Nintendo is actively expanding its Switch 2 ecosystem with new releases, classic game re-releases, and music additions, while managing price increases and regulatory-driven hardware changes in Europe.
Nintendo's recent activity centers on the Nintendo Switch 2, which has become the second best-selling home console in US history in its first year, with 5.9 million units sold. The platform's library is growing through both new titles and re-releases. Splatoon Raiders, the first spin-off in the Splatoon series, launched on July 23 and debuted at number one in Japan with 474,684 first-week sales. Star Fox, a remake of Star Fox 64, released on June 25 with an 81 Metascore, and Super Mario Sunshine joined the GameCube Nintendo Classics lineup on August 13. The company also added two previously unreleased Virtual Boy games, ZERO RACERS and Dragon Hopper, to the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics service on August 4.
Nintendo has been pairing game releases with soundtrack additions on its Nintendo Music service. The Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars soundtrack arrived on the game's launch day, July 2, and the Super Mario Sunshine soundtrack followed on August 13. The service also added the full Super Famicom SimCity soundtrack on August 21, the first complete version of that score. The Nintendo Music development team won the Sound Best Award at CEDEC Awards 2026, part of a sweep that saw Donkey Kong Bananza take three other categories.
Nintendo has also faced price increases and regulatory changes. Nintendo Switch Online subscription prices rose on July 1, with 12-month individual plans going from 2,400 yen to 3,000 yen. The Switch 2 console itself rose from 49,980 yen to 59,980 yen in May, and microSD Express cards for the system were quietly raised from 6,980 yen to 8,980 yen in August. In Europe, Nintendo will release a revised Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery in fall 2026 to comply with EU regulations, and original Switch models will be discontinued there after February 2027.
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On August 21, Nintendo began distributing the soundtrack for the Super Famicom version of SimCity on its Nintendo Music service. The 1991 game, ported by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems from Maxis's 1989 PC original, features continuous BGM composed by Motoyo Oka. This release is the first complete version, covering tracks omitted from the 1992 Toshiba EMI album, which is now out of print.
Nintendo will increase the number of free mini-games in its smartphone app Pictonico! to 10 for a limited time until September 15. The app turns player photos into mini-games. The free lineup now includes Oshizuka ni, Straw, Gardening, Seiza, Kumi Taiso, Jigsaw Puzzle, Hanage, Shampoo, Pero Pero Candy, and Kamu. Coins earned in free games can be used for the Photo Lottery fortune feature.
The Nintendo-licensed microSD Express Card 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2, sold by SanDisk and Samsung, has been quietly raised in price at the Nintendo Store and other retailers. The cards, previously priced at 6,980 yen including tax, now sell for 8,980 yen, a 2,000 yen increase. The price revision was applied on August 17 or 18, depending on the source, and no official announcement from Nintendo or the manufacturers has been confirmed. The Nintendo Switch 2 only supports microSD Express cards, a new standard with faster read and write speeds, and standard microSD cards from the original Switch are not compatible. As of the time of writing, the SanDisk version is out of stock at the Nintendo Store, while the Samsung version remains available. This follows a May price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself, which rose from 49,980 yen to 59,980 yen. Sources attribute the rise to semiconductor and memory shortages, as well as global inflation.
Nintendo announced on August 14 that a new weapon, the PET Shooter Replica, will be added to Splatoon 3 for the Nintendo Switch. The weapon reproduces the PET Shooter that appears in the spin-off title Splatoon Raiders. Its performance matches the Splattershot Collab, with the Splat Bomb as the sub weapon and Triple Tornado as the special weapon. The PET Shooter Replica is scheduled to be implemented ahead of the Summer Nights festival, which runs from August 22 to August 24. To obtain it, players must apply a future update and have save data that has cleared the main story of Splatoon Raiders. The weapon is not tied to the festival, so players who meet the save data condition can receive it from the lobby terminal at any time after implementation. The announcement also noted that gear distributed during past Summer Nights events remains available through the in-game news feature, the Squid Research Lab, by launching Splatoon 3 from the relevant news articles.
