{"id":734976,"date":"2026-06-13T21:54:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T21:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/734976\/"},"modified":"2026-06-13T21:54:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T21:54:22","slug":"nintendo-direct-june-2026-a-loaded-showcase-of-surprise-and-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/734976\/","title":{"rendered":"Nintendo Direct June 2026 \u2014 A Loaded Showcase of Surprise and Wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a summer showcase gauntlet that ran through the State of Play<\/a>, Summer Game Fest and the Xbox Games Showcase<\/a>, Nintendo went last in the lineup and ended the season on a very high note. The June 2026 Direct had everything you\u2019d want from one of these shows: out-of-nowhere surprises, genre-spanning variety, and a rare combination of high-quality first-party exclusives and an increasingly stacked third-party slate raring to be played on the go with little compromise. Nine months without a mainline Direct built real anticipation, and the show cleared it with ease across roughly 50 minutes of reveals and updates.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the full rundown split into two sections: the exclusives carrying the platform, and the third-party games increasingly bolstering the Switch 2 as more than just a vehicle for Nintendo software.<\/p>\n

First-Party: Filling Out a Must-play 2026 Lineup<\/p>\n

Nintendo\u2019s exclusives are the whole reason the platform sells, and this Direct reinforced why. The slate spans nostalgia, new IP, and reliable franchise mainstays, and nearly all of it is locked to Switch 2. Even Pok\u00e9mon Pokopia got attention, with a Bubbly Basin Expansion Pass chapter and a free Dive update both due in August. These are the games you simply cannot play anywhere else.<\/p>\n

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: 2026
Developer: TBA
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

The reveal that closed the show, and the one people will be talking about for months. Nintendo is rebuilding the most influential 3D adventure ever made for Switch 2, due sometime this year. The brief tease didn\u2019t show much, which sucks, but it also didn\u2019t need to. This is Ocarina of Time. It sells the system on name alone. It\u2019s a true event title, and a reminder that Nintendo\u2019s back catalog is a weapon no competitor can match.<\/p>\n

The Duskbloods<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: 2026
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

FromSoftware making a Switch 2 exclusive is still a little surreal, and The Duskbloods is the rare third-party-developed game locked to Nintendo hardware. It\u2019s a PvPvE multiplayer action game where you play a Bloodsworn, fighting through enemy-choked environments with unique weapons while striking up temporary alliances with other players. It was frustrating that the Direct delivered neither a substantial look at gameplay nor a firm release date, but we did at least get a playtest set for this summer. Even with the thin showing, a FromSoft project as a platform exclusive is a real boon for Nintendo, and one of the most distinctive titles on the slate.<\/p>\n

Xenoblade Genesis<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: 2027
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

Monolith Soft is back with a new beginning for the series, and Xenoblade Genesis is exactly the kind of sprawling RPG that anchors a Nintendo platform for years. Details are thin and we didn\u2019t get to see any gameplay. It\u2019s a 2027 title and the reveal kept things mysterious, but what I noticed is that it resembles the concept art from the fantasy action-RPG Monolith Soft teased almost a decade ago<\/a>. Monolith\u2019s pedigree means expectations are high, and rightly so. A brand-new Xenoblade built for Switch 2 from the ground up is a major and one to watch closely.<\/p>\n

Star Fox<\/p>\n

\"Fox<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 25, 2026
Developer: Velan Studios
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

Fox McCloud is finally back, and the wait is nearly over. This Star Fox is a ground-up remake of the N64 classic Star Fox 64<\/a>, with a free demo available now ahead of the June 25 launch. The surprise is the studio: it\u2019s being built by Velan Studios, the team behind Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, on their in-house Viper engine rather than internally at Nintendo. Either way, it\u2019s a satisfying revival of a series that\u2019s sat dormant far too long<\/p>\n

Fire Emblem: Fortune\u2019s Weave<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: September 17, 2026
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

The tactical RPG crowd eats well this fall. Fire Emblem: Fortune\u2019s Weave takes place in the capital of the Dagdan Empire, where fighters gather for the Heroic Games and the winner earns a single wish. Between battles you\u2019ll train, recruit allies, and explore beyond the city walls, which is the series\u2019 signature blend of strategy and social sim. The closer look confirmed the September 17 date, slotting it into an absurdly busy stretch. As a Switch 2 exclusive tied to fan-favorite Three Houses and the next flagship entry in one of Nintendo\u2019s strongest RPG series, it\u2019s a big deal.<\/p>\n

