Nintendo Direct June 2026 Recap: Ocarina of Time Remake Revealed and More
- Matthew Rondina
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
Nintendo Direct June 2026 delivered big Switch 2 reveals, including Ocarina of Time, Kingdom Hearts IV, Xenoblade Genesis, and more.
Nintendo delivered a stacked Nintendo Direct, giving Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners an exciting look at what’s next. The presentation had something for every type of player, from major first-party surprises and fan-favourite returns to RPGs, party games, and a strong lineup of third-party titles.
From the return of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and a new look at Kingdom Hearts IV, to Splatoon Raiders gameplay, Star Fox, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, the show was packed with exciting reveals for 2026 and beyond. Here are the biggest announcements from the Nintendo Direct, listed in the order they appeared during the presentation.
Rhythm Heaven Groove
Release Date: July 2, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, playable on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo opened the show with another upbeat look at Rhythm Heaven Groove, and it was a nice, zany tone-setter. With over 80 rhythm games, multiplayer support, and that instantly recognizable Rhythm Heaven weirdness, this looks like one of those games that will quietly become a summer favourite.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Capcom brought Onimusha: Way of the Sword to the Direct with a Switch 2 trailer showing off its samurai action and Joy-Con 2 motion control options. The added motion controls feel like a natural fit, especially for a game built around tense swordplay.
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Developer Capcom kept the momentum going with Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, an expanded version of the action RPG coming to Switch 2. The new Norgan region gives the game a fresh icy frontier to explore.
Stellar Blade
Release Window: 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
One of the more surprising third-party reveals was that Stellar Blade is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. The trailer focused on EVE’s cinematic action, intense boss battles, fast combat, and the addition of Joy-Con 2 motion controls.
Orbitals
Release Date: September 3, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Orbitals brought a bright retro-anime energy to the showcase with its two-player co-op adventure setup. It looks like the kind of game that will live or die by communication, which makes it a smart fit for local play, online co-op, and GameShare.
Rayman Legends Retold
Release Date: October 1, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Ubisoft returned with Rayman Legends Retold, a reimagined take on one of the best modern 2D platformers. The new visuals, story content, and revamped Kung Foot already make it more than a simple touch-up that I can’t wait to play.
Big Walk
Release Date: August 4, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
From the creators of Untitled Goose Game, Big Walk is a co-op “walker-talker” about exploring, solving puzzles, and getting lost with friends. It has that same offbeat charm, where half the fun seems to come from messing around rather than rushing toward an objective.
One Piece: Grand Gourmet
Release Date: October 23, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
One Piece: Grand Gourmet turns Sanji and the Straw Hat Crew into the stars of a restaurant management sim. Building a floating restaurant, cooking with Devil Fruit abilities, and serving over 400 characters sounds like a surprisingly cozy direction for One Piece.
Pokémon Pokopia Free Update and Expansion Pass
Release Window: August 2026 for the free update and Expansion Pass Part 1
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Pokémon Pokopia is heading underwater! There’s a free update incoming that adds the Dive move and lets you build beneath the sea. The paid Expansion Pass also starts this August with Bubbly Basin, adding new furniture, outfits, Pokémon, and more content through future parts.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
Release Date: September 17, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo gave Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave a strong new showing, focusing on the Heroic Games and its new cast. Between tactical battles, city exploration, character bonding, and the Dagdan Collection, this looks like a major September release for strategy RPG fans.
Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet
Release Window: Spring 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet was revealed as the first half of a two-part adventure. The sequel expands the bubblegum ninja action with new traversal tools like Gum Hook, co-op battles, and a much greater sense of scale.
DK Challenge
Event Dates: June 9 to September 1, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online / Nintendo Classics
Trailer: Watch the trailer
Nintendo announced a limited-time DK Challenge event across classic Donkey Kong titles available through Nintendo Switch Online. You can complete challenges, earn digital Challenge Cards, and take part in a Donkey Kong Bananza crossover event with Super Mario Bros. content. I don’t know about you, but getting some Super Mario threads for Donkey Kong and Rosalina is at the top of my list.
Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton
Release Window: 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton takes the Vampire Survivors formula and turns it into an eight-player survivors royale. With automatic attacks, cursed spirits, and 20-plus playable characters, this could be chaotic in the best way.