Nintendo added Super Mario Sunshine to the GameCube Nintendo Classics library on August 13, 2026, making the 2002 action game playable on Nintendo Switch 2 through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. The game, originally released for the Nintendo GameCube, follows Mario as he is framed for graffiti crimes on the tropical Isle Delfino and must clean the island while recovering the power of the sun, called Shine. Its signature gameplay involves using a water device known as FLUDD to defeat enemies, fly through the air, and solve puzzles. The addition had been previously announced, and its arrival on the service was anticipated by players. Alongside the game's release, Nintendo also began distributing the Super Mario Sunshine soundtrack on Nintendo Music, a music streaming service available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. This music addition follows a special distribution of 10 tracks from Fire Emblem: Ban Shikou on August 4. The GameCube Nintendo Classics service is part of Nintendo's ongoing effort to bring older titles to the Switch 2 platform.
Game Spark and Inside have published their weekly roundup of new game releases for the week of August 10 through August 16, covering both Japan and North America. The featured titles include The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, scheduled for August 12 on Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan and North America, and Arknights, set for August 13 on Windows PC. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam launches August 14 on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Other highlighted releases include BLAZBLUE ENTROPY EFFECT X - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on August 13, Wild Blue Skies on August 14, and Panzer Knights: Commander's Edition on August 13. The lists span multiple platforms, including Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Notable North American releases include No More Room in Hell 2 on August 11 and EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 on August 13. The roundup notes that release dates are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion.
Inti Creates released a promotional video for the additional scenario Gunvolt GX, included in Azure Striker Gunvolt Triangle Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, launching October 22. The scenario features Gunvolt and Acura fighting together, with new systems Inspiration and GX Skill shown in the footage.
Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders, the first spin-off in the Splatoon series, debuted at number one on Japan's video game rankings for the week of July 20-26, according to Famitsu data compiled by Anime News Network. The Nintendo Switch 2 title sold 474,684 copies in its first week, nearly triple the second-place game's weekly total. Rhythm Heaven Groove held steady at number two with 78,355 copies, bringing its cumulative total to 674,592. Tomodachi Life remained in third place with 23,468 copies, pushing its lifetime sales past 1.5 million. The rest of the top five included Powerful Pro Baseball 2026-2027 at number four and Mario Kart World at number five. The chart also saw new entries from Shochiku Games' Yog-Sothoth's Yard at number 12 and MAGES.'s Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsu no Ma ni ka Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken Memorial Vacation at number 14, both released on July 23. Long-running titles continued to appear, with Minecraft at number eight and Splatoon 3 at number 11. The list, sourced from Famitsu, covers software sales across all platforms in Japan for the specified week.
Nintendo announced on July 31, 2026 that two previously unreleased Virtual Boy titles, ZERO RACERS and Dragon Hopper, will be added to the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics service for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers on August 4. ZERO RACERS is a racing game where players pilot a floating machine through courses made of connected square ducts, aiming for high rankings with acceleration, deceleration, and directional movement. Dragon Hopper is a top-down action game starring Prince Dorin, who is ousted by the rebellious minister Lexer and must find four vanished spirits to return to the fairy kingdom. Dorin can transform into a dragon with special abilities. The update also adds a color change feature, letting players switch the game screen from the traditional red to green, Game Boy-style, or Super Game Boy-style schemes. The dedicated Virtual Boy (Paper Model) hardware is on sale from July 31 to August 17 at a discounted price of 1,980 yen, down from 2,980 yen.
Nintendo announced on July 31 that Super Mario Sunshine will be added to the Nintendo GameCube Nintendo Classics lineup on August 13. The 2002 GameCube action game will be available to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on the Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, Mario arrives on vacation at Isle Delfino, a southern paradise, but is mistaken for the graffiti culprit polluting the island. He promises to clean up the island, using the water-spraying device F.L.U.D.D. on his back to defeat enemies, fly, and restore the sun's power, the Shine. The game is known for its water-based actions, which also became one of Mario's special moves in the Super Smash Bros. series. The GameCube Nintendo Classics service is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, offering classic GameCube games with improved resolution and online play support. The announcement was made via Nintendo's official social media and multiple Japanese gaming outlets.