Splatoon Raiders<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: July 23, 2026
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

A single-player-focused (with 4-player co-op) Splatoon spin-off <\/a>is an interesting take that really sticks the landing. Splatoon Raiders has you teaming up with the musical trio Deep Cut to hunt treasure across the Spirahlite Islands. It\u2019s a different shape than the competitive multiplayer the series is known for, which makes for an intriguing spinoff. The showcase of gadgets and weapons never seen before in previous entries really sold it for me. The gameplay loop looks like it will be addicting with enough content to make the reasonable $49.99 (digital) price tag well worth it. Nintendo is giving it a dedicated Direct on June 30, so there\u2019s clearly confidence behind it. Exclusive to Switch 2 and arriving in late July, it\u2019s great to see Nintendo using it\u2019s franchises in fresh ways.<\/p>\n

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: October 22, 2026
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

The accessible party pick of the show. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort returns to Wuhu Island with 12 sports built around the Joy-Con 2. New additions include Archery, Boxing, Skateboarding, Power Cruising, Prop Plane, Table Tennis and Thumb Wrestling (for some reason). This is the kind of broad, family-friendly first-party title that moves hardware into households, not just to core gamers. My one real gripe: a lot of the sports return from the original with no noticeable improvements, so I wish there were an upgrade path for folks who already own Nintendo Switch Sports instead of asking them to pay full price again. Even so, it\u2019ll likely sell by the truckload, and that mainstream reach is a big part of why the platform stays healthy.<\/p>\n

Rhythm Heaven Groove<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2
Release date: July 2, 2026
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

The series finally returns, and it opened the show on a high note. Rhythm Heaven Groove packs over 80 rhythm minigames across its single-player content, plus more than 30 co-op and competitive games for up to four players. The multiplayer focus is the new wrinkle, turning a traditionally solo series into a game-night staple. There\u2019s even an RPG mode where you attack by timing button combinations to the beat, which is a clever twist I didn\u2019t see coming. It\u2019s a Switch title, so it plays everywhere in the family. It\u2019s exactly the kind of quirky, charming first-party experience that fills a niche not found anywhere else.<\/p>\n

Xenoblade Chronicles 1, 2 & 3: Switch 2 Editions<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: XC1 available now; XC2 July 30, 2026; XC3 December 3, 2026
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

Monolith Soft\u2019s whole modern trilogy is making the jump to Switch 2. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is available digitally today, with a physical version on July 30, and the Switch 2 Editions of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and 3 follow on July 30 and December 3. For anyone who skipped these the first time, it\u2019s an easy way to catch up before Genesis\u2014and a reminder that the Switch 2 Edition program keeps padding out the library with upgraded versions of already-excellent first-party games. Here\u2019s hoping they get the polish the catalog deserves.<\/p>\n

Pok\u00e9mon Pokopia<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: August 2026 (free update and Expansion Pass)
Developer: Koei Tecmo (Omega Force)
Publisher: The Pok\u00e9mon Company<\/p>\n

One of the Switch 2\u2019s standout exclusives<\/a> is getting more content. Pok\u00e9mon Pokopia is heading under the sea with a free software update that adds diving in August, alongside a paid Expansion Pass chapter, Bubbly Basin. For a game built around relaxing world-building with Pok\u00e9mon, expanding the map and activities is exactly the kind of post-launch support that keeps it in rotation. If you bounced off it at launch or haven\u2019t started, this is a good reason to dive back in, and a reminder of how strong Nintendo\u2019s 2026 has already been.<\/p>\n

DK Challenge<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: Available now
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo<\/p>\n

A smaller treat for Donkey Kong<\/a> fans. DK Challenge is a new offering tied to different Donkey Kong games. It\u2019s available now and gives players a fresh set of objectives to tackle spanning the DK franchise. It\u2019s not the headline of the show, but it\u2019s the kind of low-key extra that adds value for existing NSO subscribers.<\/p>\n

