Wonderland – Autumn 2025
- Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – out later today
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – 29th August
- Borderlands 4 – 3rd October
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales
A cute looking game with a terrible name, The Adventures of Elliot is a new top-down HD-2D action-RPG from Square Enix. It mixes the visuals of Octopath Traveler with the gameplay of classic Zelda, and even features a main character with a fairy companion. The trailer shows combat with multiple weapon types – swords, bows, chains, and sickles – as well as boss battles and dungeon environments. There’s a two-player mode to control Elliot and Faie together, too. It will launch on Switch 2 next year, but there’s a demo out today if you want to give it a try.
Octopath Traveler 0
Speaking of Octopath Traveler, a prequel is on the way to both Switch and Switch 2. It will once again feature HD-2D visuals and turn-based battles, as well as town-building mechanics. Players will start from zero (hence the name) and restore the realm through the eyes of a customisable protagonist. It’s coming to both Switch consoles on 4th December this year.