The week of July 27 to August 2, 2026, sees a slate of major releases across platforms. Leading the lineup is 'Halo: Campaign Evolved', a Unreal Engine 5 remake of the original 2001 campaign, launching July 29 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S at 7,900 yen. It includes 10 original missions plus three new ones, 4-player online co-op with cross-play, and a Campaign Remix mode with randomized modifiers. Early reviews are positive, with Metascores of 81 on PS5 and 84 on Xbox Series X as of July 26, though the lack of competitive multiplayer drew some criticism. Also releasing July 30 is 'Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition', an enhanced version for the new console. The same day sees the extraction shooter 'Mistfall Hunter' on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, along with 'BLUE REFLECTION Quartet: The Miracle of the Girls' (7,480 yen), 'Culdcept the First', 'Volcano Princess', 'TATSUJIN EXTREME', and 'Honoboshi no Niwa'. On July 31, dark fantasy action RPG 'The Relic: First Guardian' arrives on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The week's releases span genres from FPS and RPG to puzzle and simulation, with several titles also available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Nintendo released a promotional video on July 24 for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, detailing new features ahead of its July 30 digital release. The upgrade adds new design costumes for the heroines Homura (Pyra) and Hikari (Mythra), created by character designer Masatsugu Saito. The costumes feature starry sky motifs and are visible in both gameplay and event scenes. A new quest type called Mercenary Group Action expands on the existing idle Mercenary Group system, letting players directly control up to six Blades in real-time combat, switching between them and using special arts. The edition also introduces M.O.M.O. (voiced by Rumi Shishido), a rare Blade from the Xenosaga series. M.O.M.O. can switch between light and dark attributes via Actual Mode and Imaginary Mode, and serves a healing role. The download version and upgrade pass cost 9,778 yen and 1,000 yen respectively, with the physical version following on October 1. The game runs at 4K 60fps in TV mode and 1080p 60fps in handheld mode on Switch 2.
The Donkey Kong Bananza development team won Best Awards in three of the four categories at the CEDEC Awards 2026, held July 22-24 at Pacifico Yokohama North. The Computer Entertainment Association (CESA) announced the winners on July 23. The team took Engineering, Game Design, and Visual Arts honors. The Sound Best Award went to the Nintendo Music development and operations team, giving Nintendo a sweep of all categories. The Engineering award cited advanced integration of terrain destruction and physics simulation using voxel technology. Game Design recognized an exciting exploration experience through destruction leveraging character appeal. Visual Arts honored voxel technology realizing a fully destructible 3D world. The Sound award noted continuous library building of a vast number of songs and provision of music experiences utilizing the characteristics of game music. Shuhei Yoshida received the Special Award, announced July 1, for his contributions to computer entertainment development, including leadership of the PlayStation brand and support of indie games. The Best Awards were determined by votes from CEDEC2026 attendees and speakers from among the previously announced Excellence Awards.
Nintendo released the "Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese, Domestic Only) Splatoon Raiders Set" on July 23, 2026, for 64,980 yen. The bundle includes a Switch 2 console with Light Blue and Light Red Joy-Con 2 controllers, a dock, and a download code for the game "Splatoon Raiders." The game itself, the first spin-off in the Splatoon series, is a stage-clearing action shooter with hack-and-slash elements, supporting up to four-player co-op. It is set in the Uzushio Archipelago, where players control a mechanic protagonist alongside the music unit Surimi Union to fight Salmonids and collect treasures. The game features over 100 weapon types, a growth system, and local and online multiplayer. A separate physical version costs 7,480 yen, and a download version costs 6,480 yen. Nine tracks from the game, totaling 30 minutes of music, were added to the Nintendo Music service on the same day. Overseas reviews have been positive, with a Metascore of 81 on Metacritic, and a review by loot shooter expert YouTuber Skill Up compared the game to "DOOM," "Borderlands," and "Destiny."
Tsunku, the composer and producer behind the Rhythm Heaven series, published a free note on July 22 detailing the 11-year gap between the fourth and fifth entries, Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars, which launched on July 2 for Nintendo Switch. In the note, he admitted he wondered if the series would continue and that spreading rhythm was harder than he imagined. He revealed that fans who played the games as children grew up to work at game software companies and offered to create a similar but different series. Tsunku declined those offers out of loyalty to Nintendo, believing a proper sequel would eventually come. He also discussed his serious illness during the development period, saying Nintendo continued working on the game without stopping, which became a ray of hope. He mentioned former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, speculating that Iwata may have been battling illness around the same time, and offered his condolences. The note also covers the so-called "curse of Rhythm Heaven," where new hardware releases have historically coincided with new Rhythm Heaven games. Tsunku noted that Miracle Stars works on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, which he takes positively.