The Third-Party Library Goes Portable<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the part that\u2019s quietly reshaping what a Nintendo platform can be. The Switch 2\u2019s horsepower means the bigger games that used to skip the hardware are now showing up in force giving access to the hottest 3rd party games on the go with minimal compromises. Yes, most of these you can play on PS5 or Xbox but the Switch 2 versions offer something those don\u2019t: the full experience in handheld mode. For anyone who values portability, this is making the Switch 2 more than just a secondary console.<\/p>\n

Stellar Blade<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5
Release date: 2026
Developer: Shift Up
Publisher: Shift Up<\/p>\n

Stellar Blade, Shift Up\u2019s stylish action game that started as a PlayStation exclusive, is coming to Switch 2 this year, with Shift Up self-publishing it here. It wasn\u2019t too much of a surprise, since the studio had already teased the game heading to other platforms, Switch 2 included. You play as EVE of the 7th Airborne Squad in a story-driven action-adventure built around dodging, parrying, and flashy combos, and the Switch 2 version supports Joy-Con 2 gyro controls for activities like fishing. Having Stellar Blade portably will undoubtedly be great, just make sure not to play it in public.<\/p>\n

Metaphor: ReFantazio<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: November 12, 2026
Developer: Atlus (Studio Zero)
Publisher: Atlus<\/p>\n

One of the best RPGs of this generation<\/a> is finally coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio sends you into a royal tournament for the throne, blending turn-based strategy with real-time action. The Archetype system Atlus built the game around offers vast amounts of strategic depth. It\u2019s a long, dense, beautiful RPG\u2014the exact kind of experience that thrives in handheld, where you can chip away at it on your own schedule. Landing November 12, it\u2019s a marquee addition to the Switch 2 library and more proof that Atlus is all-in on Nintendo hardware.<\/p>\n

Onimusha: Way of the Sword<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: September 25, 2026
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom<\/p>\n

Capcom is bringing Onimusha: Way of the Sword to Switch 2 alongside the other consoles on September 25, with the option to play using standard controls or Joy-Con 2 motion for the swordplay. The RE Engine scales beautifully, and the game\u2019s deliberate, parry-heavy combat against demons should feel right at home portable. Capcom has been one of the most consistent supporters of Switch 2, and getting another AAA day-one release is a great sign of their great relationship.<\/p>\n

Dragon\u2019s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: October 9, 2026
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom<\/p>\n

Capcom wasn\u2019t done. Dragon\u2019s Dogma 2 is coming to Switch 2 as an expanded \u201cDark Arisen\u201d edition, complete with a previously unannounced new region called Norgan and the returning Relic Expedition Cycle from the original Dark Arisen. Nintendo owners get the definitive version of this systems-driven action RPG built around your Pawn companions. The expansion content is bundled in for the Switch 2 debut which is a smart move. It\u2019s another major third-party RPG you can now take with you anywhere.<\/p>\n

Pikuniku 2<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: 2027
Developer: Sectordub
Publisher: Devolver Digital<\/p>\n

The beloved oddball returns with Pikuniku 2, trading the original\u2019s 2D style for 3D while keeping the same offbeat humor that made the first so charming. You play as Piku on a whimsical mission to foil a dastardly plot, wandering and solving your way through a colorful world full of strange characters. The original was a cult favorite, and a sequel that preserves its spirit is welcome news. It\u2019s a 2027 release, but it\u2019s high on my list of indies to watch.<\/p>\n

Final Fantasy XIV Online<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: August 2026 (early access)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix<\/p>\n

Final Fantasy XIV Online is coming to Switch 2, with early access kicking off in August. Square Enix\u2019s flagship MMO running natively on portable hardware is a real technical statement, and a big quality-of-life win for anyone who wants to run dailies or raid from the couch or on a trip. It\u2019s the kind of game that shows how far Switch 2 has closed the gap, and it broadens the platform\u2019s library in a great way.<\/p>\n

Lies of P: Complete Edition<\/p>\n

\"Lies<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: August 6, 2026
Developer: Round8 Studio
Publisher: Neowiz<\/p>\n

