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Nintendo is kicking off 2026 with a packed calendar for Switch and Switch 2 owners. From major game releases to milestone anniversaries and blockbuster movies, this is shaping up to be a huge year for fans of Mario, Pokémon, and more.

Nintendo’s 2026 Lineup: What’s Confirmed

Nintendo is sticking to its reliable monthly release rhythm. The year starts with a major update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. On January 15, players on both Switch and Switch 2 can access New Horizons 3.0, featuring a customizable hotel, new Nintendo items, upgraded storage, and other quality-of-life improvements. The Switch 2 edition adds higher resolution, mouse controls, and 12-player multiplayer.

Next up is Mario Tennis Fever, launching February 12 exclusively on Switch 2. This edition introduces Fever Rackets with special abilities, 38 playable characters, and the debut of Baby Waluigi.

Retro fans can enjoy the forgotten Virtual Boy library starting February 17 through Nintendo Switch Online, with access via a plastic or cardboard headset.

March brings the Switch 2 exclusive Pokémon Pokopia (March 5), a creative game blending Pokémon mechanics with town-building, as well as new Kirby amiibo: Meta Knight and Shadow Star. Other spring releases include:

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park (April 2)

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Switch 2)

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Switch 1)

Later in the year, Switch 2 sees Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the FromSoftware collaboration The Duskbloods, and competitive Pokémon spin-off Pokémon Champions (timed for the Pokémon World Championships in August). Third-party support is strong too, with Capcom releasing Resident Evil Requiem, Resident Evil 7 & 8, Monster Hunter Stories 3, and Pragmata in the first half of the year.

Pokémon Turns 30

Pokémon’s 30th anniversary will dominate 2026. Expect a major Pokémon Presents around February 27, potentially revealing Generation 10 for Switch 2. Classic games Red, Blue, and Yellow could return as standalone purchases, echoing the 20th anniversary strategy. Japan will also welcome PokéPark Kanto in Tokyo on February 5, the franchise’s first theme park.

Potential Surprises

Nintendo could hold back a few surprises:

Splatoon Raiders, a single-player spinoff, may land in early 2027 instead of 2026.

Luigi’s Mansion 4 could hit in October, possibly set on a haunted cruise ship.

The Legend of Zelda HD Remake may celebrate the series’ 40th anniversary, likely revisiting Ocarina of Time.

Mario Kart World DLC could expand with Donkey Kong-themed content.

Teases for new Monolith Soft projects or a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Switch 2 Edition might appear in later Directs, setting up 2027 releases.

Beyond Games

Nintendo’s push into films continues. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters April 3, followed by potential announcements for a Donkey Kong movie and a Legend of Zelda movie trailer before year-end.

A note for Switch 2 owners: a price increase could come after March 31, following Nintendo’s fiscal calendar.

Bottom Line

From blockbuster releases and milestone anniversaries to movie tie-ins, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for Nintendo fans. Which game are you most excited for—and have you upgraded to Switch 2 yet?