Nintendo Direct September 2026: The Biggest Switch 2 Announcements

Nintendo packed a lot into its September 2026 news cycle. The September 9 Nintendo Direct expanded the Switch 2 software lineup with new first-party games, major third-party franchises and updates to titles already on the system. One day earlier, Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct also revealed a new limited-edition Switch 2 system aimed squarely at Zelda fans and collectors.

Instead of one giant announcement, the bigger story is how quickly the Switch 2 library—and its special-edition hardware lineup—is taking shape. Here are the announcements that matter most.

The Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 is the collector headline

Nintendo revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition, scheduled to release on October 29, 2026.

The system uses a black-and-gold dock with a prominent Triforce design, Zelda-inspired patterns across the hardware and green-and-gold Joy-Con 2 controllers. Nintendo also confirmed that the game is not included with the console.

Matching Zelda 40th Anniversary accessories are coming the same day, including special-edition Pro Controllers and a carrying case with screen protector. For hardware collectors, the coordinated console and accessory lineup gives Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary celebration a strong physical-collectible component beyond the games themselves.

View Nintendo’s official Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 page.

Metroid Ravenous and Kirby strengthen Nintendo’s first-party lineup

Metroid Ravenous promotional artwork shown during Nintendo Direct
Metroid Ravenous. Official promotional image: Nintendo.

Metroid Ravenous was one of the most important first-party reveals from the September 9 Direct. Nintendo presented it as another major adventure for the series, giving Metroid a prominent role in the Switch 2 generation.

Nintendo also confirmed that Kirby’s next 3D adventure is headed to Switch 2 next spring. Together, Metroid and Kirby give the system two very different first-party anchors: one built around action and exploration, and another with broad family appeal.

That balance matters. Switch 2 needs more than upgraded versions of older games, and Nintendo is continuing to add new entries from recognizable franchises.

Monster Hunter Wilds leads a much stronger third-party slate

Monster Hunter Wilds promotional artwork for Nintendo Switch 2
Monster Hunter Wilds. Official promotional image: Nintendo.

Third-party support may have been the biggest overall theme of the Direct. Nintendo confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds and a new expansion are coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

It was far from the only major franchise shown. The presentation also highlighted:

  • Final Fantasy VII remake-series content
  • Two Persona games coming to Switch 2
  • Three Resident Evil titles
  • A new reimagining of the original Tomb Raider adventure
  • Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
  • Mega Man: Dual Override
  • Confirmation that a Yo-kai Watch 2 remake is in development

The significance is the variety. Nintendo systems have traditionally been strongest because of Nintendo’s own games, but Switch 2 is increasingly building a catalog that includes large franchises from outside publishers as well.

Nintendo is still investing in games players already own

The Direct was not limited to brand-new releases. Pikmin 4 is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with additional features, including voice commands and Dandori Academy challenges.

Mario Kart World is also receiving a free update featuring additional ways to play, including classic-course content and new routes. Continued updates can keep major multiplayer games active between larger releases and give existing owners more reasons to return.

This mix of new games, enhanced editions and free updates is becoming an important part of Nintendo’s Switch 2 strategy.

Pokémon Pokopia keeps Pokémon in the mix

Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass promotional image
Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass. Official promotional image: Nintendo.

Pokémon fans also got an update on Part 2 of the Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass, including additional accessories and content.

Pokémon sits at the intersection of video games, collectibles and the trading card community, so new game content tends to reach a wider audience than software news alone. Pokopia’s continued support keeps Pokémon visible within the growing Switch 2 lineup while TCG players and collectors follow a separate calendar of card releases and events.

Hyrule Warriors and other returning franchises add even more variety

Nintendo also confirmed Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition for Switch 2. Professor Layton, Resident Evil, Persona, Tomb Raider and other returning series helped make the presentation feel less like a showcase for one genre and more like a broader roadmap for the platform.

That is ultimately what stood out most about the September presentation: there was no single type of Switch 2 owner Nintendo was speaking to.

What the September announcements say about Switch 2

The Switch 2 lineup is beginning to show several clear strengths:

  • New Nintendo games such as Metroid Ravenous and Kirby’s next 3D adventure
  • Collector-focused hardware such as the Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system
  • More major third-party support from franchises including Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, Persona and Resident Evil
  • Continued support for existing games through free updates and Switch 2 editions
  • Ongoing Pokémon content that overlaps with Nintendo’s gaming and collector audiences

For Switch 2 owners, that means the next stretch of releases is shaping up to be much broader than a handful of Nintendo exclusives. For collectors, the Zelda anniversary hardware adds another layer entirely.

Official sources

Featured and in-article promotional images are sourced from Nintendo’s official product and news materials.

Back to blog