The February 2026 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase has concluded, and while the highly anticipated first-party reveals for the Nintendo Switch 2 remain strategically absent – a silence that continues to perplex many of us as the tax year approaches – this event delivered a robust and diverse slate of third-party titles. We didn't get a glimpse into Nintendo's immediate 2026 plans, but what we *did* witness was a clear statement of intent from publishers: the Switch 2 is a serious platform for a wide array of compelling experiences. From ambitious new IPs to long-awaited ports and beloved series revivals, the partner showcase effectively laid out a strong foundation for the console’s incoming library.
The Headline Acts & Deep Dives
Kicking things off, the showcase didn’t shy away from presenting compelling new intellectual properties and highly anticipated entries from established franchises. Here’s our breakdown of the standout announcements:
Orbitals
Opening with an unexpected, yet visually striking, anime aesthetic, Orbitals immediately captured our attention. This co-op sci-fi adventure promises a unique blend of exploration and collaboration. The inclusion of tools like the Liquid Launcher and the ability to cuddle "cute little pets" suggests a charming, perhaps even whimsical, take on the genre. We're looking at a potential sleeper hit for co-op enthusiasts, hitting Nintendo Switch 2 in Summer 2026. This could be a solid pick-up for those seeking a less intense, more exploratory shared experience with a friend.
Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse
Horror aficionados, rejoice! The sequel to the highly acclaimed Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is nearly here. Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse plunges players into a chilling investigation on a mysterious island, hunting down the mermaid's curse and strange doppelgangers. The original game redefined visual novel horror with its branching storylines and shifting perspectives, delivering some truly unsettling moments. We fully expect this follow-up to double down on that psychological terror and narrative depth, building on the strong foundation of its predecessor. It launches on Nintendo Switch on 19th February.
Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters
For those who prefer their football with a dose of shonen anime dramatics, Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters looks like it will deliver. While some of us might not be traditional football fanatics, the over-the-top, almost arcade-like presentation of this series always manages to hook a crowd. This isn't your average sports sim; it's a spectacle of superhuman athleticism that transcends the typical sports genre. Look for it to score big on Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Tokyo Scramble
Here’s an intriguing concept: a cave-in beneath Tokyo reveals a dangerous underground world teeming with "Zinos"—dinosaur-like creatures with a taste for human flesh. Tokyo Scramble is positioning itself as a stealth-and-trap focused co-op experience for up to four players. The emphasis on evasion over direct combat sounds like a fresh take on the survival genre, demanding clever strategizing rather than brute force. This one drops on Nintendo Switch 2 on 11th February.
Valheim
One of the biggest announcements for the Switch 2, in our opinion, was the confirmation of Valheim. This Viking-inspired survival crafting sensation took the PC world by storm, and its addictive sandbox loop is perfectly suited for a portable platform. Imagine building your longhouse and fending off trolls on the go! With support for up to 10 online players, this port could ignite a whole new community of builders and adventurers on Nintendo's latest hardware. Expect to set sail for Valhalla on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Hollow Knight: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Following the long-awaited arrival of Silksong last year, Team Cherry is treating us to the definitive version of the original masterpiece. Hollow Knight: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition promises enhanced visuals and improved framerates, making an already stunning experience even better and leveraging the new hardware. For those who already own the original on Switch 2, the free upgrade pack is a fantastic QoL (Quality of Life) move, solidifying this as the ultimate way to revisit Hallownest. It's available later today, so no waiting necessary!
eFootball Kick-Off!
Shifting gears from arcade spectacle, eFootball Kick-Off! brings a more realistic take on the beautiful game to the Switch 2. This title focuses on building your own club and competing online, targeting players who prefer competitive simulation and management. It's clear Konami aims to capture a slice of the sports sim market, and its release on Nintendo Switch 2 this Summer should provide a direct competitor to other football titles.
The Adventure of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
Square Enix stepped up with The Adventure of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a fascinating RPG that spans four different ages. The concept of a dynamically changing landscape and age-specific spells sounds like a genuinely innovative mechanic, offering significant replayability and strategic depth. This could be a standout title for JRPG fans looking for something truly unique, especially if the narrative delivers. It arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 18th June.
Super Bomberman Collection
A pure dose of classic arcade fun, the Super Bomberman Collection bundles a selection of beloved titles, including some previously unreleased worldwide. The addition of a new boss rush mode is a welcome touch for veterans, and the immediate digital release for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 later today means you can get blowing things up right away. Physical collectors will need to mark their calendars for August.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Yes, you read that right. The narrative behemoth that is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is making its way to Nintendo Switch 2. While the decision to split the original game into a trilogy continues to be a point of discussion among fans (we're still wondering about that, Square Enix!), its arrival on a Nintendo platform is a massive win for players and a strong signal of Square Enix's commitment. Cloud and co.'s sprawling adventure against Shinra continues on Nintendo Switch 2 on 3rd June. This is a game that will undoubtedly push the new hardware.