The surprise Soulslike hit comes to Switch 2 in its most complete form. Lies of P: Complete Edition bundles the base game with the Overture expansion, telling the full story of the Krat tragedy in one package. The grim, puppet-strewn world and tight, parry-focused combat translate well to handheld, and getting everything in a single release is the ideal way to experience it. For players who missed it elsewhere, this is an easy recommendation.<\/p>\n

Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: June 23, 2026
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom<\/p>\n

Capcom\u2019s stylish-action benchmark arrives on Switch 2 this month, and it\u2019s not a stripped-down port\u2014the Devil Hunter Edition runs at a smooth 60fps in both TV and handheld modes, with Vergil playable from the jump. Devil May Cry 5 hitting Nintendo Switch 2 is a great surprise, and being able to chase SSS ranks on the go is going to be a treat. It\u2019s a short wait, too, landing June 23. Yet another sign that Capcom views Switch 2 as a first-class platform.<\/p>\n

Big Walk<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: August 4, 2026
Developer: House House
Publisher: Panic<\/p>\n

From House House, the studio behind Untitled Goose Game, comes Big Walk\u2014a multiplayer adventure about exploring and communicating across a wide open space with friends. House House has a knack for turning simple ideas into something memorable, and the co-op, exploration-driven hook has my curiosity. It\u2019s the kind of low-pressure, social experience that could thrive on Nintendo\u2019s MP-friendly platform.<\/p>\n

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2<\/p>\n

\"Lieutenant<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: Holiday 2026
Developer: Saber Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment<\/p>\n

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 brings its hordes of Tyranids and spectacle-driven combat to Switch 2 this holiday, in solo or multiplayer. It\u2019s another high-profile multiplatform title that, until recently, would have skipped Nintendo entirely. The fact that it\u2019s making the jump is exactly the trend that has me optimistic about where the Switch 2 library is heading.<\/p>\n

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: August 27, 2026
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami<\/p>\n

Preservation matters, and this is a big one. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 features the first-ever port of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, alongside Peace Walker. Having MGS4 finally playable on modern hardware\u2014portable, no less\u2014is a milestone for fans who\u2019ve waited years, and the collection\u2019s bonus inclusions sweeten it further.<\/p>\n

Rayman Legends Retold<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: October 1, 2026
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier, Ubisoft Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft<\/p>\n

The Rayman revival that turned up at the State of Play is hitting Switch 2 the same day as everywhere else. Rayman Legends Retold is a full 3D reimagining of the 2013 multiplayer platformer, with fully voiced characters, an expanded soundtrack, returning levels, a new realm, and four-player co-op. Rayman has always been a natural fit for Nintendo hardware, and a portable version of one of the best platformers of the last decade is an easy recommendation.<\/p>\n

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: December 3, 2026
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix<\/p>\n

The monster-taming spin-off everyone enjoys gets its next entry, launching on Switch and Switch 2 in December. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World leans into the series staples\u2014scout, train, and battle hundreds of monsters, then mix and match through synthesis to build your dream team. Creature-collectors are spoiled for choice these days, but DQ Monsters helped define the genre, and a portable-first entry is right in its wheelhouse. A cozy, deep time-sink to close out the year, and a nice complement to the heavier RPGs on this list.<\/p>\n

One Piece: Grand Gourmet<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC
Release date: October 23, 2026
Developer: Kairosoft
Publisher: Bandai Namco poo<\/p>\n

One Piece: Grand Gourmet is a restaurant management sim, and the studio behind it is the real story: Kairosoft, the creators of Game Dev Story and a long line of cozy pixel-art tycoon games. Pairing their tried-and-true management formula and signature art style with the One Piece license is a big deal for the studio, and a natural fit\u2014you build out the Baratie alongside Sanji and the Straw Hats, serving over 400 series characters. That bite-sized, time-stealing loop suits the Switch 2 audience perfectly. It lands October 23 on Switch, Switch 2, and PC, and it\u2019s an easy pick for fans or anyone who wants something breezy in the rotation.<\/p>\n

RuneScape: Dragonwilds<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Release date: September 15, 2026
Developer: Jagex
Publisher: Jagex<\/p>\n