G-Mode announced on July 16, 2026, that the packaged version of "Minna de Kuuki Yomi. 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition +" will release on October 29, 2026, for 4,700 yen. Pre-orders opened the same day. The package bundles four titles: the base game "Minna de Kuuki Yomi. 4," the enhanced "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition," the DLC "Zettai Zetsumei" hen, and "G-MODE Archives Kuuki Yomi. 2," a re-release of the 2010 feature phone game "Kuuki Yomi. 2." The base game features 100 situations, a cooperative mode for two players, and three mini-games, with a story focusing on the protagonist's childhood. The Switch 2 Edition adds a mode using the Joy-Con 2's mouse operation for 20 questions and a competitive mode with five mini-games. The DLC adds 30 new situations themed on crises like zombie panic and alien encounters. The re-release of "Kuuki Yomi. 2" is the first time the feature phone game has been made available on modern hardware, though it is single-player and Japanese-only. The package is compatible with Nintendo Switch, but the Switch 2 Edition's additional content requires a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Imagina released the Switch 2 version of the boxing exercise game today. It adds Camera Play, Share Play Battle for up to four players, Boost Up Mode with a BPM of 200, and Advanced Judgment Mode. A video featuring KENN and Hikaru Midorikawa introduces the new features. The Ensemble Stars!! Pack DLC offers seven BGM tracks and six T-shirts, with a free trial of two songs until August 17.
A LEGO set that recreates the original Game Boy at nearly life size is on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2026. The 421-piece set includes brick-built cartridges for Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, a lenticular screen that can display different game scenes, and a display stand. The set is priced at 7,560 yen, an 8% discount from its regular 8,218 yen.
Nintendo of Europe will release an improved Nintendo Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery in fall 2026 to comply with EU battery regulations. The new model has a slightly smaller battery (5,172mAh vs 5,220mAh) and is 10g heavier. Battery replacement kits will be sold separately. Improved versions of Joy-Con 2, Joy-Con, and Pro Controller are also planned. The original Switch and Switch Lite will not get improved versions and will be discontinued in Europe after February 2027.
Nintendo of Europe announced on July 6 that it will gradually release revised versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 and several peripherals with user-replaceable batteries, starting in summer 2026 and continuing into early 2027. The change is in response to the EU Battery Regulation, which will require portable devices sold in Europe to have user-replaceable batteries from mid-February 2027. Nintendo stated there are no functional differences between current and revised versions, though minor spec changes occur: the Switch 2 console's battery capacity drops from 5220mAh to 5172mAh (a 1% reduction) and its weight increases by about 10g. The Switch 2 Pro Controller sees a 16% battery reduction to 897mAh. Revised products include Joy-Con (some colors, summer 2026), Switch 2 (autumn 2026), Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller (winter 2026), and N64 and GameCube controllers (early 2027). Meanwhile, the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, Switch Pro Controller, Pokémon GO Plus+, and several retro controllers will not receive revised versions. Their sales in Europe will end in mid-February 2027. Already purchased products remain usable, and services like the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online will continue. The changes apply only to the EU region.
Nintendo has added seven tracks from the newly released Rhythm Heaven Miracle Stars to its Nintendo Music streaming app. The songs are available as a special playlist starting July 2, the same day the game launched. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to use the app.
Nintendo streamed a Direct video for Splatoon Raiders, a single-player spinoff for Nintendo Switch 2 launching July 23. The preview showed treasure hunting gameplay, enemies including Salmonids, over 100 weapon variations, three tank types, facilities, outfits, stages, and four-player multiplayer. A manga adaptation begins July 15.