Lords of the Fallen II
Release Window: Fall 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Lords of the Fallen II is bringing its dark fantasy action-RPG world to the Nintendo Switch 2 this fall. The trailer leaned into heavy atmosphere, dangerous realms, and brutal combat, making it another notable third-party win for the platform.
Lies of P: Complete Edition
Release Date: August 6, 2026 digitally
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Lies of P: Complete Edition brings the full souls-like adventure to Switch 2, including the base game and Lies of P: Overture expansion. It is a strong pickup for players who missed it the first time, especially with the full story bundled together.
Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Capcom also announced Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition for Switch 2, launching later this month. With Vergil included and 60 fps support in TV and handheld modes, this is a sharp-looking action port for Nintendo’s newer hardware.
Muramasa: Revenant Blades
Release Window: Early 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Vanillaware fans had a great reason to celebrate with Muramasa: Revenant Blades. The gorgeous side-scrolling action RPG returns with 4K visuals, new English voiceover, revamped localization, new modes, and the kind of painterly art direction that still stands out.
Xenoblade Chronicles Trilogy – Nintendo Switch 2 Editions
Release Date: Available now for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition; July 30 for Xenoblade Chronicles 2; December 3 for Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo announced Switch 2 Editions for all three main Xenoblade Chronicles games. The first game gets 4K support on compatible TVs, full HD handheld play, 60 fps, new traversal features, racing modes, new equipment designs, and added Heart-to-Heart voiceover.
Xenoblade Genesis
Release Window: 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Following the Xenoblade Chronicles Trilogy announcement, Monolith Soft delivered an even bigger surprise: Xenoblade Genesis, a new beginning for the series. Nintendo did not reveal much, but just seeing a new Xenoblade title confirmed for 2027 instantly made it a massive highlight for the Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort
Release Date: October 22, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo is heading back to Wuhu Island with Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, and that alone is enough to get a longtime Wii Sports fan like me very excited. With 12 sports, Joy-Con 2 motion controls, Skateboarding with mouse controls, Power Cruising, Prop Plane, and even Thumb Wrestling, this looks built for living rooms.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
RuneScape: Dragonwilds brings its survival-crafting adventure to Switch 2 this September. The idea of exploring Ashenfall, building a home, farming, crafting, and teaming up with friends gives the long-running RuneScape universe a fresh console-friendly spin.
Hello Kitty Party Land
Release Date: October 29, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Hello Kitty Party Land looks like pure family-friendly chaos with over 140 Sanrio characters, local and online multiplayer, custom avatars, and more than 40 character-themed minigames; this could be a sleeper party-game hit.
Star Fox
Release Date: June 25, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo showed more of Star Fox, its cinematic reimagining of Star Fox 64, and announced a free demo available the same day as the Direct. With updated character designs, voiced dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack, online multiplayer, and Joy-Con 2 mouse targeting, this is shaping up to be a fantastic return for the franchise.
Final Fantasy Resonance
Release Date: October 22, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Final Fantasy Resonance might be one of the coolest Square Enix reveals of the show. It brings Final Fantasy into HD-2D with turn-based combat, airship and chocobo traversal, voiced characters, and “Visions” of classic heroes like Cloud, Terra, and Clive joining battles.
Pikuniku 2
Release Window: 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Yes, Pikuniku 2 is real, and it looks every bit as odd and delightful as expected. The sequel moves into a 3D puzzle-exploration adventure filled with gossip, weird characters, giant fruit rumours, robot frogs, and an all-powerful potato.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World
Release Date: December 3, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World brings the monster-scouting RPG series back with hundreds of creatures to discover, train, and synthesize. It is arriving the same day as Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Switch 2 Edition, making December 3 a packed day for RPG fans.
The Duskbloods Closed Network Test
Release Window: Summer 2026 closed network test; full game in 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods returned with news of a closed network test coming this summer. We still do not have a final release date, but the PvPvE multiplayer action setup remains one of the most intriguing Switch 2 exclusives on the horizon.
Splatoon Raiders
Release Date: July 23, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo gave Splatoon Raiders another spotlight, confirming more details for the single-player-focused treasure-hunting spin-off. A dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct is coming June 30, daily comics begin June 23, a Splatoon 3 Splatfest runs July 10-12, and new Deep Cut-inspired Joy-Con 2 colours launch alongside the game.