Jagex\u2019s survival-crafting spin on the RuneScape universe<\/a> makes the jump to Switch 2. RuneScape: Dragonwilds drops you into an open world to gather, build, and fight, solo or in co-op, and the portable form factor suits that kind of drop-in survival loop nicely. It\u2019s an interesting expansion of a storied franchise into a different genre, and bringing it to a Nintendo handheld broadens its reach. One to keep an eye on if survival games are your thing, landing September 15.<\/p>\n

Lords of the Fallen II<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: Fall 2026
Developer: Hexworks
Publisher: CI Games<\/p>\n

The Soulslike sequel is coming to Switch 2 alongside the other platforms this fall. Lords of the Fallen II follows the well-received 2023 reboot, and getting a current-gen-style Soulslike on a portable device seems like a perfect fit\u2014unless you have a temper. If the Switch 2 version holds up technically, it adds another genre Nintendo owners haven\u2019t always had easy access to. A solid addition for the action-RPG crowd.<\/p>\n

Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: 2026
Developer: poncle
Publisher: Shueisha Games<\/p>\n

The Jujutsu Kaisen license gets a \u201csurvivors royale\u201d spin from poncle, the minds behind Vampire Survivors, which makes the whole pitch click immediately. The studio has been on a tear since Vampire Survivors practically invented the bullet-heaven genre, and the deck-builder Vampire Crawlers<\/a> proved it can twist that formula into new shapes, so a licensed multiplayer take has my full attention. Rumble: Survivaton drops up to eight players into pixel-art chaos against waves of Cursed Spirits, with iconic techniques like Domain Expansion and Black Flash in the mix. That bite-sized, auto-attacking loop is a natural fit for short, portable sessions. It\u2019s heading to Switch 2 this year, and it\u2019s high on my watchlist.<\/p>\n

Minecraft<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: 2026
Developer: Mojang Studios
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios<\/p>\n

A dedicated Switch 2 version of Minecraft is in the works, with enhanced lighting and shadow effects and the ability to import worlds from the original Switch. Minecraft is already one of the most-played games on the planet, and a properly upgraded native version takes full advantage of the new hardware. For the enormous portable-Minecraft audience, this is a meaningful step up, arriving later this year. The kind of evergreen title every platform wants in its corner.<\/p>\n

Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: Spring 2027
Developer: GungHo Online Entertainment
Publisher: GungHo Online Entertainment<\/p>\n

GungHo\u2019s Ninjala makes a dramatic pivot with Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet. Where the original was a free-to-play PvP brawler, the sequel reinvents the series as a premium open-world co-op action-adventure. When the Forbidden Seal is broken, an entire ninja academy is flung across the stars to a strange planet, and you fight your way home. You explore vast, nature-rich landscapes at your own pace, conquer dungeons, and take down colossal bosses with the signature Ninja-Gum combat, now expanded with weapon attributes, item crafting, and a cooking system. It supports solo or up to four-player local and online co-op, and it\u2019s the first half of a two-part story. A bold reinvention, exclusive to Switch 2 in Spring 2027.<\/p>\n

Muramasa: Revenant Blades<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5
Release date: Early 2027
Developer: Vanillaware
Publisher: Marvelous<\/p>\n

Vanillaware\u2019s gorgeous hand-painted action returns with Muramasa: Revenant Blades, a new take on the cult classic. Few studios make games as visually striking as Vanillaware, and that lush 2D artistry looks stunning on a handheld screen. The original Muramasa has long deserved a wider audience, and a modern revival across Switch 2, PC, and PS5 is a great way to deliver it. It\u2019s early 2027, so we\u2019re waiting on specifics, but this is one of the more aesthetically exciting games on the slate.<\/p>\n

Deltarune Chapter 5<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, PS5
Release date: June 24, 2026
Developer: Toby Fox
Publisher: Toby Fox<\/p>\n

Toby Fox\u2019s Deltarune marches on, with Chapter 5 arriving later this month. The episodic follow-up to Undertale has built a devoted following on the strength of its writing, music, and inventive battle system, and each new chapter is an event for that crowd. It\u2019s available across Switch and Switch 2, plus other platforms, and the bite-sized chapter structure is perfect for handheld play. If you\u2019re caught up, June 24 is circled; if you\u2019re not, there\u2019s never been a better time to start.<\/p>\n

