Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2026

2026 promises to be a noteworthy year for Nintendo fans, with numerous titles set to launch on both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch. Players can expect a mix of long-standing franchises, remakes, and new experiences spanning multiple genres, from action and RPG to strategy and adventure.

Early year releases bring updated classics.

January kicked off with the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on January 15th. The new version features enhanced 4K graphics and improved Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, allowing players to more easily redecorate their homes and design custom content. 

Nintendo also announced a free update for both Switch and Switch 2 owners, adding features such as a new resort hotel, expanded storage options, and three new Slumber Islands. Following that, on January 22nd, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE will be available. This version retells the story up to the escape from Midgar, combining real-time combat with tactical, command-based gameplay and offering players a free demo before release.

In February, DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is scheduled to launch on both consoles. This game updates the classic RPG experience with diorama-style visuals, modernized gameplay mechanics, and a streamlined storyline. On February 12th, Mario Tennis Fever launches, offering 38 playable characters and 30 Fever Rackets with unique abilities, expanding traditional tennis mechanics with new defensive moves and sliding actions. 

The same day also brings Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, continuing the story of Kazuma Kiryu while introducing a new storyline in Dark Ties. Later in the month, Resident Evil Requiem, scheduled for February 27th, offers a survival horror experience with immersive gameplay and rich storyline elements, complemented by a themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller.

The spring releases focused on adventure and exploration.

March introduced several notable games. Pokémon Pokopia allows players to take on the role of Ditto, transforming a barren land into a thriving home for Pokémon by gathering resources, building furniture, and farming. 

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection continues to emphasize the bond between the Rider and the monsters of the franchise, set in a world where many species face ecological challenges. On March 27, 007 First Light presented an origin story about James Bond, detailing his early experiences during his MI6 training.

Spring 2026 also saw the return of life simulation experiences with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, where players manage an island with Mii characters and guide their interactions.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park expands the Kingdom of Flowers with new attractions and multiplayer opportunities. Meanwhile, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book offers a page-by-page adventure where Yoshi discovers creatures and puzzles in a mysterious book.

New and exclusive games launching in late 2026

Later in the year, the Nintendo Switch 2 will receive several notable exclusive titles. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave introduces a story-driven tactical experience focused on strategic combat and character development. 

The Duskbloods, developed by FromSoftware, offers a dark multiplayer experience set in a fantasy world. Orbitals presents a cooperative puzzle adventure inspired by classic anime, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle provides a first-person, single-player journey through historical mysteries and exploration.

Additional titles confirmed for both platforms include remakes or special editions such as Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition, Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, Rhythm Paradise Groove, PRAGMATA, Tales of Berseria Remastered, Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics, Pokémon Champions, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Debut Demo. Together, these releases reflect a year balanced between new experiences and updates to familiar franchises, offering players both nostalgia and innovation.

Source: Nintendo

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

2. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE

3. DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined

4. Mario Tennis Fever

5. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

6. Resident Evil Requiem

7. Pokémon Pokopia

8. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

9. 007 First Light

10. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

11. Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park

12. Yoshi and the Terrible Book

13. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

14. The Dustbloods

15. Orbitals

16. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

17. Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition

18. Resident Evil Village Gold Edition

19. Rhythm Paradise Grove

20. PRAGMATA

21. Tales of Berseria Remastered

22. Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics

23. Pokémon Champions

24. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

25. ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition

26. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Debut Demo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

When will Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition be released?

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is scheduled for release on January 15, 2026.

Will FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE be released on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE will be available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 starting January 22, 2026, with a free demo available before release.

Are there any exclusive games for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026?

Yes, titles like Orbitals, The Duskbloods, and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.

Which games in 2026 will allow multiplayer or cooperative play?

Several games offer multiplayer options, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Mario Tennis Fever, and The Duskbloods.

Will there be any remakes or special editions released in 2026?

Yes, notable remakes and special editions include Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition, Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, Tales of Berseria Remastered, and ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition.