Nintendo Direct September 2026: All Switch 2 release dates & surprise drops

Nintendo released a 45-minute long Switch 2 Direct on September 9th 2026. This had several launch titles or demos, but everything else was packed full of release dates spanning from October to Spring 2027.

Key release dates include Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Nov 12), Monster Hunter Wilds (Switch 2 | Dec 4), Professor Layton and the New World of Steam (Dec 10), Metroid Ravenous (Jan 28, 2027) and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Definitive Edition (Feb 25, 2027). Kirby and the World Beyond will be available in spring 2027.

Persona 6 was confirmed for Switch 2 after being announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. No release date was given.

Most of the dates are in line with each other between Game Informer and Dexerto, but there are a few discrepancies. Some dates also clash with product listings, these are listed below.

Below we have organised the Nintendo Direct announcements in order of their release, with some free updates, and some that we couldn't confirm. None of these games have been played by us. All information has been taken from the Direct recaps and Nintendo earnings mentioned below. Dates may be subject to change.

As listed by Game Informer, several games were released or became available on September 9th. These included Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (Remaster of the PSP prequel starring Zack Fair) and Meccha Chameleon (Multiplayer hide and seek).

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World became available with a demo. Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko's Mystery Dungeon Classic HD became available on Switch 2 and Switch. Fading Echo became available with a demo and will be released on September 17. Cairn has a free demo available and will be released in early 2027.

A free Mario Kart World update was released. This added 10 new levels to Super Mario Kart, including Choco Island, Vanilla Lake and Ghost Valley. Plus 2 new routes to Knockout Tour; Propeller and Turnip Rally.

Star Fox Adventures was added to the GameCube Classics collection on Switch 2 (Game Informer also lists it for Nintendo Switch Online with Expansion Pack).

Since these are old dates we can't tell you how well they performed. We haven't confirmed any performance, price or reviews.

The surprise drops are important to know as you can download a demo the same evening instead of having to wait months. Cairn, Fading Echo and Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World all have free demos meaning these are easy to try out.

A free Star Fox update was released on September 29. This added local split screen to Battle Mode, 3 new levels (Kantina, Sector X and Venom) and 4 player online multiplayer. (Dexerto says this is an update to the Star Fox 64 remake with 4 player local battles, 3 maps and 4 player online team play). (Note: Nintendo's Star Fox game appears in the Q1 earnings coverage as a June release.)

Pokémon Pokopia received Expansion Pass Part 2 later this year with new accessories. Kirby Air Riders received Sword Kirby, Dragoon, Noir Dedede and Hydra amiibo on November 12. Plus a new way to earn rewards.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition received a new mode called Heroes' Vault. This added wave battles and a new hero with the ability to see the future called Shimmer. (Dexerto also mentions that the Switch 2 Edition will be coming in 4K docked, aiming for 60fps, with voiceover cutscenes. and a December 3 date). (Note: Game Informer didn't list a release date).

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered will be free to Switch owners on September 29. This includes Hearts of Stone & Blood and Wine, improved combat system, mouse & gyro controls. Songs of the Past DLC will be released in 2027. (Note: Not listed by Game Informer so is a one source claim. Ensure you know what is meant by free to Switch owners).

There were many games announced with specific release dates during September and October. Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (Switch 2 exclusive) will be released on September 17 (Dexerto & FullCleared Earnings). LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will be released on Switch 2 on September 18 (Dexerto).

The Crew Motorfest will be released on October 8 (Game Informer: Third Party). House Flipper 2, It Takes Two and Bluey's Happy Snaps will be released on October 15. Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition (Digital), Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition will be released on Switch 2 on October 16.

There are several games to look out for on October 22. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will be released digitally on October 22. A physical copy will be released in January. If you own the original you'll need to purchase the Starter Edition which includes guest fighters from Tokyo Revengers; Mikey and Draken. Nintendo Switch Sports Resort will be released on October 22 (Switch 2 exclusive) (Dexerto & FullCleared).

Stellar Blade Complete Edition and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy will be released on November 5 (Game Informer). Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Dandori Academy and Sonic Pico Park will be released on November 12. Disney Dreamlight Valley will receive its Little Mermaid themed expansion in November. Including Milo Thatch, Megara and Jack Sparrow.