Nintendo will raise prices for all Nintendo Switch Online plans starting July 1, 2026, at 0:00 JST. The individual plan's 12-month subscription will go from 2,400 yen to 3,000 yen, a 600 yen increase. The family plan's 12-month subscription will rise from 4,500 yen to 5,800 yen, a 1,300 yen increase. For the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the 12-month individual plan will increase from 4,900 yen to 5,900 yen, and the family plan from 8,900 yen to 9,900 yen, each a 1,000 yen increase. Shorter individual plans also increase: the 30-day plan goes from 306 yen to 400 yen, and the 90-day plan from 815 yen to 1,000 yen. Subscribers whose automatic renewal payment date falls on or after July 1 will be charged the new rates. However, current subscribers can purchase additional vouchers for the same plan at the current price before the revision to extend their subscription period. The maximum extension is 1,095 days, achieved by purchasing up to three 12-month vouchers. This allows users to lock in the lower rate for up to three years. The extension can be done through the Nintendo eShop, the official Nintendo Store, or by redeeming voucher cards from retailers.
At AWS Summit Japan 2026, Nintendo Systems engineers detailed the backend architecture for Nintendo Switch 2's Game Chat feature. The system uses WebRTC SFU for real-time audio and video communication, supports up to 12 simultaneous users per group, and employs Amazon DynamoDB for group management. The backend is split into SFU servers deployed across multiple AWS regions, a single-region group server, and a proprietary SFU instance manager.
Circana reports the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 5.9 million units in its first 12 months in the US, the second-highest first-year total for any home console. The Game Boy Advance holds the record at 6.5 million. The Switch 2 was the best-selling console in the US in 2025 and led May 2026 hardware sales, which rose 38% year-over-year to $249 million.
Kairosoft released Game Dev Story++ Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on June 25, 2026, for 2,000 yen. The Switch 2 version supports 4K resolution in TV mode and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls. An upgrade pass for Switch owners costs 500 yen. The game is also available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.
Nintendo released update Ver.1.1.0 for the Switch 2 remake of Star Fox on launch day, June 25. The patch adds a Battle Mode, Avatar Settings, and an Easy difficulty for Story Mode, along with bug fixes and other improvements.
Nintendo released Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, 2026. The game is a remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 title Star Fox 64, updating visuals, audio, and story while preserving the original gameplay. The packaged version costs 6,480 yen and the download version costs 5,480 yen. On Metacritic, the game holds an average score of 81 out of 100 based on 76 reviews, with 86 percent of critics posting positive reviews. IGN gave it an 80, praising the new Challenge Mode. Eurogamer also gave an 80, calling it one of the most beautiful Nintendo remakes. The remake adds new story scenes, including a prologue depicting Fox McCloud's father James, and expands character interactions. New features include a Mouse Mode using the Joy-Con 2's mouse function, a Cosplay Filter that transforms the player's face into a character via USB camera, and a 4-on-4 online Battle Mode. A demo version is available on the Nintendo eShop. The game supports both rail shooting and all-range mode stages, and includes vehicles like the Arwing, Landmaster, and Blue Marine.
Nintendo released Star Fox for the Switch 2 on June 25, 2026. The title is a full remake of the 1997 Nintendo 64 shooter Star Fox 64, with completely renewed graphics and character designs. New features include a Story Mode with branching routes across 16 stages, a Challenge Mode for cleared stages, and a Battle Mode supporting 4 vs. 4 team battles online or locally. Players can choose from three vehicle types: the Arwing, Landmaster, and Blue Marine. Three difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, Expert) are available, and Joy-Con 2 share play allows two-player co-op in Story Mode. A demo is live on the Nintendo Store and eShop, offering the prologue, tutorial, and the early stage Meteo. The package version costs 6,480 yen; the download version is 5,480 yen. An orchestral soundtrack of 10 rearranged songs is available on the Nintendo Music app for Switch Online subscribers. Early player reactions, reported by ASCII.jp, include comments such as "It was many times better than I imagined" and "I bought a Switch 2 just for this." A day-one update (Ver. 1.1.0) fixes a bug where repeated boosting in certain stages could prevent stage completion.