Pragmata
Capcom's enigmatic sci-fi adventure, Pragmata, continues to intrigue. Pitting players against an "evil AI" alongside a "helpful android," the core combat mechanic revolves around hacking enemy robots to determine attack effects. This is a bold design choice that could lead to some incredibly deep and tactical gameplay. A demo arriving later today is crucial for players to get a feel for this unique system before its full launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on 24th April.
Turok: Origins
The return of Turok with Turok: Origins has us cautiously optimistic. Sci-fi dinosaurs and team-based combat for weapon upgrades and skill progression sounds like a recipe for some chaotic fun. The original series carved out a niche for visceral, high-octane action, and we’re keen to see if this iteration can recapture that magic for a new generation. Prepare to fight space dinosaurs on Nintendo Switch 2 in Autumn 2026.
Kyoto Xanadu
Falcom's Kyoto Xanadu offers a compelling blend of monster-hunting dungeon crawls and slice-of-life social simulation, a formula that has proven incredibly popular in other RPGs. Navigating dangerous monster mazes while also hanging out with friends suggests a dual appeal for fans of both action and narrative. This title will be available on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in Summer 2026.
Digimon Story Time Stranger
Digimon fans have a lot to look forward to with Digimon Story Time Stranger. Boasting over 450 different Digimon to collect across past human and Digi Worlds, this title offers immense depth for monster-collecting enthusiasts. The inclusion of "quality" and "performance" graphic modes on the Switch 2 version is a welcome QoL feature, allowing players to tailor their experience. Expect to dive into the Digi World on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on 10th July.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok
The high-octane action RPG, Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok, promises an epic fantasy adventure with a roster of over 20 unique characters and the ability to summon mighty creatures. Given the original's reputation for stunning visuals and engaging combat, this port should be a treat for character action fans, especially with its vast team-building potential. It arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 9th July.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
The more narrative-driven side of the Monster Hunter universe returns with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Tasking riders with saving monsters from extinction, this spin-off offers a different flavor of hunting action. The immediate availability of a demo with save data transfer to the full game (releasing on Nintendo Switch 2 on 13th March) is a fantastic move, allowing players to get a head start on their monster-saving quest.
Retro & Arcade Revival
It wasn't all about brand-new experiences; the showcase also brought good news for fans of classic gaming and retro archives.
Arcade Archives 2 & Console Archives
The continuous expansion of Nintendo's classic libraries is always a win in our book. Arcade Archives 2 will add the racing classic Rave Racer on 26th February. Even more exciting, the new Console Archives initiative promises a gradual release of titles like Doraemon and Sonic Wings Special, with the first wave – including Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos – available later today. This commitment to preserving and making accessible gaming history is something we deeply appreciate.
The Sizzle Reel Rundown
The showcase concluded with a rapid-fire sizzle reel, highlighting several more titles hitting the Switch 2 and Switch platforms. While these got less screen time, they still offer compelling experiences worth noting:
- Scott Pilgrim EX: Kicking off the montage, this fighter inspired by the beloved comic series is set for release on March 3rd. Expect vibrant visuals and chaotic beat 'em up action from this cult classic adaptation.
- Another Eden Begins: The Nintendo Switch Edition 2 of this fantasy adventure is slated for Summer, bringing its time-traveling RPG mechanics to a new audience.
- Reanimal: From the original creators of Little Nightmares, this latest horror title arrives on Nintendo consoles on February 13th. Expect the same unsettling atmosphere and unique puzzle-platforming horror that defines their work.
- WWE 2K26: Get ready to hit the ring and, yes, smash someone with a chair! The latest entry in the popular wrestling franchise arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 13th. We're looking forward to seeing how it leverages the new hardware for a truly impactful wrestling experience.
- Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown: Have your captain log at the ready and take control of the USS Enterprise in this Star Trek management game. This niche title could be a big hit for Trekkies and strategy fans alike, allowing them to boldly go where no management sim has gone before.
Overall, while the absence of first-party news from Nintendo themselves was keenly felt, this Partner Showcase proved that the Nintendo Switch 2 is already attracting a significant and diverse range of third-party support. The breadth of genres and the caliber of studios represented here speak volumes about the platform's potential. We might still be waiting for the next Mario or Zelda reveal, but the coming months look packed with high-quality experiences from our trusted partners. The ball is now firmly in Nintendo's court to show us what they have planned for the remainder of 2026.