December has Hela: of Mice and Magic on December 1, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream on December 3, Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2 on December 4 and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam on December 10. The Ascent Ultimate Edition and Palia are listed for December without a day.

Many of these dates have passed as of October 29th 2026.

If you're looking for the shortest list of dates coming up, we would recommend looking at Stellar Blade Complete Edition and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (Nov 5), Pikmin 4, Sonic Pico Park and Kirby Air Riders amiibo (Nov 12) and then Monster Hunter Wilds (Dec 4) and Professor Layton (Dec 10).

None of the third party games had a price listed (Game Informer). All games are for Switch 2 unless stated otherwise in the recap. You should check each eShop listing to see what platform they're on and what the price is. A few games were listed for both Switch 2 and Original Switch (Danganronpa 2x2 and Professor Layton).

Pikmin 4 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Dandori Academy will be released on November 12 (Game Informer). This includes voice commands for Oatchi using the Switch 2 mic. A new time challenge mode has been added. (Dexerto mentions that original owners will need to purchase an upgrade pack).

Monster Hunter Wilds will be released on Switch 2 on December 4. The Ascendance expansion will be released in 2027 (Game Informer). We couldn't find any information on price, performance or storage requirements.

Both are ports or upgraded versions of existing games. This is a trend throughout the entire Direct.

Pikmin 4 is the most interesting for Switch 2 owners as the recap mentions a feature that would only be possible with the new hardware. Voice commands for Oatchi using the built in microphone. Dandori Academy is a new time challenge mode included in the Switch 2 Edition (Game Informer). No details were given on how big this mode is.

Original owners will need to purchase an upgrade pack (Dexerto). This suggests they will be selling the Switch 2 Edition as a complete package and upgrade. No prices were mentioned in either recap.

Danganronpa 2x2 (Remake of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair) will be released on January 14, 2027 (Switch 2 & Switch). Metroid Ravenous will be released on January 28, 2027. This is a 2D title that appears to be a follow up to Metroid Dread. It will include new amiibo and a Special Edition at launch (Game Informer). This is Samus' first side scrolling adventure since Dread (Dexerto).

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be released on February 12, 2027 (pre-order available). Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX and Romancing SaGa 3: Destinies United will be released on February 16, 2027. Persona 4 Revival will be released on other platforms on February 18. It will be released on Switch 2 on May 20. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Definitive Edition will be released on February 25.

Eternal Anima (Time Travelling HD-2D RPG) will be released on March 4, 2027. Final Fantasy VII Revelation will be released on April 8, 2027 (Dexerto). Mega Man: Dual Override will be released in 2027 (Game Informer). Kirby and the World Beyond will be released in spring 2027.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Definitive Edition includes Expansion Pass content, upgraded graphics and frame rate, more enemies on screen, a new Calamity Mode and save data transfer from Switch version (Game Informer).

Far Cry 3 Classic Edition and Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon Classic Edition will be released in spring 2027 (Game Informer). The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will be released in early 2027. Metal Slug Ultimate Collection will be released in 2027. It includes 10 games, online co-op and gallery mode.

Persona 6 was confirmed for Switch 2. A Persona 6 logo was teased (Dexerto). No release date was mentioned (Game Informer).

The only other Atlus game was Persona 4 Revival. This game was listed as 2027 on the product page (Game Informer). It will be released on February 18 and May 20. Assuming both are in 2027.

Kirby and the World Beyond is a 3D open world game based around Kirby's copy abilities. It celebrates the 35th anniversary of the series (Game Informer). It will be released in spring 2027.

The biggest Nintendo games in this Direct are Pikmin 4, Metroid Ravenous, Kirby and the World Beyond. Plus the updates to Star Fox, Mario Kart World and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be released later this year, Xenoblade Genesis and Pokémon Wind and Wave were also mentioned in the Q1 Earnings. We couldn't confirm if they were in the Direct.

Many of the games in this Direct were from third parties. 007 First Light (2026), Far Cry 3 editions, The Crew Motorfest, House Flipper 2, It Takes Two, Stellar Blade Complete Edition, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Palia (Game Informer).