Final Fantasy Resonance<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: October 22, 2026
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix<\/p>\n

This one got me hyped. Final Fantasy Resonance is the first HD-2D Final Fantasy, blending evolved pixel art with dynamic camera work, and it returns the series to classic turn-based combat refined with modern mechanics and a Vision system that calls in legendary heroes from past games. The HD-2D style is a perfect fit for a handheld screen, and it\u2019s launching on both Switch and Switch 2. As a lapsed-pixel-art dream brought to life, it\u2019s one of the more distinctive third-party reveals and a strong addition to the portable RPG shelf.<\/p>\n

Orbitals<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: September 3, 2026
Developer: Shapefarm
Publisher: Kepler Interactive<\/p>\n

A Switch 2 exclusive co-op game, Orbitals was one of the quieter but more charming reveals of the show. The stylish presentation and emphasis on cooperative play make it a natural fit for the platform\u2019s pick-up-and-play strengths. Switch 2 exclusives from smaller teams help round out the library between the big tentpoles, and this looks like a fun one to share with a friend. It arrives September 3, and it\u2019s worth keeping on your radar.<\/p>\n

Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: October 8, 2026
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix<\/p>\n

Ahead of Kingdom Hearts IV, Square Enix is bringing the back catalog to Switch 2 in one go. Kingdom Hearts Collection I-III bundles HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX, HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind\u2014effectively the entire saga in a single package, landing October 8. Crucially, this replaces the stopgap Cloud versions that came to Switch 1, which a lot of fans found disappointing, especially since the games in the first two collections were originally PS2 titles the hardware should have handled natively. Getting them running properly on Switch 2 is the version this saga deserved, and a smart bit of catalog support to set the table for the new entry.<\/p>\n

Kingdom Hearts IV<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, PC, PS5
Release date: TBA
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix<\/p>\n

This was the reveal I least expected here. I\u2019d assumed Kingdom Hearts IV would show up at the State of Play or Summer Game Fest, and when both came and went without it, I half-wondered if Xbox had pulled off a miracle and landed the trailer. A Nintendo Direct never once crossed my mind\u2014but here we are. <\/p>\n

After years of near-silence, Kingdom Hearts IV surfaced with a short look at its more modern, urban setting and action-packed gameplay. There\u2019s no release date yet, but the next mainline entry being confirmed for Switch 2 is notable. A native Switch 2 version of the next flagship is a statement, and a clear sign Square Enix sees the platform as a priority.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

Taken together, the June 2026 Direct made a clear case for Switch 2 on two fronts. The exclusives remain Nintendo\u2019s trump card\u2014an Ocarina of Time remake, a new Xenoblade, Fire Emblem, and the return of Star Fox is the kind of lineup no rival can replicate. But the third-party story might matter just as much long-term. Game after game that once skipped Nintendo hardware is now arriving on Switch 2, and the ability to play them in handheld is a real differentiator the other consoles simply can\u2019t offer. <\/p>\n

I still didn\u2019t have room for every port and smaller release: Rise of the Tomb Raider and SnowRunner are out today, with Tales of Eternia Remastered, Observer: System Redux, DayZ, Atelier Karia, and cozy picks like Everbloom and Hello Kitty Party Land filling out the rest of the calendar. Between the irreplaceable first-party slate and a third-party catalog that fleshes out the platform, Switch 2 is quietly becoming the most flexible place to play. Portability isn\u2019t just a gimmick for third-parties, it\u2019s fast becoming the platform\u2019s biggest selling point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After a summer showcase gauntlet that ran through the State of Play, Summer Game Fest and the Xbox…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":734977,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[49,48,264287,264288,264289,10755,48754,20056,10756,27067,61,264290,264291,264292],"class_list":["post-734976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-fire-emblem-fortunes-weave","tag-kh4","tag-kingdom-hearts-iv","tag-nintendo","tag-nintendo-direct","tag-nintendo-switch","tag-nintendo-switch-2","tag-switch-2","tag-technology","tag-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time","tag-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake","tag-xenoblade-genesis"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/734976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=734976"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/734976\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/734977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=734976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=734976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=734976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}