Nintendo’s latest Direct: Partner Showcase, aired on Thursday, placed the spotlight firmly on third-party developers, offering a preview of what’s in store for both the current Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Switch 2.
According to a Polygon report, a wide range of announcements from publishers such as Capcom, Square Enix, EA, Ubisoft and others made for a packed lineup of games arriving in 2025 and beyond.
Capcom Returns with Monster Hunter Stories 3
Capcom revealed Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, a new entry in the Monster Hunter Stories series, set to launch in 2026 for the Switch 2. The RPG-styled spinoff will continue the narrative-driven formula familiar to fans of the series.
Square Enix Unveils Multiple HD-2D RPGs
Square Enix confirmed two new titles in its HD-2D visual style. Octopath Traveler 0, a prequel to the original game, is scheduled for release on 4 December for both Switch and Switch 2. Another original RPG, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, will follow in 2026, exclusively for the Switch 2.
New Look at Hyrule Warriors Spinoff
Nintendo provided another look at Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a Dynasty Warriors-inspired action game set in the Legend of Zelda universe. The title is still set for a vague “winter” release.
Katamari, Plants vs. Zombies, and Other Revivals
Once Upon A Katamari will roll onto the original Switch on 24 October, marking the return of the quirky cult favourite. Meanwhile, EA is reviving Plants vs. Zombies in the form of Plants vs Zombies: Replanted, a remaster featuring local co-op and PvP modes, due on 23 October for both consoles.
Tactical and Turn-Based RPGs Galore
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles will debut on 30 September across both platforms. Atlus’ Persona 3 Reload is also heading to Switch 2 on 23 October, adding to the growing RPG slate.
Action, Horror, and Open-World Adventures
Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws arrives on Switch 2 on 4 September, promising an updated version of the open-world game. Meanwhile, Bloober Team’s survival horror Cronos: The New Dawn, a spiritual successor to Silent Hill 2, will release on 5 September for the same platform.
Retro and Franchise Releases
Bandai Namco is set to release Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2 on 26 September, while Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will land on Switch 2 on 13 November. Sega’s updated brawlers will take advantage of improved visuals on the newer hardware.
Sports Games in Focus
EA Sports titles are making a return to Nintendo’s ecosystem. Madden NFL 26 kicks off on 14 August, followed by EA Sports FC 26 on 26 September. Arcade basketball title NBA Bounce joins them the same day, offering a light-hearted 3-on-3 experience.
More Titles Announced for Switch 2
Other notable releases include:
- Apex Legends, launching alongside a new season on 5 August.
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, due on 14 November.
- Just Dance 2026 Edition, arriving on 14 October for the original Switch.
- Hela, a whimsical open-world game set for 2026.
- Chillin’ by the Fire, a relaxation-focused campfire simulator, available now for Switch 2 with social features enabled via the camera accessory.
The showcase indicates strong support from third-party developers as Nintendo transitions toward its next generation of hardware.
