Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026: Upcoming Games, Potential Price Changes, and Anniversary Releases
2026 marks a dynamic year for Nintendo, with the company preparing a robust lineup of first-party and third-party content, hardware updates, and notable anniversary celebrations for key franchises.
As Nintendo continues its push with the Nintendo Switch 2, fans and industry watchers can expect significant developments across both software and hardware horizons. Nintendo’s Upcoming Games for 2026 Building on its legacy of innovative entertainment, Nintendo has confirmed several high-profile releases for 2026.
The announced first and second-party titles include Mario Tennis Fever, Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, as well as enhanced Switch 2 Editions for Super Mario Bros.
Wonder and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
These introductions are set to further strengthen the Nintendo Switch 2 portfolio, providing experiences for diverse player bases on both the existing Nintendo eShop and at retail. Switch 2 Pricing Updates in 2026 While fans anticipate new software releases, Nintendo Switch 2 hardware pricing is also a topic of industry focus.
The company maintained the original $449.99 price despite tariff announcements in 2025, yet in 2026, global supply chain pressures—particularly increased memory chip costs due to AI data center demand—are causing price hikes across the tech sector.
Computer, tablet, and game console manufacturing costs are rising, affecting everyone from independent developers to major publishers.
Should these trends persist, the Nintendo Switch 2 could see a potential price increase of up to 20%, bringing the console’s retail cost to approximately $540.
Nintendo has not yet confirmed new pricing, but industry sources indicate that memory costs and market conditions are key factors. The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary 2026 sees The Legend of Zelda celebrating its 40th anniversary.
While recent years saw the release of Tears of the Kingdom (2023) and Echoes of Wisdom (2024), fans are hopeful for remastered editions of classics such as The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 platforms.
These titles have been long requested by the community.
There is also strong demand for full HD remakes of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask—a sentiment echoed by fans recalling the success of Ocarina of Time 3D, though many criticize Majora’s Mask 3D for missing the mark.
Nintendo has not announced new Zelda remakes or bundles for 2026 as of this writing. Tenth Generation Pokémon Titles The Pokémon Company is advancing with the tenth generation of mainline Pokémon games, following the performance of Scarlet and Violet.
While these recent titles faced criticism for technical issues, the improved hardware of Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to enable more polished entries.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is among the upcoming releases.
Leaked development builds suggest changes such as the simplification of buildings to improve performance on the original Switch hardware, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Fans are optimistic that Switch 2 will deliver a smoother experience. Mario Kart World and DLC Expansion Plans Mario Kart World continues as a flagship racing title, and with Kirby Air Riders’ content cycle concluded, it’s poised for new downloadable content (DLC).
A Donkey Kong-themed expansion is widely discussed, with fans expressing enthusiasm for new playable characters, tracks, and outfits.
Pricing remains a concern; as DLC and physical copies climb in cost—recent standard releases have reached $80—community feedback highlights the importance of balanced, affordable additions. Roadmap for Major Franchises and Switch 2 Editions While titles like Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing, and a new 3D Mario are not expected in 2026, enhanced Switch 2 Editions for existing hits and franchise entries remain a priority.
Notably, Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles games are prime candidates for graphical and performance updates, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe has recently received a Switch 2 rating.
Nintendo’s strategy is to leverage new hardware capabilities with targeted software refreshes, especially for games with performance issues on the first Switch. Third-Party Titles and the Nintendo Switch Ecosystem Nintendo Switch 2’s expanded architecture has enabled impressive ports such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
With demand for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Persona 6 rising, developers are showcasing greater confidence in the platform.
Port optimization remains a critical factor, as launch-day technical issues can affect user experience, exemplified by Persona 3 Reload’s initial performance hiccups. Legacy Content and Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo continues to invest in legacy content, bringing titles like Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven to the original Switch, capitalizing on its 120-million-plus install base.
The company is also expanding Nintendo Switch Online, adding anticipated classics such as Smash 64, Super Mario RPG, and titles from the GameCube, Wii, and 3DS libraries. Outlook for 2026 Nintendo’s 2026 schedule, while comprising familiar franchises and new entries, demonstrates a measured approach to both software expansion and hardware transition.
With price adjustments, anniversary celebrations, and broadened third-party partnerships, Nintendo Switch 2 strengthens its position as a must-own platform for gamers worldwide.