Inti Creates announced on June 24 that Azure Striker Gunvolt Triangle Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on October 22, 2026. The compilation includes all three main series games-Azure Striker Gunvolt (2014), Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 (Sou) (2016), and Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 (Gibus) (2022)-plus all downloadable content. A new scenario, Azure Striker Gunvolt GX, features a team-up between series protagonist Gunvolt and Acura, the hero of spin-off White Steel X 2. It introduces new weapons and an Inspiration system that leverages synergy between the two characters. The standard package costs 7,590 yen, the download version 6,480 yen, and a limited edition priced at 16,280 yen includes an A4 setting material collection, a seven-disc complete soundtrack, and a bonus song CD. Owners of the Nintendo Switch version can upgrade via a 1,500 yen pass. The Switch 2 Edition supports 4K television output and improved frame rates. Store-specific pre-order bonuses include tapestries, acrylic stands, and other items.
The Nintendo Switch port of Uta no Prince-sama Shining Live launches December 17, 2026. Animate will offer exclusive bundles including a drama CD and merchandise of characters Otoya, Sho, Reiji, and Ai. The game packs over six years of content from the mobile app, with 76 songs base and 129 total via DLC.
Nintendo has begun serializing a 4-panel manga titled 'Surimi Alliance Chakapoco Distress Log' for the upcoming Switch 2 game 'Splatoon Raiders' on the official Nintendo Today! app. The manga will be updated daily for one month from June 23 to July 22, depicting the survival life of the Surimi Alliance and the Mechanic after crash-landing on the Uzushio Islands.
Nintendo has issued a reminder that its Nintendo Switch Online service will see price increases starting July 1, 2026. The revised pricing applies to all plans. For the standard Individual Plan, one month will cost ¥400 (up from ¥306), three months ¥1,000, and 12 months ¥3,000 (up from ¥2,400). The Family Plan for 12 months will be ¥5,800. For the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, the Individual 12-month plan rises to ¥5,900 from ¥4,900, and the Family 12-month plan to ¥8,900. Nintendo also warned that automatic renewal payments scheduled on or after July 1 at 0:00 will be charged at the new rates. Subscribers can still extend their current subscription at the existing prices by purchasing additional tickets, up to a maximum extension of 1,095 days. The next scheduled payment date can be checked on the Nintendo Account website. The price revision was first announced earlier and is now being reiterated ahead of the implementation date.
The Nintendo 64, released on June 23, 1996, marks its 30th anniversary in 2026. A retrospective article highlights how the console's three-pronged controller and analog 3D stick established the basic grammar of modern 3D action games, and looks back at launch titles Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64.
Game Spark's weekly ranking for June 12-18, 2026, covers the open-world RPG 'Gothic 1 Remake' selling 500,000 copies in its first week, a new Nintendo patent involving Shigeru Miyamoto that users associate with 'The Legend of Zelda', and the mecha action RPG 'Ironwing Valiant' influenced by 'Armored Core 6' and 'Valkyria Chronicles'.
Nintendo released Pictonico! for iOS and Android on May 28, 2026. The free app uses photos from the user's phone to power a series of surreal, WarioWare-style mini-games. Players can buy Game Packs to expand the library: Vol. 1 offers 50 games for 800 yen, Vol. 2 offers 30 games for 600 yen. Three modes are available: Stage, Score Attack, and Random 10.
Nintendo announced a new dining facility called SUPER FAMILY RESTAURANT will open at the Nintendo Museum in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, in fall 2026. The restaurant will serve food and desserts, with details on the opening date and menu to be announced later. Interior photos hint at decorations themed around Nintendo characters like Link and Samus.
Koei Tecmo announced on June 17 that it is investigating and addressing low frame rate and heavy processing issues in Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, released June 10. The frame rate drops are especially noticeable in Quality Mode and handheld mode, with some players reporting 15-20 fps and calling the performance a downgrade from the Switch 1 version.
Nintendo resumed sales of the Switch 2 multilingual model on the Nintendo Store after a temporary suspension, requiring at least 50 hours of Switch playtime and one unit per account to combat suspected hoarding. The domestic Japanese model remains available with only a one-per-account limit.
Nintendo has released Pictonico!, a free smartphone game that turns photos of faces into instant mini-games. Developed by Intelligent Systems, the studio behind WarioWare, the app offers three free trial games and paid packs totaling 80 games. The game continues Nintendo's history of face-based play from titles like Face Shooting and Utsusu WarioWare.
Nintendo has added a new purchase condition for the multilingual Nintendo Switch 2 on My Nintendo Store: accounts must have 50 hours or more of Nintendo Switch play time as of May 31, 2026. The move follows confirmed multiple orders suspected of hoarding, which prompted a temporary sales suspension. The condition applies only to the multilingual model, not the Japanese domestic version.