Onyx: The Dark Grip (Bloober Team) will be released as a Switch 2 exclusive in 2027. This can only be played in handheld mode (Game Informer). Only a logo and year was shown (Dexerto). Stage Fright (Developers of Overcooked) will be released in 2027. It is a 2 player co-op escape room adventure. Ondeh Ondeh: Kaya's Tasty Tale (Developers of No Straight Roads) will be released in 2027. It is a 3D platformer.

Nintendo credit third party developers for providing a wide variety of software. More third party games will be coming to Switch 2 in its first year than the original Switch (Perfectly Nintendo, Summary of August Earnings). This is a fan site so you should check Nintendo's investor pages for exact wording.

Some of the games have conflicting dates with product listings (Game Informer). For example Persona 4 Revival and Hyrule Warriors.

Star Fox was listed as Star Fox by Game Informer. Dexerto listed it as a Star Fox 64 remake. We can't confirm which is correct so we've listed the features.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Fire Emblem, Switch Sports Resort, LEGO Batman and The Witcher 3 were listed by Dexerto (and some by Earnings). Not listed by Game Informer. Fire Emblem and Switch Sports Resort have been confirmed by 2 sources. The others are one source.

Mega Man: Dual Override was listed as 2027 by one source and spring 2027 by the other.

The console is becoming more expensive. In May Nintendo announced the Switch 2 will be increasing in price from $449.99 to $499.99 in the US on September 1st 2026 (PC Gamer & Notebookcheck). We have written an article detailing the price increase.

Nintendo's main response to the increased price is a busy autumn. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said in May "we will prepare a strong software lineup to add more value to owning a Switch 2" (Nintendo Wire). This is the lineup they've prepared.

Nintendo will be selling some games digitally soon for cheaper than physical copies (Nintendo Wire). However none of the games above have any pricing mentioned.

These are not recommendations, but the earliest dates you can plan for are Nov 5 and Nov 12. Then Monster Hunter Wilds (Dec 4) and Professor Layton (Dec 10).

The biggest first party game is likely to be Metroid Ravenous (Jan 28, 2027). We don't have any reviews or hands on info. It was shown in the Direct and has a Special Edition and amiibo. No price was mentioned.

If you own an original Switch, prices for the Switch, OLED and Lite aren't changing in the US, Canada or Europe (PC Gamer). Nintendo hasn't mentioned if the original Switch prices will be changing (Notebookcheck). Check Nintendo's store.

We couldn't confirm if the games with dates before October 29th 2026 were released on time or how well they performed.

Most games didn't have prices mentioned. Star Fox, The Witcher 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 all had one source claims. We couldn't confirm the name of the game, if it was a deal or the date.

Ocarina of Time, Xenoblade Genesis and Pokémon Wind and Wave only appeared in the Earnings summary so we couldn't confirm if they were in the Direct.

The dates in these recaps are announcements and can change. None of the games have been played. Information has been taken from the recaps.

Game Informer, Everything announced at the September 2026 Nintendo Direct: https://gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/09/09/everything-announced-at-the-september-2026-nintendo-direct

Dexerto, Everything announced at Nintendo Direct September 2026: https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/everything-announced-at-nintendo-direct-september-2026-3407305/

FullCleared, Switch 2 reaches 23.68M units sold in Nintendo Q1 results: https://fullcleared.com/news/switch-2-reaches-23-68m-units-sold-in-nintendo-q1-results/

Perfectly Nintendo, Nintendo Financials (August 2026): https://www.perfectly-nintendo.com/?p=662475

PC Gamer, Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 later this year: https://pcgamer.com/hardware/nintendo-is-raising-the-price-of-the-switch-2-later-this-year/

Notebookcheck, Switch 2 price hike to take effect next week even as console sales take a hit in July: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Switch-2-price-hike-to-take-effect-next-week-even-as-console-sales-take-a-hit-in-July.1381459.0.html

Nintendo Wire, Nintendo president states Switch 2 price increase won't cover all cost increases: https://nintendowire.com/news/2026/05/11/nintendo-president-states-switch-2-price-increase-wont-cover-all-cost-increases/