Deltarune Chapter 5
Release Date: June 24, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Deltarune Chapter 5 arrives later this month as a free update. Toby Fox’s parallel Undertale story continues with Kris, Susie, Ralsei, new characters, and more of that strange mix of humour, heart, and mystery fans love.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Release Date: November 12, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Atlus’ acclaimed fantasy RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio is officially coming to Switch 2. With its royal tournament storyline, Archetype powers, and mix of turn-based and real-time combat, this is another big RPG addition to the Nintendo Switch 2’s growing library.
Minecraft
Release Window: 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Minecraft is getting a native Nintendo Switch 2 version later this year. The new version includes the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade, improved lighting and visual effects, the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack, and the ability to carry over save data from the Nintendo Switch version.
Spolight Sizzle Reel
Nintendo closed out a big part of the showcase with a rapid-fire sizzle reel packed with even more Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games. It moved fast, with plenty of quick reveals, release windows, and returning titles that were easy to miss in the moment:
To make it easier to track everything, I’ve pulled together the key games from the sizzle reel below and organized them by release date.
Observer: System Redux
Release Date: June 18, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Bloober Team’s cyberpunk horror game comes to Switch 2 with handheld and docked play, Joy-Con 2 mouse support, and optional motion controls. It is a strong fit if you like dark sci-fi that is moody and unsettling.
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
Release Date: Available now
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Lara Croft’s Siberian adventure shadow-dropped on Switch 2 with the 20 Year Celebration edition. That means players get the base game, DLC content, classic Lara skins, and more in one package.
SnowRunner
Release Date: Available now
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
SnowRunner is now available on Switch 2 with enhanced visuals and performance, save transfer, four-player co-op, and a free upgrade for digital owners. It is a niche but welcome addition for players who love slow, technical, off-road challenges.
Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Release Date: July 16, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Fitness Boxing 3 is getting a Switch 2 Edition with new CameraPlay features and four-player local multiplayer.
Final Fantasy XIV Online
Release Window: August 2026 early access
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Final Fantasy XIV Online is finally heading to Nintendo Switch 2 through early access this August. Bringing one of the biggest MMOs to Nintendo hardware is a major deal, even with the expected subscription requirement.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2
Release Date: August 27, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 is coming to both Switch systems, headlined by Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. For longtime Metal Gear fans like me, MGS4 finally being more widely available is absolutely a headliner in this already exciting package.
Tales of Eternia Remastered
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Tales of Eternia Remastered brings the classic RPG back for a new audience. It is another welcome addition for players who want more traditional JRPGs on Nintendo hardware.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Release Window: Holiday 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 coming to Switch 2 is one of those announcements that makes you stop and think about how much stronger Nintendo’s new hardware really is. If it performs well, this could be a big statement port for the graphical power of the Nintendo Switch 2, I’m excited to see how this turns out.
DayZ
Release Window: 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
DayZ brings its open-world survival sandbox to Switch 2 later this year. The appeal is the same: every encounter can become a story, whether it's teamwork, tension, or total chaos.
Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories
Release Window: Early 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Atelier Karia continues the long-running alchemy RPG series with an open-field experience and a focus on memories and discovery. It looked brief in the reel, but Atelier fans know these games can be cozy, deep, and dangerously addictive.
Everbloom
Release Window: Spring 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Everbloom looks like a bright and whimsical farming sim with solo and multiplayer support. The trailer leaned into the cozy side of Switch 2, including a world where curiosity, farming, and charming oddities all seem to collide.
Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-III]
Release Date: October 8, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-III], finally giving Nintendo players a native way to play the main Kingdom Hearts saga on Switch 2. The collection includes Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
Kingdom Hearts IV
Release Date: TBA
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
The biggest Square Enix surprise was Kingdom Hearts IV resurfacing during the Nintendo Direct. The new trailer showed Sora in Quadratum, confirmed Switch 2 support, it’s going to be a long wait for the game, but it’s looking great so far.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Release Window: 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo closed the show with the reveal many fans were waiting for: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being reborn on Nintendo Switch 2. The trailer was short, but the message was massive: one of the most important games ever made is returning in 2026, and it instantly became the headline of the entire Direct.
Final Thoughts on the Nintendo Direct
The June 2026 Nintendo Direct was packed, fast, and surprisingly RPG-heavy. Not every announcement was a megaton, and a few trailers left me wanting more, but the overall lineup made one thing clear: Nintendo is building serious momentum for Switch 2.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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