IzanagiGames and Good Smile Company released the mystery adventure game 'Dark Auction Nintendo Switch 2 Edition' on June 11, 2026. The package version costs 6,040 yen, and the download version costs 5,050 yen. Owners of the original Nintendo Switch version can upgrade for 100 yen via an Upgrade Pass. The game features an original story and scenario by Rika Suzuki, known for 'Another Code' and 'Wish Room', with character design by Kohsuke, the manga artist of 'GANGSTA.'. Music is by Yuko Komiyama, who worked on the 'Monster Hunter' series, and Tsukasa Masuko, known for the 'Megami Tensei' series. The Switch 2 Edition offers improved resolution, higher frame rate, and faster loading times. The game is set in 1981 Europe, where protagonist Noah, voiced by Kengo Kawanishi, searches for his missing father Leonardo, voiced by Rikiya Koyama, who disappeared after attending a mysterious auction. Players explore a castle and participate in an auction where memories are used as currency. The game was previously released on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in January 2026.
Nintendo showed a new trailer for Splatoon Raiders during a Nintendo Direct livestream, detailing the single-player spinoff's mechanics. The game launches July 23 on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside three new amiibo of the Deep Cut band members Frye, Shiver, and Big Man.
Nintendo announced during its Nintendo Direct livestream on Tuesday a remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The remake will launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. The company showed a narrated trailer featuring protagonist Link. The original Ocarina of Time debuted in November 1998 in the U.S. and Japan, and in December 1998 in Europe and Australia. It is the fifth mainline game in the Zelda series and the first to use 3D graphics. The game has been rereleased on several platforms, including GameCube collection discs, the Wii Virtual Console, and the Nintendo Classics app on Switch. A remastered edition for Nintendo 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, came out in June 2011. The 3DS version and one GameCube disc included a version with different dungeons called Master Quest, based on a Nintendo 64DD title. A manga adaptation by Akira Himekawa was released in 2000, and Viz Media published it in English. The announcement follows the 2024 release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the first mainline game starring Zelda as the playable character.
Nintendo announced Nintendo Switch Sports Resort during the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct broadcast. The game is set on a resort island and includes 12 sports: ping pong, archery, boxing, tennis, volleyball, bowling, basketball, golf, sumo finger wrestling, skateboarding, marine bike, jump rope, and propeller plane. It is scheduled for release on October 22, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2. During the Direct, Nintendo's Yoshiaki Koizumi demonstrated finger wrestling gameplay. The title follows the 2022 release of Nintendo Switch Sports and uses motion controls with the Joy-Con 2, including mouse operation for skateboarding. Pre-orders open after the broadcast ends.
Nintendo released a demo for the new "Star Fox" game immediately after the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct broadcast. The demo includes a tutorial covering Arwing controls and one early stage. The full game is scheduled for release on June 25, 2026, priced at 6,480 yen (tax included). The announcement was made during the Nintendo Direct 2026.6.9 stream. Multiple outlets confirmed the demo is available on the Switch 2 platform. The demo offers players a chance to familiarize themselves with the Arwing's operation before the full launch.
Nintendo announced that the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct will be followed by a 95-minute Nintendo Treehouse: Live segment featuring live gameplay of titles shown in the main broadcast. The main Direct runs roughly 50 minutes, making for a combined 145 minutes of programming.
Nintendo has added Donkey Kong 64 to the NINTENDO 64 Nintendo Classics service for Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The 1999 3D platformer now includes rewind and save-anywhere features, and the official N64 controller remains available for purchase separately.
Nintendo released an overview trailer for the Star Fox remake of Star Fox 64, showing characters, stages, and Battle Mode. The game launches June 25 on Nintendo Switch 2. It retains the original layout and mechanics while adding cinematic briefings, fully voiced dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack, Challenge Mode, and multiplayer Battle Mode with 4-on-4 fights.
Cocofolia released a promotional video for Table Game World CCFOLIA for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 2, 2026. The software supports up to eight players online, includes titles like Tonton Reversi and The Words I Just Thought of for a Proposal I Dedicate to You., and is set for a November 2026 release.