You (and basically everybody else) might’ve expected the first Nintendo Direct after the launch of the Switch 2 to be packed full of exciting games that might sway those still sitting on the fence to pick up the new console. The warning signs were there when Nintendo announced a ‘Partner Direct’ for Thursday, 31 July, but even we didn’t expect Nintendo to deliver such a steaming hot pile of… nothing.
We’re being a little hyperbolic, of course. The 25-minute-long showcase did show off some games, if you can call that sneakily cosy Chillin’ by the Fire a game. Without Nintendo’s first-party titles on the menu, many expected to see at least release dates for Elden Ring or Final Fantasy on the Switch 2. Instead, we got more looks at titles we’ve already played elsewhere — and some new indie titles — none of which do anything to make this console feel truly next-gen.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Kicking things off strong comes Monster Hunter Stories 3, another entry into the popular turn-based RPG franchise set in the world of Monster Hunter. It’s got an excellent art style, a continuing narrative centred on two warring factions, and monster bonding. What more could you ask for? A solid release date for a start. It’s due for release sometime in 2026.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Don’t get your hopes up for a proper sequel to Tears of the Kingdom when it comes to the Hyrule Warriors series. This is a hack-and-slash entry at heart that’s lucky enough to have access to Nintendo’s characters. It’ll follow Zelda in the events that led up to Tears of the Kingdom, however, when it launches on Switch 2 this summer.
EA Sports Madden NFL 26
We’re not going to waste our time explaining EA Sports Madden NFL 26. It’s arriving on the Switch 2 alongside the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC versions of the game on 14 August.
EA Sports FC 26
You already know all about EA Sports FC 26 if you played the last one (or the one before it, or the one before that, or the…). It’s like the FIFA games of old, but without the overly expensive licensing agreement getting in the way of the ultra-long name it bears now. Never fear, it’s still packed with the same old scripting methods, this time for Switch 2. It’ll be out on 26 September for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1/2, and PC.
Apex Legends
Right on time for the new season, free-to-play online battle royal hero shooter Apex Legends makes its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 on 5 August.
Chillin’ by the Fire
The most egregious slap in the face was Chillin’ by the Fire, an honest-to-God campfire simulator that looks like the sort of side activity you’d engage with for all of five minutes before getting back to the good stuff. Except this time, it’s a full game, with terrifying Switch 2 camera support. It’s already out on the Switch 2. Do with that what you will.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
A new top-down action RPG that’s very clearly inspired by Octopath Traveller (go figure, Square Enix), but with a pretty long and uninteresting name, players take on the role of Elliot as they explore the realms of an “untamed continent” and explore the story within. It’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC sometime in 2026, but Switch 2 owners can dive into an exclusive demo now.
Cronos: The New Dawn
Cronos: The New Dawn comes from the team that put together the Silent Hill 2 remake, this time weaving together twists and turns in its own third-person survival horror title. You’ll be hopping between two distinct eras as you wend your way through the too-creepy world Bloober has crafted here. It’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC on 5 September.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted
This would’ve been the perfect opportunity to debut a new entry in the PvZ first-person-shooter series with the Switch 2’s hardware, but no. Instead, we’re being fed yet another version of the strategy survival game that started it all. This time with “upscaled HD graphics and packed with new secrets to uncover.” Out 23 October for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1/2, and PC.
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO
You don’t need any convincing to go and play Dragon Ball Z: Sparking Zero, right? It’s the most ambitious Dragon Ball entry to date, something we already got to see when it first launched in October last year. It’s headed to the Switch 2 on 14 November.
Once Upon A KATAMARI
Once Upon a Kataari is the type of game that’ll have you rolling up before you’ve even hit start on the main menu. Roll across several eras with your trusty katamari and rebuild the Moon, Earth, and stars — all destroyed by the King of All Cosmos. It’s a wacky idea that’ll be fully realised on 24 October on the Switch 1/2.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0
While we’re down for a new Octopath Traveller, we’d much sooner see it grace our screens as a light dessert sometime after Nintendo delivers the main course. Instead, Octopath Traveller 0 is presented as the main course as a prequel to the iconic RPG series. It’s out for the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1/2, and PC on 4 December.
Yakuza Kiwami 2/Yakuza Kiwami
Step into the Yakuza that kick-started this wacky JRPG beat-em-up series, set in the fictional world of Kamurocho, and its sequel, featuring enhanced graphics and improved frame rates for both. Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 arrive on the Switch 2 on 13 November. Owners of the first title can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for a discounted fee.
PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC
Yet another title from your childhood makes a comeback in the form of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, putting a shiny new coat of paint on this 2002 3D platformer as the player treks through the lands to reclaim the Golden Fruit. It’ll be out on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 1/2, and PC on 26 September.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
It may not be the Final Fantasy you were hoping to see, but it’s the one you’re getting. Tactics is a proper RPG from the 90s, telling an intricate story with all the FF trademarks, this time featuring refreshed visuals and fully voiced dialogue. It’ll be out on 30 September for the Switch 1/2.
Persona 3 Reload
You’ve heard of the Persona series, even if the JRPG series hasn’t graced your ‘recently played’ list lately. Blending a boring school life with, uh, over-the-top magical combat as you unravel the mysteries of the Dark Hour comes Persona 3 Reload, a reimagining of the original series for new consoles. Landing on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and PC on 23 October.
Hela
Hela might be the first title in the Direct that got our attention as players take on the role of a cutesy mouse exploring a “handcrafted world inspired by Scandinavian folklore.” That’s great and all, but we’re more interested in the seamless local and online co-op features. The game hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC in 2026.
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 might be out on 12 September for the rest of the world, but if you’re repping a Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll have to wait until 3 October to play Gearbox Software’s latest and (hopefully) greatest satirical looter shooter. Fingers crossed it can keep up with the rest of the hardware with a wait like that.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure – Wheatflour Wonderland
This one here is a DLC for Hello Kitty Island Adventure, and looks dense enough to keep owners of the original busy until ConcernedApe finds the time to finish Haunted Chocolatier (or update Stardew Valley, whichever comes first). It’s due out sometime this Spring.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
A hand-drawn ninja-themed 2D platformer from Sega that’s brimming with flashy combos and hidden secrets? That’s what lies in store for those who pick up Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. Better yet, you don’t have to gamble with your hard-earned money. A demo is out now, with a full release on 29 August for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
NBA BOUNCE
You might be laughing at the too-kiddy graphics on display in NBA Bounce, but we genuinely believe it’ll pack enough fun like those NBA Jam games of old to dethrone EA Sports’ pitiful excuse for a gambling simulator. NBA Bounce launches 26 September on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Goodnight Universe
One of the more intriguing indie titles on the list was Goodnight Universe, in which you play as a six-month-old baby who becomes wrapped up in a shadowy conspiracy involving a dodgy tech corporation. Oh, and you develop psychic powers. It lands on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1/2, and PC on 11 November 2025.