For more announcements, fans should keep an eye out for the next Nintendo Direct, typically scheduled for February each year.
As Nintendo continues its push with the Nintendo Switch 2, fans and industry watchers can expect significant developments across both software and hardware horizons. Nintendo’s Upcoming Games for 2026 Building on its legacy of innovative entertainment, Nintendo has confirmed several high-profile releases for 2026.
The announced first and second-party titles include Mario Tennis Fever, Pokemon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Splatoon Raiders, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, as well as enhanced Switch 2 Editions for Super Mario Bros.
Wonder and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
These introductions are set to further strengthen the Nintendo Switch 2 portfolio, providing experiences for diverse player bases on both the existing Nintendo eShop and at retail. Switch 2 Pricing Updates in 2026 While fans anticipate new software releases, Nintendo Switch 2 hardware pricing is also a topic of industry focus.
The company maintained the original $449.99 price despite tariff announcements in 2025, yet in 2026, global supply chain pressures—particularly increased memory chip costs due to AI data center demand—are causing price hikes across the tech sector.
Computer, tablet, and game console manufacturing costs are rising, affecting everyone from independent developers to major publishers.
Should these trends persist, the Nintendo Switch 2 could see a potential price increase of up to 20%, bringing the console’s retail cost to approximately $540.
Nintendo has not yet confirmed new pricing, but industry sources indicate that memory costs and market conditions are key factors. The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary 2026 sees The Legend of Zelda celebrating its 40th anniversary.
While recent years saw the release of Tears of the Kingdom (2023) and Echoes of Wisdom (2024), fans are hopeful for remastered editions of classics such as The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 platforms.
These titles have been long requested by the community.
There is also strong demand for full HD remakes of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask—a sentiment echoed by fans recalling the success of Ocarina of Time 3D, though many criticize Majora’s Mask 3D for missing the mark.
Nintendo has not announced new Zelda remakes or bundles for 2026 as of this writing. Tenth Generation Pokémon Titles The Pokémon Company is advancing with the tenth generation of mainline Pokémon games, following the performance of Scarlet and Violet.
While these recent titles faced criticism for technical issues, the improved hardware of Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to enable more polished entries.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is among the upcoming releases.
Leaked development builds suggest changes such as the simplification of buildings to improve performance on the original Switch hardware, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Fans are optimistic that Switch 2 will deliver a smoother experience. Mario Kart World and DLC Expansion Plans Mario Kart World continues as a flagship racing title, and with Kirby Air Riders’ content cycle concluded, it’s poised for new downloadable content (DLC).
A Donkey Kong-themed expansion is widely discussed, with fans expressing enthusiasm for new playable characters, tracks, and outfits.
Pricing remains a concern; as DLC and physical copies climb in cost—recent standard releases have reached $80—community feedback highlights the importance of balanced, affordable additions. Roadmap for Major Franchises and Switch 2 Editions While titles like Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing, and a new 3D Mario are not expected in 2026, enhanced Switch 2 Editions for existing hits and franchise entries remain a priority.
Notably, Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles games are prime candidates for graphical and performance updates, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe has recently received a Switch 2 rating.
Nintendo’s strategy is to leverage new hardware capabilities with targeted software refreshes, especially for games with performance issues on the first Switch. Third-Party Titles and the Nintendo Switch Ecosystem Nintendo Switch 2’s expanded architecture has enabled impressive ports such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
With demand for titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Persona 6 rising, developers are showcasing greater confidence in the platform.
Port optimization remains a critical factor, as launch-day technical issues can affect user experience, exemplified by Persona 3 Reload’s initial performance hiccups. Legacy Content and Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo continues to invest in legacy content, bringing titles like Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven to the original Switch, capitalizing on its 120-million-plus install base.
The company is also expanding Nintendo Switch Online, adding anticipated classics such as Smash 64, Super Mario RPG, and titles from the GameCube, Wii, and 3DS libraries. Outlook for 2026 Nintendo’s 2026 schedule, while comprising familiar franchises and new entries, demonstrates a measured approach to both software expansion and hardware transition.
With price adjustments, anniversary celebrations, and broadened third-party partnerships, Nintendo Switch 2 strengthens its position as a must-own platform for gamers worldwide.
For more announcements, fans should keep an eye out for the next Nintendo Direct, typically scheduled for February each year.
