Nintendo hints at more big Switch 2 games this late summer
Intelligence Summary
- New Switch 2 titles are in the works, while Nintendo says the original Switch will remain important.
Nintendo's future plans for the Switch 2
Nintendo continues to work on new titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, despite the challenges facing the company in today’s games industry. President Shuntaro Furukawa shared more details about Nintendo’s strategy and upcoming releases during a recent investor Q&A.
The strong start of the Switch 1
The original Nintendo Switch had an impressive first year, with several major franchise releases laying a solid foundation for the console’s success. It seems the new Switch 2 will need its own defining moment, but it will have to match that level of success to surpass it.
Longer development times
Shuntaro Furukawa noted that software development times have increased, making it harder to match the steady stream of releases the previous console enjoyed. He said Nintendo is taking various steps to adjust its development framework so there will be enough titles available for the Nintendo Switch 2.
New titles for the second half of 2026
According to Furukawa, Nintendo is working on a variety of new titles for the Switch 2. The president explained that the company is not only focused on so-called big titles, but also has smaller projects in the pipeline. Sneak peeks at new games could arrive during a traditional summer showcase or another announcement in the coming months.
Rumors about The Legend of Zelda
One of the most talked-about titles for the coming months is a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. If this remake can incorporate fresh elements from more recent entries like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it could become Nintendo’s best-selling game of the year. That would fit with the company’s habit of regularly launching new first-party releases in the fall.
The original Switch still matters
Given current trends and economic factors such as rising hardware prices, Nintendo expects Switch 2 sales in 2026 to come in below initial plans. As a result, the transition from the original Switch to the new hardware will likely be slower than expected. President Furukawa stressed the importance of continuing to support the original Switch, which is still the second-best-selling console of all time. There are currently signs that more first-party games for Switch 1 could still arrive in the future, even as resources are now also being split across its successor.
Timeline
2026-05-13: Nintendo confirms that new titles are in development for the Nintendo Switch 2 and leaves the door open for possible first-party releases on the original Switch.
2026-07-02: Rhythm Heaven Groove, the only confirmed Nintendo game for the original Switch, launches.
Later in 2026: Rumors about a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time grow stronger, with a possible fall release.
Conclusion
Nintendo faces significant challenges, but it remains determined in its strategy to support both the Switch 1 and the new Switch 2. Expanding its software lineup remains crucial in today’s competitive market. With expected new releases and the potential for fresh takes on classic favorites, Nintendo appears well positioned to keep its loyal fanbase happy and possibly grow it further.